how does my future 40D kit look? and what am i missing?

OK, i've narrowed it down and think i've done enough reading to be sick. Im on a budget so keep that in mind here, no $1000+ L lenses for me just yet....

Body ----- Canon 40D -- $940
WA ------- Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 -- $450
Prime --- Canon 50 f/1.8 -- $ 90
Tele ----- Canon 70-200 f/4L -- $560
Sandisk Extreme IV 4GB -- $50

Total so far: $2090

I wanna shoot all types, so will this suffice for awhile? What about any other real necessities? grip, flash, macro lens, etc will be down the road.

Which backpacks/bags do you all recommend for this setup? maybe some room for cables, mem cards, some random odds and ends?

Also, if ur against anything i've selected, tell me why, and gimme an alternative. THANKS

aparis99 wrote in post #5844056
OK, i've narrowed it down and think i've done enough reading to be sick. Im on a budget so keep that in mind here, no $1000+ L lenses for me just yet....

Body ----- Canon 40D -- $940
WA ------- Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 -- $450
Prime --- Canon 50 f/1.8 -- $ 90
Tele ----- Canon 70-200 f/4L -- $560
Sandisk Extreme IV 4GB -- $50

Total so far: $2090

I wanna shoot all types, so will this suffice for awhile? What about any other real necessities? grip, flash, macro lens, etc will be down the road.

Which backpacks/bags do you all recommend for this setup? maybe some room for cables, mem cards, some random odds and ends?

Also, if ur against anything i've selected, tell me why, and gimme an alternative. THANKS

That's a very fine starting set. Personally, I would add a second 4GB memory card, so as to put not all of your eggs in a single basket.

Backpack: LowePro MicroTrekker; bags another LowePro AW, or maybe a Crumpler. You'd have to check what you'd prefer yourself; there are too many choices.

Kind regards, Wim

perhaps think of getting either a Sigma 10-20 or Canon 10-22 to round out your ultra-wide capabilities,,

That's an excellent start. Recommending bags is tough...there's no single back that can do everything, and not everyone uses bags the same way. For example, my main photo bags are:

Mountainsmith hip pack
REI backpack
Arc Teryx backpack
Canon 200EG photodelux backpack

The Canon is a must have, and it's the only gimmick/photo specific pack I'll buy. I use it year round and for anything up to 5/6/7 miles. But for more strenuous stuff, nothing beats a REAL backpack.

sadowsk2 wrote in post #5844140
perhaps think of getting either a Sigma 10-20 or Canon 10-22 to round out your ultra-wide capabilities,,

That's exactly what i just did yesterday

Ditch the 50mm f/1.8 II and buy a few spare batteries from www.sterlingtek.com - they sell them single or in pairs.

Buy those lenses used and save over $100 between the two; then use that money and the money you saved by not buying the 50mm f/1.8 II and buy a 50mm f/1.4, or spend a little more for a 85mm f/1.8.

You can find Tamron 17-50 used for around $350 if you're patient (currently popular alternative is the Sigma 24-60 f/2.8 for about $200), and 70-200 f/4L for around $500 or less.

70-200 f/4L for $480: http://sfbay.craigslis​t.org/sby/ele/74038429​6.html

Take a look at the Lowepro Slingshot series.

You'd fit fine in a 200AW but the 300AW would allow for a little more growth room. I can get my 40D + Grip + 70-200mm f/2.8L IS easily into the main compartment. (Fits fine too with a 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS mounted as well. Just reverse the lens hoods and turn the body 90 degrees so your CF slot is facing up.)

For this setup, I recommend Lowepro Slingshot 200AW too.

Slap a Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 into the mix and call it a day.

To be honest, I don't use my 50mm f/1.8 at all. Just not intelligent enough for my low light work. I'd say skip the 50mm f/1.8, and look for a 1.4 or 1.2. If you're set on a prime, the 35mm f/2.0 is a good bet, and can be found for about $240 (probably the second cheapest prime you'll find).

If the money is an issue, skip the 50 and stick w/ the rest of your kit. What you mentioned will be a VERY good starting point for you. Treat the absence of the 50 as one step closer to your macro or whatever else you're planning on next.

Instead of 1x 4GB. look at 2x 2GB.
If you're not shooting sports a bunch, look at Ultra II CFs instead of Extreme IV... save some more $

Get the kit with the 28-135 IS...this is normally a $400 lens that you can get for 200 if you get the kit. Very worth it and an excellent range if you ever put it on a 5d. Plus you will have at least one IS lens then.

Also I would get the brand new Tokina 11-16 2.8f ($570) Excellent reviews on this. Although it just came out and will hard to find.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_16mm_f_2_8_AT_​X_116.html

I would also recommend a Manfrotto 055 tripod with ball head but thats around $270.

At least buy a monopod. This is the one I have and love it $35.00
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …6B_676B_Digi_Mo​nopod.html
(you may want to buy the $20 ball head add on)

Good luck. I just recently was inthe same boat as you:
I ended up buying the the 40d kit with the 28-135 IS
the 100mm Macro, 50 f1.8 and then the monopod I listed above and a Tamrac adventure 6 backpack. $1800.00

~Brian

Your missing the most famous lens of all: Canon 100-400 IS . . . . . . . .

Don't get a grip unless you want to miss it when you don't have it. I still need to get mine and I am missing it more and more now. I will get it tomorrow I think. They are really that nice.

Have to agree with Zander, look away from the Extreme IV and look at the Ultra II's or Extreme III. Unless your shooting for sport and need the speed.