My Canon Starter Pack

[R1 Kid]

Hello to all. First off let me say how impressed I am with this site. The professionalism around here is second to none. I love how freely the amatures and pros alike give tips, pointers, and very accurate advice.

Second my reasoning initially for finding this web site is because I'm looking to turn pro within the next 6 mos to a year. Why so far out? To give me time to one "think" about what it is I'm doing. Two, to get my gear, my funds, etc. inline. It's never good to rush into a major decision like this.

I will be getting my DBA form, checking acct, bus lic., and web hosting space at the end of this mo or beginning of next. That way I can start easing into the business and not run full bore. That hardly ever works.

Background is semi limited, but it is a love of mine and I have the blessing of God on my side. My prayers were sent out months before the decision was made and I feel like I should step up and answer the call. Who knows maybe I can bring the beauty of photograph into the ministry some how.

Now for the good stuff: I sent out my shopping list yesterday and a local camera shop matched all of B&H's prices except for the taxes of course, but there is something to be said about getting your equipment then and there. Plus if you have an emergency they can really pull you out of a pinch.

My shopping list:
EOS 20D, SLR, Digital Camera Body (of course did you expect anything less?)
BG-E2 Vertical Grip/Battery Holder
2 X BP-511A Lithium-Ion Batterys
Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens
580EX Speedlite TTL Shoe Mount Flash
52mm Haze UV-1 Glass Filter
52mm Circular Polarizer Glass Filter
Zoom Super Wide Angle EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens
67mm Circular Polarizer Glass Filter
Zoom Telephoto EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM Autofocus Lens
Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2
2CR5 6v Lithium Battery
A couple other little things that may be needed.

Type of work:
At first all and probably any type that I can get my hands on to get my name out. Don't worry guys the prices will remain on par with the current market. Any discounted prices will read something like normal/going rate $... - discount % = favor $... That way I won't face the issue of well so-n-so said #$@% and now I expect the same. The main focus will be on studio work and events that I will be able to go and setup a mobile studio of sorts.

Anyway I've been lurking around these forums for a couple weeks and posted a useless note here and there. I just wanted to come on here and officially say hello and thank you to all of you that pour out your heart for the profession of photography.

God Bless, Jim

[DSMITH131]

Well Jim with God on your side you can never go wrong Good Luck on you Quest (Both of them)

[Penguin_101_1]

Good luck! What is your business going to be? Sports? Weddings? I would also say since you have income riding on this I would get a backup. Also, what computer? Space? Server? Photoshop?

I am sure you have thought of this!
Good luck!

[tim]

I have a few thoughts:

1) I 2nd the backup plan. I've only had my 20D stop working once, it ERR99d on me while I was taking photos of a fire. Thanks to the advice i'd previously read on here I just removed the battery and lens, put it back and it all worked, but if you're paid to do a job and your equipment fails you'll get a bad reputation and lose work.

2) Why are you getting a 52mm UV filter? Protection or for the UV filtering? The 50mm F1.8 lens is deeply recessed, which means it's protected from a lot of things the filter might help with. It might be cheaper to replace the lens in case of an accident than getting a decent UV filter.

3) The 50mm F1.8 is quite slow to focus. If I were going pro i'd spring for the 1.4, which is meant to be closer to L quality.

4) EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS - this seems quite slow for a general purpose lens. I'd personally go with a faster lens, to freeze motion subjecty better, and to allow for more creative effects. The IS doesn't help if the subject is moving quickly, a fast lens is what you need for that.

5) If you move up to a pro level camera, the EF-S 17-85 won't fit.

6) Look at sterlingtek.com for batteries, they're cheap and in my experience as good as the Canon batteries. Canon buy their batteries from somewhere, they don't make them themselves.

7) The little battery comes with the camera, you don't need to buy one. At least mine did.

I hate to say it, but from what little I know it looks like you're jumping into this too quickly. I've had my 20D a couple of months, and i'm not confident I can fully control all apsects of the operation under pressure. Perhaps starting a little slower and learning the gear as you go is a good idea.

Hope that helps :)

[merrrrjig]

WOW! I wish i had that starter kit!

[Citizensmith]

Well Jim with God on your side you can never go wrong

Which one? :)

[Jon]

I'd get a second flash before getting the ST-E2. At least a 420EX (which costs about the same), preferably a 550EX or second 580EX. That way you can have off-camera wireless flash but you can get dual flash sources if needed. I'd also add the Off Camera Cord and a good flash bracket.

[R1 Kid]

In short...Thank you all for your advice. I highly respect all critiques from each and every one of you from the newest guy to the most experienced. Nobody knows it all, and EVERYONE can be taught something. Thanks again for your responses.

For the long version read below.

I'll try to touch on the highlights.

This is not my first DSLR. Even though my other is not the best it can take great photos. My backup right now is a Fujifilm S602Z. It takes great pics. I'm at work right now, but maybe I can post a couple of Aspen when I get a chance later in the week. I have a second flash, but I know what your saying about multiple flashes. Keep in mind that I will be concentrating on studio or "mobile" studio setups which will include light booms, umbrellas, hair lights, etc. I didn't list them b/c I'm still waiting to get them. Which brings me to my next response.

Tim- Thank you for the advice to slow down. Maybe you missed my second paragraph, but to retouch on it. I will not be taking it serious till about 6 mo to a yr out. Maybe longer if I need to. So I will be plenty ready and have all my equipment by that time. Maybe even another backup camera who knows.
I got the filters because they were cheap and who knows when they might come in handy. I don't plan on using them that often.
I realize the 1.8 is a bit slow, but for $70 bucks how can you go wrong? Besides the quality of that lens is outstanding for the quality to dollor ratio.
I am aware of the differences of the lenses that you speak of. Remember I'm still collecting my equipment and didn't want to turn my "starter pack" into a $15,000 dollar investment right out of the gate before I could start seeing some return on the equipment.
Thank you very much for the tip on the batteries. I know the major brands do not make they're own batteries for expense reasons, but I did not have a good source for where to get them. And the extra 2 batteries I bought was for the Grip so when those two died I still had the one that came with the camera for a backup. Plus I keep about 12 AA batteries as a back-backup not to mention that you always have access to a local gas station.

Penguin_101_1- Studio work mostly, but yes I will start with many weddings, sporting events, some stock photos, etc. to get going and put my name out. Plus I'll be keeping an eye for the elusive nitch that we all crave.
I can't remember the server I was looking at for web hosting I have it written down in my notes at home. For editing I use an Alienware Area-51m with all high end graphics cards, true processor not a mobile processor, etc. Plus I have Adobe Elements 3.0 for organization & minor fixing, Photoshop 7.0, and soon to get Photoshop CS (just don't really need it quite yet).

You guys are awesome!!!

[tim]

Hope my comments were helpful. I'll clarify what I meant a little. I thought it might be valuable to buy less to start with while you gain experience with the EOS system, and possibly go to higher quality lenses if you want to go pro. Professionals tend to use L lenses for good reasons, image quality, reasonably wide maximum apertures, and focus speed are some of the more important ones. I know if I was going to go pro i'd invest in faster lenses (F stop not focus speed) that you've got above. Maybe some of the pros here can advise whether that's necessary or not, but even for what I do i've decided to try to buy all lenses F2.8 or faster, and i'll probably go towards L lenses soon.

[R1 Kid]

Tim your advise is very wise. Yes you are correct in that one should buy the better lenses for turning the "pro" corner. I wanted one decent "L" lenses with some zoom and one pretty good lenses to start out and get use to everything. And of course who can pass up the "nifty-fifty" for less than $80. I just didn't want to invest that much into lenses yet till things get rolling.

All of your advise is very important to me as well as others in this community. Thank you Tim for your help as well as everyone else.

[Penguin_101_1]

Penguin_101_1- Studio work mostly, but yes I will start with many weddings, sporting events, some stock photos, etc. to get going and put my name out. Plus I'll be keeping an eye for the elusive nitch that we all crave.
I can't remember the server I was looking at for web hosting I have it written down in my notes at home. For editing I use an Alienware Area-51m with all high end graphics cards, true processor not a mobile processor, etc. Plus I have Adobe Elements 3.0 for organization & minor fixing, Photoshop 7.0, and soon to get Photoshop CS (just don't really need it quite yet).

You guys are awesome!!!
Cool!!!

[Tom Barnett]

I'd strongly recommend getting an off camera cord. I have a 20D with two 580's and the ST-E2 transmitter as well. I love all of them, but you never know when your battery will die or the transmitter will just fail on you.

[Tom Barnett]

Hey Tim, how reliable is that website you suggested for batteries?

[tim]

Very reliable, in my experience. They have a great rating on here (http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1401.html) too.

[Tom Barnett]

Tim, What have you purchased from them? You didn't have any problems with international orders? I have two batteries in my grip for the 20D, but they have died on some of my busy shooting days (shooting a lot of cold hockey games kills batteries fast).

[Hellashot]

A couple things. Your camera should I belive come with one battery. If you want 2 spares there's no need to pay $70 for a Canon battery when you can get them for $5 to $10 each through Ebay or battery websites that usually are higher powered, more mAH's, than Canon.

Your 17-85 doesn't turn into a super-wide angle lens on your 20D. It will only give you the FOV of 28mm because of the 1.6x factor.

[skyphix]

Have you ever thought of getting a step up ring instead of various sized filters? I mean, get all the filters to fit your largest lens and then step up rings for the smaller lens. Just might make things more versitile and save you some money.

[tim]

Tim, What have you purchased from them? You didn't have any problems with international orders? I have two batteries in my grip for the 20D, but they have died on some of my busy shooting days (shooting a lot of cold hockey games kills batteries fast).

I assume you're talking to me, not another Tim :)

From B&H i've bought a Tamron 28-75 F2.8, a Canon 100mm Macro F2.8 USM, a 50mm F1.8, and a Sigma 75-300. I returned the Sigma, which was easy too.

The batteries i've bought from http://sterlingtek.com , i've done two orders now and both arrived when I expected and the batteries are great.

[KiwiRob]

I'm not sure how much help god is going to be with your photography but I suggest if you are planning on turning pro you're going to have to get another body. I'm not a pro (I want to have a go at it one day) I wouldn't dream of accepting any assignment without suitable backup, imagine damaging a camera on a wedding day and not having anything else to use, it's a nightmare situation.

[DaveG]

Hello to all. First off let me say how impressed I am with this site. The professionalism around here is second to none. I love how freely the amatures and pros alike give tips, pointers, and very accurate advice.

Second my reasoning initially for finding this web site is because I'm looking to turn pro within the next 6 mos to a year. Why so far out? To give me time to one "think" about what it is I'm doing. Two, to get my gear, my funds, etc. inline. It's never good to rush into a major decision like this.

I will be getting my DBA form, checking acct, bus lic., and web hosting space at the end of this mo or beginning of next. That way I can start easing into the business and not run full bore. That hardly ever works.

Background is semi limited, but it is a love of mine and I have the blessing of God on my side. My prayers were sent out months before the decision was made and I feel like I should step up and answer the call. Who knows maybe I can bring the beauty of photograph into the ministry some how.

Now for the good stuff: I sent out my shopping list yesterday and a local camera shop matched all of B&H's prices except for the taxes of course, but there is something to be said about getting your equipment then and there. Plus if you have an emergency they can really pull you out of a pinch.

My shopping list:
EOS 20D, SLR, Digital Camera Body (of course did you expect anything less?)
BG-E2 Vertical Grip/Battery Holder
2 X BP-511A Lithium-Ion Batterys
Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens
580EX Speedlite TTL Shoe Mount Flash
52mm Haze UV-1 Glass Filter
52mm Circular Polarizer Glass Filter
Zoom Super Wide Angle EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens
67mm Circular Polarizer Glass Filter
Zoom Telephoto EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM Autofocus Lens
Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2
2CR5 6v Lithium Battery
A couple other little things that may be needed.

Type of work:
At first all and probably any type that I can get my hands on to get my name out. Don't worry guys the prices will remain on par with the current market. Any discounted prices will read something like normal/going rate $... - discount % = favor $... That way I won't face the issue of well so-n-so said #$@% and now I expect the same. The main focus will be on studio work and events that I will be able to go and setup a mobile studio of sorts.

Anyway I've been lurking around these forums for a couple weeks and posted a useless note here and there. I just wanted to come on here and officially say hello and thank you to all of you that pour out your heart for the profession of photography.

God Bless, Jim


I think that rather than purchasing all of the varied Polarizing filters that you've mentioned, I'd get the biggest size and then buy a bunch of step down rings. The 70-200 will take 77mm filters so there's your biggest sze right there.

If you are buying the 580 flash, buy a 420 flash instead of the ST-E2. The 580 will give you more range than the ST-E2 and can be the fill light. A 420 (the main light) won't cost you any more than the ST-E2 will and at the end of the days you have two flashes. With two flashes you can use the wireless TTL with ratios and you can't with just one flash.

You mention your potential travelling studio, and for that I'd suggest getting some inexpensive monolights, a flash meter, and a course on studio lighting. They will give you consistency shot to shot and can go all day.

Alien Bees fit the bill for monolights and will be what I get when my 30 year old MultiBlizes finally give it up. My flash meter is a Minolta AutoMeter IV and I'd highly reccommend it or the newer AutoMeter V. Note the word Autometer. Minolta also makes the Flashmeter V. It's a great meter but probably costs twice what the Autometer (also a flash meter I swear, sigh ...) does. Without a flash meter you will never be able to set up lighting ratios. You don't know what lighting ratios are yet and you've got to learn, so a course of some kind (a local community college?) is the best way.