Re: Best Hobby Camera - Mamiya 645 or Canon D50?

I just can't keep up anymore. Especially with el Russo. Sorry about the late response.

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A Dos Equis or two in scenic Antonito??

Done.

As for prices, lenses et al, Canon 70-200 "L" glass is available in 4 different versions. f2.8 IS and non-IS, and f4 IS and non-IS. Obviously, the f4 non-IS is the least expensive (note I don't say cheapest) at around $650, and the f2.8 IS tops the list at around $1900. Do you always shoot on a tripod? Then IS isn't necessary. Do you need that last bit of speed when wide open? The f4 version is actually considered the sharper lens at equivalent f stop.

That said, I'd still want to at least add a 50mm prime (the f1.4 being the sweet spot here), or consider the 24-105 f4L IS if you really are talking intermediate tele. I don't own the 24-105, but rented a copy for the pile driver run last year as an experiment, and was stunned at the quality. It's a great lens in every way, despite the extensive zoom range, and covers a useful set of focal lengths for RR photography. It's very appropriately the "kit" lens on the 5D MkII (for zooms I wouldn't shoot anything but "L" lenses on this body) and deservedly so. 5D MkII and 24-105 is around $3500. Body alone is about $2500. I use B&H for on-line camera purchases, and as previously mentioned KEH for used. You can get cheaper for both, but you can't get more reliable.

Backchannel me for more details as this is probably getting outside what's appropriate for general interest.

Scott