Maximize use of the equipment you have (Part Three). In this third part of how to maximize usage of the equipment one has, there is one thing to make clear - the type of Canon EOS gear you have may or may not include top-of-the-line bodies or L-series EF lenses. Many advanced amateurs are able to afford top-range EOS bodies and L-series lenses nowadays. Those who can't afford them can still rely on the midrange EOS bodies and non-L type of EF lenses that utilize Ring USM. High performance L-series lenses offer reliabilities and allow you to concentrate on getting the pictures you want. Non-L lenses utilizing Ring USM are reliable as well but certain limitations may arise from other aspects such as moderate maximum apertures, limited focal lengths and ability to accept both the Extenders EF 1.4x and EF 2x. Fast aperture non-L type EF lenses are available up to 135mm focal length (with the EF 135mm f/2.8 SF) and none of them are zooms or have the ability to accept the EF Extenders. The non-L zoom lenses are equipped with variable maximum apertures. It is the lenses that make the pictures - if you have to choose between a top-of-the-line EOS body and L-series EF lenses due to budget constraints, it is better to go for the latter. An entry-level or midrange EOS model fitted with any of the L-series lenses will still allow you to get the shots you are looking for. However, a top-of-the-line EOS model fitted with a variable maximum aperture zoom lens (whether EF type or independent brands) may not, depending on what you are shooting. Of course, a combination of top range EOS model and L-series EF lens will allow you more freedom to enjoy your creativity. First Second     Third Fourth     Fifth Sixth     Seventh Eighth This series of sequence shots (above) of a car rally was photographed using the Canon EOS-1V fitted with PB-E2 (on alkaline batteries) and EF 28-70mm f/2.8L USM zoom lens. The majority of the rally pictures was shot using the Eye-Controlled Focus Canon EOS 30 with this zoom lens plus the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM and EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM telephoto, where the field-test of the camera can be read further in issue No: 65 of the Nuts & Bolts column of this site. Over the next two pages, only one EOS model and lens were used for all the pictures shown - the EOS 30 and the EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM telephoto. << Back to Main . 1 . 2 . 3 .