Choices.....

Ok so I'm college freshman, see gear below. I'm really looking to upgrade my kit, for portrait photography mainly. So since I'm in college money is a bit of issue. I'm trying to plan out my purchases but I'm being so indecisive; so I was just wondering the opinions of all of you guys. Oh and I really like the focal lengths 50 and 24 on my crop, the problem is I really want to go full frame. I plan on selling my Tokina and Nifty fifty as well.

Option 1: Keep my 500D and then purchase a 50L. Purchase some lighting stuff and start practicing and experimenting with off camera flash. Save up some more and then buy and 85L and sell the 50L and buy a 5d classic or some type of full frame body.

Option 2: Sell my 500d buy a 5d classic and then buy a 85mm f/1.8 and a 35mm f/2. Buy some lighting stuff, and they upgrade to the 85L down the road.

Option 3: Sell my 500d and then purchase a 5d classic and 85L at the same time and not buy any lighting stuff for a while

So Option 3 would take the longest to save for I know. Which option do you think will produce the best IQ. I know that IQ is not solely based on gear, but I'm really getting tired of my 50mm f/1.8 and would really like to upgrade to something a bit nice.

Thanks for all your help!

5d goes with 85L which is a best combination.

Option 2 gets my vote. Lighting is going to create a bigger impact on your images then a new camera or lens so I would make lighting a top priority.

option 1, your 500d is up to the task get better glass....

5d w/85 1.8 and 35 f2 + lighting would be excellent. 85 1.8 is a super lens. Lighting is key, key, key. You could also just do simple lighting. 1 flash + reflector.

http://www.youtube.com …A4xad4GFU&featu​re=related

This gives you an idea on what you can do with 1 light + reflector. Looks like he's using the 85 1.8 at one point. The shot at 1:57 is just wow.

Other: don't buy anything because college is very expensive. You already have a camera with 2 lenses and a flash that will provide you with a lot of opportunities. College kids should not be trying to spend $1000s on toys.

Don't have the "I'll always be in debt, so what does a little more matter?" attitude. It is defeatist mentality and will weight you down in the end.

HappySnapper90 wrote in post #10920626
Other: don't buy anything because college is very expensive. You already have a camera with 2 lenses and a flash that will provide you with a lot of opportunities. College kids should not be trying to spend $1000s on toys.

Don't have the "I'll always be in debt, so what does a little more matter?" attitude. It is defeatist mentality and will weight you down in the end.

HappySnapper,eh?

Seemslike the OP mentioned saving up for this stuff, not charging it and going in debt.

I would buy a YN flash, stand, bracket and wireless setup for like $200 and be done for now.

I thought about just going with the my 430 EX with some RF 602's with an umbrella but, I'm really searching for more than that. I've used the an AB 800 with an Octabox type thing, and LOVED the results it produced. So I'm really leaning towards that. The ones on the AB sight are very versatile.

The reason I'm intent on buying expensive equipment, is because I know that if I just start using an umbrella and speed light I'm always going to want some strobes and such. I've really wanted a 5d for a long time. And yes, I'm def saving not going into debt for photography in College, I don't see that fiscally responsible now, or really ever.

I'm probably in the minority, but I wasn't that impressed with the 5D. I would keep the camera you have and focus on lenses.

iSax1234 wrote in post #10921133
I thought about just going with the my 430 EX with some RF 602's with an umbrella but, I'm really searching for more than that. I've used the an AB 800 with an Octabox type thing, and LOVED the results it produced. So I'm really leaning towards that. The ones on the AB sight are very versatile.

The reason I'm intent on buying expensive equipment, is because I know that if I just start using an umbrella and speed light I'm always going to want some strobes and such. I've really wanted a 5d for a long time. And yes, I'm def saving not going into debt for photography in College, I don't see that fiscally responsible now, or really ever.

I loved my 5d.

Will you be shooting near a power source, like indoors? Or will you be shooting mobile?

An AB will need portable power unless you can plug it in somewhere. The Vagabond is around $300 so add that to the budget.

I would still say start with an umbrella, bracket, stand and triggers anyway. Even if you buy an AB soon after you will still get use out of that stuff. And for $100 you can start real soon.

I am aware AC power is needed to run the lights, I'm actually looking into the Vagabond two as well. I'm probably going to purchase it a little down the road or at the same time as the AB. I have quite a few items that are sitting around that are going to be liquidated so waiting isn't a big deal for me. I might still get the triggers, umbrella, stand for my 430 just trying to cut down costs as much as possible. Thanks for the input guys. Continue to add more!

Like others are saying, lighting is key! i still shoot portraits with my XTi and get outstanding results! And this is just with one 430ex, and an umbrella and then my 70-200 2.8. You can do alot with your setup right now if you get an umbrella stand and triggers. if you just have to have the even flashes on the face then get another 430ex or a cheaper off brand to have 2 flashes and then 2 stands and 2 umbrellas.