Off to new Zealand!

ds00kg · 04-07-2008, 19:59

Hello all, I have a 400D but the 17-55 kit lense is somewhat lacking. As of November I'll be heading out to NZ for a year for flight training so I want to upgrade my glass before I go; as you can imagine there's going to be a LOT to shoot

This will include landscapes and 'people' shots (social/casual day to day stuff).

I have a budget of around £400, and the dilemma now is whether to keep the 17-55 kit and get a Canon 10-22mm, or upgrade my zoom to a Canon 17-55 IS USM and do without a wide angle. Advice and opinions welcome!

Some follow up questions;
If I get the WA, can the 10-22mm be used on a cropped sensor up to max focal length (effectively 35mm) as a day to day lens? Would this be advisable considering I'll be using it on social events and casual shooting etc as well as landscapes?

Given 17-55 is more flexible, would it be more sensible to invest in the 'all rounder' zoom lens?

Thank you for anyone who's taken time to read and respond

P-E · 05-07-2008, 09:37

Sorry I can't advise re the lenses but from what I've seen there are some lovely landscapes in NZ.

Have fun and I look forward to seeing your shots

VinnyP · 05-07-2008, 21:35

The 17-55 IS will definitely up your game a bit but you'll do well to get one for your budget of £400 think at least £450.

The wide angle will add a lot of flexibility as well. If it were me I'd consider a couple of different options. I'd think about third party lenses which may be better value for your budget. For the price of the 17-55is you could get a Tamron 17-50 2.8 AND a Sigma 10-20. The Tamron optically is very good indeed and the Sigma will be an excellent add on.

silkstone · 05-07-2008, 22:00

I have the Canon 10-22 but would agree that the Sigma 10-20 is a good alternative for less money. However, these ultra-wide zooms aren't a substitute for a general purpose lens like a 17-50 or whatever, and you'll find it difficult to get both for your budget.

Which way are you flying to NZ? I've gone via Changi (Singapore) a couple of times, and there may be the opportunity to buy there and save quite a bit on UK prices. There are photo stores in the airport. Don't buy in NZ - generally more expensive than here.

TAZZ · 08-07-2008, 15:13

I lived in NZ for a few years...you could basically throw your camera on the ground and it would take a good pic. I would agree that because of the many scenic shots you will get there a good wide angle lens would definitely be the go. Glaciers, Mountains, Lakes and rivers and sometimes all of the in one pic. Very scenic, you'll have a great time.

Also quite a bit of wildlife there so a bit of zoom would not hurt either.

**Markulous** · 08-07-2008, 16:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by TAZZ

I lived in NZ for a few years...you could basically throw your camera on the ground and it would take a good pic. I would agree that because of the many scenic shots you will get there a good wide angle lens would definitely be the go. Glaciers, Mountains, Lakes and rivers and sometimes all of the in one pic. Very scenic, you'll have a great time.

Also quite a bit of wildlife there so a bit of zoom would not hurt either.

LOL! Yeah, altho' only there for just over a week I'd definitely say that there's a pic-a-minute to be had! I "only" had kit lenses but still came away with some glorious landscapes - took panos when the scene dictated a wider shot.

ds00kg · 09-07-2008, 14:58

Well I seem to have come to the decision my money is best spent on a Sigma 17-70mm, the 10-20 will just have to wait!

Quote:

Which way are you flying to NZ? I've gone via Changi (Singapore) a couple of times, and there may be the opportunity to buy there and save quite a bit on UK prices. There are photo stores in the airport. Don't buy in NZ - generally more expensive than here.

Unfortunately I won't have time to stop off for long in Singapore, although I'll keep my eye out at the airport!

Quote:

I lived in NZ for a few years...you could basically throw your camera on the ground and it would take a good pic. I would agree that because of the many scenic shots you will get there a good wide angle lens would definitely be the go. Glaciers, Mountains, Lakes and rivers and sometimes all of the in one pic. Very scenic, you'll have a great time.

I've heard about how easy it is to find a beatiful shot in NZ, being there for a year is going to give me plently of time to take it all in! Just wondering if my 500gig HDD will be enough

Larne · 09-07-2008, 15:05

500 GB? That's an average of approx 10GB per week so you should be okay

1mag1n3 · 17-07-2008, 19:56

Flight training?
Sounds cool!
I can imagine your going to have some stunning shots...

By the way who are you going to train with?
CTC by any chance...

ds00kg · 17-07-2008, 22:22

Yeah actually, you familiar with them or did a bit of googling?

mountain wilderness · 18-07-2008, 02:21

I live in NZ and have been fortunate to spend alot of time in some of the more remote places in the south island through my work i do and hunting in my spare time-it is a VERY SCENIC country with magical landscapes, my advice is to take a scenic flight on a helicopter to really open your eyes to what is out there!, but the most important thing is to find a good location first then wait for the light to be right before taking the shot-weather plays a big part over here and all the seasons are different in that regard-we are in the middle of winter at the moment and this just happens to be one of my favorite times of year for photography as the snowy mountains and cold air is Cristal clear and sharp!-dont forget your polarizer filter for your new lens and a ND grad would be good as well if you have them

1mag1n3 · 18-07-2008, 12:15

Yeah, im looking to join with CTC once i leave college!
Congratulations on getting in, i have heard that its *ing hard!

I have sent you a PM anyway, i dont want to sidetrack the topic!

ds00kg · 18-07-2008, 18:51

Thanks Mountain, great advice. I will by doing a lot of flying, hopefully I'll get up in a chopper! The unfortunate thing is I don't think I'll be able to do much photography up there as I'll be a bit busy trying not to get lost/crash! I will be there for a year so will see all 4 seasons luckily and will make sure I have the said filter

woffa151 · 24-07-2008, 08:35

Hi there.
I live in NZ and the best advice I can give you is buy a Sigma 10 - 20mm for WA. A 24-105mm makes a fabulous (but quite heavy) walkabout. Someone mentioned a polarising filter - really good call. So is the ND filter.
The only thing I would add is buy a good camera back pack suitable for a day's hiking. A monopod is excellent for walks in the bush.

Singapore is good to average shopping. Hong Kong is miles better but make sure you get an international guarantee.

When you get here, send me an email. Always pleased to catch up with fellow togs.