My gear, Your advice

[SirPhil]

I'm starting this thread to seek advice regarding my gear.

First, kenko teleconverter on the 100L macro... which one? (referring to M or PRO)

Second, 24-105L.. on a crop sensor. Good? Bad? Something Better?

Third, 430EXII or 580EXII or something else?

Fourth, Adorama's Lightscoop or Gary Fong Puffer Pop-Up?

I should probably acknowledge that I realize 3 of my lenses overlap in focal length. I purchased the 28mm f/1.8 earlier this summer in May and it was a purchase I put a lot of thought and research in. Not two weeks later, I was given the AWESOME 20-35mm f/2.8L from my Grandmother..
I realize having the 20-35L doesn't negate any need of the 28f/1.8. The 28mm has a larger aperture, is a prime, and allows for great video..while the 20-35L is more versatile. Is the 28mm worth keeping?

In reference to the EF-S 18-135mm.. is it worth keeping because I have access to a 28-135mm USM? (only reason I have it is because it came in a kit)


I'll list all my gear bellow:


Canon 60D
Canon EF 20-35mm f/2.8L
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L USM IS Macro
Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM
Canon EF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod
Manfrotto 327RC2 Joystick head with 322RS attached


Please don't hesitate to offer up anything.


Phil

[tc95]

I have never shot canon...(Let me first say that...)

If you get a Kenko get the Pro version...better glass and just built better...Flashes I use Sigma DG super's 500's/530's...can usually pick these up second hand for about 150 well worth it...I use the puffer all the time...easy to put on and take off...as far as your joystick head...never liked them...I would go with a ball mount...but everyone has there opinion on those...Tripod is great....get the matching mono-pod...679b or 680b....you will probably use it more...

The only thing I see your lacking is a good long distance lens...200+ range...if you get this...the Sigma Big-Mama 50-500 is a great lens to pick-up...better priced is the Tokina 80-400...

Hope this helps a little...

[SirPhil]

tc95, thank you for your input! I'll definitely check out the Sigma flashes and the 2 lenses. I have access to my friend's Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L (non-IS) but I hope to one day invest in a 70-200L IS myself.

As far as the joystick head goes..I have another tripod w/ ball head but I do a lot of macro work and having the remote shutter release down on the grip of the joystick is perfect for it. but like you said everyone has their opinions on those. Good call on the mono-pod as well, I'll check that out!

[Nocturnus]

I have the 24-70L, almost got the 24-105L. There are times I wish I had a wider lens, though at this time I've not had a issue being limited to 70mm on the long end.

[SirPhil]

Nocturnus, I should have mentioned I am also very interested in the 24-70L but was advised by one of the guys at HCE that it isn't a great lens for a crop sensor..
Do you have any issues with it?

on a positive note..having a max aperture of 2.8 is pretty nice..

[Nocturnus]

I don't see why it would be a prob other then they might say it's not wide enough. Then that could also be said about the 24-105, not wide enough, but you have more at the tele end of things. I've been wanting this lens for a long time and wanted the 2.8 for those low light times.

[SirPhil]

Definitely agree with that, I've heard great things about the 24-70L (aside from the guy at HCE) and it's definitely a "dream" lens for me ..maybe some day

[Snarfy]

Don't take this the wrong way, but gear questions should usually be answered in context; so I have questions.

What do you usually shoot? What would you like to shoot? What kind of budget are you working with?

Some specifics:
The 28 1.8: is a 45mm normal lens a good fit for you? Do you need to have 28mm covered 3 times?
24-105L vs 24-70L vs fast prime(s): Do you value image quality or convenience more?
As for flashes, how much oomph and control do you need?

[crbeveri]

Originally Posted by Snarfy

Don't take this the wrong way, but gear questions should usually be answered in context; so I have questions.

What do you usually shoot? What would you like to shoot? What kind of budget are you working with?

Some specifics:
The 28 1.8: is a 45mm normal lens a good fit for you? Do you need to have 28mm covered 3 times?
24-105L vs 24-70L vs fast prime(s): Do you value image quality or convenience more?
As for flashes, how much oomph and control do you need?

Chris brings up a great point (great name too ) when it comes to considering what gear you need you have to take into account everything he listed out. I would also recommend reading through this post as well

Questions to ask yourself before asking "What lens/camera should I get?"

[SirPhil]

Snarfy, valid point. I thought of including context in the original post but decided to wait for fear of writing an essay..

I shoot lots of macro and while I enjoy the proximity the 100L allows..I'd love to get even closer. From what I've read..extension tubes don't make much sense given I am already SUPER close to my subject (the exception being flowers or any subject unbothered by a camera creeping in) and decreasing my minimal working distance would only cause problems with insects and natural lighting. However..I haven't used extension tubes or tele-tubes so I may not be covering all the bases.

I shoot landscapes, portraits/group shots, detail and just about anything. So my main goal at this point is versatility. I like the idea of tele-tubes for that reason but my question comes in which one is the right choice. As for my budget.. I'm not interested in switching to the 180L macro and would like to stick around the <$250 range.. for the teleconverter or extension tubes. Would 1.4x work well with an effective focal length of 160mm or would 2x be better? Loss of a half or full stop isn't of much consequence since I max out at 2.8

In regards to your other questions.. "The 28 1.8: is a 45mm normal lens a good fit for you? Do you need to have 28mm covered 3 times?" That's my point exactly..I don't think I need it covered 3 times..I just want opinions on whether the 28mm and 18-135mm are worth holding on to if I have my sights on a 24-105mm (or something in that range) eventually..

"24-105L vs 24-70L vs fast prime(s): Do you value image quality or convenience more?"
- I think I'm more keen on image quality but that's not to say one can't have both in the same lens. At this point I think a zoom would be more realistic.

In regard to various flashes..I'd prefer to keep with Canon but at a price range around $270 aka..the 430EXII on B&H. ..I'm not willing to spend an extra $200 on the 580EXII at this point... Question: Are there other options that offer the control of the 580EXII..slaving but at a price more near to the 430EXII?


Thanks for taking the time to ask the questions Snarfy!

crbeveri, thanks for the advice and the link! Coincidentally, I recently read that thread, thanks for bringing it back to mind!


Hopefully I'm not contradicting myself or being too redundant. If I am, please forgive me, just came in from working out in the garage and this 100+ heat doesn't help to focus my thoughts.

[venchka]

Keep the 20-35. Forever.
Keep the tripod legs. Get a really good head. A 3-way head for landscapes. You may also find a ball head useful.
Buy all the light you can afford.