$3,000...what would YOU get? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

02/05/2007 10:51:29 AM · #26

maybe this is a little far out of the box...

have you ever thought of taking some of that and putting it into a web site? you don't need a studio front to work in portraits as long as you have a kick butt website. it's a little expense up front but it will make you money in the end to afford all the toys you want.

PhantomEWO

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

02/05/2007 10:59:40 AM · #27

I know you've heard it, but I would still get the 5D and a lens. If you get it now with an inexpensive lens you will get a $600 rebate on the 5D. I switched from 20D that I was very happy with to the 5D and the difference is amazing. I see much better saturation, colors and contrast. Much sharper in my opinion also. AND the advantage is you automatically get a wider view with your old lenses. Think hard and have fun.

02/05/2007 10:59:45 AM · #28

Originally posted by gi_joe05:

Man, you just saved me $100,000! A better website instead of a studio, and strobes and backgrounds! Thanks LOL

Just kidding, but that's how your comment struck me. Thanks for the laugh.

Elvis_L

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

02/05/2007 11:02:38 AM · #29

Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

battery grip and batteries - an extra battery is a good thing, but your 300D batt(s) will work.

unless the 300 has differnet batteries than the 350 i don't think they will work. My 350xt batteries were different than the ones for my 10d. 30d and 5d which are all the same,

RobotBanjo

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

02/05/2007 12:11:31 PM · #30

Originally posted by Elvis_L:

Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

battery grip and batteries - an extra battery is a good thing, but your 300D batt(s) will work.

unless the 300 has differnet batteries than the 350 i don't think they will work. My 350xt batteries were different than the ones for my 10d. 30d and 5d which are all the same,

I don't have the 300d or access to the 20d anymore...hence getting NEW stuff :)

angela_packard

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

02/05/2007 12:13:42 PM · #31

Lots of fun camera stuff (new lenses, backdrop, maybe even a new camera body...) if I get too involved on what i REALLY want then i will be sad I can't have it!!!!

kyebosh

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8L

02/05/2007 12:24:11 PM · #32

A nice video camera and a wide angle lens for it.

or

used 5D and a used 16-35L 2.8.

02/05/2007 12:55:26 PM · #33

Originally posted by Elvis_L:

teh 350 and 400 take the same batts, but are different than the 300/10/20/30/5d cameras, and the 1D models take yet another.

The OP has a 300D, so it is the same battery as the 30D.

scalvert

02/05/2007 01:30:07 PM · #34

Welcome back, Nightshy! A few random thoughts...

FWIW, I've seen new 5D's for as little as $2000. The larger sensor gives you wider angle AND shallower DOF. Note also that the Canon 400D is pretty darn close to (in some ways better than) a 30D and runs about $300-400 less. Unless you're doing high-speed photography or have large hands, the 400D could be a good option, leaving you extra bucks for lenses, etc.

A $20 tripod = NO tripod. Get a decent Bogen tripod and RC322 ballhead and be done with it.

I tend to agree with skipping the Sigma 10-20 in favor of a Tokina 12-24 or even the Tamron 17-55. Better still, find a kit lens on eBay and save up for the Canon 10-22.

The Sigma 70-200 is fine. Personally, I'd rather have a Tamron 28-75 for interior portraits and a Canon 70-200 f/4 for outdoor work, but that's just me. The bokeh on that Canon is awesome.

Ditch the battery grip. One battery will generally last all day in a 30D anyway, and you already have a switch for vertical shutter release.

430ex flash. A flash bounced off a ceiling or wall can give you great stuff when natural light fails.

Maybe a circular polarizer instead of the ND filter for now? A circular polarizer will act as a pseudo-ND filter, and also intensifies colors and allows you to cut or modify reflections on glass or water.

RobotBanjo

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

02/05/2007 07:51:24 PM · #35

ALRIGHTY!

Thank you EVERYONE so much for the great suggestions and feedback. I got the loan approved today (yipeeeee!) and plan on placing my orders as soon as the money comes through (for sure by wednesday). If anyone has anymore thoughts on the matter, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE feel free to voice up!

How dare you all (especially you, scalvert, hehe) tempt me with the 5d??! Haha. I really think the variety of glass right now will better serve me than a nicer body. So, the 30d is going to stay.

But I do have a question: How do you all feel about refurbished equipment? Is that a big no-no? Because there are refurbished 30ds for 800-900 bucks. Perhaps I don't really know what refurbished means fully?

Anyway, so I've considered what everyone has said so far and this is what I've come up with:

Canon EOS 30d (Body Only)...........................................$1,174.95
Sigma APO 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM.....................$819.95
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II.......................................................$74.44
Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.4-4.5 USM SLR.......................$689.95
Bogen - Manfrotto 3175N Tripod......................................$173.00
Canon BP511A 1390mAh Battery..................................$46.77
Gold/White Reflectors......................................................$24.95
MA-A High Quality Remote Switch.................................$17.99
LowePro SlingShot 100 Backpack................................$59.95

TOTAL: 3,081.95

I'm going with the Canon wide angle over the Sigma
I'm not going to get the 85mm 1.8 right now, but I am going to save up and get that for me for my birthday in June
I upgraded to a much better tripod...I think...I don't really know about tripods...
I ditched the battery pack thinger and just got an extra canon one (you made an excellent point Laurus)
@gi_joe05, I know, I REALLLY should start thinking about an awesome website, but I think I'd rather have a lense than a site right now, but that is a really good point.
No flashes right now.

I'm pretty sure that's all the changes I made.

Again, HUGE thanks to everyone!! I really appreciate your opinions! There is a significant amount of rocking going on at DPC.

scalvert

Olympus 12-45mm f/4.0 Pro

02/05/2007 09:00:11 PM · #36

B&H has a used 30D in perfect condition WITH the kit lens for $989- no rebate necessary.

I'm not familiar with the Bogen 3175N, but they normally come without a head (just the legs). B&H has a 3021PRO with 484RC2 ballhead for $199. The 3021PRO is a GREAT tripod (I haven't used that ballhead though).

The Canon EF-S 10-22 is $674.95 (after $15 rebate)

I use CTA batteries with no problems. $34.95 gets you a higher power battery than the 511A.

I didn't see any memory cards in your list. Yer gonna need film! I strongly recommend these 2GB 120x cards for $25.99.

That's about $160 cheaper than the same items on your list even WITH the kit lens and 2GB memory card. ;-)

Message edited by author 2007-02-05 21:20:25.

OdysseyF22

Panasonic DC-G9

02/05/2007 09:06:33 PM · #37

Actually, the 30D is even cheaper at Beach Camera, only $1029 after the $100 rebate. That's where I just got mine from, and they're trustworthy and easy to buy from.

I second

scalvert, you need memory cards. 1GB minimum, and 2GB would be better, although I'd be tempted to get 2 1GB cards, so if something strange were to happen to one, you'd still have the second. Not likely, but good to be prepared?

And I don't know how firm you are on the Canon 10-22, but I thought I'd throw out a final rave review for the Tokina 12-24. Yes, the 2mm difference is rather large at that end, but the Tokina is much less expensive, is built like a tank, and the constant F/4 is nice. Add to that, my new one is by far the sharpest lens I own, and I have been VERY impressed with it.

Anyway you decide to go, the best of luck to you! And enjoy all the new toys!

Edit for typos

Message edited by author 2007-02-05 21:07:00.

robs

Canon EOS R6 Mk II

02/05/2007 09:17:17 PM · #38

If you go with the Canon 10-22 (I did and you won't regret it, although the Tokina felt amazing also), I seriously think you should consider the - really annoying - hood (the thing flares a lot outside). I am a fan of hoods and don't use glass filters, so take that for what it's worth. Same with the 50 but to a lesser extent [it never stops does it :-)].

scalvert

02/05/2007 09:20:04 PM · #39

Originally posted by robs:

I seriously think you should consider the - really annoying - hood...

FWIW, I have this lens and the hood. I don't think I've ever actually used the hood, though. I've encountered no flare problems whatsoever.

downtherabbithole

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

02/05/2007 09:38:59 PM · #40

Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

Originally posted by gi_joe05:
maybe this is a little far out of the box...

have you ever thought of taking some of that and putting it into a web site? you don't need a studio front to work in portraits as long as you have a kick butt website. it's a little expense up front but it will make you money in the end to afford all the toys you want.

Man, you just saved me $100,000! A better website instead of a studio, and strobes and backgrounds! Thanks LOL

Just kidding, but that's how your comment struck me. Thanks for the laugh.

hmm that is an interesting reaction. especially since I am 1 class away from a collage degree, and I run my own studio. strobes and backgrounds are needed yes, but why not put the money into a good website? Especially since moms would much rather you come to their home to shoot their babies, rather then drive to your studio. Thats you making money man, and then after you start making the money you should buy studio strobes and backgrounds, but why unless you have studio space on main street you got to start someplace...

W.R.Miller

Canon EOS-50D

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

02/05/2007 09:52:11 PM · #41

Are you sure that the LowePro Slingshot 100 all weather backpack will carry the 30D with the battery grip attached? Just asking because I always have troubles finding bags or carrying cases that support the camera with the grip on.

robs

Canon EOS R6 Mk II

02/05/2007 10:06:03 PM · #42

Originally posted by scalvert:

Originally posted by robs:
I seriously think you should consider the - really annoying - hood...

FWIW, I have this lens and the hood. I don't think I've ever actually used the hood, though. I've encountered no flare problems whatsoever.

Interesting??? Must be the different ways we use it - I get flare in the odd shot almost every time I use it outside and it was worse without the hood. Dunno... but the thing is sharp.

TechnoShroom

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

02/05/2007 10:06:38 PM · #43

Originally posted by gi_joe05:

hmm that is an interesting reaction. especially since I am 1 class away from a collage degree...

Scissors and Glue 101?

downtherabbithole

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

02/05/2007 10:08:06 PM · #44

Originally posted by TechnoShroom:

Originally posted by gi_joe05:
hmm that is an interesting reaction. especially since I am 1 class away from a collage degree...

Scissors and Glue 101?

actuly it's called portfolio and thesis, but the two have alot in common :)

ElGordo

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS for Canon

02/05/2007 10:12:18 PM · #45

$3000! That would buy a case of really good single malt scotch!

Nullix

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

02/05/2007 10:40:27 PM · #46

Forget the cameras. Blow it on L glass.

Also, I would sink it on a laptop/computer, printer, and software. Also monitor calabration/calobration/color correction stuff.

02/05/2007 11:16:19 PM · #47

Originally posted by gi_joe05:

You're 19 and still in college. You have a lot of life experience to gather - the school of hard knocks teaches well, with or without college.

The OP asked what we the community thought about her equipment list - so what has a website to do with it?
Sure you can shoot kids at the parents homes, but so can the parents, and schlepping all the gear (if you take lights and BGs, etc) is a lot more work than having them come to you. It's false economy to think you're saving anything - your time in transit will severely limit your income potential as it limits how many clients you can shoot.
If at some point they come to your studio (office, etc) for the sales presentation then it may not matter as much, but if you're not selling something like that via projection, with the right music to set the mood (move them, aka make them cry - in a good way) and selling framed items then you're leaving to much money in their pockets.

You need not have studio space on main street either. It should match your market - you're not gonna get whitebread suburban moms to come to the ghetto and pay top dollar for portraiture, but you don't need a million dollar studio either. A home studio works well and keeps the overhead low, or buy a mainstreet building and live above it, or rent that space as apartments to cover the mortgage.

And one can get a nice website for free - if you know where to go - my lab for one offers space, flash templates, etc - for free, to those that use the lab. All template driven, no html/flash/PERL/CGI etc needed.