Cheap Canon 24-105mm F4 L IS USM at Camera World
I’ve finally ordered the standard zoom lens I’ve been waiting to get my hands on – the Canon 24-105mm F4 L IS USM! I’ve usually seen it for between £650-£750 so decided I had to make a move when I found it for £600 at www.cameraworld.co.uk.
The 24-105mm represent the missing link in my camera gear and will replace the below par 18-55 kit lens, which I haven’t used since it was the only lens in my arsenal. The new lens will be essential for our Borneo trip in January where we’ll be going on jungle photo safari, trying to capture monkeys, elephants and other wildlife. I’ll make sure I post the best shots on the blog and am also planning to make a photo book documenting the journey.
Canon EF 24-105 mm F4.0 L IS USM - Source: www.cameraworld.co.uk
Besides the decent zoom range, great reviews and excellent L glass, one of the deciding factors making me choose this lens as supposed to the Canon 24-70mm F2.8 L USM, which is in a similar price range, is the weight. The 24-70mm weighs a whooping 960g (that’s almost a kilo!), so whilst still being heavy, the 24-105mm feels like a featherweight in comparison with its 670g weight. It’s much easier to carry around, especially if you’re going trekking in a jungle in Borneo – what if we have to run from an elephant running wild for example?! I’ll make sure I review the lens when I’m back from the trip.
Canon RC-1 Remote Review
I’ve now had my Canon RC-1 Remote Control for a couple of months and at £14.95 plus £4.00 postage it has become a value for money asset to my photography “arsenal”.
The RC-1 is wireless so there’s no hassle with bringing it around. It communicates with the camera through infra red, just like many other remote controls. It also attaches nicely to the camera strap so you can carry it around wherever you go without feeling extra bulky.
The remote control has the following functionality:
- The round button is the release, which will set off the camera
- The oval switch has 3 functions: the “L” function switches the remote off; the “dot” function takes an instant image; where as the “2″ function waits for two seconds after you press it before it releases the shutter. This enables you to remove any potential vibrations before the photo is taken – I use it mostly for long exposure shots where I want to make sure there’s no vibration at all.
- The rectangular part that looks like it can open is, yes you guessed it, where the batteries are located. It consists of two 3 volts round batteries, which come with the remote control and you shouldn’t have to worry about changing these in the near future.
- That red thing to the left is what connects the Canon RC-1 to its holder.
Canon RC-1 Remote Control (Front) - Source: Amazon.co.uk
There’s not much more to say about the RC-1 Remote Control in this review, as it’s a pretty simple product and doesn’t cost too much compared to much of the other gear you’ll be buying for your camera. So I’ll finish up the review by listing its pros and cons and list some pictures:
Canon RC-1 Pros:
- Should fit and work with most Canon SLRs but I’d check with the manufacturer to be sure (it works on my 400D)
- It’s a real easy and cheap way to get shake free photos, whether you’re taking macro, long exposure or self portraits/group shots.
- It fits nicely onto your camera strap so will always be nearby and handy – Just don’t lose it as it’s quite small.
Canon RC-1 Cons:
- As it’s infrared, you always need to direct it towards the camera for it to work. It’s also sometimes difficult to use it from the back, especially on my camera where the IR receiver is at the front of the camera.
- It’s quite small, so make sure you always put it back in its holder when you’re done! But would you want it any bigger? I don’t think so, as it’d be too bulky.
Remote Control with Holder - Source: microglobe.co.uk
RC-1 Remote Controller on Strap
In conclusion the Canon RC-1 Remote Control is an all essential tool for macro/long exposure/portrait/group photos and makes it so that you don’t have to wait for the 10 second timer every time!
