basic accessorizing!

Brockspur

I'm a Canon 60d enthusiast looking to add some decent basics to my set of gear i.e. flash, tripod & possibly an extender. I use 17-55mm f.28 and 70-200mm f4 lenses.

As usual, there are a sea of options out there so would love to hear recommendations on which to get. I'd like decent gear without breaking the bank, so budgeting c. $500 for the flash & tripod.

Also, whilst this should perhaps be a seperate thread, would love to know your views on whether a 2x extender is a worthy purchase. I'd like to get better close-ups in shooting sport than my 200mm will allow, but can't really afford to get a 100mm-400mm at this stage.

thanks in advance!

ziggy53

It would be helpful to know how you wish to use the tripod, and what height and head requirements you have.

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As to the flash, a Canon 580EX II, the current Canon flagship flash, would eat most of a $500USD budget by itself. I use Sigma EF DG Super flashes, including professional use, and they are a tremendous value. They have most of the features of the top Canon flash, but with a price that is more like the second-tier Canon flashes.

The Sigma flash user interface is completely different from the Canon flashes, but I find it pretty easy to use just the same. The Sigma flashes will even mix (somewhat) with Canon flashes, which I sometimes do.

More importantly, I highly recommend constructing some DIY flash modifiers.

http://www.fototime.com/inv/908195739C4C0D3

Better Bounce Card

Joe Demb also makes an interesting device for sale (reasonable):

http://www.dembflashproducts.com/flipit/

I own a FlipIt product and it works well and is very well made.

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The biggest problem with a 2x telextender on a Canon EF 70-200mm, f4L USM (with or without IS) is that you lose 2 - stops, and the lens is effectively an f8. That means that you will likely also lose autofocus. (You should retain focus confirmation, however.) This also makes the combination only really useful in strong light, bright conditions.

You will also lose some image quality, although for simple subject matter it may still be useful.

If you really need 400mm, it's best to use a lens designed for that length. Ideally, the best compromise for Canon is the EF 100-400mm, f4.5-5.6 L IS USM. Yes, it's expensive and yes, it's worth it (IMO).

moose135

ziggy53 wrote: »

If you really need 400mm, it's best to use a lens designed for that length. Ideally, the best compromise for Canon is the EF 100-400mm, f4.5-5.6 L IS USM. Yes, it's expensive and yes, it's worth it (IMO).

I'll second that recommendation. I've been using that lens for 5+ years for aviation subjects (plus some miscellaneous sports work) and it's a terrific lens.

Brockspur

Thanks
The tripod I'll mainly be using for landscapes (beaches + night city shots) - I didn't have any specific height/head requirements in mind. The one I was recommended in a shop today as a decent mid-range was a Vanguard (though I now forget which model).

I'll check out the Sigma flash & modifiers- thanks

As for the extender, fortunately I live in Sydney, where the light is mainly strong and bright....but I hear you nonetheless. Would love the 100-400 & may just save for that. I think I'd retain auto focus with the 1.4x extender but not sure its worth it to just get to 280mm

ziggy53

For reach I often bring an older manual focus catadioptric (mirror/reflex) lens, specifically the Tamron 500mm, f8 SP (55BB). It's an Adaptall mount, so I use a pair of adapters to mount it onto my Canon cameras; an Adaptall/m42 adapter and then the m42/EOS with focus confirmation chip.

While I cannot recommend the "aluminized" catadioptric lenses, the "silvered" catadioptric lenses can be pretty good quality and they're pretty light too. They can also produce "donut" bokeh, so they're not perfect for everything, but I do like mine (although I don't have anything significant to show.)

Here is a comparison amongst some of my "value" 500mm lenses:

http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=1126808&postcount=16