Canon EOS 50D

nmballa · Posted: May 07, 2009 4:38 pm Post subject: Canon EOS 50D

Just picked one up. Got a great deal on it so I figured what the heck. Iv'e been wanting to get in to photography for sometime. This probably belongs in the tech forum but I only post in nonwake. Anyone have one? Recommendations on lenses or other equipment? How do these measure up to other SLR's on the market?

edrex · Posted: May 07, 2009 5:08 pm Post subject:

Congrats!
Did you get it with the 28-135 kit lens? That is a pretty good starter. What kind of photography are you looking to do? Start saving now, cause most new lenses are a decent chunk of change.

nmballa · Posted: May 07, 2009 5:49 pm Post subject:

Yeah its the 28-135 kit. I'm not really sure what I want to get into. Landscapes and action. Probably will get into some wide angle as well. I have access to a grand format flat bed printer as well as digital cutting equipment and a ton of different substrates so I really want to do some cools stuff.

edrex · Posted: May 07, 2009 7:34 pm Post subject:

Cool. Here is a thread I started when I needed a wide angle. Had great suggestions and I'm really happy with the lens that I got.
Also, pretty much everyone will tell you that if you are shooting wakesports, one of the 70-200L's is the way to go. If I get more into shooting wake, I'm going to get the 70-200 2.8. Probably won't spring for the IS on that one.
And, just for fun and because its cheap, get one of these.

nmballa · Posted: May 15, 2009 7:59 am Post subject:

So I have a bit of a hook up on accessories, lenses, etc. I am putting together a shopping list. Let's just say I can catch about a 50%-75% on everything. I am still not deep enough into it to know what I need but I def. want to take wake, wide angle, and maybe some distanct shots. I plan on ordering a tripod but what about flashes. I do plan on taking some night life type pics as well. Suggestions???

nmballa · Posted: May 15, 2009 8:12 am Post subject:

edrex, I plan on picking up a macro, wide angle, and which 70-200L would you recommend? Also, telephoto or super telephoto? I'm thinking a super? Any recommendations on flashes? I'm thinking for nightlife I just stick with the EF 28-135 IS USM. Suggestions?

edrex · Posted: May 15, 2009 8:28 am Post subject:

Is your hookup a one time only thing or will you be able to buy more stuff later?
For a wide lens, the Canon 10-22 gets pretty decent reviews if you need a zoom. Otherwise, I would look at the Sigma 15mm like I have. I think its a great lens for the money and I've gotten some really good shots with it.
For the 70-200, that all depends on what you want to spend. They all get good reviews, but the IS might be nice to have for shooting from a boat. And I have been taught to stick with faster glass when you can, so I am saving up for the 2.8 instead of settling for the f4 (I don't think I'll be getting the IS version though).
Also, when you say you want to shoot nightlife, are you talking about like being in clubs and concerts? If so, the 28-135 will probably not be wide enough. In that kind of environment you won't be able to back up to get a better shot because there will be too many people walking by. Something wide where you can be close to your subject and still get a good shot will make your life easier. Or, if you are planning on being in the crowd but taking pics of bands on stage, then you will need something faster (smaller f-stop number) to be able to take steady shots in lower light.
This is just my 2 cents though, I'm fairly new at all this stuff also. Make sure you get a 2nd opinion on anything I've said before you lay down some serious cash on anything I've recommended.

nmballa · Posted: May 15, 2009 8:48 am Post subject:

Not sure if it is a one time deal. My GF's friends BF. So you see how it could pretty easily be a one time deal. I'm wondering if I should go with the 100-400 or the 70-200? I'm wondering if the 100-400 would be overkill for wake shots, although I suspect I will be taking more surf shots than wake so it might be a better choice. I will go with the IS for sure though. For nightlife it will be more of the club environment. I'm wondering if the 10-22 would do the job for that. As for the macro I'm kind of in the air as of right now, thinking it could be fun to shoot some close up still life's. Any input on flash?

nmballa · Posted: May 15, 2009 9:02 am Post subject:

I really dig these tilt shift but not sure if I would use one. Kind of the same boat with the macro. Liking the TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II.

edrex · Posted: May 15, 2009 12:06 pm Post subject:

For flash, I have the Canon Speedlite 430 EX II and it works fine for me. I use it alot as a fill light for daytime shots. If you are getting a good deal, might as well get the 580 EX II though. That one can be used as a master to control other speedlites for multiple flash setups.

Damon · Posted: May 15, 2009 1:22 pm Post subject:

Does he work for a photo store? I never pictured a huge employee discount at places like that.

Can you get whatever? or are you restricted to only Canon? my shopping list would go a bit like this...

UWA: Tokina 11-16 F2.8
Standard: Sigma 24-70 HSM
Tele: Canon 70-200 F2.8 NON IS... or Sigma 70-200 F2.8
Flash: 580EX... see if they have the version I in stock if it's a good amount less. Or if they have a used section, the 550 is awesome.
Filters... depends on your style I guess. Definitely pick up a circular polarizer, in the largest thread you get... the 70-200 2.8 is 77mm. I would pick up a holder and GND's, but those are for landscapes. Maybe some ND's: .3 and .6.

I would hold off on long glass for a bit. Maybe pick up a 1.4x extender.

nmballa · Posted: May 17, 2009 8:37 pm Post subject:

No he works for corporate. So it's only canon stuff.

Damon · Posted: May 18, 2009 8:22 am Post subject:

Ah, that makes more sense.

Well in that case, change my UWA to Canon 10-22 (unless the Tokina is still cheaper, probably not though) and standard to either the 17-55 or the 24-70.