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Thread: Help Optimize a gear purchase!

  1. #1
    Senior Member Dave Johnston's Avatar
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    Help Optimize a gear purchase!

    Hey guys,

    I have a friend who is planning on making a camera gear purchase for his wife. She has a background in photography from her school career, so she knows what she is doing with a camera, but hasn't had one since her film days. The budget is 1000 dollars maximum. Goal is to get the most bang for buck with no specific purpose in mind, but needs to be versatile.

    Any thoughts?

    Dave.
    5D mark III, 50D, 17-40 f4L, 24-70 f2.8L, 70-200 f4L ​IS, 28 f1.8, 50 f1.8, 85 f1.8, 100 f2.8 Macro

  2. #2
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    $450 T2i - same sensor as 7d,
    $550 15-85, or the $450 ish 18-200 - longer range, not quite the IQ, but certainly usable and flexible.
    $100 nifty fifty 1.8
    that should be right a $1,100 if acquired on e-bay/craigslist.

    Good image quality, the 1.8 gives you some lowish light

    Next options would be tripod, extension tubes.

    And of course since you are such a good friend you will always be willing to loan them an "L"
    Last edited by Busted Knuckles; 05-14-2012 at 11:25 PM.
    If you see me with a wrench, call 911

  3. #3
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    I like the idea of the 15-85 (considering upgrading from the kit lens myself), but regarding band for buck and versatility, the 18-55 plus the 55-250 might be an alternative. Not fast, not very sharp wide open etc, but not bad and more reach (if that is a requirement at all).
    If off-camera flash is an option for the near future, the T3i can trigger an off-camera speedlite.

    Arnt

  4. #4
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    good thoughts. When you decide to ditch the kit lens for the 15-85 I will sell you mine. I use the 17-55 and the 15-85 is effectively redundant.
    If you see me with a wrench, call 911

  5. #5
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    Thanks, will keep that in mind. I will rent it soon and then try to decide if it worth it or if I rather save a little more for the 17-55. Still figuring out what I will shoot the most

    Arnt

  6. #6
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    Back on-topic:
    T3i + 18-55 Kit lens + EF-S 55-250 comes in at $993
    The same with the T2i will give you same image quality for less $

    If tele is not important, I agree with Busted Knuckles and would choose a walkaround lens with more reach and better IQ, like the 15-85

    Arnt

  7. #7
    Super Moderator Kayaker72's Avatar
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    hmmm...part of me is concerned about trying to give someone with a bit of a background in photography a system for $1,000. I hope your friend is prepared for this just being the first $1,000 of many to come .

    First thought was to look at B&H used department for a 50D. I didn't find anything, but that changes all of the time.

    My other thought would be the 85 mm f/1.8. It is going for $389 right now and could make a nice pair to a rebel with the kit lens.

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