Help a Newbe please.

[dakkon]

Hello, I am currently in the market for a Lense, I am wanting to buy the 100-400mm L lense, I curently have the 24-70L, but I think in the future I also would like the 28-300mm L, Which would be the best to get first the 100-400, or the 28-300? The 28-300 will give me a greater range with 1 single lense, but the 400 will give me the reach and for now I can swap lense if need be, also I am wanting to buy a backpack that will hold almost all of my stuff, I am thinking about the Kata Rucksack R-103, becaues it will hold my camera stuff, and my laptop. From what I have read this company makes a VERY solid product.. and lastly I would like to get a tripod that will hold the lenses + my current XTI, I am thinkign about Manfrotto tripods, I have a manfrotto monopod and really like the quality of this company. I would really like to stick with this company for my tripod as well. These are 2 tripods that I have found so far.

3021 Pro Tripod Legs (Black) with 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head (Quick Release) - Supports 8.8 lb (4 kg)



3011BN Tripod Legs (Black) with 3025 3D Head - Supports 6.60 lb (2.99 kg)



if anyone could give me some advice I would appreciate it, I have searched the Forum and tried to figure as much out on my own as I can, but I am now at the point where I would like a little bit of guidance from you who know more about this than I. One last thing, BHvideo, is out of the 100-400mm lens, does anyone have any idea when they might get more, anyway to tell?

Thank you.

[Reaperman]

Hi dakkon. That is a very tall order and I hope you have a huge bank balance for it all. I have the 400D and I use the Manfrotto 055PROB (I believe that is the 3021 in the US). I can't recommend it enough. Quality build, steady and ease of operation. This one is built to last so I don't see me ever having to buy another. I have the 141RC pan tilt head. Again excellent piece of kit and again built to the Manfrotto high standards. Its now been replaced with something similar except I don't like the new handles. You don't say what you will be shooting so ? range. I have the kit 18-55 plus a Sigma 70-300 APO. That gives me all the range I need at a good price. The 70-300 also has Macro so extends the range even more. As for bags, once you have chosen and purchased all the kit you want then take a look at whats available. Tamrac makes some very nice bags as do Lowepro.
Goog luck with your quest.
PS. Don't forget you'll probebly want to buys some filters also (buy the best possible as cheapo's just don'e cut the mustard).

Reaperman

[pwm2]

Note that the range of the 28-300 is best for a FF body. On a 400D, you will miss out on the wide side. Also, remember that it is quite big for a vacation lens. You would get better range if you look at the Sigma 18-200 OS.

I'm currently a very happy owner of the 100-400.

[TomHuckWa]

3021 BPRO is a great item. I use the 488 ball head with the rc2 plates, couldn't be happier with it.