2010 - The Good and The Bad

[MarkBarbieri]

Is it too late for one more 2010 thread? I'd like to hear about what gear or software people bought that was noteworthy for being really good or really bad.

 

[JoeDif]

Really good: Sigma 18 - 50 F/2.8 While I'd heard some negative thinks about Sigma focusing problems on Olympus cameras, this lens turned out to be an incredible buy. Great bokah, sharp and focuses quickly except in really bad light.

Really bad: I down loaded the Topaz In Focus trial and this piece of software was extremely underwhelming. I'm a huge Topaz fan but In Focus really didn't live up to the Topaz claims. I found you could get the same results using USM in any PP software. Maybe I didn't play around with it enough but I uninstalled it after 2 days.

 

[2Tiggies]

I got my very first Real Camera. It's a used Nikon D40 and I bought it for a steal on eBay (cost me less than I paid for my 8 year old's compact P&S)

The bad news is that it was in a shocking (filthy) condition and the AF packed up in the kit lens that came with it. Took it to a camera specialist and not worth repairing.

The good news is that it saw me through 15 days at WDW and made it to the departure gate at MCO before it packed in and I got some great pics and also took photos I would never have taken with my old superzoom camera.

Yesterday my replacement lens arrived. I shelved the idea of another kit lens and bought the 18-105VR as my all-in-one lens. I played with it a bit last night and WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!

Next up is the 35mm f1.8 and a proper bag to accommodate it as it's a squeeze with the lens hood on in the current bag.

EDIT: Just read the previous post and I realize that mine is not particularly exciting news. Sorry. Just over enthusiastic at the moment.

I would sum it up as a good year and I am very excited it.