Upgraded my kit today

[jterry85]

Well, I decided to take the plunge and upgrade my camera today. I purchased the Canon 7D with Canon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS UD Standard Zoom Lens and the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens with the goal of using these two lenses to replace my tamron 28-80mm and 75-300mm lenses. In addition I already had the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM lens for super wide angle shots, the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens for playing around with macro and the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens for low light situations (I'm gonna be in Italy for ten days and didn't want to miss out on shots inside cathedrals/museums/whatever) I also have a Canon Speedlite 270 EX II flash. Is this an excessive amount for a beginner? I just wanted to make sure I was capable of doing a little bit of everything so if I missed covering a certain range please let me know (except for the 400mm and 500mm range, lol I would love to cover those however my budget/wife won't allow it). Thanks for any input I'm really excited about my upcoming trip and being able to photograph everything I can.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

Congrats on your new gear

 

[analog.universe]

Sweet setup! I'd want a tripod, but I suppose it depends on your intentions... I bring mine just about everywhere I bring the camera, even if I've only got one lens and no lighting, still have a tripod.

 

[jterry85]

I was thinking about that alot actually and I really want one but I can't make up my mind on which tripod/head to use. I'm also looking at a remote shutter cable. My biggest problem right now is 1) the feasibility of carrying a tripod around italy with my wife and 6 month old daughter. 2) I also am purchasing a new 4WD Ford Explorer Limited so my wife has been informing me that for the good of the family (I think more likely for my personal safety) I should hold off on spending more money on camera gear, lol. I have a tripod now but it's a cheap one that came as a package deal with my Canon Digital Rebel XT when I bought it. I'll probably use that until the powers that be are appeased.

 

[bazooka]

One thing to consider, as absurd as it seems, some places such as large foreign cities will not let you use a tripod. So check out the laws for where you are going before you lug the thing around to find out you can't use it.

 

[Aerr]

If you have a 6 month old daughter couldn't you stuff a bunch of things in her stroller?

 

[jterry85]

If you have a 6 month old daughter couldn't you stuff a bunch of things in her stroller?

I tried doing this when grocery shopping but I got yelled at and was told that "a stroller is not a shopping cart" lol

 

[GeorgieGirl]

Rome is a photographers dream. It really is. Note that some locations, such as inside the Vatican, you have to put your belongings on a scan belt just like the airport. Be careful with that, I almost had my camera/bag lifted by the person standing behind me. It was a neat trick they used too....there are some bad people there you must watch out for. A tripod in highly visited attractions will make you a fumbling target filled with distractions and ripe for plucking. Take just what you need and don't get distracted.

Enjoy your new camera!!!

 

[AgentDrex]

My tripod is a frickin' weapon so its a must that I have it at all times...they do not want to get a face-full of that Bogen #3025 head: