Lens/Gear Questions - What should be in my bag?

stevenolan

Ok, so I am a beginner, and have a small kit built up. But where should I look next. I know suggestions are mostly based on what I shoot, but I tend to shoot everything, like gig shooting, and would love to do some sports, but also like snapping landscapes and people. Please keep recommendations lowish in price, and all hardware, or software recommendations accepted.

I currently have:

• Canon EOS 300 Film
• Canon 350D

• Canon Kit Lens (From EOS 300) EF 28-90 f4-5.6
• Canon Zoom (EOS 300 age also) EF 75-200 f4-5.6 think its the second version
• Canon 50mm f1.8

• 2gb CF Card
• Many Spectra Films - Free with processing

• A basic Timberland backpack that I put everything into.

I also have a copy of lightroom, and use iPhoto to organise.

So, on a limited budget where should I focus my gear shopping? Is there one thing that you think I cannot do without any longer?

Thanks for your help everyone.

Fajitas!

Well, if you like gigs, another prime lens with a decent enough max aperture will suit you down to the ground.

You've got enough of a kit to start off, but what's your budget for the moment?

One thing a lot of 350D users find handy is the battery grip - Gives you an extra battery, a bit more space for your hands, and vertical controls.

Eirebear

The Canon 100mm f2 is a cracking lens for gigs etc.
The only problem would be the focal length if your shooting a gig where your right on top of the band. (160mm on a cropped sensor)

Sports lenses and your starting to get a bit more expensive, ask City_Exile...i think he has had to remortgage his house to keep up with his lust for new lenses!

stevenolan

Fajitas - Yeah, I got lucky when I bought the film kit, got some decent lenses. The kit is dying though, gets an err 99 message every fourth or so shot, but getting a replacement from AnimalRights, hopefully on Thursday when I'm up to the capital.

A battery grip is also on my list.

Eire_Bear: I can see, even from just looking at the prices on bhphoto.... Maybe sports won't be my thing.

What can you guys not live without in your kit?

conkeroo

If you like taking landscape shots, definitely get a couple of filters. Cokin are relatively inexpensive, 2 grad filters at maybe 15euro each could start you off. After that maybe a flashgun but you could probably make do with the built in flash for the moment. As said though, a decent and fast lens for sport and it starts getting pricey.

Fajitas!

The Err99 is because the chip in your lens is running older software, meaning you have to shoot with the lens at it's widest aperture!

Tbh, I could make do with just my camera and the 24-70 2.8 and 580ex flash, but the other lenses make it a bit more interesting

stevenolan

I did also get a Skylight filter with the EOS 300 kit I bought, what else should I be looking for in relation to filters?

Also, are UV filters worth buying? Maybe not for the older lenses, but the 50mm and anything new I buy?

Eirebear

What can i not live without?

At the moment i couldnt live without: 50mm f1.8
100mm f2
200mm f2.8L
10-22mm f3.5-4.5

I have a tendancy to prefer prime lenses over zooms, as zooms make me lazy
Although i am looking for a decent walkabout lens at the moment to replace the 17-85mm which came with my 30D.

stevenolan

And hence why the photos on it always look a bit, well, meh.....

Man this thread is a mine of knowledge, thanks Fajitas!

Fajitas!

No probs, told ye to go for it

conkeroo

stevenolan wrote: »

I did also get a Skylight filter with the EOS 300 kit I bought, what else should I be looking for in relation to filters?

Also, are UV filters worth buying? Maybe not for the older lenses, but the 50mm and anything new I buy?

For landscape, using filters can really add to the shots. Check out www.cokin.com You'll get an idea of what can be done. As for UV, some people maintain they do nothing but protect the front element. I wouldnt know though cos i dont own one!

stevenolan

So you did Fajitas!

Fajitas!

So what's your budget at the moment, and we'll spend some money for ye?

stevenolan

Well, at the min, not much, Thursdays meeting will be removing my megre pot of cash. But lets say I get like 200/300 together, over the next 3 months or so, what would be a good solid bet?

Battery Grip, and a couple o' filters?

More money an 85mm

And win the lotto and get into L lenses, and long sports lenses.

Fajitas!

I wouldn't worry about the filters just yet. Battery grip for sure.

I've survived a long time with just UV's and polarisers.

I'd spend a few bob on more memory too - Get a decent 4 gig card at least.

If you were able to work up another few bob, check out either the Sigma 30mm 1.4 or the Canon 85 1.8 - Both are great lenses, are about 300ish if buying online, should be cheaper again if you decide to go second hand.

stevenolan

So, my kit shall be augmented by:

A New Kit Lens (Thanks Animal Rights)

A Battery Grip

And saving up for an 85 mm f1.8

conkeroo

stevenolan wrote: »

So, my kit shall be augmented by:

• A New Kit Lens (Thanks Animal Rights)

• A Battery Grip

• And saving up for an 85 mm f1.8

Why not save a bit more by just buying a second battery instead of the grip?

Eirebear

Fajitas! wrote: »

One thing a lot of 350D users find handy is the battery grip - Gives you an extra battery, a bit more space for your hands, and vertical controls.

conkeroo wrote: »

Why not save a bit more by just buying a second battery instead of the grip?

Battery Grips can be very handy indeed.

Fajitas!

conkeroo wrote: »

Why not save a bit more by just buying a second battery instead of the grip?

The grip works as a great counterweight, makes handling the 350 a lot easier if you've any way big hands, and has the vertical controls... Pretty handy for the hundred quid or whatever it costs!

DjDangerousDave

Fajitas! wrote: »

I wouldn't worry about the filters just yet. Battery grip for sure.

I've survived a long time with just UV's and polarisers.

I'd spend a few bob on more memory too - Get a decent 4 gig card at least.

If you were able to work up another few bob, check out either the Sigma 30mm 1.4 or the Canon 85 1.8 - Both are great lenses, are about 300ish if buying online, should be cheaper again if you decide to go second hand.

My next buy will be the sigma 30mm 1.4, im an olympus user so with my crop factor of 2 x thats 60mm for me, which is not too bad. That lens takes some stunning shots and its a serious peice of glass.

Anyone here got that lens? Maybe post some shots.

Fajitas!

I had it for my Canon 300D a few years ago now. I loved it, but when I moved to full frame I sold it on. Sebzy has one on an Oly body, and I think Magicbastarder is getting one soon... But he could have went for the 28mm in the end?

nilhg

DjDangerousDave wrote: »

My next buy will be the sigma 30mm 1.4, im an olympus user so with my crop factor of 2 x thats 60mm for me, which is not too bad. That lens takes some stunning shots and its a serious peice of glass.

Anyone here got that lens? Maybe post some shots.

I have one, use it with my e510, got it here, cost me a bit more though. Its a great bit of kit once you get your head around the narrow DOF when shooting wide open, this one was taken at our campsite (they have a 700 seater theatre on site, all for free, the show was Grease) on the South of France



more examples either side of this on my flickr and also here.

WheresMyCamera?

Fajitas! wrote: »

I had it for my Canon 300D a few years ago now. I loved it, but when I moved to full frame I sold it on.

And I took it off your hands

Fajitas!

Ah!

Was wondering where you'd gone

WheresMyCamera?

Fajitas! wrote: »

Ah!

Was wondering where you'd gone

Just changed my name, but I'm still on here all the time. (or at least when I'm somewhere that has internet!)