What would you buy next?

Braeden · 12-11-2005, 12:07

There are currently 3 things on my "to buy" list:

Speedlight (either 420EX or 430EX depending on funds and what is available on fleabay)
BG-E3 Grip (already have 2 batteries)
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens

The lens is a way away from being bought as I dont have £280 spare right now, but the first two are a possibility - but I have to choose one.

In my position which would you get and why?

12-11-2005, 12:15

Well after my BG-E3 purchase yesterday, my 'to buy' list consists of the following.

Optech Pro Strap (Hopefully on my purchase list today)
Flashgun. Hoping to raise the cash for a 420 or 430 (again, will first be looking at ebay).
Monopod.
New Tripod (Using a Hama jobbie). Not super essential yet, but would like on.
New bag (Again, 7dayshop job), would like a Loweprowe Trekker though
Canon 50mm f1.8

That's my definately buying list (eventually), and probably in that order.

As for your question, I would personally buy the grip first. (I'm still quite excited after purchasing mine yesterday so may be somewhat biased...lol)

My reasoning was which would I get the most out of, buy that first. Then I thought "How many times to I use the flash, compared to how many times I pick up the camera and struggle to get it comfy, or shoot in portrait mode)...The grip obviously won hands down.

Warspite · 12-11-2005, 13:35

Personally - I would choose the grip.

Will balance the camera for when you start getting those bigger lenses, and bolt an external flash to the top. The additional battery, especially as you already have a second battery. Great for portrait shots.

Bachs did a review of the BG-E3 (Link), I would recommend reading it if you have not one so already.

CT · 12-11-2005, 13:45

I'd say go for the grip. The 20D is a tad small without the grip - the 350D must be more so. The grip really makes the camera a much chunkier handful and I find the weight helps avoid camera shake. When you come to sticking a heavy flashgun on top of the camera, the grip will help the whole thing feel more balanced and easier to hold. If you later add any heavy long lenses there's more to hold onto to support the weight with the grip fitted.

Having two batteries gives enormous battey life as well.

Braeden · 12-11-2005, 13:47

Thanks all

last question...

Grip Vs monopod.... would you still go for the grip?

CT · 12-11-2005, 13:49

Grip!! A monopod is only of limited use sometimes.

Warspite · 12-11-2005, 13:53

Remember - the grip will probably get as much use as the camera, lenses you will change, tripods/monpods you may or may not use depending on situations, and flashguns will not always be attached.

The battery grip once attached I would be amazed if you ever remove it to be honest.

12-11-2005, 14:10

I'd still go for the grip first.

I was sceptical and thought "yeah it'd be nice...but...". But once I'd taken the plunge and put it on the camera, I was amazed at how different the camera feels.

A few of us from here went to Chester Zoo a couple of months ago. 8 of us I think. Everyone except CT's good lady had a 20D (and of course Matt with his behemoth

).
I had a 350, sans grip. I was happily playing along until CT let me have a play with his 20D with grip and L glass attached.

I held it, I enjoyed it. I tinkered and shot a couple, and enjoyed it some more.
I was handed mine back...
...
...

...I cried when I felt the difference.

dod · 12-11-2005, 14:24

another vote for the grip. As CT says the battery life is fantastic.

Braeden · 12-11-2005, 16:28

Ok grip it is then

Thanks everyone

Bachs · 12-11-2005, 17:43

Looks like you have already been convinced.

I can't imagine my 350d with the long lens and 580 flash on it without the grip...it would be very unbalanced.

digitalfailure · 12-11-2005, 19:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Braeden

There are currently 3 things on my "to buy" list:

Speedlight (either 420EX or 430EX depending on funds and what is available on fleabay)
BG-E3 Grip (already have 2 batteries)
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens

That was my buy list too

I got the EF-S 60mm

And in the last few weeks I got the 430ex

Got the 70quid cash back for them too, which made it all the better

I'm just trying to sort finances for the Battery grip to go on the 20D. My battle for yet more camera gadgets has just taken a turn in my favour too, as my wife's sister wants me to shoot her wedding.

Did someone over there just say............1Ds MkII :naughty:

Matty · 12-11-2005, 20:00

just to add:

Grip!

best thing ive bought so far. With the sigma zoom on its perfectly balanced!

Arkady · 13-11-2005, 13:51

Not strictly photographic, but 2x 250Gb hard drives are on my shopping list for January.

Braeden · 13-11-2005, 14:03

Well I have just ordered a BG-E3 grip

With regards hard drives, I have 3 PCs totalling 410Gb so no real need for extra drive space at the moment (plus I work for a computer manufaturer/retailer so I get hardware at cost from work).

Braeden · 15-11-2005, 18:52

I received my grip at just after 7am this morning! I am very pleased with the way it makes the camera feel more balanced now, plus I can hold it using all the fingers on my right hand instead of just 2 and a half!

Very worthwhile purchase, and for under £100 delivered (UK sourced not from HK) my wallet isn't hurting too badly either!