should I get another lens and flash

[Vaio]

I only own one external flash, which I had bought for my Canon Elan back about 3 years ago (Flash 380) but wonder if this should be adequate with the 10D once I purchase it along with my 50mm 1.4 lens (going to be 80mm with the 1.6 conversion) or should I tend to get the 550EX and also another lens, such as an L lense series (eg. 70-200)

type of photography will be weddings and portraits
some sports.

[jonsimpson]

I have the same question. I'm pretty happy with the 540ex.....but I'm thinking of getting into the wedding photography biz. Does the 540ex have enough power?

[droosan]

vaio wrote:
I only own one external flash,...(Flash 380) ... but wonder if this should be adequate with the 10D once I purchase it along with my 50mm 1.4 lens ... or should I tend to get the 550EX and also another lens, such as an L lens (eg. 70-200)...


Lens first:
Your 50/1.4 will be just as excellent for the 10D as it was for the Elan. It will be a beautiful (bust-style or couple) portrait lens. L lenses have nothing on the 50/1.4 (except durability - get the rigid hood designed for it and keep it on it - the moving front element of the lens is very delicate - I have smashed two.)

For facial portraits and of course sports, you might want something longer. The 70-200/2.8L would be great, though the 135/2.8 or the 135/2UL are will be even better in most ways if you can live without zoom. (sharpness, focusing speed, weight...) I have (and heartily recommend) the 100/2.0.

Flashes:
I haven't had a 380 but I have used both the 540ez and the 550ex. The 380 is apparently not produced anymore. Is it an EX model ie. 380EX? If it is EX, rather than the older EZ, it will be very useful with your 10D - a huge improvement over the camera's built-in flash, especially if you put it on a flash bracket. If you take basketball pictures (distance shots in low light) you might want to consider the 550ex, otherwise your 380 will be very useful.

If it is 380EZ, you may want to consider getting an EX model, in order to use many of Canon's flash balance features. EOS Cameras designed around 1998 and after, work with all of the EX's features, while camera's designed before then, work with the EZ's advanced features.

To jonsimpson with the 540EZ:
I got over $200 for mine on ebay and bought a 550ex (two actually). The power difference is minimal but the feature difference, with new cameras (inc. all EOS digitals) is substantial. ETTL, high speed flash synching, wireless communication...

[Vaio]

Thanks Droosan!

I was curious, you said that you have smashed 2 of them, you mean 2 50mm 1.4 right?

I have a uV protector attached on mine but will get the hood you mentioned.

I guess I can attached the hood infront of UC protector filter.. I have never used hoods before but have always thought about getting 2, one for the 50mm and the 24mm 2.8 I have.

Thanks

[kanwingshing]

Did anyone every try to test for a real GN for the 540EZ?
My 540EZ is rarely used but when I test it, the GN is only roughly 80 (feet)... a lot less that the spec GN.

[droosan]

vaio wrote:
Thanks Droosan!

I was curious, you said that you have smashed 2 of them, you mean 2 50mm 1.4 right?

I have a uV protector attached on mine but will get the hood you mentioned.

I guess I can attached the hood infront of UC protector filter.. I have never used hoods before but have always thought about getting 2, one for the 50mm and the 24mm 2.8 I have.

Thanks

To be more accurate, I broke the same EF50/1.4 twice. Both times by carrying it in a non-camera backpack. I hope I have learned that lesson now. 1)My camera was in a backpack. I pulled a sweater out of the backpack, forgetting that I had carefully wrapped it around my camera. The camera flew out and landed on a concrete floor, on the front element of the lens, apparently. The autofocusing motor was broken. 2)Got it fixed and a couple months later, again with the camera in a backpack, not wrapped in a sweater, I accidently dropped the bag, just a couple feet, onto asphalt, and heard a sickening clink-y crack. Same thing.

Yeah, get the hood. It'll improve your pictures, too (contrast). It is attached behind the filter to the non-moving part of the lens, making excellent protection for the front element and the glass. I just leave the hood on and don't mess with a lens cap.

The hood'll do even more for the 24/2.8 in terms of improving the picture because it'll reduce glare. Be sure you get the one designed for it.

About the 540EZ Guide Number:
The Canon-stated guide number includes the light focusing that the flash does with longer lenses. So depending on how your measuring, you may not get the same.