I’ve had a few days to play around with the gear and ultimately, everything is good. Here are just a few things I thought I’d share my opinion on.

1. Canon’s 30D camera is great and I’m still experimenting with all the features available to me. I went out shooting the other night and used the mirror lockup feature. I love this option, although I have to admit, I did get burned by it a few times. I’m still not quite used to pushing it twice to take the photo. The sound of the shutter release fooled me several times and it wasn’t until 30 seconds was up, that I realized the mirror lockup was disengaging and I didn’t take a photo.

2. I haven’t tested the Bogen-Manfrotto 676B Digi Monopod out yet but it appears as if it will do the job when I need it. It doesn’t fold down small enough to fit in the camera bag, which is my only complaint. Aside from that, it’s light and it should work just fine.

3. Canon’s Professional Gadget Bag (1-EG). I’m not sure what they were thinking when they said it can fit two SLR cameras and 5-8 lenses. There’s no way I could fit all that in there. The 100-400mm lens is too tall for the bag, but if I rearrange the compartments a little, I may find that I can lay it down nicely in there. I haven’t taken the time to try it yet.

The bag is great and larger than the last bag I had, but to fit two SLR’s and 8 lenses, I believe, is impossible. If anyone purchases this bag to carry two bodies and all their lenses, they’ll be sadly mistaken. Still, the bag is large enough for most of my equipment and I’m happy with it to use on day trips and small vacations. For extended vacation trips where photography is the main subject, I’ll be using a backpack.