400D on way, what do you recommend?

3dcandy · 30 Sep 2008 at 17:03

Hi guys and gals,
Got a 400D coming soon from the MM, and was wondering what you all recommend I buy to go with it. Mixed needs, like landscapes, macro, planes trains and automobiles! Got an ok tripod - what else shall I get?

I'd thought about BG-E3 grip, 50mm F1.8 II, Sigma 70-300 APO DG for starters....

Johnny|lucidcomposure · 30 Sep 2008 at 17:11

I'd recommend you to buy a 40D to go with it

A.N.Other · 30 Sep 2008 at 17:32

That's a pretty normal starting kit. The BG-E3 is a great buy and improves any xxxD immeasurably - you don't have to get a Canon one, but make sure it's got the second set of buttons and shutter release. The nifty fifty is a great lens and most people have one floating around somewhere. The 70-300 is the best lens for the money in that bracket (better than the Tamron equivalent but not as good as the Canon 70-300 IS, though naturally that's more expensive). Make sure you get the APO version of it.

Fstop11 said:
I'd recommend you to buy a 40D to go with it

And a 1DsmkIII to go with that

3dcandy · 30 Sep 2008 at 17:43

Cheers - was gonna get a 40D as it's my 40th birthday

BUT, the credit crunch means it would be a 40D and one lens...thought I'd be better with 400D and extras!

Johnny|lucidcomposure · 30 Sep 2008 at 18:14

sorry I said that as a joke, I meant to come straight back to it but got side tracked.
I would recommend the grip and the nifty 50 but as far as the 70 - 300 goes its ok but I got very put off with mine shortly after use. I cant really use a telephoto past 200mm without a stabilization unit any more.

3dcandy · 30 Sep 2008 at 20:11

Problem is I need a longish reach as the planes tend to be quite far away. Put it on a monopod or tripod and off I go. Recommend anything instead then, not going stupid on the price!

and I got the joke btw!

sid · 30 Sep 2008 at 20:16

Grip and nifty fifty for sure.

For landscapes and long range, I'd suggest saving up for the decent stuff tbh.

sid

3dcandy · 30 Sep 2008 at 20:20

of course...but I still have several trips booked so will need a telephoto still

sid · 30 Sep 2008 at 20:22

3dcandy said:
of course...but I still have several trips booked so will need a telephoto still

Pehaps worth stretching to the 70-300mm Canon IS USM one then I think

sid

3dcandy · 30 Sep 2008 at 20:46

cheers....bank balance is still gonna look a bit sick I reckon!

sid · 30 Sep 2008 at 20:55

3dcandy said:
cheers....bank balance is still gonna look a bit sick I reckon!

When I got my canon 400D first I rushed in and bought a tamron 70-300mm lens just to cover focal lengths but realised soon that it wasn't really any good. Worth going for mid range lenses at least tbh.

sid

edit/ i hope im not coming across at snobbish over kit its just the way I found it to be.

3dcandy · 30 Sep 2008 at 20:57

so, anything in the 250mm range worth considering?

sid · 30 Sep 2008 at 20:59

3dcandy said:
so, anything in the 250mm range worth considering?

55-250mm USM IS gets rave reviews for about £160ish

sid

3dcandy · 30 Sep 2008 at 21:00

yup, seems a decent choice. will take a looksy at the reviews!
cheers again, need to read more methinks!!!

Mr Jones · 30 Sep 2008 at 21:01

sid said:
55-250mm USM IS gets rave reviews for about £160ish

sid

Errm, it's not USM and yes, that's a good lens for a telephoto with IS. Very sharp in good light.

sid · 30 Sep 2008 at 21:03

Mr Jones said:
Errm, it's not USM and yes, that's a good lens for a telephoto with IS. Very sharp in good light.

has to miss something for the price

Mr Jones · 30 Sep 2008 at 21:08

sid said:
has to miss something for the price

Nothing wrong with that as long as the optics is good

tom_nieto · 30 Sep 2008 at 23:21

The SIgma 70-300 is a great lens for the cash. Sure, I'll look into something more flash when I have the money, but I've achieved some very good shots with it. It is a light sucker and needs to be used in bright daylight to get the best from it. I would definitely buy it for a starter lens and see how much you use it. IS would be a bonus, but see how you get on without it.

The 50mm II is a fantastic piece of kit, but I've found it very long for my needs. I'm going to splash some cash on something L flavoured for a general walkabout lens before going down the prime lens route again.

3dcandy · 1 Oct 2008 at 13:32

The main reason I looked at it it that 2 mates have it on different mounts, and it seems a consistent performer, if needing a lot of light. The Canon 55-250mm doesn't seem to have a great many reviews knocking about, but in general I've found it harder to find decent lens reviews than body reviews anyway. I shall probably replace the kit lens with the IS version as it seems a good deal better, but to be honest, with the cash flow not looking great over the next 6 months it will be a careful process of upgrading!

Thanks for all the comments, should be with me next week as it's a present!

gt_junkie · 1 Oct 2008 at 13:37

3dcandy said:
The Canon 55-250mm doesn't seem to have a great many reviews knocking about, but in general I've found it harder to find decent lens reviews than body reviews anyway. I shall probably replace the kit lens with the IS version as it seems a good deal better, but to be honest, with the cash flow not looking great over the next 6 months it will be a careful process of upgrading!

55-250's a great lens.

Got a mint one up in the MM as i'm wanting to go full frame.

Lack of USM isn't too problematice and it's tack sharp - i'd thoroughly recommend it and wouldn't be selling if i was sticking with the 20D i have now.

gt