My Canon 20D Digital SLR!!

[trident]

Just bought a used Canon 20D from a fellow forummer.
Hope to learn to shoot decently.
And would require all bros help here.

[valice]

Err, Richard, what you want to learn?
Hahaha.
Glad to see that you finally got the camera. It is a more than capable piece of equipment.
Now, next to get is the ST-E2 and a flash.

[genes]

And a macro lens!

[trident]

Vincent, Gene,
Yes that is the plan, you guys know what I like to shoot.
Flash, flash commander and marco lens.
Is there a third party flash commander available?
I was thinking of using tamron 90mm marco.

[valice]

I am not sure about 3rd parties for the ST-E2.
But try to keep a lookout for 2nd hands.
Tamron 90mm is a good lens.

[benny]

Congratulations!!

I'm sure with this camera, you will find loads of fun showcasing your aquatic interest!!

Cheers,

p.s. besides, there's more than enough "instructors" using the same system around if you are buying coffee.

[trident]

Benny,
Thanks for the encouragement! Now, slowly I have to complete my shopping.
Lens, Flash, commander, grip.............the list is quite long.
There goes my bonus.
Coffee? no problem

[benny]

Benny,
Thanks for the encouragement! Now, slowly I have to complete my shopping.
Lens, Flash, commander, grip.............the list is quite long.
There goes my bonus.

Richard,

My advice.... don't rush into things. There enough of us here to 'borrow' equipment for a spin if need be, especially during meets up.

The additional investment should always be measured in the incremental returns you are going to get.

Cheers,

[valice]

I agree on the borrowing.
I gained and learnt alot from this system. So if you need lenses or flashes, and i have them, just feel free to ask.

[wynx]

I am using the 20D. See no point in upgrading just yet. Essentially, you gotta buy the ST-E2 for fish or tank photography. Enjoy your photography

[ranmasatome]

Richard... if you ever need a photo tank.. let me know.. i'm just about to tear mine down because i'm leaving soon.
You can borrow it for 3 months..or more..haha..

[trident]

Benny, Vincent, Wynx,
Thanks for all the support.
I have planned to buy these essentials first.
ST-E2
Flash- Speedlite 430EX
Tamron 90 mm macro lens.
I think with these it should last me quite a while before hand get itchy again.

[ranmasatome]

Actually if you're buying a 430ex... why not buy a 2nd hand 550ex??

[wynx]

Benny, Vincent, Wynx,
Thanks for all the support.
I have planned to buy these essentials first.
ST-E2
Flash- Speedlite 430EX
Tamron 90 mm macro lens.
I think with these it should last me quite a while before hand get itchy again.

Good choice on the macro lens. Still one of my favorite lens after 3yrs....

[trident]

Justine,
Good idea! I'll see if clubsnap have any 580EX available.
Thanks

Actually if you're buying a 430ex... why not buy a 2nd hand 550ex??

[Simon]

don't get the 550ex, metering with the 20d isn't great, but I think the 430ex should perform better in that area

[valice]

Thanks ar Simon...
Just about to offer my 550EX on a 2nd hand deal to him.

[ranmasatome]

metering sucks on a general basis..haha... thats why always shoot manual..i almost dont feel it anymore.. even with the 420...which is even worse.

[valice]

I have heard complaints from a couple of full-time photographers during some of the conferences I attended about the suckiness of the metering on Canon flashes. This seems to be a major weakness in the Canon system, compared to the other systems.

[hwchoy]

get the 550EX if you are on a budget. you can use it as a master with another 5xx or 4xx. sometimes you don't have the free hand to hold the body and two flash, so mounting a 5xx as master (in place of the ST-E2) is one good option for out door shoot.