More purchasing…
Well, I didn’t plan on buying more stuff. But it was such a good deal.. I just had to.
I’ve had my sights on a Lowepro bag, since I know that over the next couple of years I’ll be adding a lot to my kit, and my existing Nova 1 AW just isn’t big enough to fit all of my current gear (although it makes a really handy small camera bag). I hate having to grab my camera out of the bag without it having a lens on, as it just takes so much more time to get everything together.
Well, after quite a few hours deliberation, I finally settled on buying the Slingshot 300AW, which will be big enough to hold the 100-400mm I’ll be getting with the 350D attached. The Slingshot series are single-strap backpacks, designed to twist around to gain access to the side. From there you can pull the camera out in about 5 seconds and be ready to shoot in about 10. Plus there’s loads of room for flashes and all the other gadgets I’ll probably be getting.
Unfortunately the bag is quite pricey. It retails for about £100 in the shops, and about £80 online, so I was going to ask for it to be a birthday present. But after reading some discussions on POTN, I found that Jessops were doing a smashing online deal; reduced from £100 to £50. Not only that, but there was an additional 20% off all bags coupon which brought the final price down to £40.
I couldn’t pass this big saving up so I ordered one today and picked it up at the store in Birmingham. Whilst I was there, I thought I’d go along with my 350D and try out the 100-400mm. I almost wish that I hadn’t now, as it was much, much better than expected. Build quality is absolutely stunning, and I have no idea why so many people dislike the push-pull zoom; it was no problem for me, but it’s really down to personal opinion I guess.
Unfortunately, I have to wait another month until the exams are over before I can go out and buy one. Anyway. I’m back to Warwick this evening, and from there on I’m going to knuckle down and revise. Maybe the time will go faster that way.
22/5/2007 5:56 pm
Wow Dave, the site looks fantastic. Very many things to read (and look at - nice pics, assuming you have a very spangly camera) Just read the “about” bit, who knew that that’s what xyloid meant? Anyway, just a quick note to say hello and cheers for sorting out technicality (again, I know I really should learn to do it myself)
Hope you’re well
T’other Dave
22/11/2007 11:19 pm
Hey Dave, thanks for the compliments
Yeah, I’ve got the Canon 350D (I think I had it when we did the tech crew BBQ all those ages ago). As it turns out… there is a very large amount of potential for me to spend a whole heapload of money 
Not a problem to get technicality sorted. I still need to set up FTP properly, but I’m a bit busy atm. Might get a chance this week though!
Hope everything’s going well too, we’ll have to meet up once my exams have finished for drinks and stuffs!
25/9/2007 9:00 pm
Definitely need a beer when the exams are over! I’m done by the end of May, you? Can you drop me a line when the ftp is done because I can’t edit the site as it stands
Inabit