$600 gift card - 580exII, T4i body, or glass?

Just like the title says, my equipment is listed below. It would be nice having an extra body, my flash is only so-so, and glass is always nice. I'm not even sure what kind of glass falls in that price range yet (at work right now). I could also go with a 430exII flash & Kenko tubes.

Any suggestions? The card is for best buy.

Thanks,

~Steve

This is a tough one. I just checked BestBuy.com, and they have the EF 17-40 f/4L for $739.99, the non-L EF 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS for $507.99, the EF-S 10-22 f/3.5-4.5 for $759.99, the EF-S 15-85 f/3.5-5.6 IS for $697.99, and the EF 70-200 f/4L (non-IS) for $679.99 (of course they have other stuff too, but this looked like the best bets considering your current lens lineup and the $ value of the gift card). They have the Speedlite 430EXII listed at $299.99 (I didn't see the 580EXII online). They list the T4i at $849.99. Looking at your current lens lineup, you'd probably get the biggest improvement going to the 15-85 to replace your 18-55.

I would cross off the T4i personally. Wait a yr and the price will be better. As a second body, if you did go that way, I'd look at a refurb T2i or similar.

I'm not familiar with the flash you have now but I'm pretty sure a 430exii would be a considerable upgrade.

I'm not in love with the 18-55 so I would upgrade that. The 15-85 is a really good option. You may consider going faster with a 17-50 2.8 option (if available through BB).

Its good to have these kinds of "problems"

I'd go with the 15-85 IS.

Given that the t4i has a lot of nice features- like all cross type AF points- it'd be a nice upgrade- a nice way to splurge- and yeah, I'd definitely go for going upwards and forwards rather than backwards and downwards to something like a t2i... Guess I just ain't into wanting to see how the previous models are better - when reality- they really aren't better..

But of all of the things, and considering the amount- the best bang for the buck, and I think that you'd get the most out of it overall- the 430 EX II and the kenko tubes. The only thing is, when I go to bestbuy.com- the only kenko tubes that they show- are for nikons.

Short of that- that 15-85 looks tempting.

Or then and again- two- yep- two 430 EX II's .. Put that T3i to work wirelessly- and have some fun learning off camera flash and being able to get a little more creative than a single flash allows..

Thanks a ton, guys! Some interesting options, especially the 2 430's. Here was my logic in my choices:

T4i - A second body would be great, save time switching lenses & such, and a big plus is the adjusting focus when shooting video. The T3i kind of bums me out that it doesn't do this, and I hardly shoot video because of it. The T4i would be my go-to body, and the trusty T3i for backup.

430exII - I have a crappy $50 Sunpak 300 flash. It works when it wants, and has zero buttons/options on it.

Glass - No need to explain here, glass is glass, and the more the merrier!!

Kenko - I'm loving macro shooting, and if they can get me closer to the subject & better pics ...drool!!!

The aperture & the IS on the 15-85 make it look pretty tempting. I have about 10 days until I receive the card, so I need to do some soul searching here, lol.

Thanks stsva for doing some legwork!!!

Ace and Deuce wrote in post #14871814
Thanks a ton, guys! Some interesting options, especially the 2 430's. Here was my logic in my choices:

T4i - A second body would be great, save time switching lenses & such, and a big plus is the adjusting focus when shooting video. The T3i kind of bums me out that it doesn't do this, and I hardly shoot video because of it. The T4i would be my go-to body, and the trusty T3i for backup.

430exII - I have a crappy $50 Sunpak 300 flash. It works when it wants, and has zero buttons/options on it.

Glass - No need to explain here, glass is glass, and the more the merrier!!

Kenko - I'm loving macro shooting, and if they can get me closer to the subject & better pics ...drool!!!

The aperture & the IS on the 15-85 make it look pretty tempting. I have about 10 days until I receive the card, so I need to do some soul searching here, lol.

Thanks stsva for doing some legwork!!!

No problem, I hope it helps. We're getting a prepaid card from Verizon soon - my wife already has it slotted for a silverware upgrade.

This is from my job, and my wife doesn't know about it (Shhhhhhh!), lol.

As long as she doesn't hang out on POTN you should be OK.

I second the flashes option. I think they would provide a better advantage over the body or lens option as far as learning something new in photography goes.

Either twin flashes for playing with OCF, or the 430II + tubes would be my vote...for the reasons already mentioned

Get the EF-S 15-85 lens! Then go shopping Craigslist and the used market for a 430 EX I or a 430 EX II flash. Two 430s seems a bit of a stretch to me.

OK guys, the cards are in my hands. Checking BB's website, I have a few questions...

Canon - 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens
Sale: $507.99
Reg. Price: $649.99
You Save: $142.00

I have a 55-250mm, so I ask, is this a way better lens outside of 50mm more?
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Canon - 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 Telephoto Zoom Lens for Select Canon Cameras
Sale: $569.99
Reg. Price: $699.99
You Save: $130.00
Same short as my 18-55mm, 50mm shorter than my 55-250mm...am I gaining anything with this lens? IQ?
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Canon - 70-200mm f/4L USM Telephoto Zoom Lens
Sale: $679.99
Reg. Price: $709.99
You Save: $30.00
Worth it?
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Canon - EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Zoom Lens Kit for Canon EOS DSLR Cameras
Sale: $697.99
Reg. Price: $799.99
You Save: $102.00
Again, worth it over the other choices?
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Canon - EF 4410B002 Super Telephoto Lens - White (Canon Extender EF 2X III)
Our Price: $459.00 (But sold out)
How much will it improve my 100mm macro?

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Canon - Speedlite 430 EX II External Flash - Black
Sale: $269.99
Reg. Price: $299.99
You Save: $30.00

This, plus maybe a used Canon Ef 2x ii Extender from Adorama if I sell off the remaining BB cards.
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Also, realistically, I will never have the cash to buy a $500+ lens until next spring, which I already plan on getting a 100-400mm L. With that lens in mind, would it be a waste to get the 70-300mm now, when in 6 months I'll have the 100-400L?

Any more input?

Thanks,

~Ace

Ace and Deuce wrote in post #14918966
OK guys, the cards are in my hands. Checking BB's website, I have a few questions...

Canon - 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens
Sale: $507.99
Reg. Price: $649.99
You Save: $142.00

I have a 55-250mm, so I ask, is this a way better lens outside of 50mm more?
---------------

Since you already have the 55-250, it is definitely NOT worth $508 to get an additional 50 mm. Stick with the 55-250.

Like most superzooms, this is a compromise and not worth $570.

This is a tough choice. Better IQ than the 55-250 and constant f/4 aperture, but 50 mm LESS reach. What do you plan on shooting with it?

This is what I would get. Goes well with the 55-250. Great IQ and great FL range. Go for it!

I don't know about this combo.

If you need an external flash, this is an excellent choice!

I like the idea of buying used when it comes to an extender. Nothing to go out of calibration. As long as it is not scratched on front or rear elements, and depending on price, this would be a good idea, IF it will work with the Macro.

Have fun shopping!