How would you spend it?

[emilyrock]

Hey Folks. I've been reading DPS articles for about a year now have have finally just joined the forums....yay! I'm just starting a little research project and thought I'd see if you might have some recommendations for me.

Having a baby really changes your priorities. We are in the process of fixing up to sell my old faithful college car that's been sitting idle for the past year after we upgraded to a more baby friendly wagon. This means that I will (hopefully) be coming into a good $1500 in disposable income before too long. Of course we could really use a dining set, but I'm guessing that in 25 years I'll pat myself on the back for upgrading my photo equipment instead. So....what to get?

I've just gotten into photography in the past 2 years. My camera is a Canon Rebel XS. My only decent lens after the stock one is the EF 50mm 1.4 which is awesome indoors. I use GIMP for post production and iphoto because it came with my Mac.

My primary objective at this point is quality, well catalogued images of our family, vacations, occasional weddings and other family events, etc. I do have a dream though to possibly get into photography on a more semi-professional basis once the kids are older so maybe it would be nice to buy equipment like I'm heading in that direction.

What would you do? I've been thinking to start with upgrading my software to Lightroom 3 and get a nicer "general lens" with more zoom, like the Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8. But I also love the idea of getting that newer Canon T2i body for the video capability...hmmm

[SwissJon]

Unless you really need the video, I suspect you'll be patting yourself on the back for getting the 24-70 2.8. You're going to be able to achieve far more with a lens like that, rather than being able to record video..

Of course, it'd be lovely to record baby's first steps on video, but I suspect that the camera will be tucked away when that happens and you'll end up recording them on your mobile phone instead.. I have had video ability for a while now, and NEVER used it.. I do, however, have a beautiful photo of my wife's son hanging on the wall, taken on my 24-79 2.8 and a number of videos that I took on my p&s.

I addition, if you're going to dream about going semi-pro, the 2.8 will remain part of your gear, won't lose much money, and will provide you with a lot of pleasure.. The new camera body wouldn't really do a lot more than what you currently have..

Get the lens.

[Sweetlifephoto]

Originally Posted by SwissJon

I addition, if you're going to dream about going semi-pro, the 2.8 will remain part of your gear, won't lose much money, and will provide you with a lot of pleasure.. The new camera body wouldn't really do a lot more than what you currently have..

Get the lens.

+1... The answer is always get the lens first,especially the L series ones. Which lens, now that is debatable. Now I love the 24-105L series lens, it is tack sharp, which is often a knock on the 24-70 and is a real workhorse, however it is terrible in low light. So for shooting wedding receptions it is not usable, but for portraits and general usage it is a great but since it is an f4, it is a very under-appreciated lens IMO.

Your dream of shooting occasional weddings is like being an occasional MMA fighter, it is dangerous and someone if going to get hurt. Pro photography is not easy and requires a ton of experience and business savvy, weddings are even harder. I was a 20-year sports shooting pro before I shot my first wedding and I struggled. Do yourself and your potential brides a huge favor and hold off on that until you are an accomplished photographer!

Take it slowly - develop your craft, learn, grow your skills into your dream if you want to succeed! I know it is exciting and please keep that enthusiasm and passion and when your skills match your passion, you will be ready to charge for your services.

[SwissJon]

Originally Posted by Sweetlifephoto

Your dream of shooting occasional weddings is like being an occasional MMA fighter.

Ha ha ha.. I can respect that.. Like he said.. Get the experience before you put yourself forward as the prime candidate for making (and hence potentially ruining) someones special day.

[prince]

Originally Posted by Sweetlifephoto

Your dream of shooting occasional weddings is like being an occasional MMA fighter, it is dangerous and someone if going to get hurt.

True and well used analogy..

Lens should be the #1 option unless you have a real old body that restricts you on the lenses.

Upgrading the software should be last or somewhere in the middle. By the way, I noticed recently while researching for my Nikon D7K on B&H that they offer $100 off on LR3 now that was tempting. I wish I had disposable $$.

[ravncat]

Might I suggest an awesome vacation?

[emilyrock]

Thanks so much folks for the suggestions. It's good to know that the newer T2i body wouldn't really get me that much further.

Any other suggestions for your favorite general purpose lens? Should I just bite the bullet and get an L series? Sounds like the 24-105L has a few votes?

Good advice also about photographing weddings. I guess I was thinking more in the realm of senior portraits, family sittings and newborn shots...after getting married myself I realize how intense and crazy people get.

[graciousness]

You mentioned that already have the 50mm f/1.4 which would cover your needs for go to lens for low lighting shoots.

Between the 24-70 with f/2.8 and 24-105 with f/4.0, you just have to think if the extra reach on the 24-105 is somethign that you woudl want. I have that lens and it is my workhorse for general photography. Sometimes, however, I wish I had the 24-70 because when I tried it, it was awesome too and that f/2.8 is sweet. But you have that prime lens with f/1.4 already. So.......perhaps that extra reach for the 70-105 is something worth considering.

May I suggest to go to a camera store and try both lenses.

[Bruce A]

Good advice in the above posts. If you want video there are plenty of good solutions in the $200 - $300 dollar range so I'd put my money on the lens.

[Woody]

Put your $1500 into an endowment policy for your little baby. Cameras and lenses wear out, but by the time your child is ready for adulthood, there will be a substantial legacy for he/she/them to kick start their future.

Cheers,

John W