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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> ok I have my new camera...now what?
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06/16/2008 01:20:02 PM · #1
Yay! I finally bought my first SLR, the 40D. I also bought a Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM lens which seems pretty cool so far, BUT I don't think it's a great walking-around lens (too heavy, focal length is a bit long for certain circumstances). I need a 50mm or something that goes within that range, and am strongly considering either the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II OR the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM medium telephoto lens.

It seems like the pros of the f/1.8 are: price ($90 vs. $340), pretty fast lens, good DOF, and judging by the customer images it takes some great pics.
The cons seem to be that it's: cheaply made, rough-edge bokeh, and a smaller lowest aperature than the f/1.4

I am torn on which one I want because the price is just so tempting for the f/1.8 and honestly I don't mind it falling apart (I hope it lasts 2 years though) because it's so inexpensive and I can use the $ saved to buy other gadgets. Also since I'm going to be using this camera for a long while chances are I will have to replace either lens sooner or later, but if the f/1.8 is really going to last 10 years vs. 2 then I'm up for getting it.

I think I am also going to get the WR-A100 wireless remote, an external flash, maybe the Canon 430EX Speedlite, and a backpack probably the Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG for Canon EOS SLR Cameras. Feel free to talk me in or out of any of these though.

Also if you could suggest any macro or wide angle lenses that might be interesting too. Oh, and any studio lighting (prefferably fairly compact) for future reference :)
Thank you!

06/16/2008 01:42:44 PM · #2
The 50mm 1.8 is going to be my own next purchase. I do not yet own the 1.8, so I can't give you a definitive opinion. Moving up from an S2 IS, I do not think you will be disappointed at all. However, if the extra $$ for the f1.4 is not any problem for you, it is certainly a better lens. If I were a pro, I'd go for the 1.4.
06/16/2008 01:43:30 PM · #3
Step 1 - Change your profile.

06/16/2008 01:56:49 PM · #4
Originally posted by idnic:

Step 1 - Change your profile.


I agree...unless you plan on using your S2 IS as your main camera that is. Anyway, I would recommend the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 SP. It will run you around $330 for the lens, but it covers a pretty decent range and is a fast and very sharp. And, since it goes up to 75mm, it makes for a great match with the 70-200mm. It's easy to pick up a 50mm f/1.8 later on because it's so cheap so if you have the budget, get the Tammy.

I have the 200EG backpack as well and it's ok. It does the job but it's not all the great to carry around lots of stuff for long periods of time, there is better out there for that. With that said, it is a GREAT buy for less than $50. As far as wide lenses go, the best bet is either the 10-22mm or the 16-35 L depending on your budget.

Congrats on the new toy! I want to get one soon...but I'm kind of waiting to see what happens to the cost of used 5D's when the new 5D comes.
06/16/2008 02:00:42 PM · #5
IMO, the 50mms are not wide enough to serve as a basic walk-around lens. I always, always find myself wanting something wider. My basic WA lenses are the Tammy 28-75 and the wides like the Canon 10-22 or Tok 12-24. 50mm is just not wide enough for everyday versatile use.
06/16/2008 02:27:07 PM · #6
My WA lens is a Tamron 28-300, which covers almost everything. If I need a little more wideangle, then I put the 18-55 kit lens on. I want the 1.8 for indoor, low light shooting, and getting nice bokeh backgrounds.
06/16/2008 03:47:46 PM · #7
I recently just purchased a new camera as well and I've been wondering lately if it's worth spending upwards of $300 for the Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash or is there a less expensive flash (possibly a different brand) that is compatible with the Canon 5D and comparable in quality?
06/16/2008 03:59:39 PM · #8
Originally posted by beckydi:

I recently just purchased a new camera as well and I've been wondering lately if it's worth spending upwards of $300 for the Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash or is there a less expensive flash (possibly a different brand) that is compatible with the Canon 5D and comparable in quality?


I have the 480 EX...it works well for me.
06/17/2008 03:50:44 PM · #9
Originally posted by idnic:

Step 1 - Change your profile.


Done :)
06/17/2008 04:14:53 PM · #10
yes..I agree that the 50mm is not a good walk around lens.. but it is a good lens to have. I think you'll want something that is wide and will zoom.. but I don't know enough about lenses to give any suggestions.

I have a 50mm and a 70-300mm.. if thats all I had, I'd be beating my head on the wall when I needed that wider angle. example: if I'm shooting indoors with the 50mm I end up having to back myself against a wall clear across the room..or even 2 rooms.. just to get the shot.. often times that's not enough and I can't get the shot without switching to my 18-55
06/17/2008 04:15:22 PM · #11
Step 2 - Take some pictures.
06/17/2008 04:18:43 PM · #12
Step 3 - Show them to us! :D
06/17/2008 04:21:55 PM · #13
Step 4 -- Decide you don't like your camera and send it to karmat
06/17/2008 04:33:35 PM · #14
The 50mm 1.8 is a great lens and worth the few dollars it costs.

For walking around, I think you need to decide just where you walk and what you want - GRIN!

I use my 10-22 or 100mm for walking around depending on the mood I'm in.

I have the 28-75 Tamron, but since getting the above two lenses virtually never use it, because I've become a different sort of photographer.

In street situations, I often like to get really close to my subjects (10-22) or be much further away (100) but rarely in 28-75 distance - GRIN!

06/17/2008 04:37:22 PM · #15
Step 5: It isn't as good as a P&S, so get a hammer and follow the following:

Up, 1,2,3: Down 1,2,3: Repeat ten times.

This is good exercise and also rids you of that troublesome great DSLR!
06/17/2008 04:44:59 PM · #16
i love my 50 1.8, unless money is REALLY tight there is no reason not to buy it IMO, some of mine with the 50:
06/17/2008 05:01:39 PM · #17
Tokina 11-16mm f2.8
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