200 USD Gift Budget

[MrGreenBug]

Why not the 50/1.8 ($110, awesome little lens), my used [url="/forums/p/2428/18789.aspx#18789]220EX[/url] ($65) [img]/emoticons/emotion-1.gif[/img], and a spare battery for your camera?
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That's another feasible option. I've already got a spare battery and that 220EX offer is enticing but would really like to have some bounce flash capability like the 270EX offers. []


Thanks, wickerprints for your thoughts. I really appreciate them.

That said, the EF 50/1.8 II is a cheap but sharp lens. It's very affordable yet the image quality is good especially when stopped down. You can even try a little trick with this lens, as demonstrated by Jim Talkington of prophotolife.com: [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F_xfKcxvro]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F_xfKcxvro[/url]



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I'll try check on the link you've provided.


[quote=wickerprints]





But I don't necessarily believe you should purchase the 50/1.8 II. I am more inclined to suggest that you save up and invest in the more rugged EF 50/1.4, or the EF 85/1.8 USM, since you are also interested in portraiture. Other options may include the EF-S 60mm macro. I know all of these are significantly more than what you have budgeted for, but my point is that there is a whole world of optics out there, and the EF line of lenses will be around for many years to come.
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I do see your point and I am saving up for those things that I want. Since this will be only a gift for me, might as well get the opportunity for those little stuff that might get in handy for the meantime while I'm saving up. I could have included a shutter release cable in my options or a spare battery but I just purchased those a few months ago.

[MrGreenBug]

Hello everyone! Again, I would like to thank everyone for all of your comments, suggestions, and input. Finally, I have in my hands the battery grip and the nifty-fifty. Indeed, the battery grip improved the ergonomics of the rebel and with the added weight, IMHO, I feel the camera more. [] Next stop would be a speedlite!


With the new toys at hand, I can't wait to try them out. At first, I forget about the grip when I try to shoot in vertical position. I guess I need to be out more often with the grip. [] Regarding the nifty-fifty, I have to admit, I'd be needing some getting used to it. First impression about performance -- it's fast and sharp!


Here's one of my best so far with the nifty-fifty: 50mm, f/2.8, 1/60 sec, ISO 100
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I think she's sad about her haircut.. []


Thanks for viewing!