Ask a Pro: Spend my cash

[zenpro]

Hi there,

I'm not a Pro but I'd love to become a very good photographer nevertheless. I don't want to start a business, I've already a good day job, but I'd love to get published in magazines, in books or exhibits. So far I've used an SLR film camera (Canon EOS Elan 7ne with two cheap Sigma zooms) and the results are very promising. My photography teacher (in a photography gallery/association, not college), who has taught many people over the years, used to tell me that I've an amazing eye for photography and that I was one of her most promising students ever. In reality I feel like a beginner even if I've read and studied a lot the subject, so much so that I feel thrilled to learn always more. I ask my question here because I do not want an answer by some rich guy who delights himself in an expensive hobby (no disrespect to these users, but I don't fit in the category), I'd like to have answers from professionals/artists who make rational choices over the equipment that they purchase usually with a given budget, rather than based on the impulse buying to fill a signature on the forum. (Of course professionals spend a lot because they have a ROI, that I won't have, but I still think you have the best judgment in the field).

It's the photographer that makes the difference not the equipment, but given that I've to spend a substantial amount of money, I'd love to get the best bang for the buck.

So I propose you a small fun game/exercise that will most likely help me a lot. I'll give you a bit of background information about what I like to shoot, what's my budget and what sites I'll shop at... and I propose that you put yourself in my shoes, and put together a list of what you would get. http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif

CURRENT EQUIPMENT
==================
The current equipment will be sold as trade-in in case I pick a brand that is not Canon, otherwise will be kept but only the Flash will be usable in the digital land:
Canon EOS 7ne
Sigma 24-70mm (not compatible with digital)
Sigma 70-300mm (not compatible with digital)
Canon EX420 flash
Canon Powershot A80
(I don't have any indoor equipment like softboxes, backdrops, etc...)

I also own a decent SLIK tripod that I won't be trading in.

PURPOSE
=========
Mostly people photography, portraits, street, indoor and outdoor beauty models, fashion, and similar. I'd also like to do stock photography as well (including still life). Sport and Nature/Travel/Landscape photography will be done but are not the main focus at all.

PRICES
=======
For the sake of this experiment, please use http://henrys.com (http://henrys.com/), http://cameracanada.com (http://cameracanada.com/) and http://downtowncamera.com (http://downtowncamera.com/) as I'll buy from them.
This is for the Camera/Lenses, for other stuff feel free to use other sites as price reference.

BUDGET
================
My budget is $2000 (Cnd) including taxes. I know it will seem to you very tight, but I'll be honest, I'm not rich and 2K to me is a lot of dough. If I don't get a Canon camera, you can account for an extra $400 for the trade in. If you select a Canon camera, don't consider the Sigma lenses, as they won't work but the flash will.

QUIRKS
=======
I plan to spend not more than $600 dollars a year or so, therefore I won't be the typical amateur who changes its expensive dslr body every year.
I've tried a Canon XTi and it's very plasticky and don't like the feeling at all (but the size and weight of my Elan feels good).

So all I'm asking you do to is to list what items would you buy within the budget buying at the sites indicated above and with my purpose of photography in mind.

I'm immensely grateful to anyone who'd want to play along and help me out.

Thanks in advance,
Zen

[Vegas Poboy]

I understand the cost restrictions and not wanting to leave your day job. Have you considered with the type of work your wanting to shoot that you don't have to leave your day job and make money on both ends?

I have a great day job but also started my own business, I do work both and there is times the business is great. Starting the business has allowed my more options on who to shoot for and control the jobs I want. Freelance is just a way of saying no studio and open to everyone who needs a photographer. Anytime your collecting money for services it's a business unless your working directly for a studio. Some Studios have no competition clauses in thier hiring contracts which means while working for them you're not to do any outside work that may take from them.

Now the main part equipment, Used 20D body, 580 flash 28-135mm lense should keep you close to your budget. Not sure of the stores you plan on purchasing from, me myself shops B&H or Sammy's and always has had great luck with them. If you can spare a few hundred more go with the 30D I've heard it was a big improvement over the 20D.

Other things you may not have thought of is Mac or PC, Software- Photoshop or Elements 5 , CF cards, CF readers.

Dont buy cheap on the cards remember they're hold the images.

I'm sure you'll get more feedback but right now I think I covered most of it. Printing is cheap at Sam's or Costco so printing at home could wait until the cash builds up.

Once income starts coming in then you have to choice of where you have to spend in upgrading your equipment.

[GrendelZ]

Definitely get a 30d first.Resist the temtation to get a digital rebel as you will soon out grow it.For portrait work I would say get either a 50 1.4 or an 85 1.8.Or you could opt for the 17-40L which would give you a good walkaround lens to start out with.

[zenpro]

I understand the cost restrictions and not wanting to leave your day job. Have you considered with the type of work your wanting to shoot that you don't have to leave your day job and make money on both ends?

I have a great day job but also started my own business, I do work both and there is times the business is great. Starting the business has allowed my more options on who to shoot for and control the jobs I want. Freelance is just a way of saying no studio and open to everyone who needs a photographer. Anytime your collecting money for services it's a business unless your working directly for a studio. Some Studios have no competition clauses in thier hiring contracts which means while working for them you're not to do any outside work that may take from them.

Now the main part equipment, Used 20D body, 580 flash 28-135mm lense should keep you close to your budget. Not sure of the stores you plan on purchasing from, me myself shops B&H or Sammy's and always has had great luck with them. If you can spare a few hundred more go with the 30D I've heard it was a big improvement over the 20D.

Other things you may not have thought of is Mac or PC, Software- Photoshop or Elements 5 , CF cards, CF readers.

Dont buy cheap on the cards remember they're hold the images.

I'm sure you'll get more feedback but right now I think I covered most of it. Printing is cheap at Sam's or Costco so printing at home could wait until the cash builds up.

Once income starts coming in then you have to choice of where you have to spend in upgrading your equipment.

Thank you Vegas, I'll consider the option of a business on the side. ;)
I've already PCs (Laptop + Desktop) and Software fortunately. What do you think would be better a 28-135 or a prime 85 f/1.8? Will my EX420 be ok for the moment, or do I need the power and control of EX580 in your opinion?

thank-you,
zen

[zenpro]

Definitely get a 30d first.Resist the temtation to get a digital rebel as you will soon out grow it.For portrait work I would say get either a 50 1.4 or an 85 1.8.Or you could opt for the 17-40L which would give you a good walkaround lens to start out with.

Hi GrendelZ,

I think I'll go for a 30D, despite the fact that Canon will come out with a much better model soon (this kind of diss me, but that's reality). The 50 f/1.4 and the 85 f/1.8 are in budget, while the 17-40L is not (unless I buy it second hand).

Thanks,
Zen

[GrendelZ]

Hi GrendelZ,

I think I'll go for a 30D, despite the fact that Canon will come out with a much better model soon

Dont feel bad,the day I went to register my new 20d on Canons site they had just announced the 30d.:evil::cry:

[Vegas Poboy]

Thank you Vegas, I'll consider the option of a business on the side. ;)
I've already PCs (Laptop + Desktop) and Software fortunately. What do you think would be better a 28-135 or a prime 85 f/1.8? Will my EX420 be ok for the moment, or do I need the power and control of EX580 in your opinion?

thank-you,
zen


I wasted alot of time avoiding the 28 -135 and purchased a year ago with the rebate. Great lens for film or digital, I wished I purchased it sooner for the work I was doing.

I own a pair of mark IIs I use for my major work but when I'm just out I carry my 20D & the 28-135 & my old 550 flash. Kit is hard to beat plus I have a simple bag to put it in.

From what you stated that you want to cover, this lens will work on everything but Sports. Monte Zucker used this lens for years covering weddings and portraits. Group shots, head shots and some landscapes all in one. As you make more $$$ then purchase more lense depending on the jobs your covering.

Flash I would say the 580ex and learn how to use it. most people attached the flash the top of the camera thats it. I love controling my lighting everytime I shoot with the exceptions of events no time to play let the flash work itself.

Learn how to use it manually and it's a big plus for any editorial work.

Good Luck

[Dorman]

Since you're not happy with the feel of the XT or XTI I'll suggest a new Canon 30D Body (which I'll be upgrading to myself in the near future). For the majority of your shooting the Sigma 17-70 DC would fall within your budget and would be quite flexible for your needs.

It's moderately fast and can blur backgrounds for portraits, it'd be good for tight portraits as well as wide group shots. For your stock photography this lens has a nice close up almost macro ability. It'd be a versatile focal length for all your walkabout needs and would do the travel/landscape bit nicely when needed.

This would give you a great camera body, the most versatile lens that springs to mind that still falls within budget, a flash, and a tripod. Not a bad start at all.

On a side note I find henrys to be a bit pricey, I purchase most of my equipment through B&H photo in the states and after converting to Cdn dollars, paying shipping, taxes, etc it works out to less than the before tax/shipping retail prices of henrys.

Good luck with whatever you choose.