SchnauzerBoy

D-D-E are distributors. D-D-P are a shop front who get their stuff through D-D-E. Most products are cheaper through D-D-E. DWI are the ones who charge once you go over $1000 for tax purposes. If you purchase over $1000 from DDE, they write an invoice out for less so as not to attract GST etc when posting Lots of information within the Photographic section of Whirlpool's forums.

All done by approved repairers in Australia - usually Canon or Nikon themselves. Once you log a service request with Mack, they contact you with information on approved repairs for you to contact for costs. I know a few people who have had to use it and haven't had any problems.

Just like to add that I am a big fan of DWI and when I get my D300s I'll be adding the MACK Diamond warranty. It is actually better than Nikon's for length of warranty... and still works out cheaper than buying it from Australia Nothing to be scared about, it is just the Australian shops trying to get your money.... MACK is worth its weight in gold

Just check their sister company - Discount Digital Electronics. They are the distributors to DDP and if you are spending under $1000 then they are much cheaper. If you go over, they charge you taxes etc, so compare pricing. Delivery is from NSW, so very quick

HEEL

I had exactly the same thoughts when I was buying mine I went in with my D80 and tried the Nikon, the Sigma and the Tamron... all 70-200 f2.8 lenses, only the Nikon had VR (their version of IS). In the end I still went for the cheaper... and I'll tell you why.... A Monopod IS (or VR) effectively gives you stability of 2 stops of exposure... so rather than it being 1/200 of a second, you can use 1/50 of a second with the same exposure. A Monopod will give you something very similar. In fact, most lens manufactures recommend you turn VR off if you are using a monopod or a tripod for this exact reason... it is wasted So I went for the $1000 cheaper lens and a $100 monopod. Yes I have to carry it around with me, but I get more stability in my photos (and it is great when you are standing around for hours as you can securely balance your camera on the monopod - just don't completely trust it, always tied the straps around your arm/neck!) OS/IS/VR is all good, but none of my lenses have it because the monopod goes everywhere with me, or I shoot in enough light to adjust the shutter speed or the ISO to keep enough light to the sensor to make sure the shutter speed is always faster than the longest zoom on the lens when I dont have either 'pod Sorry about that... ended up going into a camera lesson!

Whilst I am a Nikon user, the Canon doesnt really go for me, but my friends use Canons so I know their experiences, but just to give you an idea of my lens setup Sigma 18-50 F2.8 = Went for this one over the Nikon as it is faster and cheaper and MACRO focus is closer. However, I would probably have gone the Tamron now which is the 17-50 because it is slightly better at the 2.8 end, but once you go to f4 they are all about the same. Either way the $500 compared to the Nikon price was a hands down. Sigma 70-200 f2.8 HSM II = as per kja's friend, I love this and it is the main lens on my camera. I do a lot of sports / pet photography and this is great. Low light is awesome... coupled with my monopod it is better than the Nikon 70-200 with VR and $800 compared to $2000 is an easier hit on the wallet... and it focuses on my D80 (and soon to be D300s) faster Nikon 50mm 1.8 = easy purchase, best in its class Save up for that 70-200 L lens, it'll do wonders for your already impressive portfolio Although, I can't recommend the Sigma enough.... I think on certain Canon bodies it'll focus faster, but get to a shop, try them both on your body and see which one works best for you

Ok with the MACK first - it is basically extra warranty... quite cheap for lenses, but covers you for mechanical wear and can be up to 7 years, well past the manufacturers warranty. Oh and it is international :D Sigma and Canon - well it depends on the lens... some are better in the Canon built, some are better in the Sigma built (e.g. Sigma 10-20 is the best at this range, but the Canon 70-200 L is slightly better than the Sigma, although 3x the price!) Google, photo forums, your wallet and end results will decide for you

I buy my stuff from D-D-Electronics and DWI Fantastic service and price... and before most of you get on the grey import bandwagon - MACK insurance resolves that

Been a mad weekend with A Day On The Green, but has given me a few opportunities OUTSIDE (i.e. outside concert!) BLUE (i.e. the blue sea and sky, with the beautiful sunset around Maslin Beach)

Seems to be the day for Shower Scene shots for WASH Mine is a little more simple, but then it is 11:15pm and I just got home... but still time to get the camera out!

Could I make a request that there be no more spider shots for EEK? It is beginning to freak me out a little too much (plus I saw my first redbacks the other day!) Another think outside the box today! We went to Adelaide Super-Drome to watch the cycling, and the team event gives me my excuse for WIND. The team of 4 racers work together so that the lead racer does all the hard work, whilst the 3 behind him use the WIND he generates to slipstream, which is meant to provide you with 20% of your energy. The South Australian team went on to win

I think this one speaks for itself :D Great photos everyone... JS your style of photography is getting so good :D

2 Words can be crossed off the February list with this picture... WAIT and DINNER. Aubrey here gets so excited over her meat loaf dinner, it is often difficult to make her wait!

It's off to a great start with some great pics Today is the 1st of the month, which means the canex treatment for our 2 As soon as I saw crush on the list, I had an idea and went about setting it up (took about 20 minutes!). Don't often setup pictures, but today gave me a great insight

What is the theme / challenge?

Ahh the last day of the month, but I'll be carrying on for my 365 Project! Love the fishing dog, colours are fantastic Tera - nice final SP - what is it for Feb? I had the pleasure of photographing Monza, a Maltese x Shitzu this morning... here is one of the pictures

Thanks Ended up being in the office until 04:45 - which meant I was in from 08:00 until 04:45.... not good. I work in the IT department for a well known Oil and Gas company who were the main sponsors of the Tour Down Under - hence all the cycling pics!

2 photos in a row... one from the 29th and one from today - the 30th! Richard, who works with me, didn't like my chocolate box photo and said there were better things to photograph in the office, like his collection of toys on his monitor... so here they are!

Working through the night in the office, so had to bring my camera in to get a photo. After working for over 16 hours, it was time to raid the cadbury's fundraising box

Too busy watching Murray getting to the finals of the tennis to be too inspired, then I saw the dog gate just folded up in the corner!

Do the pink hair.... go on... i dare you!

Another day of fantastic shots and I am too knackered after my first day of cycling to work followed by the first soccer training session of the season to really take a photo... but this Project 365 isn't going to beat me... so I took a photo of the other piece of electronics that is often in my hands when the camera isn't.... the PSP!

Very Australian in your SP Nik! Redangel - that is a fantastic pose and a very proud poodle! Day 26 of the year - Australia Day! Apparently nothing means more to Australians than to head to a park, cook up a BBQ, sink a few tinnies and listen to JJJ's Hottest 100.... so here is one of the views of Seacliff Park in full flow

Nice shots everyone.... Love your bridge shot JS Fluffy - your SP is The colour in the clothes clips are great too RedAngel, that face is just gorgeous Here is my shot for today Finally got around to doing my New Years Resolution... riding home from work... so here are my new helmet and gloves! Taken closeup to try and get exactly what I wanted in the frame, so no cropping today! Makes a big change for me... so that is 2 big changes in one day... I need to lie down!