85mm F1.2 or 135 F2 seems like you could use a faster prime in a longer focal length for portraits. 50mm is too short on FF.
Otherwise, I assume you have a remote shutter release of some sort...you could get a timer, ND filter, and I assume you have a polarizer.
An 85mm is on my list. I haven't decided between the f/1.8 and the f/1.2. My wife is leaning towards the latter.
I have a remote shutter release that also works as a timer and intervelometer. I used it to make this
video. I've got a polarizer, an 8 stop ND filter and a 2-5 stop variable ND filter.
Something like this would fall under the cool / fun category
Seriously....how about a tilt shift lens. I've read a couple of articles about photographing panorama landscapes with a tilt shift lens.
I've got the 24m TS-E II on my list.
It seems like a lot of wedding photographers use the 24-70mm but if you really wanted a portrait lens then an 85mm or 135mm as was mentioned.
Personally though I'd go for a longer zoom than the 70-200. Will or are your boys getting into any sports that will put you further back on a sideline? Of course the 7D might help a lot with that as well! Maybe you should just buy all that you listed.
I thought about the 100-400mm zoom. I even rented one last summer. It's still a possibility, but I'm leaning towards a 300mm f/2.8 instead. It would be a great lens for the kid's soccer games. With a 1.4x or 2x, it would also be good for wildlife shooting.
I'm leaning against the 7D right now. I want to wait for a 5D Mark III instead.
What about a wide angle or fisheye lens? The photographer that shot my cousin's wedding seemed obsessed with them, especially for crowd shots at the reception.
The Canon 15mm fisheye is on my list. It's on the bubble, but my wife really wants it.
congrats on the bonus! I would suggest sharing your bonus with us
or, if you do not like that, how about a nice tilt shift lens as someone mentioned before
I'll share my bonus in the form of posting pictures taken with my knew toys.
How about a lensbaby, they are kinda fun to play with, or a mirror lens.
For some reason, the lensbaby stuff has never really excited me. Mirror lenses aren't my thing either.
If I had that list of gear, next thing on my list would be a photo safari of some kind. A once in a lifetime opportunity to go out and use all that stuff.
Well, I've got a trip planned for the Pacific coast over spring break. We're going to Carmel, Monterey, Big Sur, and that area. I'll be shooting seals, oceanscapes, redwoods, tide pools, and all that stuff. My wife would like to do an African safari, but I'm not too keen on the idea.
I would suggest a Nikon D3 and a 24-70 2.8 as a kit to use for the wedding? It would also be a great start for you with a better camera! LOL.
Believe it or not, the groom in the wedding I'll be shooting has a D3. I'm not sure what lenses he uses for his wedding shots.
If you insist on staying with Canon, then I would suggest a Wimberly head for your longer lens. I also would consider you look at a longer lens then you may be looking at. Knowing that you like the great outdoors, you probably would use it more than you think. A 500 or 600 mm lens and Wimberly head would be cool!
I thought about a Wimberly sidekick for the 300mm f/2.8. I think I'm going to try using just a ball head at first.
What, no f/1.2? Canon's lovely fast 50 is calling you! And the 16-35 f/2.8 as well. You didn't mention if you had a 64 bit PC with 8GB of ram to work with. Dxo software would be nice to play with too.
And for your expeditions into swampy areas either a longer lens, alligator proof equipment, or some good running shoes!
Well, the 85mm
might be an f/1.2. I'm not overly fond of the 50mm focal length, so that's not high on my list. The 16-35 f/2.8 doesn't entice me either. I think the 17-40 f/4 is a better deal for me. I am tempted to get a Nikon 14-24mm and an adapter plate. Or maybe just get the adapter plate and borrow my friends 14-24mm.
To me, it sounds like you have as much equipment as a working pro. Do you NEED anything more? What is your kit lacking that is "holding you back"? THAT should be the real question.
Maybe a portion of that bonus could be diverted to Haiti? You'd remember that well after the "new lens smell" went away...
I clearly need more gear than a working pro. Most pros are really good photographers. With my lack of artistic talent, I've got to gear up to have any hope of competing.
As with all of my income, I'll dedicate a percentage to the charities I find important. There never seems to be a lack of problems in the world that need our resources. I'll save some, donate some, use some for some boring necessities. We need to replace a bunch of plants that died in the freeze here. Last year, my wife spent most of the money on a pergola and some landscaping. This year, I want to make sure that a least some money goes to a worthy cause - photography toys.
OK, my list so far is:
- Really Right Stuff TVC-33 tripod
- Acratech GP Ball Head
- Canon 300mm f/2.8
- Canon 85mm f/1.2
- Canon 24mm TS-E II
- Lastolite Tri-Flips
- Justin Clamp with Flash Shoe
- Canon 15mm Fisheye
- Canon 10x42 IS binoculars
The fisheye and binoculars could easily fall off the list if something else catches my eye. Maybe a new video camera. Or maybe an Epson 3880 printer.
I've been a good boy. I saved money like crazy for decades. I paid off my house last year. I've been working really hard and this year is going to be at least as tough as last year (although, admittedly, I really enjoy my job, even when it is brutal). I'm getting a "once in a lifetime bonus". It is time to treat myself.
