Equipment upgrading,Need some help

[John Mc]

I may be coming into abit of money soon. And im thinking on expanding my Gear. My Budgets about £4/5000.Im not too bothered about getting the most for My Money,im thinking Quality over amount.I shoot mostly Portraits,and Landscape's and some Reportage stuff,like party's ect.

I will be upgrading to a 5Dmkii with 24-70mm f2.8 lens.so even if we say £2500 left after the Camera and lens and possibly a Film Eos,Like an Eos 3.
Im thinking a Telephoto lens and Maybe Ringflash or a flash unit and maybe a few primes(£2/400).How ever im not too sure what ones. Anyone any suggestions or ideas?

John

 

[tirediron]

If you're shooting portraits, it's hard to go wrong with an 85mm 1.4. I would skip the ring flash; it's not something that most people use often enough to justify. It looks cool, but other than that... How about: Good tripod, back-up tripod, lights & stands, backdrops, good hand-held exposure meter? Updated computer/software... couple of new gadget bags...

 

[Derrel]

Upgrading? Nikon! Getting new Canon gear is somewhat different, but I'd suggest looking at the 135mm f/2-L as a superb telephoto lens on a FF camera. very sharp, very well-balanced, good handling, usable in all types of light, excellent for reportage and portraits, just a wonderful Canon lens. Same with their 85mm f/1.8...nice lens. VERY small and light, useful for portraits,reportage, high-speed f/1.8 aperture, very good value for the money. 24-70mm f/2.8...."ehhhh..." Costs a lot for what you get....think Tamron 28-75 instead. Ring flash? Uh, no, just let that slide on by. Flash unit--sure, not sure what you currently have; the 580 EX II is 'the' Canon flash to own.

For reportage, I tend to think of high-speed primes, like 50/1.4, 85/1.8, 135/2 and the like. Smaller than zooms, lighter, easier to stabilize hand-held, draw less attention than slower, bigger heavier 24-70 or 70-200 f/2.8 zooms.

 

[John Mc]

Im set for Tripods and bag's.My pc is hand built by myself,and thats getting a new Graphics card.
The 85mm would be a nice lens to have,it's going on the list!i think i can justify the ringflash,as i'm shooting some active scenery's like night clubs.
Backdrops are a good idea,ive got some studio lights coming for christmas from my Girlfriends parents

 

[Derrel]

Keep the girlfriend's parents in your circle!

 

[John Mc]

Haha,its just a Cheap 2x160watt strobe set.but its still a set to start with.
I dont have a Flash unit,but the 580exii will be what i go for.
I will take a look at the Prime telephoto 135/2.

And Nikon...Just no