I received some money for my birthday (squee!), which I was told to "put towards something nice for your camera!", and I'm trying to procrastinate in the face of looming exams, and so I am writing this thread because I want advice regarding the age-old question...
* * * What should I purchase next? * * *
My camera is a Canon EOS 500D.
My stuff:
- 18-55mm IS kit lens
- 55-250mm IS kit lens
- 50mm f/1.4 USM lens (soooo delicious)
- Canon Speedlite 430EX II
THE QUESTION IS, what should I get next?
Now, I don't own a macro lens, and I researched the Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro (which is... sort of... in my budget *cough*), BUT I get similar, if not better, macro results from using my 18-55 and a reversing ring! (Frankly I think some of the results from reverse lens macro can be absolutely incredible.)
The downside of doing el cheapo macro is, of course, no auto-focusing, and also the ridiculously shallow depth of focus, and also the fact that you have to get like 2cm away from the subject to get a clear photo (which is bad bad bad for spiders/scary insects).
So I'm just wondering if the 100mm f/2.8 macro is worth the $500ish, especially given that I enjoy reverse lens macro-ing so much, and am pretty happy with the results I get from it?
My other consideration was the 10-22mm wide angle... sooo delicious... but again, wondering if it's worth the $no-way-can-I-afford-that, and also wondering if it should be my next logical step?
Or maybe a fish-eye filter? They're only about $200 I think? What have people experienced with those?
... Or MAYBE I should just spend the money on a clothing shopping spree? :D
I found a new Sigma 10-20mm 4-5.6 for under $400, and I didn't take it off my 500D for a year (until I got a Canon 28mm 1.8 USM). Loved that lens. 10-20mm was great for epic HDR landscapes and tight indoor shots, but judging by your gallery, I think springing for a macro lens would better suit your style. (I'm a huge fan of your shots, by the way, and your processing is always subtle and complimentary, and just damned pretty).
However, a 10-20 would expand your horizons by giving you a wider frame. If you got a legit macro, you might end up with diminishing returns because you're already shooting reverse lens macro (but I know how difficult that can be, and how much a relief an actual macro lens would be). Think about it. (I should also mention the downside of the Sigma 10-20 is it's only for cropped sensors, so if you ever upgraded to a full frame 5D, you could only use it on your 500D. Wah wah.)
Another option would be to grab a 580EX II and an OC-E3 cable (or any hotshoe extension cable) so you can use your flashes together and explore the wonderful world of speedliting. Of course, in doing this you run the risk of becoming an indoor cat lady flash hack (me-ow), or a DIY master craftsman (duct tape is expensive, and often dangerous). Also, on a more serious note, this pushes your cost up to ~$550, maybe higher, assuming you can find a deal on the 580.
Beware: If you go this route, your next bundle of birthday cash will go directly toward your new addiction. You'll drop it all on light stands, swivels, clamps, umbrella, softboxes, and a big bag to lug it all around. A dangerous hobby, indeed. For your wallet, at least.
Lastly, your boring option would be a battery grip, which is a lifesaver for those who are lazy about charging batteries (me). That's more of a peace-of-mind purchase, rather than something that could add to your work. Unless, of course, you're standing outside the Taj Mahal and your solo battery dies because you spent the 5-hour ride to Agra taking pictures and video. Then, yeah, a battery grip could really add to your work by allowing it to exist. FML.
Hope that helped. There of plenty of options out there.
I love my macro lens, which is the exact one you are looking at, it also takes great portraits too, so you aren't limited to just macro. I do have a reversing ring but much prefer the ease and control I have over the aperture and not being right close up to the object.
But the choice is yours as you can and already do great macro shots.
If you do get the lensbaby please let us know what it's like.
I am another who loves their macro lens, I have a 550D a 60mm it is such a versatile lens, great for portraits as well as macro. Worth every cent, I say save up for one of those, you will never regret it :D My husband bought me the lens from an overseas website- much cheaper and all was fine.
I second @bobfoto - clothes. And then, you should meet me in Sydney in November when I'm there so I can take photos to show how well you spent that money.
I should elaborate. Birthday money is for luxury items.... clothing, air fares to foreign destinations (re: Sydney @jinximages ) and working-hard-for-a-living-money should be for lenses and camera stuff.
I'm a firm believer in fake it 'til you make it - if you're happy with the macro results you get, why spend the money? I have the same dilemma but I feel as though my $40 macro filters serve me fine for the time being too and I LOVE macro photography, so that's saying something.
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However, a 10-20 would expand your horizons by giving you a wider frame. If you got a legit macro, you might end up with diminishing returns because you're already shooting reverse lens macro (but I know how difficult that can be, and how much a relief an actual macro lens would be). Think about it. (I should also mention the downside of the Sigma 10-20 is it's only for cropped sensors, so if you ever upgraded to a full frame 5D, you could only use it on your 500D. Wah wah.)
Another option would be to grab a 580EX II and an OC-E3 cable (or any hotshoe extension cable) so you can use your flashes together and explore the wonderful world of speedliting. Of course, in doing this you run the risk of becoming an indoor cat lady flash hack (me-ow), or a DIY master craftsman (duct tape is expensive, and often dangerous). Also, on a more serious note, this pushes your cost up to ~$550, maybe higher, assuming you can find a deal on the 580.
Beware: If you go this route, your next bundle of birthday cash will go directly toward your new addiction. You'll drop it all on light stands, swivels, clamps, umbrella, softboxes, and a big bag to lug it all around. A dangerous hobby, indeed. For your wallet, at least.
Lastly, your boring option would be a battery grip, which is a lifesaver for those who are lazy about charging batteries (me). That's more of a peace-of-mind purchase, rather than something that could add to your work. Unless, of course, you're standing outside the Taj Mahal and your solo battery dies because you spent the 5-hour ride to Agra taking pictures and video. Then, yeah, a battery grip could really add to your work by allowing it to exist. FML.
Hope that helped. There of plenty of options out there.
Good luck, keep us posted, and happy belated! :]
But the choice is yours as you can and already do great macro shots.
If you do get the lensbaby please let us know what it's like.
I'm glad that's sorted. ;)
Enjoy your money!
She should buy the 100mm 2.8L lens.
Right? :]
I'm a firm believer in fake it 'til you make it - if you're happy with the macro results you get, why spend the money? I have the same dilemma but I feel as though my $40 macro filters serve me fine for the time being too and I LOVE macro photography, so that's saying something.