I got approval!

[NGrinerPhoto]

I got approval from work and can spend up to $10,000 on camera equipment. What should I get ... I'm talking everything. Camera, grip, lens, bag, tripod, flash, flash bracket, off shoe cord, studio lights, pocket wizards ... what am I forgetting.

Any ideas?

-Nick

[davidwegs]

Well, the first thing is to go back and ask for triple the budget t otget started with and to plan on the same amount again in about 6 months (when you have become familiar with the kit) to finish of the set up.

Seriously, 10k barely gets you a 1Ds MkII and a lens worth having.

[Jon]

Remind us of what they're expecting you to photograph, please.

[merlyn9]

WHY do you work for?
AND How can I get a job there???

---michael

[Belmondo]

It would really be helpful to know what you're going to be photographing, under what circumstances, and what type of product you'll be expected to deliver with it. Whatever approach you take, though, it sure sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun spending their money

[Persian-Rice]

Just because someone gives you some rope, it doesnt mean you hang yourself with it.

1DMKII - 4000
20D - 1300
17-40 F4 - 600
24-70 F2.8 - 1100
70-200 F2.8 - 1100
1.4 TC - 250
2x 580EX - 750
Monfrotto 3021 with 322RC2 - 250
Lowepro bags - 150
6x512 Sandisk ultra 2 - 300
General UVs & Polarizers - 300

That covers most of it and is still under 10K. You can sqeeze the rest in.

[NGrinerPhoto]

I work for ACBJ. It's a network of newspapers and magazines in the US. I shoot studio portraits, environmental portraits, product shots, events, architectural shots and the occasional local government hearing. No sports. High speed and high resolution are not a big deal.

-Nick

[Longwatcher]

Based on a budget of $10k and a list of everything

Looks like best bet is 20D
Might manage a 1DM2, but your lenses will be limited if you still want studio lights, pocket wizards, camera flashes and other stuff you listed.

To get a full range of "L" zoom lenses
16-35/2.8L $1370 (before rebate (BR)) (You could skimp and go for 17-40).
24-70/2.8L $1140 (BR) (can't skimp on this one)
70-200/2.8L IS $1650 (BR) (could always downgrade to 70-200/4L)
So that is $4160 right there. Plus you might want a prime or three. or the 100-400, and extenders.

About $1500+ for good studio light set
About $1000 for good tripod, head, bag, and accessories
So that leaves about $2,000-2,500 or basically a 20D.
You may need the balance for PS and a computer upgrade.

Going for the 1DsMkII would mean pick any one zoom lens and a couple of flash cards.

My current cost of reasonable system guess is $7500 for 20D
about $12000 for 1DM2
and $25000 for 1DsMKII.

[Scottes]

My current cost of reasonable system guess is $7500 for 20D

Boy, did I go over budget....

[Longwatcher]

Boy, did I go over budget....

That's probably because you are aiming for the 1DsMkII eventually. 8)

[Scottes]

That's probably because you are aiming for the 1DsMkII eventually.

As a bird shooter I like the 1.6 X-Factor of the 20D. I aiming for the Sigma 300-800... but that will definitely put me over the budget.

[OviV]

I think Longwatchers list with the 20D is a good one. I would take the leftover money and buy another 20D as a backup body and then plenty of CF Cards.

Ovi

[Mark Kemp]

Did you factor in the wages for the bodyguard to stop people stealing all this stuff?

[Penguin_101_1]

Did you factor in the wages for the bodyguard to stop people stealing all this stuff?

I will be your bodyguard for $100,000 a year and I get to use the camera on off days.

[NGrinerPhoto]

so this is what i have so far ...

2x 1GB Lexar 80x Cards
1x Canon BP-511A Battery
1x BG-E2 Grip
1x 20D
3x 77mm Filters
1x Off Camera Shoe Cord
1x Press-T Bracket
2x 580EX Flash
1x Flash Transmitter
24-70 2.8L
70-200 2.8L
16-35 2.8L

What am I forgetting? I have a bag and studio light kit I can use. Maybe a meter? What about a tripod and head and a Quantum for the flash. Ideas? Anything else ...

[Gus00]

What am I forgetting?

A Ham Samich!

[Longwatcher]

Good list from what I can see.

a light meter is purely optional with a digital and although I have one I still have not felt the need to use it (but then I also have not been going to stores shooting pets, which is why I got it for consitentcy of lighting if I have to change locations.

I am not a good one to recommend a tripod or head. For me if it doesn't move and my camera stays level it is a good tripod by my standards.

[ssim]

so this is what i have so far ...

2x 1GB Lexar 80x Cards
1x Canon BP-511A Battery
1x BG-E2 Grip
1x 20D
3x 77mm Filters
1x Off Camera Shoe Cord
1x Press-T Bracket
2x 580EX Flash
1x Flash Transmitter
24-70 2.8L
70-200 2.8L
16-35 2.8L

What am I forgetting? I have a bag and studio light kit I can use. Maybe a meter? What about a tripod and head and a Quantum for the flash. Ideas? Anything else ...
I'd add the 1.4 teleconverter to your list.

[kiwimichael]

I work for ACBJ. It's a network of newspapers and magazines in the US. I shoot studio portraits, environmental portraits, product shots, events, architectural shots and the occasional local government hearing. No sports. High speed and high resolution are not a big deal.

-Nick

Hi Nick,

When I think of magazines, studio portraits, product shots and architecture I also think of HIGH resolution. If you decide that high resolution is also important you may want to consider the 1D series.
While your budget won't cover the 1DsMKII, you may want to consider the 1Ds (MKI). It has 11M pixels compared to the 8M in the 20D. B&H list it at $6000. I'm sure that there are several second-hand 1Ds cameras available which will lower the price and leave you more for the lenses,lights etc.

Just a thought.

Cheers,
Michael

[NGrinerPhoto]

Hi Nick,

When I think of magazines, studio portraits, product shots and architecture I also think of HIGH resolution. If you decide that high resolution is also important you may want to consider the 1D series.
While your budget won't cover the 1DsMKII, you may want to consider the 1Ds (MKI). It has 11M pixels compared to the 8M in the 20D. B&H list it at $6000. I'm sure that there are several second-hand 1Ds cameras available which will lower the price and leave you more for the lenses,lights etc.

Just a thought.

Cheers,
Michael

When we resize the images to drop in the layouts, we never use them any bigger than 8x12 @ 200 DPI. I am using a D60 now and when I shoot large jpeg, they are 8x12 @ 256. In other words ... I really don't need anything bigger than 6MP.

-Nick

[kiwimichael]

When we resize the images to drop in the layouts, we never use them any bigger than 8x12 @ 200 DPI. I am using a D60 now and when I shoot large jpeg, they are 8x12 @ 256. In other words ... I really don't need anything bigger than 6MP.

-Nick

Great - that makes the 20D a good option with lots of $$$ for the other goodies!
Have fun.

Cheers,
Michael

[blinking8s]

1D Mark II - $4499.00
20d - $ 1,499.00

85mm f/1.8 USM - $ 324.95
17-40mm f/4L - $ 654.95
24-70mm f/2.8L USM - $ 1,094.95
70-200mm f/2.8L IS - $ 1,599.95

2 x 580EX Speedlite TTL with ST-E2 Transmitter Kit - $ 979.95

total = $10,062.80

DAMNIT!!! i went over...

yeah...get two 20d's for sure...as bad ass as the MKII is i dont think you really need it...

subtract 449.00 = 5563.80 + a second 20d = $7062.80

leaving enough for a nice tripod and some studio toys

[planesh00ter]

NO NO NO NO NO
You are all wrong !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3 X 4.99$ box cameras
1 R/T to Cancun
1 lame boss who buys the idea of a story about it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9,585.00$ for the "story"

[blinking8s]

NO NO NO NO NO
You are all wrong !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3 X 4.99$ box cameras
1 R/T to Cancun
1 lame boss who buys the idea of a story about it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9,585.00$ for the "story"

hahaha...there we go!

[Gus00]

... and a ham samich!

[snibbetsj]

If you're going to be shooting studio portraits, architectual, environmental, and product then I'm going to recommend:

20D (maybe x2)
35 f1.4L
50 f1.4L
85f1.8
135 f2L
50mm f2.8 tilt-shift
1.4 tele

512mb or 1gb CF (at least 3 gigs worth)

4 x WL 1600 plus umbrellas/softboxes/stand

Pocket wizard for above

Sekonic L-558

Backgrounds and stands

That should blow a huge hole in your 10 grand and give you some excellent equipment.

:) :)

[mblanton]

Here is what I would buy:

20D w/battery grip
2 - 1GB CF Cards
50mm 1.8
17-40L
100mm macro
24-70L
70-200L
300mm f/4
1 580EX
1 set of studio lights
1 Tripod

[kiwimichael]

If you are going to connect studio lights to your camera, I suggest you check out the following links as it seems as if directly connecting these lighst to your camera can cause problems.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=45122

http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/index2.html#trigger

Cheers
Michael

[GaryTorello]

What am I forgetting?
Photoshop CS and a machine with enough juice to post process your images without painful memory lags






___________________
Gary

you always shoot the ones you love

[Hellashot]

What's your job and what will you do with it??

[Hellashot]

Don't forget another battery or a DC coupler.

[dpastern]

mmm Well, reading your needs, I'd go:

20d x 2
50 f1.8
70-200 f2.8 L
Battery grip
2gb Sandisk Ultra II cf card
550ex flash
handheld light meter of some sort (I use a Sekonic L370B, well at least I think that's the model number)
solid gitzo or manfrotto tripd
remote release to suit
studio lights
suitable backdrops

You don't need big file sizes, so anything above the 8mp of the 20d is gonna be both expensive and a waste. I suggest a 2gb card as I'd recommend shooting in raw only. Gives you some room to play with. You could go 2 x 1gb cards, and have them running in parallel (ie. a backup card in case the other one dies). That's not such a bad idea actually.

The 70-200 f.8L is such a nice lense. I don't have any experience with the IS version, but the standard is really nice. I think you get the drift ;-)

The 550 ex flash will give you power if you need it, but also flexibility. I personally hate using flash, and I avoid it like the plague, so I'm no super expert in this area.

The handheld light meter is a must, it'll give you the most accurate metering for skin tones. In portraits, it's vital.

The 50 1.8 lense becomes a 85mm or so with the 1.6x conversion of the 20d. It's also very sharp, and cheap :-) It'll be just as good as the 85mm f1.8 in a normal 35mm film setup if you ask me.

You don't need those other fancy lenses in all honesty. I think most of the posters haven't given much thought to the 1.6x conversion due to the 20d's chip size. And many have went with overkill because of the "I get to spend money factor".

You could possibly go the 17-40L lens as well. With the 1.6 factor, it could be handy, although in all honesty I think you can most probably do without it.

You could ditch the 2 20d's and get a 5d, and substitute a 85mm f1.8 for the 50mm in my list if you wanted. You'd get the benefit if full frame and 12mp, but I think that's overkill for what you're aiming for and your requirements.

Just my 2.2c inc. GST worth!

Dave

edited:

remember, the 70-200 f2.8 will become 112-320 f2.8, if you're doing outdoor portraiture, it'll be nice to use for the flattening effect and nice bokeh. Get a nice copy of PS 7 cs and phase one's capture. You'll have lots of change from 10k, be able to do an excellent photographic job, and you'll look responsible to the boss by saving him/her money! Bosses love this! Just because you have a 10k limit doesn't mean you have to spend it - don't let the money go to your head, think clearly and buy what will allow you to get the job done.

[Maureen Souza]

mmm Well, reading your needs, I'd go:

20d x 2
50 f1.8
70-200 f2.8 L
Battery grip
2gb Sandisk Ultra II cf card
550ex flash
handheld light meter of some sort (I use a Sekonic L370B, well at least I think that's the model number)
solid gitzo or manfrotto tripd
remote release to suit
studio lights
suitable backdrops

You don't need big file sizes, so anything above the 8mp of the 20d is gonna be both expensive and a waste. I suggest a 2gb card as I'd recommend shooting in raw only. Gives you some room to play with. You could go 2 x 1gb cards, and have them running in parallel (ie. a backup card in case the other one dies). That's not such a bad idea actually.

The 70-200 f.8L is such a nice lense. I don't have any experience with the IS version, but the standard is really nice. I think you get the drift ;-)

The 550 ex flash will give you power if you need it, but also flexibility. I personally hate using flash, and I avoid it like the plague, so I'm no super expert in this area.

The handheld light meter is a must, it'll give you the most accurate metering for skin tones. In portraits, it's vital.

The 50 1.8 lense becomes a 85mm or so with the 1.6x conversion of the 20d. It's also very sharp, and cheap :-) It'll be just as good as the 85mm f1.8 in a normal 35mm film setup if you ask me.

You don't need those other fancy lenses in all honesty. I think most of the posters haven't given much thought to the 1.6x conversion due to the 20d's chip size. And many have went with overkill because of the "I get to spend money factor".

You could possibly go the 17-40L lens as well. With the 1.6 factor, it could be handy, although in all honesty I think you can most probably do without it.

You could ditch the 2 20d's and get a 5d, and substitute a 85mm f1.8 for the 50mm in my list if you wanted. You'd get the benefit if full frame and 12mp, but I think that's overkill for what you're aiming for and your requirements.

Just my 2.2c inc. GST worth!

Dave

edited:

remember, the 70-200 f2.8 will become 112-320 f2.8, if you're doing outdoor portraiture, it'll be nice to use for the flattening effect and nice bokeh. Get a nice copy of PS 7 cs and phase one's capture. You'll have lots of change from 10k, be able to do an excellent photographic job, and you'll look responsible to the boss by saving him/her money! Bosses love this! Just because you have a 10k limit doesn't mean you have to spend it - don't let the money go to your head, think clearly and buy what will allow you to get the job done.

Hey Dave, You are about a year late. Nice try, though.

[foxbat]

What am I forgetting? A seond body so that when your only one packs up on an important job you don't get fired. A 350D would do.

[Maureen Souza]

Ummmm, hello! This post is a year old.

[dpastern]

dang! I misread the date lol! I really need to get my eyes tested!

Dave

[malla1962]

I think you are forgeting how little £10000 is,you will be lucky to get all you listed.:D

[JMHPhotography]

I think the camera needs have been filled, but I'm thinking $10,000 should cover the cost of a new 2006 calander for every POTN user so we all know what the date is... eh Maureen? :lol: Oh yeah... AND a Ham Sammich

[roanjohn]

Hmmm..............I wonder what the OP ended up getting.

I would suggest 2 x 40 D and some lenses......like the 17-70 f2.8L.....

.....Ok, thats next years list.

:-)

Ro1

[NGrinerPhoto]

i ended up with ...

20d
2 x lexar 1gb 80x cards
extra camera battery
battery grip
17-40L
24-70L
70-200L IS
3 x UV filters
580ex
omni bounce
expo disk
cf tripod with grip action ball head
rechargeable aa batteries with rapid charger
pocket wizards and cables
light stands
q-flashes
quantum turbos
quantum cz cables
2 x umbrellas
quantum brackets and clamps
light gear bag
l-583 meter with pocket wizard module
lowepro stealth reporter bag

total came to $9500

[SWPhotoImaging]

Hahaha, I was reading through this thread, and wondering "why isn't anyone recommending the 5D?" It would be perfect for this.

Then I came to teh latest ones, and the realization that this was from LAST January . . .

Hahahah!

[Mark_Cohran]

i ended up with ...

20d
2 x lexar 1gb 80x cards
extra camera battery
battery grip
17-40L
24-70L
70-200L IS
3 x UV filters
580ex
omni bounce
expo disk
cf tripod with grip action ball head
rechargeable aa batteries with rapid charger
pocket wizards and cables
light stands
q-flashes
quantum turbos
quantum cz cables
2 x umbrellas
quantum brackets and clamps
light gear bag
l-583 meter with pocket wizard module
lowepro stealth reporter bag

total came to $9500

Nice kit! I do some photography for my company, but I use my own equipment and they are just really nice to me :)

Mark

[prime80]

Hahaha, I was reading through this thread, and wondering "why isn't anyone recommending the 5D?" It would be perfect for this.

Then I came to teh latest ones, and the realization that this was from LAST January . . .

Hahahah!

Ditto...I couldn't believe noone was suggesting the 5D. :)

[calgaryphotographer]

1D Mark II - $4499.00
20d - $ 1,499.00

85mm f/1.8 USM - $ 324.95
17-40mm f/4L - $ 654.95
24-70mm f/2.8L USM - $ 1,094.95
70-200mm f/2.8L IS - $ 1,599.95

2 x 580EX Speedlite TTL with ST-E2 Transmitter Kit - $ 979.95

total = $10,062.80

DAMNIT!!! i went over...

yeah...get two 20d's for sure...as bad ass as the MKII is i dont think you really need it...

subtract 449.00 = 5563.80 + a second 20d = $7062.80

leaving enough for a nice tripod and some studio toys

The company seems like they have pretty deep pockets - the extra 62.80 probably doesn't phase them.

[rklepper]

Personally I would leave out the filters, just make sure you use a hood. A tripod is really essential for many things. Check out the feisols at www.feisol.com they are a real bargain. You may also wish to consider a monopod if you need to be mobile.