phil_tuften

<p>I use the 50mm 1.8, 35mm 2 (not the IS version), both produce good images. Tele have a 85 1.8 and the ef 70-200 f4 L is pretty good, cheapest L lens, you may want t with IS. When I bought my copy Is was not invented. The primes will let you go low light, and the bokeh (out of focus blur) on the 85 f1.8 is great, helps to isolate your subject. Oh, and get a good tripod for the low light stuff. The 85 is good outdoors, will the 35 is a great cheap all round prime. You could sub the 50 1.4 for the 50 1.8 if you wanted.<br /><br />Normal zooms: There is the efs 17-55, or alternatives sigma 17-50 OS or the Tamron 17-50 I have. If you want need macro the ef 100 2.8 is pretty good, I use this it is sharp. </p>

<p>Stefanie,<br>

Many consider the efs 10-22 to be just as good as the L lenes (well not in terms of build). It's my only efs lens. I tried hanging out for an L but tried this lens and took it home. </p>

<p>Stefanie,<br>

<br />What I tried was the efs 10-22. Reasons:<br>

1) its a good lens, its sharp enough for me<br>

2) It's reasonable priced<br>

3) I like the 35 mm (22 mm) on FF therefore i use this as my standard lens most times. Yes I do have an assortment of primes, 24, 35, 50, 85 and the 100 mm macro. But I just like the 22 mm look on crop. If I were you I would go in and try one, see if you can live with that. Besides the lens goes down to 10mm (16mm on a full frame or film camera). This would meet your other requirement of wide. <br /><br /><br>

The 16-35 F4, would be the same reach as your Tamron, just the canon version which may be better. I have not used the Tammy. I would try the 10-22 out or the sigma equivalent, which I have heard is good. <br>

Hope this helps</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Karen,<br /><br />I am in the same boat as you, just trying to teach myself off camera flash. I found the stuf at strobist .com helpful. In the end Had to take time put the flash in manual mode and learn by taking lots of pics about the power settings. I now know should start off about 1/8 power as that will let you know quickly if you need more or less flash power. Saves going to 1/2, 1/4 etc.<br /><br />If using the flash in ettl mode. put the camera in Manual. That way you can play with the aperture and exposure. The flash will auto calculate the right setting.<br /><br />Use Ettl when the distance from the flash to subject varies from pic to pic, as at a wedding. Use manual where distance are the same between flash and subject. For me I watched all the u tube videos I could on flash. Forum's google Planet Neil for on flash photography stuff, Strobist.com for off camera stuff. I know it may be painful, but set aside a few hours and play with different manual settings and different flash directions and powers (1/8, 1/16 etc) This is the best way to do it</p>

<p>Hamid,<br>

I have the 100 2.8 Macro, using it will mean you get in close, so you will need a flash. For the kind of images you want, you will need a bit more magnification than this lens offers. I would suggest this lens plus extension tubes. But search the internet for super macro photography. I think this may be the magnification you are after. Read the articles, and the suggested set ups. For an idea on how close you can get with this lens go to flickr.com and type in Canon 100mm 2.8 macro.</p>

<p>I was in the same boat as you, Brian. Searched long and hard, I came down to a Tokina or Canon wide zoom. Searched for a long time till I got a 2nd hand Canon 10-22 mm at the price I wanted to pay (about a year, to find a good one). Results are pretty good with this lens, only draw back it is EF-S. I picked mine up in Sydney for $750 AUD, 2 years ago. I shoot nearly all primes except for a 70-200 and the wide angle. I use it a lot, as I like a 35mm equivalent. I know it might break the bank, but it will serve you well. Remember lenses are a long term investment, and this is a really good lens. Save, and spend time searching for a good sample. Hope this helps</p>

<p>Chris,<br>

I have the 70-200mm f4L, had a 100-300mm 4.5-5.6 before this, the L zoom is far and away better, light weight. You won't regret it if you get one. The 75-300Is is also fairly good I believe from reports. But it comes down to what you shoot, and where. If you need the reach, then the longer zoom might do. But with the L zoom the bokeh, and the colours rock. You can always get a 1.4 extender like I did. My 2 cents</p>

<p>Hi Tommy,<br>

1) I have not used an off shoe cord. I went for a ST-E2 instead to set my flashes off. Works well. The other option is radio triggers pocket wizards etc, if you go down the last route mentioned you are looking at using you flash manually.<br>

2) Two Flashes. You should start reading the blog at <a href="http://www.strobist.com">www.strobist.com</a> Strobist is all about using your flashes off camera. They also have 2 free courses on line to teach you the techniques. I would try the lighting forum at photo.net and the planet neil site (just google planet neil) Though Neil is into on camera flash. There are several others around. Joe McNally's book, 'Hot Shoe Diaries' is pretty good too, though from a Nikon prospective.<br>

These should get you started along with the flash techniques section at Flickr (type in flash techiques at the flickr home page) there are a host of photos here + discussion<br>

Hope this helps</p>

<p>Mark,<br>

I own both flashes and saving for another 580exII. Either of these flashes are good, just depends on what you use them for, as others have said. My first purchase was the 580exII. My previous flash a 380ex didn't do manual, and I wanted a flash that could do manual, with the ability to act as master to another unit. For this reason, (ie. using it as master, I bought the 580exII). My aim was to finally use multiple flashes (see www.strobist.com). At the time of purchase, i thought a lot about the price difference, but finally took the 580exII. Was not that much difference really over time. And have found the unit does everything I need. Whereas, the 430exII, is not as powerful. And sometimes you need that extra reach. If you don't really need the extra power, nor the master option, nor the ability to vary your flash output a bit more, then the 430exII will do.<br>

In any case learn to use your flash well. visit the photonotes.org site, and Neil van Niekirk's site (google planet neil). Neil also has a helpful forum on fickr. Go to flikr and type in Flash techniques (the discussion topics). Canon also has a set of videos on their cpn europe site under the title Masterclass, that shows you how to use their flashes.<br>

Hope this helps<br>

Phil</p>

<p>Mark,<br>

I own both flashes and saving for another 580exII. Either of these flashes are good, just depends on what you use them for, as others have said. My first purchase was the 580exII. My previous flash a 380ex didn't do manual, and I wanted a flash that could do manual, with the ability to act as master to another unit. For this reason, (ie. using it as master, I bought the 580exII). My aim was to finally use multiple flashes (see www.strobist.com). At the time of purchase, i thought a lot about the price difference, but finally took the 580exII. Was not that much difference really over time. And have found the unit does everything I need. Whereas, the 430exII, is not as powerful. And sometimes you need that extra reach. If you don't really need the extra power, nor the master option, nor the ability to vary your flash output a bit more, then the 430exII will do.<br>

In any case learn to use your flash well. visit the photonotes.org site, and Neil van Niekirk's site (google planet neil). Neil also has a helpful forum on fickr. Go to flikr and type in Flash techniques (the discussion topics). Canon also has a set of videos on their cpn europe site under the title Masterclass, that shows you how to use their flashes.<br>

Hope this helps<br>

Phil</p>

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I recently discovered a set of videos done on the canon profesional network site in europe. Type in canon-europe.com/cpn/ or try google to find it if this does not work. Go to the masterclass option and click the set of videos is short about 17-20 minutes. Blue Crane videos also does a DVD on using the canon Flash System, As well there is the material on the canon USA site. But for me, NK Guy has the best info on his photonotes site. When you become a bit motre adventurous see Strobist.com for off camera flash and of course the forums on photo.net, especially the lighting a wedding one, have learnt heaps there.<br>

Phil </p>

<p>Yes it is, I use a 50 1.8 on my 40d 80% of the time with a 580 ex II or 430 ex II or both flashes using a ST-E2 never had a problem.</p>

<p>Hi Peter,<br>

Yes it does exist but if you want canon will cost. I think from memory the unit is about $900 Australian. However, you can pick them up on ebay, chinese knock off's for about $20-30 Australian. They plug into the hot shoe and a lead goes into the remote port on the side. At least this is how it is for the 40D and I expect all higher cameras are the same, have not seen a cheap one on the Australian canon website. I just got a simple cable chinese release $20 off ebay. Works pretty well though I hunger for the radio one. The Canon unit has a stated range of about 330 feet, (correct me if I am wrong anyone). The lower cameras 450D and 1000D use the cheaper remote, got one of those for my old film bodies.<br>

If you are in the US, the larger stores like B&H or similar places in the UK might have third party units. I am afraid there is no cheap cannon remote available i this country anyway. This is what I know from my part of the globe anyway.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Hi Peter,<br>

Yes it does exist but if you want canon will cost. I think from memory the unit is about $900 Australian. However, you can pick them up on ebay, chinese knock off's for about $20-30 Australian. They plug into the hot shoe and a lead goes into the remote port on the side. At least this is how it is for the 40D and I expect all higher cameras are the same, have not seen a cheap one on the Australian canon website. I just got a simple cable chinese release $20 off ebay. Works pretty well though I hunger for the radio one. The Canon unit has a stated range of about 330 feet, (correct me if I am wrong anyone). The lower cameras 450D and 1000D use the cheaper remote, got one of those for my old film bodies.<br>

If you are in the US, the larger stores like B&H or similar places in the UK might have third party units. I am afraid there is no cheap cannon remote available i this country anyway. This is what I know from my part of the globe anyway.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Another vote for the 35/f2. Since I bought it, several years ago has nearly always lived on my cameras. It's reasonably sharp and light. Use a 40D, and find it just right, for head and shoulder shots tend to use the 50/1.8. And for outdoors the 85/1.8. Don't use anything wider.</p>

<p>Another vote for the 35/f2. Since I bought it, several years ago has nearly always lived on my cameras. It's reasonably sharp and light. Use a 40D, and find it just right, for head and shoulder shots tend to use the 50/1.8. And for outdoors the 85/1.8. Don't use anything wider.</p>

<p>Hi Ben,<br>

Have been photoing for a number of years, picked up a 50ex2 and 40D last April.<br>

I have the 580exII, and while I don't have not used a 430 to this point in time, but upgraded from the 380ex for the following reasons:<br>

1) faster recycle time, with the 380 I missed shots but the 580exII is faster. I shoot a lot of action of kids pics. With the 380 would have to wait for the thing to recycle<br>

2) wanted a higher guide number<br>

3) I find the 580exII a good match for my 40D and an set the flash up through the cameras menus. Don't have a 1D2. Don't know if this function is avail. on the 1D2, think the 40D was the first to incorp. this, could be wrong though<br>

4) Wanted the ability to use full manual control<br>

5) build, so much better than the 380, in terms of build, especially the foot clamp and the battery door<br>

6) Want to get into multi-flash set ups, and use the 580 to trigger a 430 (still on my wish list).<br>

7) Strob feature</p>

<p>Hi Ben,<br>

Have been photoing for a number of years, picked up a 50ex2 and 40D last April.<br>

I have the 580exII, and while I don't have not used a 430 to this point in time, but upgraded from the 380ex for the following reasons:<br>

1) faster recycle time, with the 380 I missed shots but the 580exII is faster. I shoot a lot of action of kids pics. With the 380 would have to wait for the thing to recycle<br>

2) wanted a higher guide number<br>

3) I find the 580exII a good match for my 40D and an set the flash up through the cameras menus. Don't have a 1D2. Don't know if this function is avail. on the 1D2, think the 40D was the first to incorp. this, could be wrong though<br>

4) Wanted the ability to use full manual control<br>

5) build, so much better than the 380, in terms of build, especially the foot clamp and the battery door<br>

6) Want to get into multi-flash set ups, and use the 580 to trigger a 430 (still on my wish list).<br>

7) Strob feature</p>

<p>See www.strobist.com<br>

Strobist deals with all off camera flash techniques. They will give you you info you request.</p>

<p>See www.strobist.com<br>

Strobist deals with all off camera flash techniques. They will give you you info you request.</p>