If you had X-$ What would you buy?

[aimsboy]

So here's the thing. I have a little cashola on the horizon...planning on upgrading the gear bag. The plan is

Canon eos 5d mk2 body
Can. ef 17-40 f4L lens
can. ef 16-35 f2.8L lens
can. ef 50 f1.4 lens
can. ef 70-200 2.8L lens
can. 580 ex 11 flash
lex cf 4gb 233x cards x 4
B+W 82 MRC uva filter
B+W 77 MRC uv filter
B+W 58 mrc uv filter
Canon bg - e6 batt. grip
Canon lp e6 batt.

This is a huge step for me and I have the chance to do it right so anybody with experiences good or bad, your feed back and any information would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers.
E

[sk66]

I'd buy Nikon!

Sorry I wasn't more helpful.

[aimsboy]

Thats great..thanks. Like I said, I don't want to make any wrong choices here, and I know there is a ton of experience on this forum...thats why I am asking.

[Sime]

OK,

The 5DMk2 is nice, and if you're after FullFrame it's a no brainer... If you don't need FF the 7D is a very nice camera (I have a 5DMk2, but I'd get a 7 as a second body)

Explain the 16-35 and the 17-40 cross over? ....Don't get both, absolute waste of cash... the 17-40 is better than the Mk1 16-35, but the Mk2 16-35 is better than the 17-40...

50mm... yep - great lens... I use mine often, very often... (1.4)

70-200... The Mk2 has come out and has a rediculous RRP at present, it will come down in a few months, but the Mk2 only offers extra IS - is it better than the Mk1? Who knows... When I have both in front of me, I'll tell you... i'd bet not worth the extra approx 1k GBP... (Yep, you read that right) ---The70-200 is a great lens.

580ex2 I have and love ....again, if you want to get it off camera, you're going to need radio poppers / alien bee triggers / pocket wizards - so, don't get the two 16-35 / 17-40 lenses.. get one and some triggers...

Great idea on getting 4 x 4gb cards....eggs, basket... need I say more!

I love my battery grip... how much? thismuch... Canon BG-E6 | gtvone photographic

sorry about the typos... I was in a rush...

Nice kit list, I'd just bin one of the smaller lenses (Most likely the 17-40 in favour of some pocket wizards...)

[inkista]

Just me, but not sure I'd get all of that all at once unless I knew it was exactly what I wanted, in which case, I wouldn't be asking a messageboard for its opinion. that's a lot of cash to be blowing all at once, and if you're not sure you need something, it could be a lot of money/time wasted.

Secondly, B+W make great filters, but they're mostly notable for build quality and badge prestige. I'd recommend taking a look at this test of UV filters. You could be getting a better deal and saving quite a bit of cash by going with Hoya HMCs instead, particularly for the larger sizes. If you're getting the UVs for physical protection, chances are good you may be called upon to replace them at some point.

[Sime]

Actually... Yeah, I'd second that on the Hoya front... I have HMC's for all my lenses and honestly... unless you're blowing up to 100% darling, for the wall of your perfectly lit studio, darling, you're not going to make out the difference between a B+W and a Hoya... and, if you can, well... there's a nice pat on the back for you :-) (warning : sarcasm : needs sleep! )

I'd decide on a body and get the 50mm... then go from there... I do love my Battery Grip though ;-)

[LoveDSLR]

I have the 5D & 5D Mk II + 28-70 f/2.8 L & 70-200 f/2.8 & f/4 L IS.

I tested the Canon 17-40 f/4 L out before I pickup the Nikon 14-24 f/2.8. It isn't up to my expectation. I think the 16-35 is a better choice.

Never bother with a 50mm for decades, it is 85 f/1.2 L II for me.

4 GB CF--haven't use one for years. I use 8 GB SanDisk Extreme Ducati for my D3, D300 & 5D Mk II.

B+W or Rodenstock filters for my lenses.

[RolandAA]

I second the opinion to skip getting two wide zooms. Pick either one and get a 24-105 f4L IS or a 24-70 f2.8L. I have both but use the 24-105 a lot more than the 24-70. It's lighter has a longer zoom and with the IS can be hand held in amazingly little light. The 24-70 is heavy but has the advantage of being faster and has a bit less distortion and a lot of people swear by it. Both are great lenses so you would have to decide which might fit your shooting style better.

Happy shopping!

[Sime]

Actually, Eric, that's another point - I have the 24-70 and it's great for all those focal lengths... as is the 24-105 (That guy with the 17-40 has a 24-105 and keeps it on a lot)

Yeah... not a bad plan... then you have 24-70 // 70-200 and a nice, fast sharp 50...

JOB DONE!...

;:-)

[aimsboy]

Fantastic.

I know its alot of money, I dont think I am blowing it, hence coming to the place I know I can get facts. I am fairly certain of what I am going to buy, I would rather have your opinions than a salesman. The wide zoom was a sticking point, the alternate filters is something I would never have thought of..experience and nothing to gain=me saving money. You guys rule.