What would you buy?

PixelRabbit · Mar 8, 2013

Ok so before I started photography I was an online poker player. All heck broke loose in the poker world when the US govt shut down the major sites and money got stuck. Fast forward I have access to my account again and plan on withdrawing the money I have there.

So depending on how they handle things I SHOULD have $1000 but if I can't convert some of it I will have $500.

I currently have Canon 60D and 18-200 lens.

I shoot just about everything from macro to landscapes/wildlife as I'm sure most of you know and I'm having a hard time prioritizing everything I want because quite frankly I want it all! I'm seriously all over the place. I've pretty much ruled out lenses with longer reach but definitely interested in better quality glass for closeup work.

Under consideration is flash (would ideally like to have two off camera flashes) better glass and filters (for longer exposures).

How would you prioritize the money in this situation and what would you buy?

12sndsgood · Mar 8, 2013

I always hate trying to decide what someone else needs. Whenever i'm looking for something i choose what I need most. If you don't have a flash at all I would say that should be pretty high up on the list. that can really open up some things for you. maybe add some receivers so you can go OCF with it. After that I would start looking at some better glass.

runnah · Mar 8, 2013

Don't worry, when you come into money that is when something in the house decides to break.

Overread · Mar 8, 2013

Forget the house!! The house is big it can take a few breaks here and there

Lens wise with that budget you can get yourself a good quality macro lens which will be fantastically sharp and great for macro and general subjects as well. A Sigma 70mm f2.8 macro would set you back $449 on B&H. It's my personal favoured short macro lens, small and light and yet very versatile.

That said the Tamron 90mm fits into the same price bracket and nets you another 30mm which gives you a bit more working distance to play with whilst still being a great set of optics.

If you get the $1K balance you could easily spend one half on a macro lens and the other on a good flash - the flash being great for not just macro but all areas of photography.

ps I'm a macro addict - bare that in mind when reading said above advice

PixelRabbit · Mar 8, 2013

12sndsgood said:
I always hate trying to decide what someone else needs. Whenever i'm looking for something i choose what I need most. If you don't have a flash at all I would say that should be pretty high up on the list. that can really open up some things for you. maybe add some receivers so you can go OCF with it. After that I would start looking at some better glass.

Heck I have a hard time deciding for myself (obv lol), I'm such a nit when it comes to spending this kind of money!! I was leaning towards flash but when I think about better quality glass ...
This kind of decision really drives me insane! Ideally I will be able to withdraw the total amount and judging by Over's post I may be able to do both in that case....

runnah said:
Don't worry, when you come into money that is when something in the house decides to break.

Bite your tongue!! I worked hard to be a profitable poker player and earned every penny, the house shall not get this money!!

Overread said:
Forget the house!! The house is big it can take a few breaks here and there

Lens wise with that budget you can get yourself a good quality macro lens which will be fantastically sharp and great for macro and general subjects as well. A Sigma 70mm f2.8 macro would set you back $449 on B&H. It's my personal favoured short macro lens, small and light and yet very versatile.

That said the Tamron 90mm fits into the same price bracket and nets you another 30mm which gives you a bit more working distance to play with whilst still being a great set of optics.

If you get the $1K balance you could easily spend one half on a macro lens and the other on a good flash - the flash being great for not just macro but all areas of photography.

ps I'm a macro addict - bare that in mind when reading said above advice

Thanks Over, great food for thought and thanks for the lens suggestions. The thought of having great glass is a huge draw to go that way first especially in the event that I only get the $500 to start, what makes me hesitate and consider the flash first is finally taking control of the light...

runnah · Mar 8, 2013

Haha never fails. Last time I got a fat tax return the dishwasher and the fridge broke.

tirediron · Mar 8, 2013

Do you have a tripod? Polarizing filter? Remember, you can buy a LOT more for your money by going to my favorite camera store...

Overread · Mar 8, 2013

A Canon 430EX2 is $299.00 new so chances are going second hand you might have a good chance to work two into a $500 price point - add to that a lens at another $500 and then you can scrounge up some spare cash from somewhere for a few cheap trigger options and you'd be more than set. Heck just getting one flash would be a very good move (580EX2 is just under the $500 point new).

Of course these are just the B&H prices I've grabbed, other shops might have better deals and second hand will always net you some saving and being good grade gear, nothing I've listed should have any problems coming from a second hand background if it was treated well.

KenC · Mar 8, 2013

You can't go wrong with the Canon 100/2.8 macro (non-L), which goes for about 500 I think. Look at the reviews - everyone says it's a terrific lens and that's been my experience with it. If you want to do a lot of macro work, a macro lens is a must. It's also a good general-purpose short tele lens.

kundalini · Mar 8, 2013

I would put a speedlight on your short list. Hindsight has taught me that third party is the less expensive alternative and just as good if they have decent variable power outputs. TTL is overrated IMO. To go along with that, consider a light stand and remote triggering. Then of course, you'll probably want some modifiers... umbrella, softbox, snoot, grid, etc.

If you don't have already, reflectors and difussers of different sizes.

Quality CPL and ND filters.

Tripod.

A decent bag, large enough to store and haul the new gear. Not a camera bag.... think gym bag type with a stout bottom. Be aware that pets like to mark their teritory. I've had to toss a few out....... damn cat. :grumpy:

That's off the top of my head. Give me some time and I'll spend the rest of your dosh. :biggrin:

weepete · Mar 8, 2013

Well, if it were me I'd go with the 100mm macro. You are producing some very nice shots with what you already have, and a good macro lens is something on my wishlist too (as is an off camera flash and an ultra wide)

bratkinson · Mar 9, 2013

runnah said:
Haha never fails. Last time I got a fat tax return the dishwasher and the fridge broke.

I knew I was getting a fat tax return so bought a 5D3 in November! The refund arrived 2 weeks ago. Since then, $1054 in car repairs that I have been procrastinating on (radiator, water pump, belt, hoses, etc) and just this morning, the 14 year old water heater in the basement is leaking out the side! Oh yea...next week the dentist will be taking about $1000 bite out of my wallet (and that's AFTER the insurance!), too!

As for spending someone elses' money, that's real easy!

Although the mantra is always "glass then body", I think I'd go with a flash, such as a Canon 430 EX ii that won't break the bank. I opted to 'go for the biggie' and went with a 580 EX ii a year ago, but the 430 is a good all-around capable flash.

Then, with what's left...glass. Although 90% of my shooting is with the 24-105 and 16-35, I like to 'kick it up a notch' with the 135 f2.0L. Fast, sharp, and great subject/background 3-D separation. The 85 f1.8 is right behind the 135 in my bag and is a great focal length as well. The 85 can be had for $359 (US) at B&H through the end of March. But you'll have to purchase a separate hood for $20ish as well. For what it's worth, I used all 4 of these with my 60D when I had it, and although everyone thinks the 135 is too long on a crop body, I had the room to back up a bit further to get the shots I wanted.

PixelRabbit · Mar 9, 2013

tirediron said:
Do you have a tripod? Polarizing filter? Remember, you can buy a LOT more for your money by going to my favorite camera store...

Hey John, I have a cheap tripod and no filters, I probably should use the tripod more often but I always find I end up taking the camera off and hand holding so I didn't put that high on the list at this point. I do have an interest in filters to be able to get longer exposures as well as a polarizing filter since there is water all around and I often shoot reflective objects.
I have never used craigslist but I do watch the listings on Kijiji.

Overread said:
A Canon 430EX2 is $299.00 new so chances are going second hand you might have a good chance to work two into a $500 price point - add to that a lens at another $500 and then you can scrounge up some spare cash from somewhere for a few cheap trigger options and you'd be more than set. Heck just getting one flash would be a very good move (580EX2 is just under the $500 point new).

Of course these are just the B&H prices I've grabbed, other shops might have better deals and second hand will always net you some saving and being good grade gear, nothing I've listed should have any problems coming from a second hand background if it was treated well.

Thanks Over, I really hope I'm able to get both. Being able to do one or the other is still awesome though, I think either of them will keep me busy and learning more for a while

KenC said:
You can't go wrong with the Canon 100/2.8 macro (non-L), which goes for about 500 I think. Look at the reviews - everyone says it's a terrific lens and that's been my experience with it. If you want to do a lot of macro work, a macro lens is a must. It's also a good general-purpose short tele lens.

Thanks Ken I will look into it!

kundalini said:
I would put a speedlight on your short list. Hindsight has taught me that third party is the less expensive alternative and just as good if they have decent variable power outputs. TTL is overrated IMO. To go along with that, consider a light stand and remote triggering. Then of course, you'll probably want some modifiers... umbrella, softbox, snoot, grid, etc.

If you don't have already, reflectors and difussers of different sizes.

Quality CPL and ND filters.

Tripod.

A decent bag, large enough to store and haul the new gear. Not a camera bag.... think gym bag type with a stout bottom. Be aware that pets like to mark their teritory. I've had to toss a few out....... damn cat.

That's off the top of my head. Give me some time and I'll spend the rest of your dosh.

Hey

Yes flash is definitely at the top of the list but I haven't even started to learn what half of the modifiers do. I do have a 72in 4in1 reflector that I'm finding I'm using more and more.

weepete said:
Well, if it were me I'd go with the 100mm macro. You are producing some very nice shots with what you already have, and a good macro lens is something on my wishlist too (as is an off camera flash and an ultra wide)

Thanks Weepete

bratkinson said:
runnah said:

Haha never fails. Last time I got a fat tax return the dishwasher and the fridge broke.

Click to expand...

I knew I was getting a fat tax return so bought a 5D3 in November! The refund arrived 2 weeks ago. Since then, $1054 in car repairs that I have been procrastinating on (radiator, water pump, belt, hoses, etc) and just this morning, the 14 year old water heater in the basement is leaking out the side! Oh yea...next week the dentist will be taking about $1000 bite out of my wallet (and that's AFTER the insurance!), too!

As for spending someone elses' money, that's real easy!

Although the mantra is always "glass then body", I think I'd go with a flash, such as a Canon 430 EX ii that won't break the bank. I opted to 'go for the biggie' and went with a 580 EX ii a year ago, but the 430 is a good all-around capable flash.

Then, with what's left...glass. Although 90% of my shooting is with the 24-105 and 16-35, I like to 'kick it up a notch' with the 135 f2.0L. Fast, sharp, and great subject/background 3-D separation. The 85 f1.8 is right behind the 135 in my bag and is a great focal length as well. The 85 can be had for $359 (US) at B&H through the end of March. But you'll have to purchase a separate hood for $20ish as well. For what it's worth, I used all 4 of these with my 60D when I had it, and although everyone thinks the 135 is too long on a crop body, I had the room to back up a bit further to get the shots I wanted.

Congrats on the 5K3! Ouch! As much as I hate to admit it Runnah is right, it is inevitable but I already told Mr. Rabbit that this money is off limits so if anything decides to break down tough beans lol

Thanks for the suggestions, I think I'm landing in 6 in one half dozen in the other territory. Either way I go, whether it is flash or lens first it will likely make me very happy and busy. With any luck I won't have to decide between the two! I will know today when I try the conversion and try to withdraw all of the funds.

Keep your fingers crossed for 1K !!