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

Zander Albertson wrote in post #5846235
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 $

Even with sports or motorsports the Ultra II CF works fine for the 40D. I haven't noticed any problems with writing to the card because it's not the fastest card out there.

Be sure to get at least another battery (3rd party is ok) and another CF card. You'll definitely want a good flash down the road (580EXII should be your aim, but the 430EXII that just got announced should do nicely). Another thing might be a tripod, but I'm not sure if you'll always use that.

Oh, and you can also choose to get a better strap (optech sells good ones) since a 40D + 70-200f/4L as a starting dslr might be a little heavy for your neck without some cushioning.

Lovely setup you have- I wish I could afford something like that for my first dslr.

I think instead of the Tamron 17-50mm, I'd get the 17-40mm f/4L. It shouldn't cost too much more, and I mean, hey! It's an L!

Also, I think I'd splurge on the 50mm f/1.4 instead of the f/1.8. Quality is much higher. Of course, if cash is tight, the f/1.8 is fine...

I think the kit you picked is a very good choice. Do buy a secondary battery from sterlingtek.com and do buy another CF card.

I would stick with the 50 1.8 and if you like the focal length then, you can upgrade it ot the 50 1.4.

Otherwise, you did your research pretty well.

grego wrote in post #5858098
I think the kit you picked is a very good choice. Do buy a secondary battery from sterlingtek.com and do buy another CF card.

I would stick with the 50 1.8 and if you like the focal length then, you can upgrade it ot the 50 1.4.

Otherwise, you did your research pretty well.

Oh, right! Almost forgot! Get the battery grip with the second battery!

Skip 50 1.8 and instead of Sandisk Extreme IV 4GB take the same but version III, the speed of both cards in 40D is the same.

get : tripod x flash x canon 100mm f2.8 macro lens if you gonna do macro work

aparis99 wrote in post #5844056
Sandisk Extreme IV 4GB -- $50

I don't know how much you shoot, but personally with the RAW file sizes of the 40D I quickly found my 2+4 Gigs of cards a bit limiting... (I am by no means a pro) Just a relatively minor point to consider in terms of cost, but a very significant one if you're out in the field and you run out of space.

As some of the others have mentioned, the Ultra II works just fine for me.

I would rather get a flash than the 50mm. Chances are you will find it will get more use than the 50mm as you already have that focal range covered with the Tamron. However it depends on what you end up shooting.