7D...17-55...bits and bobs?

PCPhil

PCPhil

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In summary,

Someone in the USA slipped (:lol:) whilst working on a spreadsheet just before Xmas so I and a few others lost our jobs. Despite being quite skilled in a high demand market the job market was very flat and all offers were at a greatly reduced wage. But, Hey-hey..landed my ideal job on Weds and start in a weeks time.

Sooo TOY TIME!!!!

Looking for advice, comments.
I have a 550D with 17-85 and 50 1.8.

With this set up would you;
a) Upgrade the 550D to a 7D
b) Keep the 550D and get the 17-55 f/2.8
c) Get Photoshop Elements (finally), a good Carbon fibre Monfrotto kit, a decent external flash
d) Go and take a cold shower and calm down for a few weeks
 
How about e). a telephoto lens?

Otherwise, I'd suggest waiting a while and working out what it is that you really want to get.
 
mr_pants said:
How about e). a telephoto lens?



Otherwise, I'd suggest waiting a while and working out what it is that you really want to get.
Click to expand...

Oops forgot to mention. All my photos seem to be taken at 17-35. Longer range is not high on my list.
Hmm, cold shower option...Brrrrr
 
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What do you take pictures of ?
You say long reach isn't high on the priorities so I'm guessing you don't do much in the way of birds/sport ?
That appears to be the &D party piece, so it might be a waste.

If you are taking pictures at 17-35 I guess you are doing portraits/landscape ?

In which case I'd upgrade lenses to EF fit with a view to going full frame later in the year.
17-40L maybe ? or one of the wide primes ?
If doing landscape what about some filters if you don't already have some ?
 
Craft said:
What do you take pictures of ?
You say long reach isn't high on the priorities so I'm guessing you don't do much in the way of birds/sport ?
That appears to be the &D party piece, so it might be a waste.

If you are taking pictures at 17-35 I guess you are doing portraits/landscape ?

In which case I'd upgrade lenses to EF fit with a view to going full frame later in the year.
17-40L maybe ? or one of the wide primes ?
If doing landscape what about some filters if you don't already have some ?
Click to expand...

Very good. I had to take a 4 hour online psychometric test between to 2 interviews for my new job. I feel like i'm back there :lol:

Definately NOT going full frame yet. Just can't see what the 5D Mk2 would offer me above a 7D (please this is not a flame!). But, the 17-40 I must investigate again :clap::clap:
 
c) Get Photoshop Elements (finally), a good Carbon fibre Monfrotto kit, a decent external flash

I'd say these are essential items for any photographer.
 
That's fair enough. I suggested full frame as that seems to be where most landscape/portrait shooters end up, at least quicker than other types.
Full frame would ultimately give you higher quality, allowing for better quality crops.
And of course you'll get your wider field of view.

Either way I reckon EF lenses are a good way to go whatever, you'll get a bigger improvement by upgrading lenses than the body.
 
AndyB1976 said:
c) Get Photoshop Elements (finally), a good Carbon fibre Monfrotto kit, a decent external flash

I'd say these are essential items for any photographer.
Click to expand...

OK, half way along there. Got Photoshop elements but now got to wait until Monday for new laptop.
Got a manfrotto Head, 496RC2. Don't need anything bigger and the great thing is that my B-Grip plate is a pretty snug fit and the head will sit on my existing cheapy tripod and monopod until I am sure what I will go for.

Haven't gone for the flash but I am looking at glass. I'm getting severely tempted by either the 17-40L or the 10-22. Both seem to be the most appreciated mid-price landscape lenses. But I may wait until the spring and when the sun starts coming out have a look again.

Thanks for all input. Start my new job on Monday and TP has been great for keeping my spirits up in a pretty stressful time. :thumbs:
 
Congrats ;-)

Both nice lenses.....I got way too tempted by the UWA shots on here so went for the 10-22. I did seriously consider the 17-40L but it was basically covered by my kit lens (although the quality might have been less) I felt I was getting something additonal by the UWA to my bag.

Andy
 
Craft said:
That's fair enough. I suggested full frame as that seems to be where most landscape/portrait shooters end up, at least quicker than other types.
Full frame would ultimately give you higher quality, allowing for better quality crops.
And of course you'll get your wider field of view.

Either way I reckon EF lenses are a good way to go whatever, you'll get a bigger improvement by upgrading lenses than the body.
Click to expand...

Why restrict yourself to EF lenses? The two best lenses for you would be the 17-55 IS and the 10-22 USM. Both EFS lenses and easily up to 'L' levels of image quality.
 
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Get a 17-55 2.8. Great lens, pretty much all you'll ever need for regular stuff. Don't get a 17-40L, just a poor choice on a cropper. Lots of threads on that.

Out of everything, a decent flash will do most to a) improve your pictures, b) expand creative options. But you have to learn how to use it (tip: point it anywhere except at the subject ;)).
 
HoppyUK said:
Get a 17-55 2.8. Great lens, pretty much all you'll ever need for regular stuff. Don't get a 17-40L, just a poor choice on a cropper. Lots of threads on that.

Out of everything, a decent flash will do most to a) improve your pictures, b) expand creative options. But you have to learn how to use it (tip: point it anywhere except at the subject ;)).
Click to expand...

+ 1 to all that.

Forget what camera you might buy in 4 years etc, get a good lens for the one you have now and enjoy it.
In this focal range it doesn't get any better for a crop camera.
 
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I must admit the 17-55 was my first drool over.

Like I say, I may well calm down for a few weeks and then make a proper well informed decision when the green shoots of spring arrive.
 
PCPhil said:
I must admit the 17-55 was my first drool over.

Like I say, I may well calm down for a few weeks and then make a proper well informed decision when the green shoots of spring arrive.
Click to expand...

The way i see it, and how it worked for me, was once i got this lens i stopped wanting other lenses in this range.

Its a lot of money though, you should take your time and think about it.....then go and get it :lol:
 
It doesnt have to be a lot of money. I got mine for just over £300. Keep your eyes peeled for bargains.

Its a cracking lens and ultra sharp. Perfect range on a cropper too!
 
Latest report from my ongoing saga :)

I bought Photoshop Elements in mid Feb
Got a nice Manfrotto Ball head at same time and my B-Grip plate fits nicely. The manfrotto head fits onto my old tripod and will keep me going for a good while.

and

after a long cold shower and many plays in shops went for .........
17-40L

It just felt so nice, perfect mix of Weight, sharpness, non-extending barrel and build quality. I've taken a few test shots and the sharpness has blown me away. Now all I have to do is find some sun in the mornings!!

Just went out in very overcast conditions, set ISO at 200 and AV to 8 and clicked for a bit of fun. The image here does no justice. At full size it's beautifully sharp all over. Feel myself planning a Scotland or Lakes trip as I type.

IMG_1462_edited-1.jpg
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