Brian

Throw me a bone here, which lenses specifically? Oh, what camera body are you shooting with now?

The majority of the time, if you bought a name-brand computer, it has software that will create the recovery media for you. It's usually in the Windows Start Menu, under the manufacturer's name or in a "Utilities" folder. Phrases to look for: Create Boot Media, Create Recovery Disks, Create Emergency Media, Create Recover Media...things like that. Or there is a program simply called, "Recovery Manager." It's probably been sitting there waiting for you. Keep in mind, you can only create the media once, so make sure you use quality discs / DVDs, I prefer the Verbatim & Sony brands. Also, for computers from around 2010 to current, there is often an option to create a Thumb Drive, which is quite handy as you only need one. I'd recommend using a 16GB Thumb Drive and store it in a marked bag and kept somewhere safe. Only the recovery media can be installed on it and as I said before, you have one shot to create it.

You leave that disk alone. You don't put ANY files on it, it is used to restore your system if things go horribly wrong. Speaking of which, have you created your bootable recovery media? Usually, it takes a few CDs or a 16GB Thumb-drive. Most people don't and then they have all sorts of problems if they have their HD replaced.

Thank You!

This one is a tough call. The reason is due to the screen. If you are editing and traveling consistently, it sounds like a Desktop Computer isn't going to be a good fit. So what does your budget look like? Also, how is your backup strategy? If you are without your main computer for lets say, 4 weeks...how do you pickup where you left off at? What make and model is your laptop?

Are you interested in going full frame? What does your lens lineup currently look like? What is your primary thing that you shoot?

I'd use the Epson software to create 24-bit Tiff files and then import them into PS.

I just found this nifty little tutorial for the V700. I'm sure the V800 isn't THAT different: How to scan 35mm slides wtih an Epson V700

The main difference between the Spyder5 Pro and Spyder5 Elite is the software. The hardware calibration device between the two is the same. In fact, you can turn a Spyder "Pro" into a Spyder "Elite" by purchasing the $99 software upgrade. That said, it's cheaper in the long run if you bought the Spyder5 Elite to begin with. The biggest difference with the software, is that the Elite has ALL of the bells and whistles turned on. It's not limited in anyway, all the features are available. In addition, a Spyder Elite has a better time in calibrating multiple displays, so if you are running a Windows computer with dual 24" displays and really want to get them matching as close as possible, then be sure to purchase the Elite. If you are just running a normal single display, chances are the "Pro" is fine. Edit: Since you are running a MacBook Pro, those "Elite" features will not be available to you. The only thing you can adjust is brightness. So as a Mac user myself, the Spyder5 Pro is fine.

I'm also wondering, are you using Apple's iPhoto or the new program called "Photos?" If so, I'll bet you that's where they are hiding. You see, those programs import photos automatically, unless you tell it not to, and stick them in a catalog. You never see the individual photos on the HD. It's just a big catalog file.

Do you run multiple logins on this Mac? If so, photos might be taking up space in another profile. I would download and use this program, Disk Inventory X: http://www.derlien.com/ It gives you a graphical snapshot of your HD by color. The bigger the color-blob, the more space on the HD the files are taking up. You can click on the various colors and see exactly which file is in that location. Also, I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND purchasing a program called "CleanMyMac" and run it weekly. Here is a link with a coupon code applied: http://macpaw.com/store/cleanmymac?coupon=ACTIONOVER12

Wow! The very first post!! Congratulations! Keep the 24-105 f/4L. It's a professional grade lens. Not only is is sharper, having the fixed aperture is a nice thing to have. You can be at f/4 @ 105mm, 24mm 58mm, whatever. With the 18-135, as you zoom out, the lens automatically stops down to f/5.6. The only time you will get f/3.5 is if you are at 18mm. The problem that you will have to decide is zoom capabilities. You want to go wider, but if you are constantly zooming, that causes issues with the lenses you want to buy. For instance, I would HIGHLY recommend the older 17-55 f/2.8, which is the "24-70 f/2.8" for crop bodies. Right now your 24-105 is acting like a 38.4 - 168mm. (Focal Length x 1.6 = Angle of View Change / Crop Factor). The only downside to the 17-55, is that it's a crop body lens only. So I get with what you are saying, this is a tough call. Keep in mind that if you ever decided to go full frame, the 24-105L is a full frame lens. You'll get your "wide" back if you upgrade. As for the 70D, I've seen people complaining about noise issues. So while it may have all the gadgets & gizmos, your results may not be that great. Perhaps a Canon user will chime in.