Getting a 7D as a graduation gift!

Ok so I'm graduating Journalism at my college. Well my parents are treating me to a 7D. I'm now debating what I should get as my next accessory. My plans are either:

Canon ST-E2
Canon 580 EX.II
Sigma 10 - 20

the thing is I'm not sure which to get next. I know I'm getting 1 of the 3 (or better option if you folks have any suggestions) keep in mind however that I will NOT be buying the Canon 10 - 22. Only the Sigma.

Though if anyone can think of a better flash controller or master flash (any brand) that can trigger my 430 EX.II I'm happy to hear suggestions on those.

Congrats on the graduation........and the camera....

Grab the flash, Would be my next purchase and was at one time. As a plus you can control it from the 7D for some great OCF possibility.

sorry didn't see you had 430exii, either way keep in mind the 7D can trigger either or both flash units.

pictureman62 wrote in post #16674611
sorry didn't see you had 430exii, either way keep in mind the 7D can trigger either or both flash units.

so what are some good alternatives to the 580? I'm only asking because I'm curious keep in mind I'm open to off brands as long as it has some automation (for the times when I just want to set it and forget it)

nice going on graduation, your picking a grate camera,i love mine but can't help with the flash cont./master flash thing there are lots of guys hear that can though,sorry! good luck with journalism.

blanex1@netzero.com wrote in post #16674632
nice going on graduation, your picking a grate camera,i love mine but can't help with the flash cont./master flash thing there are lots of guys hear that can though,sorry! good luck with journalism.

Thank you

though I am going back to school for a new program called Contemporary Media. Which is what I was supposed to get this year for Journalism but my college gutted my program and gave 99% of the broadcasting classes to this program. And then after that, I'm going to university for Communications

I'd give the 10-20 a miss. It's a bit too specialised unless you're shooting landscapes and really require an UWA. Nothing against the lens, I have one, I just don't find many uses for it

Ilovetheleafs wrote in post #16674640
Thank you

though I am going back to school for a new program called Contemporary Media. Which is what I was supposed to get this year for Journalism but my college gutted my program and gave 99% of the broadcasting classes to this program. And then after that, I'm going to university for Communications

Enjoy your days at higher education but remember that "...all education and no experience makes Jack a dull boy."

7D is an excellent camera. I chose it over the newer 6D because I will have my old computer for a few more years and don't have Wi Fi
My favorite assignment has been shooting triathlon at 8 fps

h14nha wrote in post #16674688
I'd give the 10-20 a miss. It's a bit too specialised unless you're shooting landscapes and really require an UWA. Nothing against the lens, I have one, I just don't find many uses for it

I kind of shoot a bit of everything. And when I do go nature walking I do tend to find some cool scenic shots and 18 just isn't wide enough. Also I know come September I can get it for a great price. Though I do wonder if it might be best to wait until a contemporary model is released by Sigma.

and thanks for the congratulations and advice everyone!

I'd pass on all the items you have listed. The 7D can control an off-camera flash better than the ST-E2, so you don't need that. If you don't need a second flash, why get the 580 at all? The 10-20 is a specialized lens; if you don't KNOW you need it, you KNOW you don't need it.

I'd be looking at improving you standard zoom. Both the EFs 17-55 and EFs 15-85 are superior to anything else you have in that range. Second choice would be a 70-200 of some kind. I think the best bargain going right now is the Tamron f/2.8 VC model.

Congrats on both. I agree with EOS5DC look into the 15-85.

I have the 10-20 and personally love that lens.

EOS5DC wrote in post #16674992
I'd pass on all the items you have listed. The 7D can control an off-camera flash better than the ST-E2, so you don't need that. If you don't need a second flash, why get the 580 at all? The 10-20 is a specialized lens; if you don't KNOW you need it, you KNOW you don't need it.

I'd be looking at improving you standard zoom. Both the EFs 17-55 and EFs 15-85 are superior to anything else you have in that range. Second choice would be a 70-200 of some kind. I think the best bargain going right now is the Tamron f/2.8 VC model.

I don't need a better standard zoom, I have a good copy of the 18 - 200 and it fits my needs perfectly. Also I've been wanting to experiment with second flash stuff. And I know I need the 10 - 20 I just want to wait to get it later on.

Ilovetheleafs wrote in post #16675098
I don't need a better standard zoom, I have a good copy of the 18 - 200 and it fits my needs perfectly. Also I've been wanting to experiment with second flash stuff. And I know I need the 10 - 20 I just want to wait to get it later on.

OK, given that information, I'd go for a 580EX II. It is a better flash than your 430 for several reasons. It has a reflector panel built-in. It swivels 180 degrees in BOTH directions; your 430 only does that one way, and 90 the other. The 580EX II is more powerful, which comes in handy when bouncing flash or using diffusers. It can also control 3 groups of slaves. The ST-E2 can only do 2 groups. BTW, your 7D can control 3 groups all by itself.

I understand your point about the 18-200 filling your needs. I got sucked into the L-glass G.A.S. problem a few years ago. I eventually sold L-primes and got a Sigma zoom. I am happy with it. I use mostly mid-range glass, and it outperforms my abilities.