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01/20/2006 02:15:32 PM · #1 |
Before I ask, I don't plan on upgrading cameras...I love my 10D and it's perfect for me...as a 99% hobbyist there's no need for me to have "more power." ;)
Anyway...I have some $$$ coming from Uncle Sam (bless his heart) and even though most of it is earmarked for other, more necessary and important things, I am going to be a little selfish and buy myself a couple or three things.
1. I need a flash. A decent flash. Not a top of the line, "OMGthisthingtalksandwalksandmakesbreakfast" flash, but something that is workable and not eleventy hundred dollars. I'm still using an old Vivitar 2500 so that tells you what I've got now, and what I need to upgrade from. ;)
2. I want a wide angle lens. I'm looking at the Sigma 10-20 or the Tokina 12-24, both of which seem to be pretty nice for the $$$, but I'm open to suggestion. The lenses I currently own go are the Tamron 28-75, the Canon 50mm 1.8, and the Canon 75-300 IS USM so you'll know what I'm missing on the wide end.
3. I'd like a new bag, one that will hold the 10D, a flash, 4 lenses, and accessories. I would prefer a shoulder bag to a backpack. I have the Lowepro Microtrekker now but it won't hold a 4th lens when I buy it.
4. I'd like all of this to come in around $800 or so, if possible. I might be wishful thinking.
As always, your help and input is invaluable and I appreciate it! :)
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01/20/2006 02:27:07 PM · #2 |
Originally posted by laurielblack:
1. I need a flash. A decent flash. Not a top of the line, "OMGthisthingtalksandwalksandmakesbreakfast" flash, but something that is workable and not eleventy hundred dollars. I'm still using an old Vivitar 2500 so that tells you what I've got now, and what I need to upgrade from. ;)
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Get one that can be bounced. That is, you want a head that tilts and swivels. Otherwise a flash is next to worthless, on the camera and you'd need an off camera cord/ system.
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01/20/2006 02:32:35 PM · #3 |
Hi Lauriel,
As it says I have a 10D so I know where you're coming from. Before I went to Europe in the summer I had a Sigma 10-20 on order, but it wasn't going to come in time so I ordered a 15mm fisheye, partly because it would one day be compatible with full-frame and 1.3x cameras, and partly because of the great reviews. I have not regretted it, though if I had to order an ultra-wide zoom, the Sigma 10-20 would be it. I've heard nothing but great reviews.
Flash, I have a 420EX which is fine for me, but doesn't have zoom functions for a 1.6x camera, nor does it have manual control on the flash. The 430EX will sense that you have a 1.6x sensor, and also has manual functions. I'd get the 430EX if I were you...given that it's $244 for a USA warranty 430EX at adorama, vs. $179 for the 420EX.
Bag, I have a Lowepro Stealth Reporter 200 and 400. The 400 is huge, carries everything and then some. The 200 is my usual carry-all. I can get my flash, 70-200/4L, 1.4X teleconverter, 50/1.4, 15mm fisheye, 28/2.8, and 10D with 17-40/4L attached into it without straining anything. If you wanted a tiny bit more room, the 300 would be the way to go. |
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01/20/2006 02:33:09 PM · #4 |
Hi Lauriel,
1) How about the EF-500 Flash from Sigma? Lots of power, good features, great price, cheaper than the Canons...
2) And maybe go with the Tokina 12-24, I've heard the picture quality is better than the Sigma and its alot cheaper than the Canon 10-22
3) And maybe the Lowepro Nova 3 as far as a bag?
This still leaves you a hundred bucks or so to play with too... |
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01/20/2006 02:57:24 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by laurielblack:
Before I ask, I don't plan on upgrading cameras...I love my 10D and it's perfect for me...as a 99% hobbyist there's no need for me to have "more power." ;)
Anyway...I have some $$$ coming from Uncle Sam (bless his heart) and even though most of it is earmarked for other, more necessary and important things, I am going to be a little selfish and buy myself a couple or three things.
1. I need a flash. A decent flash. Not a top of the line, "OMGthisthingtalksandwalksandmakesbreakfast" flash, but something that is workable and not eleventy hundred dollars. I'm still using an old Vivitar 2500 so that tells you what I've got now, and what I need to upgrade from. ;)
2. I want a wide angle lens. I'm looking at the Sigma 10-20 or the Tokina 12-24, both of which seem to be pretty nice for the $$$, but I'm open to suggestion. The lenses I currently own go are the Tamron 28-75, the Canon 50mm 1.8, and the Canon 75-300 IS USM so you'll know what I'm missing on the wide end.
3. I'd like a new bag, one that will hold the 10D, a flash, 4 lenses, and accessories. I would prefer a shoulder bag to a backpack. I have the Lowepro Microtrekker now but it won't hold a 4th lens when I buy it.
4. I'd like all of this to come in around $800 or so, if possible. I might be wishful thinking.
As always, your help and input is invaluable and I appreciate it! :) |
I have the 420EX and it suits me fine, it was about $170 when I bought it. If you can get one of those, you will do fine. As an alternative, the Sigma 500DG Super has all the features of the 550 Ex for about $250. Whatever flash you get, do yourself a favor and get a LightsphereII, it looks kinda goofy, but it is awesome. Much, much better than the little sto-fen POS thingy I used to have. I also suggest, but it's not an immediate necessity, a set or two of NiMH rechargable batteries, you will save $$$ in the long run.
As for your WA, I'd go with the Tokina 12-24. Most reviews agree that it's a kick ass lens for the $$ and most of the reviews of the Sigma 10-20 seem to bitch about the distortion and unaceptably soft corners. I don't know first hand, I haven't shot with either of them.
I like my Stealth Reporter 200 AW. It's pretty small, easy to carry and I have an amazing amount of stuff in mine: 10D w battery grip, 28-135, Sigma 105, Sigma 12-24, 50mm 1.8, 85mm 1.8, 8mm Peleng, 420 EX and TC-80 controller. It's not deep enough to hold any really long lenses, but it accepts the Street&Field accessories, so you can upgrade with a lens pouch or whatever if you need to.
I found the Tokina 12-24 @B&H for $499, the Lowe 200AW @B&H for $90 and Amazon has the 420 EX for $179 (The newer 430EX is $230 @B&H, they don't carry the 420 anymore) Add $55 for the LightsphereII and you are looking at $823 for the lot not including shipping/tax etc.
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01/20/2006 02:59:06 PM · #6 |
My setup is very similar to yours (if you add the flash and the WA) and can store it all in my LowePro Nova 4 AW, which I love. Even has room (barely) for one more lens. It's around 70 dollars retail I htink. Maybe less online. Very good bag.
I strongly recommend the 430EX speedlight from Canon; great battery life, great build, WA diffuser works with the 10-22mm (a real plus) and it's guaranteed compatible with the Canon; it talks the same language for sure.
I'm REALLY biased in favor of the Canon 10-22mm EF-S lens, which as far as I'm concerned is optically superior to any of the mentioned alternatives. It's virtually devoid of barrel or pincushion distortion, which is critical when you have architectural subjects or wide, straight horizons like seascapes. I think it's worth the cost.
R. |
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01/20/2006 03:00:34 PM · #7 |
The 10-22 won't work with the 10D. If it did I'd have one already.
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
My setup is very similar to yours (if you add the flash and the WA) and can store it all in my LowePro Nova 4 AW, which I love. Even has room (barely) for one more lens. It's around 70 dollars retail I htink. Maybe less online. Very good bag.
I strongly recommend the 430EX speedlight from Canon; great battery life, great build, WA diffuser works with the 10-22mm (a real plus) and it's guaranteed compatible with the Canon; it talks the same language for sure.
I'm REALLY biased in favor of the Canon 10-22mm EF-S lens, which as far as I'm concerned is optically superior to any of the mentioned alternatives. It's virtually devoid of barrel or pincushion distortion, which is critical when you have architectural subjects or wide, straight horizons like seascapes. I think it's worth the cost.
R. |
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01/20/2006 03:01:08 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
I'm REALLY biased in favor of the Canon 10-22mm EF-S lens, which as far as I'm concerned is optically superior to any of the mentioned alternatives. It's virtually devoid of barrel or pincushion distortion, which is critical when you have architectural subjects or wide, straight horizons like seascapes. I think it's worth the cost.
R. |
The 10-22 won't work on a 10D. :(
Thanks everyone for the help so far...great ideas and I think the information is very helpful...keep it coming!!! :)
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01/20/2006 03:01:23 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
I'm REALLY biased in favor of the Canon 10-22mm EF-S lens, which as far as I'm concerned is optically superior to any of the mentioned alternatives. It's virtually devoid of barrel or pincushion distortion, which is critical when you have architectural subjects or wide, straight horizons like seascapes. I think it's worth the cost.
R. |
Yes, the 10-22 is a fine lens if your camera takes EF-S lenses. Unfortunately, the 10D is not one of those cameras.
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01/20/2006 03:05:51 PM · #10 |
Well, chit. I didn't realize that. I thought EF-S was good for all APS-C Canons. So the EF-S is only good for 350xt and 20D currently? No, that can't be right; I had a loaner 300D while I waited for my 20D, and the 10-22 mounted fine to that. But not the 10D? Bummer...
R.
Whatever you do, stay away from the Sigma; I have seen some really lousy test shots from that one, including a shocker here.
The Tokina seems to be OK as far as I can tell.
Message edited by author 2006-01-20 15:11:10. |
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01/20/2006 03:07:33 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Well, chit. I didn't realize that. I thought EF-S was good for all APS-C Canons. So the EF-S is only good for 350xt and 20D currently? No, that can't be right; I had a loaner 300D while I waited for my 20D, and the 10-22 mounted fine to that. But not the 10D? Bummer...
R. |
Yes, the 300D was the first camera with the EF-S mount.
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01/20/2006 03:24:53 PM · #12 |
Hey Congrats,
As for the lens, I'd recommend the Sigma, it's cheaper, sharper, has less distortion and CA than the Tokina.
Photozone.de has reviews of both.
As for flash, if you want a good flash without much controls, the Sigma 500 might be a good one. I think if you want one with more controls, the Canon 430EX is a great deal as well. It auto corrects for the crop factor, has a diffuser for wide angles, and recycles faster than the 580EX, if I remember correctly. The head tilts and rotates by pushing one button, unlike my 420EX, and you can also adjust power output.
Lastly, for a shoulder bag, I like the old stand by Domke shoulder bag.
At B&H this set up would cost.
Sigma $479
Canon 430EX $245
Domke Original shoulder bag $110
Total $810ish, I'm sure if you shop around, you can find cheaper deals.
Good luck
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01/20/2006 05:40:59 PM · #13 |
Anyone have any of the Crumpler bags? I like the style of some of them (more fashionable colors and more girly anyway) but I wonder how functional they are...
I'm leaning toward that Sigma EG-500 Super and the Tokina 12-24 right now. I want a wide-angle that has minimal distortion so I can use it at weddings and such.
Thanks so far...the feedback has been great! :) |
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01/20/2006 11:22:26 PM · #14 |
Bump to ask the night crew about the Crumplers & stuff... ;)
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01/21/2006 12:45:55 AM · #15 |
If I remember right the crumplers were discussed in thid thread today:
DPC Thread |
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01/21/2006 12:55:12 AM · #16 |
i have the large crumpler.. can't remember its name... MAN... it's big.. i have the 20D with grip 6 lenses flash filters blah blah blah... and unless you take hubby EVERYWHERE with you, it will be a pain.. if you want it ,ill sell it to you cheaper than you can buy it..lol...
great business to deal with though, very professional....
edited to say i have that flash the sigma one.. I LOVE IT... it's fantastic.....
Message edited by author 2006-01-21 00:56:18.
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01/21/2006 12:58:23 AM · #17 |
I see you just mentioned the Sigma EG-500 Super which I'm assuming is comparable to this Sigma Super for Canon EOS....which to me seemed like a good buy. It's suppose to be comparable to the Canon 520? (brainfart, sorry) the big one and it was wwwaaay cheaper....only a little over $200 plus I bought the little bounce cover as well.
You mentioned the wide angles....do you think you might want to try something fun like a fisheye? The wide angles I've been looking at are the 10-22 (fits my 20D) and the tokina 12-24....the tokina because if you look at the photos that the owners take.....looks pretty slick to me! :)
I just got the AW200 lowepro pack (love it)....but it's more of a sling....and I think you were looking for more a hanging down the side one? I haven't tried any but I will keep my eyeballs peeled! :)
(Oh btw....I just ordered the 70-200L!!! w00h00!-gotta love Uncle Sam....sometimes:)
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01/21/2006 01:05:39 AM · #18 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
My setup is very similar to yours (if you add the flash and the WA) and can store it all in my LowePro Nova 4 AW, which I love. Even has room (barely) for one more lens. It's around 70 dollars retail I htink. Maybe less online. Very good bag.
R. |
Looks like a great bag. I'll have to take a look at them in person.
B&H $53
Message edited by author 2006-01-21 01:06:14. |
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01/21/2006 01:09:36 AM · #19 |
just thought I might back up the 430ex. I use it for all my outdoor portraits as a fill flas. It has change my life. seriously. I love it. be sure to get a diffuser for it.
drake |
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01/21/2006 05:02:00 AM · #20 |
I can't comment on your lens/flash etc. but maybe can help with the bag.
I started out with a Lowepro Micro Trekker 200 but as I acquired more stuff it became too small for me. Now I use a Mini Trekker, I can fit two bodies with lenses attached, two other lenses (largest is a 75-300 consumer), flash, and still have enough room for other accessories like angle finders, Cokin holders and so on, but I keep film and filters in a separate bag (Lowepro Utility Case) that can go onto an ordinary belt or a S&F belt. If you don't have to worry about filters and film or lots and lots of extra gizmos, then you might find the bag is big enough for you.
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02/04/2006 02:29:12 PM · #21 |
OK...I bit the bullet. Of course, in doing so I nearly had a heart attack and sweated profusely, but I actually spent money on myself today to buy the following:
Tokina 12-24mm f/4
Sigma EF 500 DG Super flash
Lowepro Stealth Reporter 300 bag
Lexar 1Gb CF card
Why is it so hard to spend money on myself? Is it a mom thing?
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02/04/2006 02:46:20 PM · #22 |
forget the canon 430 flash. The sigma super 500 dg is far better and cheaper with more controls.
edit: whoops didnt read the last post. Nice one!
Message edited by author 2006-02-04 14:47:07. |
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02/04/2006 02:57:12 PM · #23 |
| Looks like you'll have excellent glass up to 75mm and a good, but not great, telephoto. At some point you might consider eBaying your 75-300 and get the newer, much-improved 70-300. |
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02/04/2006 03:04:27 PM · #24 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Well, chit. I didn't realize that. I thought EF-S was good for all APS-C Canons. So the EF-S is only good for 350xt and 20D currently? No, that can't be right; I had a loaner 300D while I waited for my 20D, and the 10-22 mounted fine to that. But not the 10D? Bummer...
R.
Whatever you do, stay away from the Sigma; I have seen some really lousy test shots from that one, including a shocker here.
The Tokina seems to be OK as far as I can tell. |
There seems to be some really variable quality with the Sigma 12-24. I got a good one, I feel and the sharpness is more than adequate, certainly it was nowhere near as bad as that example. Indeed, I've just had a couple of photos using that lwns printed at 20x30 and they look fine.
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02/04/2006 03:14:43 PM · #25 |
Originally posted by laurielblack:
Why is it so hard to spend money on myself? Is it a mom thing? |
More so once you become a single mom .... more so! What I found out .... (and it takes awhile) is you need to take care of yourself too. As mom's we always put our kids first...as it should be....but once you take on the added burden of being a single parent you have to take that time out for yourself....get yourself that little goodie you've had your eye on for awhile.
Always remember Miss Laurie....you are worth it! :)
(easier said than done, just gotta believe:)
Colette
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