Another one of my "what should I buy" threads

So, I was quite blessed this week. I found out that I had won a raffle for a $500 prize. So, I now have $500 to spend. As the old saying goes, I would prefer not to spend it all in one place...maybe spend some on photography and some on another hobby (gaming mainly). But, I am open for all suggestions.

So, I'm curious. Here is what is left that I see as important in my wishlist. I have a few other things on my wishlist, but I don't consider them as important.

Canon 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 - $230
Canon 100mm Macro - $470
Manfrotto 3021 B-Pro w/ 3047 Head - $230
BG-E1 Battery Grip - $100
Lowepro CompuTrekker AW - $175
Alien Bees Beginner Bee - $360

Now, there are some things in this wishlist that honestly need to come in a package or group because one may not be so great w/out the other. Let me quickly explain.

The 100mm macro lens would, IMO, be rather useless w/out a decent tripod to hold it. I have a tripod currently, but it's an el-cheapo. Not worth risking a $470 lens. And, since depth of field is so important in marco shooting (requiring a very narrow aperture), tripods are a must for macro shots.

The BG-E1 grip would be great for my setup as I do prefer portrait shots. But, my current bag couldn't hold my DReb body with the grip attached. So, a new bag would be a must. The CompuTrekker is my choice of new bag. So, these must go together.

The portrait lens (28-105) would be quite feasable. It's only about a $230 lens. My biggest problem is that I don't really have any friends or family that have the time to set up for a portrait shoot. Most of my friends have quite a few kids or have just had a kid and are therefore very busy. My sister and brother-in-law live on the other side of town so it's not easy to just hop in the car and go see them.

I'd love to have that Beginner Bee also. But, a good set of lights w/out a good portrait lens and a good tripod would only leave me wanting.

So, I'm at a quandary. I can easily buy pieces, but the Macro lens + Tripod combo is out of the price range. The portrait lens + tripod wouldn't be a bad combo but w/out subjects to shoot, the camera would just stay in the bag (where it has been for almost a week now). The grip + new bag would be a big help as I'm getting a good bit of accessories here and there, but neither would really offer me anything new as far as photos go.

I found out I had won back on Tuesday, and I just got the money in my paypal account tonight. I've been thinkin about it hard since Tuesday, but I can't seem to come up with any good clean answer.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance

FlipsidE

Perhaps you should reinvest the cash in gaming and buy several of these items with your increased winnings.

Or

Get a 50mm f1.8 and a really good tripod.

Jeff

The 28-105 is also a good walk around lens, and in consideration of your requirements, it would be my first choice. You will then be in position to pick up lights, tripod, etc. as you can afford them, and your system will then start coming together.
This will also allow picking up the BG too, and STILL have change.
-Bruce

snibbetsj wrote:
Perhaps you should reinvest the cash in gaming and buy several of these items with your increased winnings.

Or

Get a 50mm f1.8 and a really good tripod.

Jeff

Sorry...should have been more specific...gaming as in video games (PC and console). My bad.

FlipsidE

Ballen Photo wrote:
The 28-105 is also a good walk around lens, and in consideration of your requirements, it would be my first choice. You will then be in position to pick up lights, tripod, etc. as you can afford them, and your system will then start coming together.
This will also allow picking up the BG too, and STILL have change.
-Bruce

Oh I think the 28-105 + BG would be an excellent combo. My only problem is that my current bag cannot hold the Dreb with the BG attached. So, I'd have to take it off everytime I packed my camera. If I went with the BG, a new bag would be a necessity. I could go pick up a MicroTrekker at Best Buy for $70 tomorrow. But, I just can't bring myself to spend $70 when I know that sometime in the near future, I'm going to want to invest $175 in a CompuTrekker. Seems a waste of money to buy a bag now that doesn't fit my needs only to have to buy a new one in a few months.

FlipsidE

Hm, Let's see;
28-105 = $230
BG-E1 = $100
CompuTrekker = $175
---------------
$505 Hey, Kick the extra $5 + tax, & Problem solved.
-Bruce

I do believe most folks have several bags.


Jeff

Ballen Photo wrote:
Hm, Let's see;
28-105 = $230
BG-E1 = $100
CompuTrekker = $175
---------------
$505 Hey, Kick the extra $5 + tax, & Problem solved.
-Bruce

- Trust me, that's actually crossed my mind. And, that isn't a bad option at all. That really isn't. But, at the same time, I might just want to use some of that extra money for something else too. The extra $175 could be put to good use on, oh, let's say a private dance from my stripper neighbor or maybe the new Nintendo handheld system that's coming out. But, I think I'll keep this package/group in mind. Thanks for the great suggestion!

FlipsidE

You mean She's not paying YOU? Or at LEAST trade time for photos?
-Bruce

The 28-105 isn't a bad lens I hear (I've never owned one), but I was serious about the 50mm f1.8, They're only $75 and the best bang for the buck around. You could add a 85mm f1.8 or a 24mm f2.8 for about 325 more and still get a table dance or two.

Jeff

Ya know, I'm almost scared to actually approach her about this. Let's just say that she really got under my skin a few months back. Always breakin plans, never callin me unless she needed something, etc. So, while I have been very polite to her when I do see her, I don't go out of my way to talk to her like I used to. So, while we are friends, we aren't as close as we once were.

Anyway, back to the point. First off, I'm still a complete newbie at this kind of stuff, but I honestly do want to focus most of my efforts on glamour photography...I just think it allows the most creative freedom in lighting and posting. Since I know she doesn't mind showin off the goods, I'm kinda hopin she'll let me get a few shots of her. Unfortunately, I just don't have anything but a single flash setup (no reflectors, strobes, umbrellas, sofboxes, tungstens, or backdrops at all). I'm afraid the shots would just come out really badly, and I just feel bad approaching her asking if I can take pictures of her topless or nude when all I have is a single flash setup and no real "portrait" experience.

I did see her recently when she was out walking her dog with who I believe is her new boyfriend. I mentioned somethin about gettin a few more shots of her (was able to get a few snapshots of her washing her car recently), and she just kinda laughed and didn't say anything. I know she is ULTRA camera shy, so that won't make anything any easier.

FlipsidE

Oh yeah, the 50/1.8 is on my wishlist, but a good ways down. I'm sure it's a good all around lens. But, for my money, right now, I feel it's better to get more specialized lenses and pick up the Thrifty Fifty when I have all the specialized stuff and a little money left to burn.

FlipsidE