I'm using a 350d while i build out the rest of my kit. Have two kit lenses (18-55mm, 55-200mm), the F1.8 50mm and an F2.8 15mm fisheye. Add to that a few pocket wizards, a 430ex and an Sb-26, some light stands, clamps and umbrellas.

Still starting out, so figure start out with lower cost gear and add to it. Recently grabbed a Ricoh GX-100 for wandering around the street when not carrying my dslr.

I'm currently shooting with:

Canon EOS 30D + battery grip
EF 24-70mm f2.8 L USM
EF 70-200mm f2.8 L USM
EF 100-300mm f4.5-5.6 USM
EF 50mm f1.8 II USM
Speedlite 580EX II

Next in line are an EF-S 10-22mm.. a 5D and a 16-35mm f2.8 L

I absolutely love L glass..

- paul

http://www.paulpichugin.com.au

Post Last Updated:09.06.2007 at 07.21

Thanks Pirostitch, the choice of the 105 is mainly for small product work. With the 17-35 vs 17-55 I have to check them out and do some tests the idea of getting the 17-55 was mostly to reduce lense changes but I'd rather not sacrifice any quality. The other one I'm looking at is the 50mm f/1.4 for portrait work, looks absolutely amazing.

D

I just picked up the 24-105 L this past week â what an amazing lens. I can see what all the fuss is about, no question. Can't wait to put it through some hoops.

On a side note, do any Canon users here have any suggestions for a good, fast, portrait-tele prime lens? I'm looking for somewhere between f/2.8-1.4, just wondering if anyone has any first-hand experience. My knowledge of Canon's prime lenses is not so extensive.

Well, on another note, I hit the jackpot today my friends.

I picked up a Linhof Super Technika III Mk. 5 in nearly mint condition, with two Schneider-Kreuznach lenses, the external viewfinder, and a red filter, as well as a mint Durst commercial enlarger with three Schneider-Kreuznach lenses, with both a dichroic colour head and a black and white condenser head, and a bunch of darkroom accessories to go with the package (enlarger timer, automatic timer-exposure meter (for compensating for height adjustments, etc), trays, exhaust fan, etc...), and as a bonus, the gentleman threw in a Manfrotto #028 tripod with a #029 head. The price? $2000 Canadian.

Not sure how many large-format afficionados we have here, but what an obscene deal! I acquired a near-complete darkroom setup for free earlier this year, and with these additions, the setup should be complete. I can't wait to get out and start shooting some large-format again. I really want to track down a Polaroid back for the Linhof and start into some dye-transfers as well. Hoo-hoo!

Post Last Updated:10.06.2007 at 20.26

Dave for portrait work you can't go past the 85 f1.4 :)

Cole - Sounds like you got yourself a bargain! Can't complain too much about that setup. I had the 24-105L but ditched it for the 24-70 as I needed the f2.8. I didn't need IS that much for that range so opted for the extra DOF and stop of light.

Portrait prime lenses - go for the 35 f1.4 (cropped sensor), 50 f1.4 (ff) or even 85 f1.2 (if you have the $).

Just had a look at the 105D micro f/2.8 (the older version)not that impressed I have to say, hoping the new 105 VR is a better piece of glass.

Pirostitich - Thanks for the advice! I'll most certainly check them out! BTW - It really was a bargain; I'm itching to get everything setup.

I did the same thing as Pirostitch, ditched the 24-105 f4 L for the 24-70 f2.8L, the f4 just wasn't fast enough for me.. I also neede the f2.8. I found that I didn't use the IS anyway, because I mainly photograph people, people move, so IS isn't high on my priority list.

For portraits, I would really recommend the 85 f1.2L if you have the cash, it's not cheap, but it's the fastest lense in that range and a beautiful piece of work. I love it even on the cropped sensor. the 50mm in f1.8 is particularly good if you need a cheap lense ($100 AU on ebay). Or if you can afford it in F1.2 L, a very nice lense to use...

If I had the money, I'd have all L glass on my camera.. actually I'd probably go for a medium format hasselblad too.. haha

- paul

I'm seriously considering the 85 f/1.2 L, I've been doing some research and it is definitely an incredible bit of glass. The background blur is beautiful, the DOF at f/1.2 is amazing. Hopefully I can work out the budget for it - haha.