Newbie needs a couple SLR's and a bunch o' Lenses.

[Persian-Rice]

Hey guys,

I have been accepted into college for a 3 year photography program. Photography has always been #1 on my list of careers to persue.

That being said, I know my basic way around. I have some experience using an SLR camera and whatnot.

Anyway, let me get right to it.
My course requires the following:
- 1 Digital SLR.
- 1 35mm SLR.
- Obviously, 35 mm lens.
+
-My choice of some extra lenses.
-My choice of filters.
-Tripods, light meters etc etc.

Anyway, I have done my research and I think I have narrowed down my selection to the Canon 10D and the Canon Elan 7/7E.
Now here is where I lack knowledge, lenses. My first major question is, are lenses for these camera's interchangable? If not, do interchangable lenses even exist? My idea here is, if I can save on buying two of everything, I invest in some high quality lenses instead.

What do you guys think of my camera choices? I was wondering if the extra money is worth having the AF eye in the 7e. At this point, you wont budge me on the 10D, but the 35mm im all ears.

As for optional lense choices, I plan on doing motorsports and sports like soccer. I was thinking that getting lenses that would suit my primary focus as being the smart way to go.

For a wide lens, I read that the Tokina ATX 17mm is a nice lense, I have read 3 or 4 reviews that have impressed me.

I need a 35mm prime, anything you guys can suggest?

For "normal use", I REALLY like the 24-70 f2.8L.

Final Question, I know I need a tele lens as well, but I leave those suggestions up to you. Dont forget that I want to shoot fast cars with it. hehe

Just remember, though I do seriously plan on being a career photgrapher, I'm still paying tuition hahaha.

Thanks for reading all this, my thinking was that it would be better of getting this all out of the way at once.

Cheers,
Mike

[PacAce]

My course requires the following:
- 1 Digital SLR.
- 1 35mm SLR.
- Obviously, 35 mm lens.
+
-My choice of some extra lenses.
-My choice of filters.
-Tripods, light meters etc etc.

Anyway, I have done my research and I think I have narrowed down my selection to the Canon 10D and the Canon Elan 7/7E.
Now here is where I lack knowledge, lenses. My first major question is, are lenses for these camera's interchangable? If not, do interchangable lenses even exist? My idea here is, if I can save on buying two of everything, I invest in some high quality lenses instead.


Yes, the lenses are interchangeable on these cameras.


What do you guys think of my camera choices? I was wondering if the extra money is worth having the AF eye in the 7e. At this point, you wont budge me on the 10D, but the 35mm im all ears.


Yes, IMO, you made a very good decision in the choice of your cameras. As for the AF eye, I have the EOS Elan IIe and I used to use the AF eye a lot. However, if you wear glasses or will be wearing sunglasses a lot outside, then it may not work very well for you.


As for optional lense choices, I plan on doing motorsports and sports like soccer. I was thinking that getting lenses that would suit my primary focus as being the smart way to go.

For a wide lens, I read that the Tokina ATX 17mm is a nice lense, I have read 3 or 4 reviews that have impressed me.

I need a 35mm prime, anything you guys can suggest?

For "normal use", I REALLY like the 24-70 f2.8L.

Final Question, I know I need a tele lens as well, but I leave those suggestions up to you. Dont forget that I want to shoot fast cars with it. hehe

Just remember, though I do seriously plan on being a career photgrapher, I'm still paying tuition hahaha.

Thanks for reading all this, my thinking was that it would be better of getting this all out of the way at once.

Cheers,
Mike

For the tele lens, my suggestion would be either the 70-200 IS L or the 100-400 IS L. The 70-200 IS L gives you the faster speed (aperture wise) with its f/2.8, but the 100-400 gives you the longer reach at the 400mm end.

The 70-200 IS L with a 1.4X TC might be a compromise with a 70-280 focal range. But still not a reach as the 400.

The 24-70 L would be a good addition to your camera bag but I can't comment on the Tokina since I've never used it nor have I heard anything about it.

Good luck with your schooling. :)

[toddb]

What! You can go to school to learn photography! Sweet. I wasted 4 years to be a computer scientest...that sucks.

I think the 10D would be the low end for this, because that camera has so many custom actions. I'd think you'd really want that. If you can spring for another $3k, the Mark II would be cool.

I've been on this sight for a while now, I'm defiantly going to get the 70-200mm F2.8 IS L lens. With image stabilization and a large aperture makes this lens very good for all sorts of conditions.

[GPR1]

I like the camera choices. I wouldn't spring for the eye controlled auto focus (I have the Elan 2e -- so I've used it). I could never seem to get it really working well for me. That said, others report they love it.

You can use the same lenses with both bodies. I like (and own) the Canon 17-40L f4. Great lens and (relatively) cheap. For an inexpensive but excellent prime you can get the 50mm f1.8. I look forward to getting the Canon 100-400L some day, and would recommend its focal length to you for shooting fast cars.

Good luck.

Greg