Covered the Basics, Now What?

[Rhilton4u]

Hey everyone - OK, so I purchased my Rebel XTI couple of months ago. Haven't been able to take it out much because of the weather. :mad: I just got my yearly bonus check and spent some $ to try and get all the basic needs taken care of. Maybe somebody can suggest what should be next on my list after I've had a chance to snap some pics this Spring...

I already had an old film Rebel with the cheap 50mm prime and a 55-200mm zoom. So I got those two lenses in addition to the kit 18-55mm. I bought two 2G CF cards and my wife had a point & shoot Canon with the RC-1 remote so I have that too. Not bad for a start.

So with the extra money I did this:

Purchased the Manfrotto 3012B-Pro with Bogen 488RC2 head.
Got the 430EX Flash
Splurged on a Canon EF-S 10-22mm Superwide
Got the Canon 200 EG Camera Backpack

I've already decided to get a spare battery (was going to get Sterlingtek, but not sure after reading the thread here) and I think I should get a lens hood for the 10-22 at least. I'm not excited about the grip, because I'm used to using a camera without one.

Have I covered all the basic needs? What would you guys suggest I should put next on my list?

Thanks.

[blackshadow]

You certainly have the building blocks for a great camera setup there.

If I were in your shoes I'd be saving my money to upgrade some of the lenses you have to better quality glass - it's not cheap but you will see much improved results.
55-200 --> 70-200L (which specific model depends on your needs/budget)
18-55 --> 17-55 EF-S f2.8 IS
50mm --> 50mm f1.4
I'd also look at a few other primes:
Sigma 30mm f1.4 or Canon 35L f1.4
Canon 85mm f1.8

Good lenses will last a lifetime if treated properly - camera bodies come and go - what glass best suits you depends on what type of shooting you do.

Another thing to consider is studio lighting - again dependent on what type of photography you do.

[Rhilton4u]

You certainly have the building blocks for a great camera setup there.

If I were in your shoes I'd be saving my money to upgrade some of the lenses you have to better quality glass - it's not cheap but you will see much improved results.
55-200 --> 70-200L (which specific model depends on your needs/budget)
18-55 --> 17-55 EF-S f2.8 IS
50mm --> 50mm f1.4
I'd also look at a few other primes:
Sigma 30mm f1.4 or Canon 35L f1.4
Canon 85mm f1.8

Good lenses will last a lifetime if treated properly - camera bodies come and go - what glass best suits you depends on what type of shooting you do.

Another thing to consider is studio lighting - again dependent on what type of photography you do.Everything you have said I too have thought. But I'm holding off on buying any new glass for a while. This is my starter set (besides I just dropped a ton on that 10-22). And I'm not a studio photographer, so I don't need any studio lights. I mostly shoot landscapes, nature and sports. Thanks for the quick response.

[JWright]

I'd hold off purchasing any studio lighting until you really determine whether you have a need or not. I bought a full Novatron setup with three heads, background w/stand and other accessories eight years ago when I had the money. I have used it a total of three times...

[Rhilton4u]

Thanks I'm not planning on using studio lights...so that's not a consideration for me.