Canon L Series Lenses - canon, canon lenses

Click here for more information Pros: Lightning fast AF, Incredible Sharpness, Build Quality, Hood Design, Excellent IS

Cons: Price $$$$$, a bit big, a little heavy- not too bad.



WOW is all I can say. After getting over that I spent so much on a lens, this new machine is absolutely amazing. The image quality is top notch. 100% crops can be printed large and I can see every detail. I was in Miami and took some pictures of the big hotels, and was wondering what the names were. I looked at some of the pictures, zoomed in, and saw everything. Even small signs hundreds and hundreds of feet away. The IS adds a new feeling of confidence. No longer do you have to worry about shaking a tiny bit and the shot being out of focus or a bit blurry. Canon has really created an astounding piece of technology surpassing others(Nikon) in the lens market. The build quality, as expected from an L series lens, is made to withstand extreme conditions. The zoom ring is large and easy to use. The buttons for different IS and af/mf are easy to use/see. The new focusing distance allows you to get closer to your subjects, and can get quite close if some cropping is done. The Af is also excellent, and focuses very fast even in low light. Now, price... yes... I recommend thinking about this purchase for a while. 2500 - as of now, is a lot to spend, but if you have the money and really really want it, I highly recommend it. The pouch that it comes with is very nice and the hood is easy to put on and is a better material than other hoods. It does not scratch easily like my 24-70 f/2.8L lens hood does. At all apertures, this thing is sharp. If you are an IQ aficionado, this lens is quite a big step up from Mark 1 especially at f/2.8. For me, sharpness is my big thing, so I wanted the best out there. I did not want to step back in terms of technology and get the first generation of the lens even if it is still very good. In a few years if you decide that you want to sell the lens or change to something else, I can assure you that this will retain its resale value very well. I doubt Canon will be upgrading this in the next 5 years, so the sharpness and awesome Af will pay off in the coming days, months, and years to come.



All in all, the new 70-200 is quite a stunning lens which will continue to be one of or the best in Canon's lineup of pro lenses. If you want it and can afford it without selling your house, I would get it haha but as always, research extensively and weigh your options before buying something at these price levels.



I hoped you liked the review. More info and analysis to come in the future...



Check out my unboxing video here: [...]



Thanks



- Alex Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

The 1st version was my favorite zoom in my bag which had the 16-35mm 2.8L and the 24-70 2.8L because it was so much sharper than the other two. I was really happy with the 1st version and wouldn't have replaced it if this never came out. Now that the price has come down, about $130 from the original price, that should pay for a good B+W 77mm UVA (Ultra Violet) Haze MRC Filter #010. Don't gimp this lens with a plastic coaster from Ritz!



The image stabilization improvement is noticeable! Before I sold the 1st version for $1,550 (June 2010), I compared the two indoors handheld. I couldn't believe how 1 stop of IS really improved the quality and sharpness of the photos in low light.



With a crop sensor camera Canon EOS 7D 18 MP, Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP, or Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP, this lens is effectively: 112mm - 280mm.

It works great with the Canon EF 1.4X II Extender Telephoto Accessory, it brings the max aperture down to f4, but it is still pretty sharp.

Paired with a 7D or any other 1.6 crop lens, it will become a 156mm - 448mm lens!



I use with this lens with my 7D or the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. It works perfect for both and did not feel like I had to Micro Adjust the focus.



For 1st time buyers of this lens.

- Watch canonpricewatch dot com.

- If you never owned an L lens, you will be shocked at how sharp this is (then again, most L lenses should have that effect)

- If you never had Image Stabilization, this will allow you to take sharper photos indoors. It will reduce motion blur from lens movement, but not from the subject where the larger aperture has greater effect.

- It is weather sealed (you'll notice a black o-ring at the mount) - you'll need to add a lens filter to complete the sealing.

- You can use this for sports to portrait photography. For portraits, you get excellent bokeh at 200mm / f2.8 (the smooth background blur where your subject is in focus)



For those upgrading from the original Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, I didn't think there was much to improve on (I was wrong!)

- That lens came out in September 2001, so you are taking advantage of 9 years of technological advancement

- The buttons are designed better - I hated how I always switched to MF when shooting! This is now a non-issue (no need to tape it down)

- Second generation Image Stabilization technology that is silent, you could hear the motor sound of the gyro in the first version. You get 4 stops vs 3 stops IS.

- Improved optics - it has one fluorite and five UD elements for increased optical quality. You get reduced flare, which improves contrast (Your brain tells you it is "sharper")

- This focuses much closer at 1.2m/3.9 ft (improved by 8.1" at 200mm) - better for tight indoor portraits

- Focuses faster and quieter

- Larger focus grip area

- Improved hood Canon ET-87 - it has a lock that makes it easier to put on and remove. It has a different texture that is less susceptible to scratches.

- Bottom line, it is worth the upgrade, especially if you plan to keep it for many years.



Cons

It is expensive - but you get what you pay for

It is heavy, especially if you never owned L glass, but to maintain a fixed aperture at f2.8 throughout the zoom range requires lots of glass! Just stop being a wimp already.



Tips:

There are two modes of Image Stabilization: I rarely take it off Mode 1, but use Mode 2 if you plan to pan left or right (to follow a car or someone running)

The focus distance selector is handy, be sure to use if you find that it isn't focusing indoors, it could be that you selected 2.5m - infinity.

Take off the tripod collar if you hand hold it a lot - it just gets in the way sometimes. - Canon - Canon Lenses - Canon L Series Lenses - 70-200 L Usm
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Canon L Series Lenses - canon, canon lenses

Earbud Headphones - earphones, ipod accessories

Click here for more information It all started well over a year ago when I first bought my iPod, I recieved the shiny, white apple earbuds that came with it. Although they skimped on audio quality (big time), it made up for in comfort and looks. It was one of the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn, and after the 40th minute or so, you start feeling the discomfort, but with these, its less of it. They also feel great when pushed up against a pillow as I sleep with music on often. Basically, they feel and look great.



Yes, 14 monthes ago, the apple ear buds are probably one of the best, if not THE best pair of head phones I've ever used. But somewhere during the 10-11th month, they slowly started to break down. 4 months later, they have turned from breaking down to a pile of taped-together crap. It was time to get new ones.



I started carousing the site for ear buds, time after time I was led back to the trademark Apple ones for their known quality in design. Seeing as they were priced at 6.99USD I was thrilled and immediately ordered them.



That's pretty much the end of my happiness, upon receiving my new pair of supposedly "Apple" ear buds, I instead receive this utter piece of foreign scum. They feel generic, cheap, and used. The grippy parts of the Apple ear buds are replaced by aged rubber thats long lost its friction. On top of that, these feel as if they were custom modifications of a shoddy mafia man working out of his garage with nothing but used earphones found in the trash coupled with decade-old piano wire wrapped in saran. They no longer carry the signature comfort of Apple's ear buds, and their appearance was a half-hearted attempt at emulation. THIS PRODUCT IS a humiliation and a shame to Apple. (I doubt that such shoddiness would ever be approved by Apple, for that matter I doubt they are even aware that their name is being tarnished in such blatent poor taste and that the producers of this product, whom was most definitely NOT Apple Inc. is using it's name to fool it's customers into falsely relating this trash product to the quality that Apple is known for).



The point of this review is that for what I've gotten, from the vendor "MyGift," at 6.99, should have been worth 3.99 for it's relative lack of quality of which I expected from an Apple product (if it is indeed a legit Apple product). As a consumer I feel fooled into buying something I thought had quality, but ultimately didn't. Also, as a consumer I feel obliged to watch out for my fellow consumers to not make the same mistake I did in falling for this riotous lie. Do not be fooled or enticed by the low price, as you end up getting less than what you paid for, as you should invest your money elsewhere.



While I cannot speak on behalf of the other vendors, I am certain MyGift is 100% NOT the place to go to buy Apple earbuds (as due to their piss-poor quality, it will start falling apart by next week, or maybe even month, if I'm lucky), nor would I suggest doing business with them for any other product.



MyGift: Either shape up your product or take the "Apple" out of the name, you've gone tarnishing their reputation for long enough. Apple In-Ear Headphones (White)

Everyone knocks these, but I think they sound pretty good for the price. You just can't get really good earbuds in this range. Yes, there's not much bass, but they are bright and clear compared to the competition. Unfortunately, they hurt to wear. When I do find an almost comfortable fit, they fall out. Completely useless for exercise and not good for long listening. Somebody should make covers for these -- like the ear jams (which do not fit the new earbuds).



Update: After time, these get more comfortable -- or perhaps I figured out a better way to wear them. Those who say the sound is bad have not tested similarly priced buds. None are great in this price-range, but these are more than adequate for most listeners and better than most. True, bass is limited, but that's mostly the type of bud. You'll get better bass with a plug that fits into your ear canal -- although not from one this price.

i've been using this for 2 yrs. About 2 wks ago, the sound in the right ear bud became thinner. But 2 yrs is not bad, especially since is not expensive. They fit into my ear well, never falls out while i'm working out. The sound quality is not bad, if u r not very particular about getting the ear bud with the best sound, this one definitely works. Overall i like it, i'm getting another one. - Ipod Accessories - Earphones - Apple - Headphones
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Earbud Headphones - earphones, ipod accessories

Ipad Accessories - ipad, ipad pen

Click here for more information The Kensington Virtuoso Touch Screen Stylus and Pen (i.e., the Kensington 2nd Generation Stylus and Pen, as Amazon lists it), measures 5 1/8" from the stylus tip to the end (by my own measurements). This makes it nearly an inch longer than my BoxWave Capacitive iPad Stylus, which is 4 1/4" from stylus tip to the end (not including the part protruding from the end that allows the user to attach a short string to the BoxWave at the other end of which is a plug that can be stuck into the iPad audio out port). Please note that BoxWave now has a stylus on the market that is virtually identical in appearance and function to the Kensington Virtuoso, called the BoxWave Styra. I haven't tried one and that is not the BoxWave model I'm comparing the Virtuoso with. I have big hands (x-large size gloves, larger if available), and the extra 7/8" in length really makes a difference in stylus holding comfort. Plus, it enables me to move my fingers back further on the stylus so that my fingers are further from the iPad screen, which is especially useful when I am using the SketchPad Pro app.



This is subjective, but it seems to me that the Kensington tip glides a bit more smoothly on the iPad screen than the BoxWave, but it also seems that I have to tap the screen a bit harder with the Kensington than I do with the BoxWave in order for the screen to respond.



Both styli are equally slim, and while I prefer fat pens (e.g., Dr. Grip) for non-digital use, the slimness of the Kensington and BoxWave styli seem to make them easier to use on the iPad's smallish screen, at least for me. I've tried grips on these styli and while this felt comfortable, I did not like how it affected my visual experience of my hand over the iPad (I'm left-handed and like most lefties I have to hold my hand above whatever I'm writing or drawing on - paper or touch screen, meaning that my hand is already in a position that tends to block what I'm working on, so this is a factor that may not be an issue for right-handers).



If I could only have one stylus, I'd choose the Kensington, because of it's longer length. That it has a built-in ballpoint is nice in that it's convenient, though the cap cannot be placed over the stylus end when the ballpoint is in use.



Another plus to this type of pen (this would apply to the BoxWave Styra, which is also a stylus/ballpoint, but not to the BoxWave listed at Amazon as the "BoxWave Capacitive iPad Stylus"), is that the cap that covers the ballpoint and that has a clip on it rotates, whereas the standard BoxWave clip does not. This matters to me because I find it uncomfortable to use the stylus when the clip is resting against the part of my hand between my thumb and forefinger, and because the clip on the standard BoxWave (and I imagine on other styli that are not stylus/pen combos) does not rotate, this means that the user is always applying the same part of the stylus tip to the iPad screen. It may take a long time for the tip to begin to wear to the point that it interferes with the stylus's functionality, but having to use the tip in only one position is kind of like having to use a pencil eraser on only one edge so that it wears down unevenly. (A user on an iPad app forum reports that he literally wore a hole in the tip of his iPad stylus after heavy use over time.)



Finally, I suggest that anyone considering this stylus check out the video review of it for which you can find a link (to YouTube) Kensington's page for the Virtuoso at their US website (Amazon deleted the link from this review, so you'll have to find it via a search).



I should add that it's a very nice looking pen. I have a pen collection, mostly fountain pens, and for a cheap pen (compared to the kinds of pens collectors tend to collect), this pen is good quality and looks like it's good quality. The no-name brand ballpoint ink cartridge is the fat type, and in the video I mention above the reviewer (Josh Smith from Notebooks dot com) says that the cartridge can be replaced with "a standard Parker refill." Kensington 2nd Generation Apple iPad 1 and 2 / iPhone / iPod / Motorola Xoom Tablet / Galaxy / Blackberry Playbook Virtuoso Touch Screen Stylus and Pen (Black) Newest Model

I use this pen with my ipad to take notes and do some sketches. I like that it's a little longer than other stylus pens. It has a reel pen feel to it rather than a short, difficult-to handle stylus. It looks nice and it very light. I definitely recommend.

This is my first stylus, so I don't have much to compare it to, but as far as I can tell, it works great and the pen on the other side is useful ... for the few times that I need to use paper.



What I like most about this stylus is when it's paired with the iPad 2 SmartCover. When moving around the office, I can stick the stylus to the side of the SmartCover and walk around without worrying about where I left the stylus. It relies on the magnets in the cover and since the stylus is steel it sticks to the cover.



It's probably unintentional feature, but very handy. - Ipad - Ipad Pen - Ipad Stylus - Ipad Stylus Pen
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Ipad Accessories - ipad, ipad pen

Travel Converter - voltage converter, europe

Click here for more information Upon receiving the product, I first verified that it worked in the U.S. without the converter enabled as a simple pass-through adapter. Once it passed this simple test, I gave it to my girlfriend who successfully used the converter in Hong Kong to step down the voltage at her hotel and at the airport. In addition, her roommate at the hotel was from Beijing, China and was also able to use the device to charge her phone and use her laptop.



The adapter itself is made of plastic, so it's as durable as plastic can be. The knobs that slide along the side lock in place once you've fully extended the prongs. It's a little bulky compared to other adapters, but that's because it contains several mechanisms for various prongs and the voltage converter circuitry. It also holds the input plug very snug, and the output plug also feels like a sturdy connection to the wall outlet. Travel Smart By Conair Adapter/Converter Combo with Surge Protection

The unit is easy to use. It worked perfectly for my laptop. I did notice that for the camera charger, in the converter mode my charger became hot quickly so I could only charge for a few minutes at a time. And for my curling iron, the converter mode barely heated the iron while the adapator mode over-heated.

We purchased this Adapter/Converter for a trip to Thailand ..... fortunately, we had a back-up adapter/converter. The Travel Smart by Conair didn't work from day one. It's a poorly constructed, cheap plastic. No surge protection....and none of our appliances (hair dryer, electric toothbrush, etc) would work with it. In fact my hair dryer burned out the first time I used it with this device. It's priced cheaply, but definitely a waste of money.

I took this on a trip to Israel and had a bit of trouble using it at first. The plugs tend to weigh it down and pulled it out of the outlet. Not sure I would purchase it again... and choose the small individual ones instead.

I was in Europe and this product stopped working on day 3. i just repackaged and tried to send back to the seller. this option funny enough had expired the previous day. Thanks seller for a terrible product and thankyou amazon for being unreasonable with your return policies. Let me guess, my comment will be deleted. Where is customer service anymore? - Europe - Travel Converter - Voltage Converter - Converter
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Travel Converter - voltage converter, europe

Laser All-in-one - laser printer, canon

Click here for more information Overall, this is a good all-in-one laser printer for its price in consumer class printers. Here are some detailed comments.



1. The automatic paper feeder is well designed - the situation that multiple pages go-through at once never happens (in HP 3050, this happens a lot).



2. Canon provided a well designed user interface - functions are easy to follow and operate, including scan / printer / copy.



3. The automatic duplex print is excellent and make the printer worth what you paid for. But when using automatic double sided printing - the print speed turns to be less than a third (instead a half) because the mechanical parts need a lot of time to flip the paper.



4. As some of you may have concerned, the latest firmware (02/09/2009) makes scan function smooth on a Mac - all you need is to press the scan button. This is tested on a Leopard Mac Mini.



5. In case some of you want know the compatibility with printer servers, this printer is full compatible with Netgear PS121 printer server under windows vista (including automatic duplex) x86 and x64. It is NOT compatible with Netgear PS121 under Mac Leopard (no idea why - installation smooth and prints went through - nothing comes out of printer). This printer is NOT compatible with Maxtor Central Axis printer server function.



To summary, this is a good printer for its price. However, concerning its powerful function, you may want spend some extra money for the 4370n to enable every function on network - if you are working in a networked environment. Canon ImageCLASS MF4350d Laser All-in-One Printer

I purchased this machine on Amazon in November. Overall, I've been happy with it. Duplexing was an important feature to me, and Canon appears to offer that on less expensive printers than other companies.



I don't have a lot of experience to base my judgments on, but I think the print quality is very good, with a couple exceptions. First, the printing is sometimes crooked on the paper, especially on the back side when duplexing. However, the Canon rep I complained to said that a variance within 2mm is considered acceptable, so I measured and this printer is within that tolerance. It's visible, though, especially on forms, such as printer checks. (Actually, my cheapest of Dell inkjets printed straighter.)



The other problem also appears when duplexing: on the back side there's a strip of blurred printing from top to bottom where the toner didn't bond. This only appears on the first sheet after the printer has sat idle awhile. The Canon rep had no answer, had not heard of this before.



Yes, you can scan from the machine if you download the firmware update.



I think I'd buy it if I had it to do over. It's quick and has really crisp printing. If you want to compare, some similar Canons I looked at are the MF4150, MF4370dn and MF4270.

I am a bit disappointed after I've played with this copier ImageCLASS MF4350d. Note that Canon calls this a copier, not a printer. Thus, when you call Canon or search its site for help/technical support, make sure you select the "Copier" category.



This ImageCLASS MF4350d has been in the market for a while but no one reports this problem: up to this moment of writing this review, the machine cannot scan a document by using its own START button. Everything must be scanned via the software "Toolbox" from the computer.



I bought it a few days ago. I called Canon 1-800 for help but it was useless. Then I went back to the store and tried their demo machine; it has the same problem. Whenever I push the START button on the machine for scanning, there is always a beeping sound as a return but the LCD doesn't show any error - it always indicates "Scanning Mode." So I called Canon again to go over the story. Finally they admitted the problem and said that they are aware of this issue; their engineers are working on the new firmware to fix this. However it won't be soon. The new firmware may be possibly released next month but could be later. I also wrote an email to Canon support to confirm this information one more time, besides their verbal confirmation over the phone.



In addition, the scanning has no detection senor. Thus, the scanned document (scanned from the computer) will go as large as the paper size, which is usually the Letter/A4 size depending on your settings. The scanned document will NOT be resized automatically according to the actual object(s). It is different from its ink jet printers, which usually detect the size of the document or photo and then resize automatically.



If scanning a document directly from the machine's START button is important to you, you should wait to buy until the new firmware comes. If resizing the document or photo automatically is important to you, this copier or printer is not for you; you may consider others or Canon ink jet type printer. After all, this all-in-on laser printer is classified a copier internally by Canon. - All-in-one - Laser Printer - Multifunction - Canon
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Laser All-in-one - laser printer, canon

Garmin Accessories - gps mount, garmin mount

Click here for more information Of course I got a mount with my Garmin 205w, but I wanted to use it in two vehicles. I bought the extra one to use in my work truck when needed. It just makes is one less item to forget to get when transferring the unit back and forth between the two vehicles. ChargerCity GPS Garmin Nuvi Windshield ball & socket suction cup mount & Bracket unit holster bundle for Garmin nuvi 200 200W 205 205W 250 250W 255 255W 260 260W 265T 265WT 270 275T 285 285w 285t 285wt (Direct Replacement Warranty)

Beware of this product, I mounted the suction to my windshield and as soon as I put it on the suction piece broke off from the mount. I normally don't complain, but to have a product break in less than 5 minutes of having it in my hands is frustrating at best.

Do not buy anything from this seller.

My Garmin Vehicle Suction Cup Mount, which I bought from this company when it delivered it was strange that the protective foil on the holder as a stripped and restored.

When I tried to put the equipment in the same car was dropped after 2-3 minutes.

I tried to clean it and ask for another glass but again dropped.

Obviously someone has returned a product that was later sold to me.

Truly pathetic and miserable for 5-6 $

I can't really complain much because the cost (not incl shipping) was a few cents, but, MAN, they really don't make them like they used to. I'm not going to deal with it any more. I'm just going to buy a whole new friction holder/stand.

This suction mount is strongly holds in place just as well or better than the original that came with my Garmin device. The technical description on Amazon.com included a disc mount but I didn't receive a disc mount with my package. So I emailed the seller, and they promptly apologized and sent me a disc mount for the dashboard. Excellent customer service!

Item appears identical to factory unit. GPS fits perfectly into it. the factory unit "pulled" apart from the suction cup after about a year. this unit failed 4 months after purchase. Usage was occasional, at best. I have no choice but to purchase another one. hope it lasts longer though.

I had thrown away my original one, thought I would never use it. Stupid me. Anyways, I ordered this one. Was packaged in a bubble envelope, took it out, snapped the ball into the socket, suctioned it to my window, works beautifully. It's harder to get off of the window than it was to put it in there. :) - Garmin Mount - Gps Mount - Dashboard Mount - Garmin Nuvi 200
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Garmin Accessories - gps mount, garmin mount

Charger - apple charger, apple computer accessories

Click here for more information I purchased the Apple 60W MagSafe Power Adapter (L type) for MacBook from Westronics, fulfilled by Amazon. The item description states that this is a genuine Apple product and that it is a brand new unit. The adapter I received was not new. There were scratches on the surface and one large gash on the side. The unit looks refurbished. Apple 60W MagSafe Power Adapter for MacBook and 13-inch MacBook Pro (Bulk Packaging)

The product did not appear to be new and it was not in the original package. After opening the package, I realized that the charger was missing the connection to plug into the wall. I was able to return this item for a full refund without an issue.

My device: 2006 White Macbook Laptop



At first I was hesitant to purchase a new power adapter from a non-Apple retailer because of all the fakes, but i'm fortunate to report that this one doesn't appear to be fake.



The adapter has the Apple logo and looks legit. However, the cable texture feels a bit grainy compared to my old charger... so maybe Apple redesigned the cable, I am unsure.



Anyway, the most important attribute is whether the charger works as advertised! I can report that the charger has been properly working the past week. The status light on the plugs work (Orange = charging, Green = Fully charged), and the laptop has not exploded or anything =)



When comparing this new plug to the old plug, this plug sports a new side design that aims to prevent the wire to bend and break from extended use (Something my old charger did). However, one thing I kind of dislike is how much easier it is to accidentally pull the plug from the laptop compared to the old one. The magnetism is weaker and a slight tug of the wire will unplug the charger completely from the laptop.



To sum up:



This charger works and is much cheaper ($15 bucks cheaper) than buying from Apple.



I will update this review if any issues arise.

The charger seems to work decently enough, but the coating on the wires is coming off after a few weeks of very light use.



Also, the extension cord was not included, and it tends to throw sparks when I plug it in. It's probably worth it to pay the extra money for a genuine product...

Terrible, i ordered this charger and it stopped working after a month!!! Do not order anythin from this seller, it is a waste of money, i am so mad!! I also demanded a refund but i havent even received an answer. So dishonest!!!!!

Westronics did not include one of the power cords. Every Apple power adapter comes with 2: the one that has a magnetic tip and an extension cord. The extension cord was not included.



Also the little thing that plugs into the wall appears to be counterfeit. It's definitely not the same quality as the one that came with my laptop.



I would never buy anything from this retailer. If they lie about one thing they'll lie about everything. - Apple Charger - Charger - Mac - Apple Computer Accessories
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Charger - apple charger, apple computer accessories