Buying advice for a camera system

Aloha Camera People,
I have around $10,000 to spend on camera equipment. I want to shoot stills and video. I currently use a Canon GL1 and a Canon REBEL XT w/
18-55 3.5-5.6 zoom and a 55-200 4.5-5.6 zoom. I don't own a personal camera and buy on buying a 5Dlll and the 15-35 L 2.8 zoom and the 28-300 L zoom(I can wait for an update on this lens) Any other suggestions. I want to buy a tripod, monopod, a viewfinder, camera bag, lens filters, card reader, camera rig, and a camera mounted mic. I have FCP 7. Any suggestions.
Mahalo,
Newbie808

p.s. I already purchased sandisk cards

Is there any particular reason you want the 28-300? Are you going travelling when you can only take one or two lenses, or to dusty places you can't change lenses easily? Or do you just want that much of a range available in one video take for zooming in?
If none of these, then for the money you're probably better off with a combo like the 24-105 or 24-70 plus the 70-300L, but that said the 28-300 is still a decent lens, except for the barrel distortion at 28mm and the fact that it's fairly old (i've not heard any rumours of updates for this one, II might never come).

the 16-35 is a good lens, widest zoom canon makes, good choice if you can afford it.
tripod i'll presume you want more of a video tripod so i can't help you on that one...

I'd suggest you look at some faster lenses too... the 28-300 looks like a nice lens to use when you absolutely don't want to swap, but it is relatively slow. Lots of people on the forum love the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II, but it's way too rich for my blood :)

Dave

28-300 would be a bad choice. The, best of the best zoom is the 70-200mm f/2.8L II, I would suggest it.

Instead of the 16-35mm II, wait for the new 24-70mm f/2.8 L II, scheduled for release in June.


With those lenses and the 5D III you will have spent around 8K and have 2 left for accessories. You will have the most common ranges from 24-200mm and have an excellent kit, it doesn't get much better.

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Originally Posted by Dr Croubie

Is there any particular reason you want the 28-300? Are you going travelling when you can only take one or two lenses, or to dusty places you can't change lenses easily? Or do you just want that much of a range available in one video take for zooming in?
If none of these, then for the money you're probably better off with a combo like the 24-105 or 24-70 plus the 70-300L, but that said the 28-300 is still a decent lens, except for the barrel distortion at 28mm and the fact that it's fairly old (i've not heard any rumours of updates for this one, II might never come).

the 16-35 is a good lens, widest zoom canon makes, good choice if you can afford it.
tripod i'll presume you want more of a video tripod so i can't help you on that one...

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Dr. C,
Thanks for replying. It's like you read my mind. I will be traveling to different cities so I want to bring just two lenses. I've read the reviews on the 28-300 and admit it's a slow lens, but not much heavier than the 70-200. Also, the two lens cover a wider range. I can wait on an updated 28-300 lens. My cousin's husband has a 70-200 L II and loves it. I guess I don't want to miss any shots changing lens.
Newbie808

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dave Throgmartin

I'd suggest you look at some faster lenses too... the 28-300 looks like a nice lens to use when you absolutely don't want to swap, but it is relatively slow. Lots of people on the forum love the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II, but it's way too rich for my blood :)

Dave

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Hi Dave,
Thanks for replying. I'm hoping the incredible ISO on the 5Dlll will make the slow lens mute. I've heard great things of that 70-200 lens too. The 28-300 was made in 2009 and hopefully will be refreshed in a year or less. I've waited so long for the 5dlll and i have a 55-200 I can use (school's) in the mean time.
Newbie808.
p.s any backpacks you recommend?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HDNitehawk

28-300 would be a bad choice. The, best of the best zoom is the 70-200mm f/2.8L II, I would suggest it.

Instead of the 16-35mm II, wait for the new 24-70mm f/2.8 L II, scheduled for release in June.


With those lenses and the 5D III you will have spent around 8K and have 2 left for accessories. You will have the most common ranges from 24-200mm and have an excellent kit, it doesn't get much better.

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Aloha HDNitehawk,
Thanks for your info. Wow, I didn't realize that $10K doesn't go very far in camera land. Man, those two combos sound good, but want that wide angle for video shooting. Much to ponder on...
Newbie808

Newbie808,

You mention waiting for an update to the 28-300L, I just wanted to point out that could be a very long (years and years) wait. My suggestion would be to base your decision on what is currently available. One very good thing about lenses is that they hold ~70-80% of their value. So you should be able to buy what is currently available, use it for awhile and then resell them for a ~20-30% "rental rate" when a new lens that you want is released.

Regarding the ultrawide, just keep in mind that 24 mm on a FF is ~84 degrees diagonal angle of view and 16 mm is ~108 degrees. I picked up the EFS 10-22 in February, which is the same angle of view on my 7D, and honestly, I haven't found too many uses for it yet. I just haven't yet found too many subjects that I shoot where that extra 24 degrees is needed or doesn't cause distortion. Granted, if your mahalo means you are on one of the Hawaiian Islands, first off, very jealous, and second, you may have some great landscapes where maybe you would use it. And, of course, I am sure there are photographers whose subjects are almost entirely in the "ultrawide" range.

If I were you, I'd probably do something like this:
5DIII kit with the 24-105 f/4 ($4,200)....new body, very nice general purpose lens
70-200 f/2.8 II ($2,200...$6,400 total)....widely considered one of the best zoom lenses made, very useful range on FF
16-35 f/2.8 ($1,500, $7,900 total).....as you asked for it. If interested in birds/dolphins/etc, personally I'd substitute in the 100-400L.
Tripod with good ball head (~$700....$8,600)
Good bag/backpack (or two) (~$200-$500....~$9,000 total)
Then $1,000 for a good prime lens (35 mm L?), macro lens (100 mm L?), graduated/ND filters, or other misc gear (extra batteries).

While you were talking about a two lens kit, this would give you more option. Then, when needed, you could take the two lenses that are best suited for your use. I typically travel with my 15-85 and 100-400.

Good luck,
Brant

[QUOTE=Kayaker72;69557]Newbie808,

You mention waiting for an update to the 28-300L, I just wanted to point out that could be a very long (years and years) wait. My suggestion would be to base your decision on what is currently available. One very good thing about lenses is that they hold ~70-80% of their value. So you should be able to buy what is currently available, use it for awhile and then resell them for a ~20-30% "rental rate" when a new lens that you want is released.

Hi Brant,
Thanks for the great advice. I'm shooting more travel videos, conventions, camps, and stills and I am leaning toward the new 24-70 coming out in June and the 70-200 2.8L II. I can't believe camera bags and tripods are so expensive. I want a video tripod too with a good fluid head and camera backpack. Any suggestions? Yes Oahu is beautiful (Hawaii 50 and The Amazing Race: Finals) are two great examples. But I'm sure it's beautiful where you live too.
Mahalo,
Steve

Steve,

The 5DIII with the 24-70 f/2.8 II and 70-200 f/2.8 II sounds like an amazing kit. For camera bags, I'd look at f-stop, Lowe-pro, Kata and Crumpler. It depends on if you want a back-pack or bag and how much other gear you would like. I own a Lowe-pro fast-pack 350 and like it. Not perfect, but it has worked well and could easily hold the above kit. It isn't weather sealed, as some other bags are, but I have never had an issue and I bought a rain cover for it. Many on the forum have been liking the f-stop ICU system, or Lowe-pro flipside 400 AW for backpacks. My tripod is an old manfrotto, so others on the forum are better qualified to recommend something specific. I am looking at getting a better tripod and the names commonly recommended are Really Right Stuff, Gitzo and Manfrotto.

There have been some recent threads for camera bags/backpacks and tripods. You may want to do a few searches. Another thought is that forum members often list their gear. You can see that list by viewing their profile.

Congrats on all the gear.

Brant

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Newbie808

Hi Dave,
Thanks for replying. I'm hoping the incredible ISO on the 5Dlll will make the slow lens mute. I've heard great things of that 70-200 lens too. The 28-300 was made in 2009 and hopefully will be refreshed in a year or less. I've waited so long for the 5dlll and i have a 55-200 I can use (school's) in the mean time.
Newbie808.
p.s any backpacks you recommend?

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High ISO will help you get the shot... but won't give you the background separation that many great photos have.

I really like the attached photo at f/2, it has background separation you just can't get with slower lenses.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8149/7...b9c15cd06a.jpg
2012_05_06_4669 by dthrog00, on Flickr

Dave

If you can live with changing two lenses I would have concur with the 24-70mm II and 70-200mm II, that is a dream combo. Skip a few bags and things and get the 16-35mm II and you have it made in camera land! Then you can start building your prime line up.

John.

Aloha Camera People,
I have made the plunge:
5dMIII
16-35 L II
70-200 L II
preordered the 24-70 L II
Rode Shotgun Mike Pro SML
Kata N1-22
B and W filters
Speedlite 600
Simplis Solo Rig
2x EF Extender III
Manfrotto 561BHDV-1 Monopod
RRS plate
Cinch Camera strap

But I have some reservations on the 2x extender. Should I have gotten the 1.4 extender instead? Also not sure on the RODE Shotgun mic and the Simplis Solo Rig. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Steve

I have heard good things about the 2x III and 70-200mm L II combination.
Since you have ordered it, try it out. If it doesn't produce the quality you need send it back. If it does produce, would you even need a 1.4x III, probably not.

With what you have bought you have a very nice set up.

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Originally Posted by Newbie808

Aloha Camera People,
Also not sure on the RODE Shotgun mic and the Simplis Solo Rig. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Steve

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Steve, Although I still haven't purchased one, I did considerable research a while back on video microphones, The Rode Shotgun mic came up over and over as the one to get----So, If I were to buy one right now, It would still be the Rode.---My guess is you made the right choice.

Bob

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Newbie808

Aloha Camera People,
I have around $10,000 to spend on camera equipment. I want to shoot stills and video. I currently use a Canon GL1 and a Canon REBEL XT w/
18-55 3.5-5.6 zoom and a 55-200 4.5-5.6 zoom. I don't own a personal camera and buy on buying a 5Dlll and the 15-35 L 2.8 zoom and the 28-300 L zoom(I can wait for an update on this lens) Any other suggestions. I want to buy a tripod, monopod, a viewfinder, camera bag, lens filters, card reader, camera rig, and a camera mounted mic. I have FCP 7. Any suggestions.
Mahalo,
Newbie808

p.s. I already purchased sandisk cards

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My suggestion with Amazon price.
5D Mark III $3499
Canon 24-70L $1769, I think you can wait 24-70L II, it will be in stock this year.
Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 VC for Canon $629, It is very suitable for traveling without swapping lens, an it is not as heavy as Canon 28-300L.
Canon 16-35L F2.8 II $1574, for wide angle.
Canon 70-200 F2.8 IS II, $2299, for high quality telephoto zoom.
Canon 580 EX II $469
Canon 50mm F1.4 $369 for take photo for person.
Canon 85mm F1.8 $489 for take photo for person.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Newbie808

Dr. C,
Thanks for replying. It's like you read my mind. I will be traveling to different cities so I want to bring just two lenses. I've read the reviews on the 28-300 and admit it's a slow lens, but not much heavier than the 70-200. Also, the two lens cover a wider range. I can wait on an updated 28-300 lens. My cousin's husband has a 70-200 L II and loves it. I guess I don't want to miss any shots changing lens.
Newbie808

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@ Newbie 808: what is more important for you, the wide angle to normal range or the tele range? If you shoot more tele (I love it even in street photog) then why don't you check out Canon's new EF 100-300/f.5-5.6? I do not have it because I prefer then my 70-200/2.8 II plus a compact 300/4 but according to many reviews (including the one in this site) I read this zoom offers quite an attractive trade-off between very good optical quality, versatility, fast USM AF drive, light weight and compact size. Like every late generation L lens it is fully weather and dust sealed, too. Actually I'd think about getting it for lightweight package if I hadn't for this purpose already the nice handy 70-200/4 IS.

Then you'd only need to fill in the sub 100 mm range with another zoom.