Back-to-school-treat

I want to get myself a little back-to-school gift since I worked all summer and hardly did anything with my camera. I'm not looking to spend too much, max of $200, so a lens is out of the question. But i'm thinking of a few accessories I wouldn't mind having. I thought a poll would be fun, so please vote, and say why if you can.

Choices:
Canon battery grip
Hoodman Angled Viewfinder
Custom Brackets Flash bracket
Kenko Extension tube set

Now if anyone can recommend something within that range that's not on my gear list, please do tell.Thanks

Did you think to really have a plan of lenses to gain over a few years and save for them? That's what I did, not spending a little money at a time. That way you can get something much more expensive, and really great.

VERY good point Suzy!

OP: Unless you are 100% happy with your lens line up, I would suggest you save that $200 and put it towards your first L lens

I voted for the extension tubes. They could keep you busy.

Where do you find yourself bumping into limits with what you have now? Do you do a lot of macro and need a greater working distance or higher magnification than your 90 macro will give you? Take a lot of flash photos and need to get the flash away from the camera (or keep it above the camera in Portrait orientation) (remember, you'll need an off-camera flash cord with the bracket)? Macros at odd angles? Long shooting sessions with no time to change the batteries? Something else?

Like Suzy said - think about socking the money away and maybe upgrading your lenses sooner rather than later. It's less immediately gratifying, but will do more in the long run. Or just look through the photo section of a good bookstore and get a couple of books from photographers whose work you like - inspiration is always helpful.

Yea, i'm fairly happy with my current lens line-up. Eventually when I get a new camera, many years from now, i'll probably invest in the Ls, but I don't feel that it's needed as of now. The book idea is a good idea Jon, I never thought of that. I do do a lot of macro work, and the angled viewfinder would come in handy, but I think that's a good chunk of cash for something like that. Right now i'm in college, and I'm saving up to buy a car, so a new camera and L lenses are the enxt step after I get a stable job. Every so often I feel like spending money on my camera, but then after some deliberation, i am very happy with my current setup, so i'll probably stay where I am now, but I will be looking into books to read. Any recommendations on that subject?

I'm a big fan of the late Galen Rowell's work. Check out The Art of Adventure and Galen Rowell's Inner Game of Outdoor Photography, both based on his columns for Outdoor Photography. You won't get lessons in what an f/stop is, or other basic stuff. Instead, what you'll get is mind-stretching ideas you can apply anywhere.

I'd skip it all, spend the money on beer and pizza.

Maybe you could splurge on an Expodisc or a Balens White Balance lens cap for one of your lenses to help nail down the color temperature as much as possible in-camera when you're shooting (get one of the size of the most common of your lenses (or the one you use the most), or get one for your biggest lens and just hold it in front of the smaller ones)? I like these better than a grey card because they're just so convenient (although I do have a grey card as well)!

Chances are that you may change bodies later on, and depending on how soon that'll be, a grip may not be worth it (unless you get a Hong Kong cheapie), but a custom white balance solution may last you longer in terms of how long it stays with you and in your kit.

timnosenzo wrote in post #10691029
I'd skip it all, spend the money on beer and pizza.

+1

Seriously, I love my battery grip. Very happy with that purchase.

i would save up for a new lens.
i saved up all of my spring semester for buy a new body.
and i absolutely love it.
if you wanna get something small then a nice compact camera is always nice. like an S90.
wireless flash triggers are also a good option. they can dramatically help you grow as a photographer.

Save up for a good new lens instead, one that you know you will use. It's always nice to see something you use all the time get upgraded to a better quality product.