Building my kit/aresenal

[Karebear98]

Many of you know I have been posting for awhile on the site. I have managed to do decently with the pathetic equipment I currently have, however due to some recent disposable income, I finally have a little pocket change to buy another lens and maybe some additional equipment. I'm a broke grad student. :(

My current equipment includes:
Canon Rebel EOS (crop body)
Canon 50 mm f 1.8
Canon 18-55mm
Midwest photo exchange lighting kit with radio transmitters/lumapro flash
Multi purpose reflectors/light stands/reflector stand

I really feel I need a longer zoom but am open to wide angle, etc. I shoot mostly portraits and am beginning to dabble in weddings. I also pleasure shoot, architecture, wildlife, nature, etc.

So my question: If you could add any lens to this list for UNDER 500-600 bucks...what would it be???

Also: I am not digging the results from my flash currently and am looking for an option to soften it...any suggestions? I thought I saw softboxes that attach to your hotshoe flash? Brackets to create more distance on camera? Please give me the scoop on what to do.

[ChrisTX]

Save your money and get the 70-200 2.8. That's the only telephoto worth having. If you don't save the money and spend for it now, you'll be kicking yourself later.

[Daniel Bates]

Does it need to be a zoom? The 85/1.8 is well regarded and not prohibitively expensive. The 70-200/4L is also excellent from an IQ standpoint (though I would personally prefer f/2.8 for low-light and depth of field reasons, and IS is always a nice feature).

[auddii]

I personally don't own a flash, but use some flashes when I work weddings (I use the main photog's gear). She typically will just bounce flash if she can, and work with what she gets. If you don't like the results you are getting with your flash, I've seen several people here recommend this: Lightsphere Collapsible (Folds Flat, Soft, High Power) *BEST* - Flash Diffusers

I agree that the 70-200 is a great zoom for weddings (especially when there is no photography in a church, except from a balcony). However, the one that I use is a 2.8, and churches can be very poorly lit (as I'm sure you know). I don't know if the 4 is a worthwhile buy. Typically the camera for that lens is always at 2.8. However, if you have a tripod (that lens is heavy!), you could compensate for the aperture with SS and ISO.

Something else to consider is a 100mm macro lens. I know a lot of people LOVE this for portrait work, plus would give you something to work with for rings, cake details, etc. The canon L glass is $900-1200, but there is a sigma 105mm (what the photographer I work with has) that would be in your price range (especially if you find it used!).

[venchka]

Budget: $500-$600

Canon 35/2.0
+
Canon 85/1.8

Added to your 50/1.8.
You will have a very versatile kit.

[Tom]

How is your current kit inadequate for what you want to shoot?

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by Tom

How is your current kit inadequate for what you want to shoot?

That is an important question to ask. If you know where you have been limited by your gear and in what use it will help you get the most bang for your budget.

[auddii]

This just went up for sale:

http://www.pixtus.com/forum/buy-sell...-1-8-sale.html

[Abel]

Originally Posted by Tom

How is your current kit inadequate for what you want to shoot?

by this below

Originally Posted by Karebear98

I really feel I need a longer zoom but am open to wide angle, etc. I shoot mostly portraits and am beginning to dabble in weddings.

Originally Posted by auddii

This just went up for sale:

http://www.pixtus.com/forum/buy-sell...-1-8-sale.html

i was just about to post that too... =)

[Karebear98]

All stellar suggestions...I have considered the 85 and thought that would for sure be my next buy.

Campbell (Tom): Problem number one...I feel I need the zoom so I am not constantly moving throughout a wedding ceremony and also wanted the distance for my portrait shooting so that I do not have to always feel as though I am in someone's face. I have enjoyed my prime though and wouldn't rule out buying another one for my next purchase.

Secondly, I considered the 70-200 F4, but like everyone says, I am afraid it will not perform for low light situations, which so far, I have photographed in two VERY dark catholic churches....surprisingly dark doesn't even fully describe the ambiance. The f 1.8 has really saved my butt and I am now weary to consider anything over 2.8.

Venchka: really like your suggestion and that might be exactly the route I need to go. Considering my crop body/crop factor, can someone tell me what the 50mm, 35mm, and 85mm lengths truly translate to on my Rebel?

audii: started looking at Sigma's and Tamron's last night, brands I had pretty much ignored even though I had heard good things but am now seeing those as strong options.

[Karebear98]

NICE! :) "Ask and ye shall receive." hehe

[auddii]

Not sure which Rebel you have, but the xSi and xTi are both a crop factor of 1.6. 50mm = 80mm, 35mm = 56mm, and 85mm = 136mm. You just multiply the focal length by the crop factor.

[venchka]

Originally Posted by venchka

Budget: $500-$600

Canon 35/2.0
+
Canon 85/1.8

Added to your 50/1.8.
You will have a very versatile kit.

Next: Start a fund for a 5D body. You need a second body for paying gigs. Mostly in case something happens to the primary camera.

Alas, the 1.6 crop factor of the Rebel is not kind to the historically adequate trio of 35-50-85/90. In round numbers, the field of views are:
35 > 56
50 > 80
85 > 136

The good news: Those lenses are faster than any zoom. They are also smaller, lighter AND cheaper.

You have the 18-55 for times when you need a wider FOV than the 35-50-85 offer.

Good luck!

Audrey was looking over my shoulder & typing faster.

[Karebear98]

I believe ya'll have made my decision for me wonderfully...I was at odds with a few different lenses and I think ya'll have solved it for me. Trying to purchase an 85 on the forum right now from a member.

Is the 5D the next step up from my Rebel? I need to start researching other camera bodies. I wanted to feel like I knew mine inside and out before moving on...had I known about crop factor in 2007, I would have bought a full frame.

[venchka]

In 2007 full frame cameras cost a lot more than used copies today.
I only mentioned the 5D because it won't steal any of your prime lens field of view. Is it the best to move up from the Rebel? That is a whole new thread.