Views on my shopping list please.

[mojo_uk]

Your thoughts on my shopping list very much appreciated. My main area of interest is in field nature/wildlife photography. Would you change anything and why? I'm pretty much on my max budget. This is a big investment for me and I want to get it right first time if possible. I already have a 20D and 100-400L IS.

1D Mk II N
17-40 f4L
70-200 f4L
Sigma 120-300 f2.8
Sigma 150 f2.8 macro
Sigma 1.4 extender
2 x Canon 430EX flash + Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 for macro work
Gitzo G2227 Explorer Carbon Fibre Tripod
Gitzo G1276M Mk2 Magnesium Universal Quick Release Ballhead

[snibbetsj]

Why are you getting the 70-200 f4 and the 120-300 f2.8? It seems to me that the 70-200 is unnecessary on your list. You might want to replace it with a Sigma 24-70 f2.8. Just my thoughts :)

[mojo_uk]

Why are you getting the 70-200 f4 and the 120-300 f2.8? It seems to me that the 70-200 is unnecessary on your list. You might want to replace it with a Sigma 24-70 f2.8. Just my thoughts :)

My reasoning is that the Sigma 120-300 is a big heavy lens and there may be times I want to travel light + I want the extra speed of the Sigma. The Sigma 24-70 is pretty much covered by the 17-40. Thanks for your thoughts anyway.

Happy Xmas.

[jjonsalt]

I would kill to have the first item, the 1D Mk2 n, so I can agree with that.

" 2 x Canon 430EX flash + Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 for macro work" I feel one would be better off with replacing one or both of the 430EX units with either 550EX or 580EX units. They can "master" other flashes and then get the "Off Camera Shoe Cord 2". A ringlight can be best for really close macro. You have a 550EX so just get a 580EX instead of two 430EXs. If it's a small light-weight flash you want to stick in your pocket get a 220EX. I have 550, 420 and 220EXs.

I strongly advise the use of f/2.8 or faster lens. Brighter viewfinder, faster and more accurate AF are to be had.

"I want to travel light..." Consider the 135mm f/2 and using your 1.4X TC when needed. This is a great setup.

[Asmodeus]

With wildlife being your primary interest, I would figure out a way to get at least the 300 F4 IS lens since with the IS it can really expand your range of opportunities; especially with the 1.4 extender. And it's a pretty lightweight prime.

[mojo_uk]

I would kill to have the first item, the 1D Mk2 n, so I can agree with that.

" 2 x Canon 430EX flash + Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 for macro work" I feel one would be better off with replacing one or both of the 430EX units with either 550EX or 580EX units. They can "master" other flashes and then get the "Off Camera Shoe Cord 2". A ringlight can be best for really close macro. You have a 550EX so just get a 580EX instead of two 430EXs. If it's a small light-weight flash you want to stick in your pocket get a 220EX. I have 550, 420 and 220EXs.

I strongly advise the use of f/2.8 or faster lens. Brighter viewfinder, faster and more accurate AF are to be had.

"I want to travel light..." Consider the 135mm f/2 and using your 1.4X TC when needed. This is a great setup.

Thanks for your input. I see where your going with the flash options but the 2 smaller 430's will be easier to use and setup in the feild and the 220 doesn't have the slave setting for receiving the signal from a master unit AFAIK. I have seen a great macro bracket for flash use and have included that in my budget. I have used ringlight macro flash units in the past and don't really like the flat light they produce.

[mojo_uk]

With wildlife being your primary interest, I would figure out a way to get at least the 300 F4 IS lens since with the IS it can really expand your range of opportunities; especially with the 1.4 extender. And it's a pretty lightweight prime.

Thanks for your thoughts:)

I thought long and hard on either the Sigma 120-300 or the canon 300 f4 and because I can't afford both opted for the former mainly for the extra speed and brighter viewfinder image. I have the 100-400L IS for those times I may need IS.