Q for those better than I, so everyone here.

I have a decision to make. I bought an EF 70-300 f/4-5.6 lens a couple of weeks ago. Disappointed with the f/ratio restrictions I looked around some and picked up an EF 70-200 f/2.8L demo deal from Adorama. Talk about amazing glass, but here's what's running through my head. Wolf will let me return the 70-300 within 30 days, but I'm wondering what to spend my credit on.

I'd like to get a good macro and some accessories with the change, what would you folks recommend?

The only reason I'm thinking about keeping the 70-300 is because of it's light weight and extra 100MM of reach, but I keep coming back to the fact I'd probably never really use it.

Thoughts?

I'd only keep a 70-300 while owning a 70-200 if I otherwise had no lens needs and I did often need a portable telezoom for things like travel.

I've owned both lenses, and I liked the 70-300 a lot. There are in fact some times I miss it now as either my 70-200/2.8 and 300/4 are a lot bigger and heavier and carrying both is a lot bigger of a burden.

The 70-200 is chunky, that's for sure.

430EX.

Do you need true 1:1 macro, or would a reasonable close-up capability be OK? These are with the 70-200 f/4 without extension tubes, which you might consider:
Butterfly games...

I'd like to have a 1:1 macro, I'm looking at the 100MM f/2.8 from Canon. Seems to have good reviews for it's quality.

Best part is, it's a 58MM front, so my filters will fit.

Tripod.

Another vote for a Tripod.

I am in no way better than you, SKnight.

I will share something that might help you though. BEWARE of putting the word Photography and Credit in the same sentence (Separate rooms recommended).

Now I say this from personal experience, not just to nag or have something to ramble about. The danger of credit and camera gear, is over-rationalization. In my case, I ended up opting for a Sigma 70-200 2.8, a lens a tad below $1000. Had to get the lens tripod mount, and since I was online anyways -and thinking "hey, this is my ONLY credit purchase"- I threw in a filter for the lens, an extra battery for the camera -mine was getting old- and a hand strap. Good enough, promised myself not to spend anymore with credit, as what I was getting was more than enough to get me work as a photog and save for other gear later on.

Well, long story short, six months later I had to have the Canon IS version of the 70-200, ended up getting the 2.8 because I was already used to the sigma, sold the filter along with the sigma so I got a Canon UV filter, and again a few extras.

Happy with my gear? Never was happier.

Now for you it is probably a different story, so please do forgive me for sharing this bit. Not trying to engage you in some sort of discussion or conversion to anti-credit cults and stuff.

It's just that when in the same place, this is what Canon and Credit say to one another:

Canon- Buy me, you need me, buy me, c'mon, I am on sale today, only today, you know you want me.
Credit- Hey, I can pay, I can pay. No worries, just type my number, go ahead, no worries I can pay.

I can vouch for the 70-200 2.8 IS quality, as 99% of its owners can.
Good point made by others, tripod is a MUST at these ranges. Before anything else.

Tripod.

100mm Macro is a good lens, and it also doubles as a very nice portrait lens, very nice for head shots.

tim wrote in post #6250053
430EX.

x2
or a good tripod

I love my flash. I use it way more than I ever use a tripod.

PhotoJourno wrote in post #6253341
I am in no way better than you, SKnight.

I will share something that might help you though. BEWARE of putting the word Photography and Credit in the same sentence (Separate rooms recommended).

Now I say this from personal experience, not just to nag or have something to ramble about. The danger of credit and camera gear, is over-rationalization. In my case, I ended up opting for a Sigma 70-200 2.8, a lens a tad below $1000. Had to get the lens tripod mount, and since I was online anyways -and thinking "hey, this is my ONLY credit purchase"- I threw in a filter for the lens, an extra battery for the camera -mine was getting old- and a hand strap. Good enough, promised myself not to spend anymore with credit, as what I was getting was more than enough to get me work as a photog and save for other gear later on.

Well, long story short, six months later I had to have the Canon IS version of the 70-200, ended up getting the 2.8 because I was already used to the sigma, sold the filter along with the sigma so I got a Canon UV filter, and again a few extras.

Happy with my gear? Never was happier.

Now for you it is probably a different story, so please do forgive me for sharing this bit. Not trying to engage you in some sort of discussion or conversion to anti-credit cults and stuff.

It's just that when in the same place, this is what Canon and Credit say to one another:

Canon- Buy me, you need me, buy me, c'mon, I am on sale today, only today, you know you want me.
Credit- Hey, I can pay, I can pay. No worries, just type my number, go ahead, no worries I can pay.

I can vouch for the 70-200 2.8 IS quality, as 99% of its owners can.
Good point made by others, tripod is a MUST at these ranges. Before anything else.

Don't sweat it, and I appreciate the advise. It's really easy to spend "Only $100 more." What I meant by credit is "In store" credit. I'm returning a $649 lens, so I'll have store credit to spend.

I have a tripod, and last night it was nice and steady with the 70-200, I'll probably upgrade next year, but I would like to find a monopod that will work with a 6'3" guy. That flash looks nice too, decisions decisions.

I wouldn't use a tripod in an effort to keep from going nuts with constantly moving insects, unless you're going to refrigerate them before you shoot, or just restrict yourself to the predators that like to sit & wait for something to come by, like the mantis. What I would recommend is a 1-2 strobe setup so you have freedom of movement.

MACRO: Tupperware Lighting System DIY Howto