Decisions Decisions Decisions... anyone wanna chime in?

[scejas]

Sigh -- it's another one of those threads...

I have one last good purchase to make ((i'm planning on getting engaged soon and I will need my spare cash to pay for the upcoming expenses))...

So... one last purchase to make...

Current Equipment:
Canon 20D
Canon 70-200mm F/2.8 IS L
Canon 50mm F/1.8

On my wish list:
Tripod / w head (Benro C-228 Carbon Fiber / undecided on ball head)
Speedlite Flash 430EX
Canon 17-40mm f/4 L


I shoot a lot around the parks, I also cruise a lot and carry the camera everywhere. I do get a little income from doing freelance sports coverage...

Anyone have an argument for which item i should go for ?

 

[ukcatfan]

Sigh -- it's another one of those threads...

I have one last good purchase to make ((i'm planning on getting engaged soon and I will need my spare cash to pay for the upcoming expenses))...

So... one last purchase to make...

Current Equipment:
Canon 20D
Canon 70-200mm F/2.8 IS L
Canon 50mm F/1.8

On my wish list:
Tripod / w head (Benro C-228 Carbon Fiber / undecided on ball head)
Speedlite Flash 430EX
Canon 17-40mm f/4 L


I shoot a lot around the parks, I also cruise a lot and carry the camera everywhere. I do get a little income from doing freelance sports coverage...

Anyone have an argument for which item i should go for ?

With no hesitation, go for the 17-40mm b/c having 50mm at your widest would be extremely frustrating at WDW and in many other situations.

Kevin

 

[Steve's Girl]

With no hesitation, go for the 17-40mm b/c having 50mm at your widest would be extremely frustrating at WDW and in many other situations.

Kevin

I have to agree with this. You need a good wide angle lens. It will probably be the lens you use the most at Disney.

 

[jann1033]

i third it. don't know how much the tripod is or if you have one and just want a new one but that would be my second choice.

 

[Abby's Dad]

I agree with going with the 17-40, both with going to WDW, but also for the close quarters in cruising. I used to hate the thought of going without my tripod, now have a light one from Sunpak that works quite well, but I have gone even lighter with a Monopod that I got through either Adorama or 47th Street photo for like $13 (plus whatever for a tilt head - probably like $10). It certainly isn't a tripod, but it is very useable in a lot of situations (easier to use in a crowd - not having 3 legs to be tripped over by other people, very light, can easily be clipped to bag strap with carabiner, and very easy to change locations with). Oh, and they are very useable for sports photography!

 

[Master Mason]

Agree with everyone else, you need a wider lens before anything else. My second choice would be the flash, and last would be the tripod.

 

[jann1033]

i also have to agree with abby'sdad. i purchased a lightweight manfrotto monopod( was around $25, might be more now, i got it at amazon) and have been using it with my 70-200 lens and it does make a difference imo. it's so light it doesn't add much to the camera, i keep it on the whole time and just open or shut the leg depending on where i am( ie if there is a crowd & i might wack someone with it i close it ) and just put it under my arm. it really helps with my shaky hands and my non is lenses and is lots easier to use than a tripod, as far as moving the camera when you are trying to take a moving object etc. it wouldn't help much with fireworks but day it day shots i like it a lot and it is not a budget breaker
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/cu...tronics&qid=1184079053&sr=8-7#customerReviews

 

[majimikate]

Absolutely the 17-40L. I have the 430EX, it's useful, but I would use a 17-40about 50 times to each time I use the flash...the flash is great when I need it, but if I could choose again I'd go with the 17-40 first. Good luck choosing!

Chris

 

[scejas]

Good call guys -- any alternatives to the canon 17-40 that I'm missing ?

 

[DragonSlyr]

I would look at the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS. The extra f stop would help around the parks shooting without a flash.