What to buy next - need help

[bugs]

Hi,

Being all new to the SLR arena, I bought a 10D in Juli... best thing I've ever done, next to marrying my wife that is!

Now it's time for a small upgrade, problem is: it's not my money as it's a small token from my company, so the amount is fixed. I narrowed it down to 2 configs, but which 2 choose?

Configuration 1:
1) Canon speedlite 420 EX
2) Canon 50mm F1.4
3) BG-ED3
4) Polarizer and UV filter for the lens

Configuration 2:
1) Canon speedlite 420 EX
2) Sigma 17-35mm
3) UV filter for the lens

I'd really like to get both wide angle AND the battery grib, but I can't afford both... my head already hurts from trying to choose here.

Any sugestions?

[robertwgross]

I'm not sure why you confine the decision between config 1 or 2. There is some good in each.

The Canon 420EX flash is good in either case. I have one.

The choice of lenses would depend on what kind of photography you intend to do. The polarizer is important, but only if you do outdoor photography.

The grip is a convenience to some photographers, but it shouldn't affect the quality of the images you get.

---Bob Gross---

[DonCoon]

Would help to know what your current lens and accessory set is.

[bugs]

The reason I'm confining myself to the 2 configurations is simple: I can't have both lenses, the grip and the flash - and in the end I need 'em all. I am going to buy the flash, as I'm currently stuck with the builtin unit (awfull for portraits). I do think the grip gives an advantage, as we do take quite a lot of pictures in portrait mode. Currently, our (yes, my wife likes to use the camera too) only lens is the Canon 28-135 IS USM... good all round lens, but I do miss the wide angle from time to time (then again, I could also use a lot more in the tele area!).

For my real passion (nature) I need a better tele, but that's out of budget and will have to wait. The essense is, as I see it a) A better lens for doing portraits and other stuff than the lens we've got + a better grip, or b) A wide angle for taking the shots we currently can't.

[CyberDyneSystems]

If you need a wide angle lens,.. toss your whole list and get the Canon 17-40mm f/4 :)

[PacAce]

CyberDyneSystems wrote:
If you need a wide angle lens,.. toss your whole list and get the Canon 17-40mm f/4 :)

Considering that bugs' passion is nature photography and also has a need for portrait photography then his need for a wide angle zoom would probably be less than his need for a short and/or medium telephoto lens. Therefore, I think the Sigma 17-35 would fit the bill very nicely without having to spending that much more for the Canon 17-40. AAMOF, with the difference between the cost of the these two lenses, one can almost pay for both the BG-ED3 and the 420EX.

Just my 2 cents. :)

[iwatkins]

Config 1 for sure. More bangs for your (companies) buck. Well, if my calculations are correct anyway. :)

Cheers

Ian

[Vegas Poboy]

Just a recommendation from my point of view.
Save the $169 on Big Ed and purchase the shutter release cable, it will save you @ least $100.00 for now and hopefully you have a tripod you will get cleaner shots due to the fact of no camera movement when pressing the shutter. If you plan on shutting alot of flash it might be better to purchase the 550EX using the extra $$$ saved on the battery pack. This flash is great you can make many adjustments to get the effect your looking for. The wide angle zoom I must say the 17-40 f/4 is hard to beat, great for those indoor party shots.
Good luck with choice.