I have $8,000 to spend--Help me spend it!

[Lunatique]

The premise:
The time has come for me to take the plunge, and I need all the help I can get. My wife has set the budget at 8K (USD) for this initial round of purchase, and there is no guarantee that there will be more purchases down the line, as our financial future might not be too stable (but we can afford this camera system upgrade for now). So, with that in mind, whatever I end up getting will have to be very practical and last me for a long time without me feeling like I'm missing something drastically important in my system.

What I'll be shooting:
I currently live in China, and will be here for probably another year or two. While I'm here, I'm going to try to shoot as much of everything as possible (landscape, nature, street, portraits, fashion, candids, sports, macro--you name it, I'll shoot it). Based on what I'll shoot, it would seem the 1D MKII is the only choice that can handle it. I can't imagine that the 10D would be able to handle me shooting some ritual dance of some indigenous tribe by the bon fire--that's low-light AND rapid movement. (No, I won't consider Nikon--not until they've caught up to Canon's speed of progress).

The usual suspects:
Here's a list of possible candidates I'm considering. Please help me pick and choose, because all of you are more experienced than I am with this stuff, and I can't rent bodies/lenses in China--this is not a rental friendly country. Remember, my budget is 8 grand USD.

Body:

Canon 1D MKII

Zoom Lenses:

Sigma 12-24 (For that truly wide angle.)

Tamron 28-75 (Cheap, but raving reviews for its quality.)

Canon 70-200 IS (For my handholding style of shooting.)

Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 (Very cheap for that focal range and aperature. Also raving reviews for its quality.)

Prime Lenses:

Canon 85 f1/.2 (Super fast aperature for low light, and ethereal bokeh--I adore that look.)

Canon 50 f/1.4 (Light, fast, practical.)

Canon 35 f/1.4 (Same as above, slightly wider.)

Canon 24 f/1.4 (Same as above, but even wider. Maybe the 1.8 version so it's cheaper?)

Any brand 14mm f/2.8 (The 12-24 is too slow. Need something fast in true wide angle.)

Canon 135 F/2 (Heard so much good things about this one. But I really don't know if it's THAT much better than the 70-200 IS or the 85 f/1.2)

Any brand 2X TC (I know that the 1.4X is always better quality image wise, but 1.4X isn't much of a reach.)

Canon 500D (I don't think I want to spend the money on a dedicated macro lens. I would if I felt there's one highly practical for other types of shooting too, but I haven't seen one I felt that way about. And from the examples I've seen shot with the 500D on various lenses, it aint too shabby at all. Or maybe I should get extension tubes instead?)

Canon TS-E (24, 45, or 90?) (I don't know if I really need one--or how much good it'll do for me. Just threw it in here to get your opinions.)

Accesories:

Sandisk Ultra II CF card (hmm, what capacity? 512 MB? 1 GB? 2 GB?)

Sandisk SecureMate Memory Card Reader for CompactFlash (CF) & SmartMedia (SM) Cards, Usb & Dual Slot

Spare NP-E3 NiMH Battery

Speedlite 550EX (Do I really need one if I'll be buying at least one very fast lens for low light shooting?)

Lens hoods for various lenses

Polarizing filters (circular one for each of the lenses, or a square filter holder with step up/down adapters?)

UV filters (maybe)

What I already have that I can use with the new system:

Vanguard VT-126 panhead tripod (Nothing special, but does the job. I can't imagine myself spending the obscene amount of money that highend tripods cost.)

Lens cleaning kit.

Camera bag that can hold at least 8 lenses, 2 bodies, and accesories.

[CoolToolGuy]

Hi, and welcome to the forum. I hope you find this a good place to get information and improve your photographic abilities.


I will take a stab at your candidates for prime lenses, as I have some of them, and I am a fan of prime lenses.
-50mm f1.4 - fine choice, very sharp.
-85mm f1.8 - ditto
-14mm f2.8 - I have the Tamron, and I am very pleased. The focusing is a bit noisy, but I can live with that. Street price is around $1000 USD, Canon wants $1800 for theirs. I have seen some good deals on used Tamrons at KEH.COM and on eBay. This focal length will be very wide on the 1DMKII, but it is a nice lens.
-135 f2L- No experience, but it is the next lens on my 'prime' wish list.
I have no experience with the others you have listed, but they are pricey. Perhaps someone else has used them.

That's all I have time for at the moment. I'll check back later and see if I have anything else to add.

Have Fun

[Keyser Soze]

If you wanna get rid of that $8000 I'd happily forward my bank details!!!!

[daaaveman]

I see a lot of redundancy here. What are you planning on doing with your new rig?

Another thought - the Canon 100mm macro gets great reviews although I don't have one myself.

[Lunatique]

Nonono, I'm not getting all the stuff I listed. I have to pick and choose between them--under the 8K budget.

And this isn't frivolous spending--I've waited for over 3 years to do this, and we saved up for a long time in order to afford this. This is huge spending for us--that's why we have to be careful with our choices.

[Longwatcher]

Given $8000, here are some options

#1 Best minimal kit
1DM2, Extra Battery, Two 1gig CF cards, and a Remote Switch
Canon 70-200/2.8 IS
Canon 16-35/2.8
Canon 24-70/2.8
Canon 50/1.8
UV filter for each lens
One 77mm circular polarizer filter
a 1.4x and 2x extender
a 550EX flash
or about $10,750 which is a bit too much,

to get to $8k; drop remote switch, trade 16-35 for 17-40, drop both extenders, drop the flash (although I think it will come in handy), drop the 70-200 to the F4 version or get a Sigma equivilant.
Or you could get to the above kit by dropping the 1DM2 to the 10D with BG-ED and trade the 50/1.8 for a 50/1.4. I think you will be able to capture the action with a 10D, as I have done martial arts sessions with mine, but yes the 1DM2 would be an even better choice for that.

The advantage to the above kit is that except for the 50mm lens all the lenses use the same filter size.

Me personally, although I would like the wide angle of the Sigma lens and it is cheaper then the Canon's, You are most likely to need a wider aperture in close quarters so although expensive the Canon 16-35 would be a better choice. Kind of a toss-up though.

Option #2
1DM2, Extra Battery, Two 1gig CF cards
Canon 70-200/4
2x extender
50/1.4
14/2.8L
Sigma 12-24/4.5-5.6
UV filters for all, Circular Polarizer for 70-200/4 (step rings for other filter sizes)
Should be just over $8000.

If you are getting a 1DM2 you really should be aiming at $15,000 for your overall minimal system cost.

I would go with set #1 orginal myself, but this is over your budget.

Hope it helps,

[phili1]

Well you are going to get allot of opinions, so here is mine.

I think the MKII is awsome but I love my 20D. So If I had a choie I would have 2 20D's for $3000 verses 1 MK 1DII for $4400. this way I can mount my 70-200L on one and my 100-400 on the other.

You have a wide array of lenses and you do not need 8 lenses.

The Tamron 28-75 is a great lens and give you close up capabilities.

Here is my suggestion:

1 MK 1D II or 2 20D $4400 or $3000
either the Sigma 12-24 - Canon 10-22 - or Tamrons new super wide angle that is coming out. I did not get the Sigma because of no front filter. NO lens protection. Cost run about the same $700.00

Sigma Prime 14mm wide angle F2.8 $770.00

Canon 70-200- F2.8 IS L $1500

Canon 100-400 L $1410.00

At this point you have bird photography, sports, air, landscape and macro covered.

MK 1D II cost $8,780.00 20D cost $7,380 ( 2 Cameras) you still have $700 for
all the other goodies.

Now if you go for only the 100-400L zoom you have amother 1500 to spend on Camera bags, CF cards, Tripods, Monopods, etc with either set up.

Food for thought but the list you have would cost you over $12,000.

Right now I have a Tamron 28-75 F 2.8 & a 17-35 F2.8-4 - Canon 70-200 F4 L - Canon 100-400 L 4.5-5.6 and a Sigma 105 F2.8 Macro and I mostly use the 28-75 & the 100-400, on occassion I use the 70-200 and the 17-35 and have found that for flower photography I can get the results I want from my zooms & the Tamron 28-75, so the macro would only be for insects(used very little)

Hope this helps you decide.

[DocFrankenstein]

I would get 20D, because it offers fast AF and good resolution.

As for lenses... NOBODY will be able to tell you what to get. Read this:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=25789

Good luck with your endeavour and hope it's gonna pay off. Don't spread yourself too thin, Adam Smith has some sound ideas about specialization.

Cheers

[clorich]

This thread is 7 months old...I hope he's bought something by now.

[blinking8s]

haha...I didnt even notice it was old...wonder how someone managed to dig it up...it must have been really deep

but if I did have my way

20d + grip
50mm f1.4
16-35 f2.8 L
tamron 28-75 f2.8
85 f1.2
70-200 f2.8L
580ex
lens hoods for all
some batteries
a few sandisk 1gb ultra II's

total...right at 8,000

w00t

[DocFrankenstein]

Dam! I've wasted prescious 5 minutes of my life!

[tim]

I'm not experienced enough to give a lot of opinions, but here are the ones I am qualified to help with.

- Get 2GB of memory minimum. There's nothing worse than running out of space, and if you shoot raw, you get about 150 images per GB
- The Tamron 28-75 isn't a closeup lens. The 100mm macro I just got will do 1:1 at 6 inches or so, the Tamron needs much more space and doesn't give the same ratio. Check out the stats at bhphotovideo.com .
- My Tamron copy needs to be stopped down a bit to get really sharp, check out the thread I posted yesterday for 50/100mm comparisons, i'll add tamron and kit lens shots on the weekend.

Good luck weeding thru all the many and varied suggestions you'll no doubt get on this forum :)

[phili1]

Tim Check your stats the Tamropn 28-75, it is a close up lens. You are getting closeup and macro confused. You get a 1;3 reproduction with the Tamron and can come within 8 inches of your subject, that is a close up. Macro gives you the entire range right to life size 1:1.

If you read the Tamron manual it says 28-75 F 2.8 Macro with a magnification of 1.3.9 at 75mm

[gramps]

I would go with the 20 D - the 24 - 70L, 70 - 200L (2.8 IS) 100 - 400L and if you can find it the 10 - 22 ( I thnik that is the new one). Of course the proper filters for lens protection plus a 77mm cpol and what ever size cpol that will fit the 10 - 22. Flash - 420 or better. If you are moving around a bit the Manfrotto 3444D carbon fiber tripod is nice. To me this setup would be a good "small package combo" for being in a place that you may not want to have too much "stuff" to carry & store. This whole package will fit very nicely in a Penguine soft bag.

[pcasciola]

Who revived this thread anyway? Like clorich pointed out, it's been 7 months since the question was asked. I hope Lunatique is still around. I'm sure he'd get a good laugh out of this one. If he hasn't purchased his equipment by now, I'm sure the 8 grand is long gone anyway.

[chops]

I know I could definately help him spend that 8k bucks. First, I would use $5.5k of it to pay my car off, then use the other $2.5k on a Canon 16-35 F2.8 L and a Canon 70-200 F2.8 L.

[pradeep1]

Dropping eight grand on a system at one time? Then finding out that you don't need a lot of the lenses, accessories, etc., etc. that you bought in the hub-bub. Waste of money. Also, what's with having to have a 1DMKII? Is that the only camera that can handle low light fast photography? Unless this guy is trying to go pro, I don't see the wisdom in dropping so much money on a system at one time by just reading forum opinions and other second hand information without actually using the equipment he is planning on getting.

If this guy asked this question today, I'd suggest a 20D, 17-40L, 70-200 f/2.8 IS L, 50 f/1.8, and maybe one more good prime, 420 EX Flash, a few fast CF cards, some filters, a good bag, cleaning supplies, extra batteries + grip, a good carbon fiber tripod, and good insurance! That should all be well under $5900.

What do you guys think?

[pradeep1]

Who revived this thread anyway? Like clorich pointed out, it's been 7 months since the question was asked. I hope Lunatique is still around. I'm sure he'd get a good laugh out of this one. If he hasn't purchased his equipment by now, I'm sure the 8 grand is long gone anyway.

Seems like phili1 did... :)

[DocFrankenstein]

Dropping eight grand on a system at one time? Then finding out that you don't need a lot of the lenses, accessories, etc., etc. that you bought in the hub-bub. Waste of money. Also, what's with having to have a 1DMKII? Is that the only camera that can handle low light fast photography? Unless this guy is trying to go pro, I don't see the wisdom in dropping so much money on a system at one time by just reading forum opinions and other second hand information without actually using the equipment he is planning on getting.

If this guy asked this question today, I'd suggest a 20D, 17-40L, 70-200 f/2.8 IS L, 50 f/1.8, and maybe one more good prime, 420 EX Flash, a few fast CF cards, some filters, a good bag, cleaning supplies, extra batteries + grip, a good carbon fiber tripod, and good insurance! That should all be well under $5900.

What do you guys think?
Agree 100%

I am not even sure about 17-40... you can get 18-55...

(I know, I know, I'm always bashing it, but then I decided to stop it down when I shoot :D )

[phili1]

I did not look at the date but it was at the top of the list, so I answered. I guess the forum mishap confused things. By the way I can't figure out this reply system, can you.

[mr.photoguy]

The premise:
The time has come for me to take the plunge, and I need all the help I can get. My wife has set the budget at 8K (USD) for this initial round of purchase, and there is no guarantee that there will be more purchases down the line, as our financial future might not be too stable (but we can afford this camera system upgrade for now). So, with that in mind, whatever I end up getting will have to be very practical and last me for a long time without me feeling like I'm missing something drastically important in my system.

What I'll be shooting:
I currently live in China, and will be here for probably another year or two. While I'm here, I'm going to try to shoot as much of everything as possible (landscape, nature, street, portraits, fashion, candids, sports, macro--you name it, I'll shoot it). Based on what I'll shoot, it would seem the 1D MKII is the only choice that can handle it. I can't imagine that the 10D would be able to handle me shooting some ritual dance of some indigenous tribe by the bon fire--that's low-light AND rapid movement. (No, I won't consider Nikon--not until they've caught up to Canon's speed of progress).

The usual suspects:
Here's a list of possible candidates I'm considering. Please help me pick and choose, because all of you are more experienced than I am with this stuff, and I can't rent bodies/lenses in China--this is not a rental friendly country. Remember, my budget is 8 grand USD.

Body:

Canon 1D MKII
Yes I would get this ... leaves you with about 4 grand

Zoom Lenses:

Sigma 12-24 (For that truly wide angle.)
You would have to research this on the net, no comment

Tamron 28-75 (Cheap, but raving reviews for its quality.)
I am buying this lens also, for circa 300 bucks.. can't go wrong leaves you about 3600

Canon 70-200 IS (For my handholding style of shooting.)
depends on if you have a steady hand, indoor shooting or outdoor shooting.Then you would choose between 2.8 IS or the F4. Leaves you with about 3000 or 2600
Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 (Very cheap for that focal range and aperature. Also raving reviews for its quality.)
hard to think cheap when it comes to once in a life time photo's. I learned this. However, if the lens is very good. and Sharp through out the parameter, why not.
Prime Lenses:

Canon 85 f1/.2 (Super fast aperature for low light, and ethereal bokeh--I adore that look.)
why not look into the 100 macro (Sigma or Canon, I am researching the Sigma) or the 180 Tamron macro, double duty lense.. remember be efficient. Let's say 2,000 to 2,200 left.

Canon 50 f/1.4 (Light, fast, practical.)
Na, use the Tamron
Canon 35 f/1.4 (Same as above, slightly wider.)
Na, use the Tamron

Canon 24 f/1.4 (Same as above, but even wider. Maybe the 1.8 version so it's cheaper?)
Na, use the Sigma above.
Any brand 14mm f/2.8 (The 12-24 is too slow. Need something fast in true wide angle.)
Ok, understandable. But if they make a 12-24 f2.8, that would be better9(saves money)
Canon 135 F/2 (Heard so much good things about this one. But I really don't know if it's THAT much better than the 70-200 IS or the 85 f/1.2)
Do you need it, is the question, You will already have the 70- 200 IS which covers this range, and a 100 or 180 macro which could also perform.., I wouldn't bother.

Any brand 2X TC (I know that the 1.4X is always better quality image wise, but 1.4X isn't much of a reach.)
Go for the inbetween 1.5X. I have one and love it

Canon 500D (I don't think I want to spend the money on a dedicated macro lens. I would if I felt there's one highly practical for other types of shooting too, but I haven't seen one I felt that way about. And from the examples I've seen shot with the 500D on various lenses, it aint too shabby at all. Or maybe I should get extension tubes instead?)
I guess it depends on how serious you are about Macro, Macro lenses can serve double duty, Macro and Telephoto.
Canon TS-E (24, 45, or 90?) (I don't know if I really need one--or how much good it'll do for me. Just threw it in here to get your opinions.)
since you doubt you will need it, you probably don't

Accesories:

Sandisk Ultra II CF card (hmm, what capacity? 512 MB? 1 GB? 2 GB?)
I would get a 1 GB or a 2 GB, Research it though.. You can never have to many from what I have been reading

Sandisk SecureMate Memory Card Reader for CompactFlash (CF) & SmartMedia (SM) Cards, Usb & Dual Slot

Spare NP-E3 NiMH Battery
Always a plus, go for it

Speedlite 550EX (Do I really need one if I'll be buying at least one very fast lens for low light shooting?)
I would spring for it, especially if you have space in your bag

Lens hoods for various lenses
Yes, from what I understand noone on either of the boards likes to shoot without there lens hoods

Polarizing filters (circular one for each of the lenses, or a square filter holder with step up/down adapters?)
why not

UV filters (maybe)
why not?

What I already have that I can use with the new system:

Vanguard VT-126 panhead tripod (Nothing special, but does the job. I can't imagine myself spending the obscene amount of money that highend tripods cost.)
As long as it can support your camera, something about a 4,000 dollar camera and 500 dollar lens hitting the ground from 6 feet up, kinda makes me paranoid

Lens cleaning kit.

Camera bag that can hold at least 8 lenses, 2 bodies, and accesories.

Wow, this is the longest I ever took to answer a post. Lol, but it was cool because I could give my opinion. I am not a Pro or anything, but I am damn good at managing what needs to be spent and what would like to be spent.
hehe..

later and good luck ...
don't forget to post photo's.

[flyfishnj]

Funny thing about this thread is that there are a whole new set of hot lenses available since this poor guy spent his 8K. Maybe he should sell all his stuff and start over

[Groundworxs]

I have not read all the replies so I hope this is not being repeated. Don't forget to buy a converter for your power sources. I am a photojournalist and I use an MkII, 24-70 2.8L and a 70-200 2.8L plus a 1.4 TC. This covers 98% of the range I need. There is seldom a need to go wider or longer unless you are shooting for SI. I do also have a Tamron 90mm macro which is very sharp.

If you go prime I would suggest
Canon 20 2.8L
50 1.8 or 1.4
135L (awesome)
1.4TC

The MKII is great I love the natural film like quality.

Safe journeys

[Sketcher]

I did not look at the date but it was at the top of the list, so I answered. I guess the forum mishap confused things.
**HINT HINT**

Old posts are being revived because of the "Similar Threads" category at the bottom of the page. Key words are filtered and run against forum history. Relevant threads are then made available. It's a nice automatic feature that quickly serves up information. If someone posts in one of the old threads, it's refreshed.

That'd be my 'guess' as to why so many old threads are suddenly coming up.

[tofuboy]

Lol, I didn't even notice it was 7 months old until it was pointed out. Funny thing is, back then there has been a good deal of new items. I wonder if he would still go with the 1DmkII or a 20D? 20D would surely save a ton a cash...

I'm pretty sure he has already spent his money, I remember seeing some posts with some photos from a 1 series camera from him.

[monsieurhappy]

Hi There, I just got to add my 2 pence worth here. Surely if someone has serious money to spend like this, they already have more knowledge about gear than this guy seems to. If he's into SLR or DSLR already, he must have some of this stuff. If he's new to photography, this is not the gear to be learning with. There was a post on one of the other threads ( maybe critique ) where a guy said he had a IDs and about £5000 worth of lenses, but his pics. were mundane ( need to be polite ) Surely, to dive straight in at the deep end you need to be able to swim!!

[OviV]

Lunatique is still around. I am sure that he purchased his equipment quite a bit ago and he has been putting it to very good use. Check out his site: http://www.ethereality.info/