I need "Stuff" For my 50D, $400 to spend.

I have $400 to spend on my 50D and I need some help on what to get... At this point my shooting style doesn't matter, but I will add I am not a studio shooter, Home/Outside. If you wish, use your shooting style for the recommendations.

Here is what I have (just to show what isn't needed) and I have no need to replace it, it all works fine for me... In other words, I am find with my number of Batteries, Card size/speed.

The list...

My Only Lens...
Canon 28-135 (so far it seems to be a good copy, at this point it doesn't even creep)
Lens hood for the above

Canon Strap
2ea, 4g cards
2ea, Batteries
Camera bag (it is the Ape Case Pro, Large)
Tripod
Rocket blower
(^ v Just pointing everything out )
Lens Tissue

I think that is it, it goes without saying I also have what came in the Canon kit box (cables, books, CDs and so on).

Thanks for the help.

What do YOU think you need? If you don't feel like something is "missing" from your "kit" then put the money in the bank and wait until you do.

Rich is right, you should think about what you feel is missing. If it were me, I'd say the thing you're short of is a wide angle lens.

Madweasel wrote in post #8166831
Rich is right, you should think about what you feel is missing. If it were me, I'd say the thing you're short of is a wide angle lens.

+1 on the comment about YOU finding what YOU'RE missing

+1 on a wide angle lens. if I still had a crop camera, I'd still have my 10-22. great lens.

grip is still my favorite purchase for my camera

It really is a matter of what you feel you want/need.

That said....

I noticed you have a tripod, I'd consider a shutter release cable for longer exposures.

I would also seriously think about the grip. It is a personal preference, but I'm just not comfortable without a grip these days. The grip makes vertical shots so much easier!

given yout current lens, you ight find that a sigma 10-20 would be fun, especially if you are shooting outdoors. I am keeping a crop just to be able to play with it.

If it's me? I get a Sigma 30mm/1.4....You have no wide aperture lenses to play with depth of field....
and maybe some more ..."lens tissue"...LOL

How about a flash?

We have similar stuff so far, that's next on my list.

Ditto on the flash - 580exII. It'll really extend the range of the things you can do; fantastic for events/groups and other creative options.

Grip and flash. Not only are both items practical investments but they'll make your kit look that little bit more 'hench'. :P

Manfrotto 055XPROB/Vanguard SBH-200 Ballhead or Manfrotto488RC2
Canon BG-E2N
580 EX-II
Canon EF-S 60 F/2.8 Macro
Tamron 17-50
Canon 70-200 F/4 (used)
Canon EF 50 F/1.8
POTN strap
Wired/Wireless shutter release
Lowepro PixelPackV2
Lenspen
Copperhill sensor cleaning kit

I don't believe anybody has suggested this yet..... but there's a fantastic little lens that is terrific in low light, razor sharp, compact, very fast focusing, bright and under $400. Some people say the only reason it's not an "L" is because of the lack of heavy duty construction and weather sealing.

Consider the 85 f/1.8. It's a very creative lens and gives superb bokeh at a bargain price. - Stu

Thanks everyone, keep it coming.

To reply... Sure I could put in the Bank, but then I would have never made this this thread if that was what I wanted to do.

I gotta say "No" to adding a grip. It doesn't add any features that you don't already have. Yeah, it is easier to hold when shooting portrait orientation images, but you can still shoot those without the grip. Two batteries is nice, but you can change batteries on the fly so fast you aren't really gaining a lot with a grip, battery wise.

Glass is always high on my list. An ultra wide, as has already been suggested, is a good place to go.

But in your case, a good flash is probably the best thing you could add. Either the 430 or 580 would be fine. And once you learn to bounce and/or modify the flash, you will want another flash and PocketWizards, or something similar. For now, a single flash and the off camera shoe cord will open up a huge new world for you in photography.

Regards