$2500 AUD / $2000 USD to spend! Help me out, please!

Hey there POTN users,

I have a dilemma! My sister wants to get a 40D, with some glass and perhaps a flash or other accessories.

1. What do you suggest to buy, along with the 40D? (Note, she has around $2k US all up)

2. She doesn't want kit glass! She shoots outdoors, nature, friends/family and around the city mainly.

3. Can you perhaps suggest a kit which includes a flash?

4. A side question: I'm looking for a solid tripod (to be used for hiking, preferably light-weight, and a relatively tall tripod too) within a US$150-200 range.


Thank you in advance!
Harry

Ok, if I throw in a couple of pieces of Toblerone, would someone kindly answer?

If she got lucky, she might be able to snag a used/refurb 40d, a 17-55 f/2.8IS and a 70-200mm f/4L for right around $2k. Good body, and great glass that covers a decent range of focal lengths...

I don't have a flash, or super nice tripod, so I'll leave that part to someone else with more knowledge...

CarDogg13 wrote in post #8304105
If she got lucky, she might be able to snag a used/refurb 40d, a 17-55 f/2.8IS and a 70-200mm f/4L for right around $2k. Good body, and great glass that covers a decent range of focal lengths...

I don't have a flash, or super nice tripod, so I'll leave that part to someone else with more knowledge...

Solid idea! Thanks for your input. I'll take those ideas on board!

Used price in the US: 40D is about $650, 50mm f/1.4 $310 or f/1.8 $80, 70-200mm f/4 $525, 430EX II $250 or get a non-ETTL flash like Vivitar 285HV $90, get a Benro C-269M8 $260.

maverick678 wrote in post #8304141
Used price in the US: 40D is about $650, 50mm f/1.4 $310 or f/1.8 $80, 70-200mm f/4 $525, 430EX II $250 or get a non-ETTL flash like Vivitar 285HV $90, get a Benro C-269M8 $260.

Thank you! I guess it's also a matter of where to find them in Australia, for those prices.

Yes, I understand in OZ it costs a lot more than in the US. Might want to start with one lens. 50mm f/1.8 is pretty good, very nice portrait lens, maybe later have additional lens(es).

Harreh wrote in post #8304166
Thank you! I guess it's also a matter of where to find them in Australia, for those prices.

maverick678 wrote in post #8304188
Yes, I understand in OZ it costs a lot more than in the US. Might want to start with one lens. 50mm f/1.8 is pretty good, very nice portrait lens, maybe later have additional lens(es).

I do believe it is more expensive, unfortunately so!

And yes, a nifty fifty wouldn't go astray at all.
Thanks, Maverick

maverick678 wrote in post #8304188
Yes, I understand in OZ it costs a lot more than in the US. Might want to start with one lens. 50mm f/1.8 is pretty good, very nice portrait lens, maybe later have additional lens(es).

If you can, get the 50 1.4, the 1.8 is terrible.

Lazuka wrote in post #8304200
If you can, get the 50 1.4, the 1.8 is terrible.

Price wise, what's the difference?

Better bokeh, better color rendition, better build quality, lets in a little more light, doesn't miss focus ALL THE TIME. Just better build all around, i can't stand the 1.8.

You probably have a bad one.

Lazuka wrote in post #8304241
Better bokeh, better color rendition, better build quality, lets in a little more light, doesn't miss focus ALL THE TIME. Just better build all around, i can't stand the 1.8.

maverick678 wrote in post #8304246
You probably have a bad one.

Nah, I've seen a lot of people on the boards say they hate it, and a lot of people i know don't like it. But it's all opinion

Feel free to browse. Mine works fine.

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=186207

Harreh wrote in post #8304221
Price wise, what's the difference?

Lazuka wrote in post #8304259
Nah, I've seen a lot of people on the boards say they hate it, and a lot of people i know don't like it. But it's all opinion

I must say, I've seen various arguments built upon the 1.4 being much better than people who can't stand the 1.8.