Money no object, what's your dream system?

[Jeff M]

That is "IF"...money were no object. A big "IF"..in my case.
what would your Canon outfit look like?
Seriously..think about it. Would you really buy 4 of everything? Or just what you'd actually use or need? It would be nice to know, you could get anything you wanted, when you wanted.

So my dream system would be
A couple of 1Ds bodies, maybe two Mark IIn bodies
Couple of 580EXs
35L, 50L, 85L, 135L, 200L, 70-200LIS, 300 f/2.8, 400 f/2.8 and maybe a couple of zooms for wide...17-40L or 24-70L.
Oh and lots of batteries. :D
I'm mainly interested in sports and portraiture.

[gluwater]

Everything!banana;

[Jonathan]

Accessories/support/PP equipment and traveling aside I would have the following.


600 F4 IS, 500 F4 IS, 300 2.8 IS, TC's.,135 f2,90mmTS,24-70,16-35 2.8 and 85 1.2, 1dmrkIIn and a 1ds....maybe a 70-200 2.8IS(depending on how unrealistic you mean?)


disclaimer: This list will and could probably change at any given point.:p

[Paul S]

Hmmm...

Start with a 5D for landscapes, a 1D2N for action, and a 30D for real reach. A 16-35/2.8L on the 5D, 300/2.8L on the 1D2N, and a 600/4L on the 30D. 580Ex on the 1D2N and 30D. Throw in a 24-70/2.8L and 70-200/2.8L for special circumstances, and a 70-200/4L for hiking. Probably the 50/1.2L. 1.4x and 2x, of course, and a couple of ext. tubes. And a 180 macro as well. All three TS lenses. A nice set of filters from Singh-Ray. A couple of Gitzo tripods--a 1325 for the big gun, with a full Wimberley, and one of the basalts for landscapes. A BH-55 on the landscape tripod.

-Paul

[txbonds]

Let's see, I'd probably pursue the following if money were no object:

Digital MF setup with back, camera and lenses

Canon 5d, Canon 1dmIIn

25-105f4IS, 70-200f4IS, 100-400IS

15 fish, 24 f1.4, 35 f1.4, 50 f1.2, 85 f1.2, 135 f2, 500IS,

1.4x, 2x,

(3x)580EX, 430EX, ST-E2

Singh-Ray Filters - polarizer, graduated neutral density

Elinchrom or Hensel studio lighting

Lowepro bags, tenba cases & pelican cases



As it were, money is an object and I'm feeling lucky to just have what I have. Just wish life afforded more time to actually use and learn more about what I already have. rolleyes;

[Roger]

Two Canon 5d, two Canon 1dmIIn


Two of the following:

Used Canon 1200mm f5.6
Canon - EF 600mm f4L IS USM Image Stabilizer Lens]
Canon - EF 500mm f4L IS USM Image Stabilizer Lens
Canon - EF 400mm f2.8L IS USM Image Stabilizer Lens
Canon - EF 300mm f2.8L IS USM Image Stabilizer Lens
Canon - EF 200mm f/2.8 L II USM Telephoto Lens
Canon - EF 180mm f3.5L USM Macro Lens
Canon - EF 135mm f2.0L USM Telephoto Lens
Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8
Canon - EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Medium Telephoto Lens
Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro Photo
Canon - EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Standard Lens
Canon TS-E 45mm f/2.8
Canon - EF 35mm f1.4L USM Wide Angle Lens
Canon - EF 24mm f1.4L USM Wide Angle Lens
Canon - TS-E 24mm f3.5L Tilt-Shift Wide Angle Lens

Every Accessories I can buy...

Maybe more....

[Desert Rat]

Well already have it....

D2x
12-24
28-70
70-200
200-400
SB-800
Better beamer
TC14E II
TC17E II
Cable release
flach cord
Gitzo tripod
level head
monopod....

All set now....

[Rudi]

OK, let's see. I currently have:

EOS 5D with grip
16-35mm f/2.8 L
24-70mm f/2.8 L
70-200mm f/2.8 L
100-400mm L IS
50mm f/1.4
85mm f/1.2L II
135mm f/2 L
580 EX flashes
Manfrotto tripod, monopod and stands
accessories - filters, umbrellas, flash diffusers, flash bracket, off-camera cord and ST-E2 infrared remote, etc, etc.

I will eventually add another body (whatever will replace the EOS 5D in the line-up, most probably), since at the moment I need to borrow a 1DII on occasion (no problem, I have access to one, that's why no rush for a second body, although I nearly bought a second 5D just to be done with it... :)) I will also eventually add a 35mm f/1.4 L, and most probably the 300mm f/2.8 L IS (although sometimes I think I might get the 400mm f/2.8 L IS for more versatility at the long end, at the expense of less portability and hand-holding).

So, like Eric, I'm pretty much set as it is right now. If money was no object, I would buy everything I'm thinking about (BOTH the 300/2.8 and 400/2.8 as well as all the other stuff), and I would also add the 50mm f/1.2 L to the mix! :D

BUT... I find I work better with less gear, so... in the real world, I will probably sell off lenses as I acquire others, to keep focused on creating the images, rather than worry about which lenses to carry.



P.S. I just realised - if money was no object, I would also buy the meanest, fastest Mac Pro I could get at the time, with at least two 30" Apple Cinema Displays, maximum RAM (16GB), maximum HDD storage (3TB), the works! :D

[Jeff M]

Well already have it....

D2x
12-24
28-70
70-200
200-400
SB-800
Better beamer
TC14E II
TC17E II
Cable release
flach cord
Gitzo tripod
level head
monopod....

All set now....

Kind of reminds me of a Sheryl Crow Song (Soak in the Sun).
"It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you have".
Not a bad way to be, actually.

[Jeff M]

BUT... I find I work better with less gear, so... in the real world, I will probably sell off lenses as I acquire others, to keep focused on creating the images, rather than worry about which lenses to carry.
:D

I hear you. I just sold off some gear, am buying more,but it will be less..quantity wise than before. Got a Mark IIn, ordered a 135 f/2. Plan to add a 300 f/2.8..later on.


I just sold a 24-70 f/2.8, with mixed feelings. An absolutely superb lens, IMHO. I took some portraits with it, this summer...and well, here's one shot. But haven't really used it..since.

http://www.pbase.com/nikonfan/image/67238583.jpg

So I didn't want to keep a lens around..I wasn't using...especially a pricy one, but I also hate to get rid of a good lens.

[Rudi]

Jeff,

I hear you! This is one of the reasons why I am considering selling my 70-200mm f/2.8 L at the moment - it just does not get used often enough! Since buying my 100-400L, the 70-200 was only used once or twice. As much as I love the lens and the images it produces, it's no good to me sitting on the shelf - that is no way for a lens to live! :)

[Jeff M]

Rudi,
It's tough for me to sell a good sharp lens. I had one very nice copy of the 24-70, but after June....I may have used it on two days, and not very much then. (softball..then a football game). Just not the right tool for that job.
And I have an 85, and 135 on the way, that covers portraits. If I really get down to brass tacks...I don't need that many lenses to do what I want.
I prefer primes, for light weight, sharpness, faster AF...etc. I like zooms for versatility, range..etc. But even if I had 5 camera bodies, I'd never be able to carry them all at once
Carrying two bodies (without a monopod, just two on neck straps) last week was a pain, and really slowed me down.

[dmwphoto]

Man you got a pretty daughter!!

[Rudi]

Carrying two bodies (without a monopod, just two on neck straps) last week was a pain, and really slowed me down.

Yep. For my *personal* use, I could get by with just the 5D, 35L, 85L, 135L and 1.4x Extender. To cover every eventuality, I would also keep the 16-35L and 100-400L. That would not be a bad kit to have! :)

The 24-70L is such a good working lens, though... :D

[Harv]

Well, unfortunately I live in the real world where money is always an object. My present system is pretty close to what I would have even if I could afford anything.

My present system includes:

20D
30D
17-40 f/4L
24-105 f/4L IS
70-200 f/4L
70-200 f/2.8L IS
300 f/4L IS
400 f/5.6L
100 f/2.8 macro
1.4x TC
430EX flash
EM-140 Sigma ring light

300 f/2.8L IS is enroute to me and 2x TC in the near future (300 f/4L IS and 400 f/5.6L are likely to go)

I think if I had unlimited funds, I would probably add a full frame body (1Ds MkII) and a super telephoto such as a 500 f/4L IS or a 500 f/4L IS. I might also replace my 20D with a 1D MkIIn.

I can't imagine I'd need anything more.

[Rudi]

Harv,

If you sell off the 300 and 400 primes and free up some funds, do yourself a favour and buy a full-frame body. I'm biased, but cannot recommend the 5D highly enough! You will never look back, and expand your photographic possibilities more than you think. I used a crop body for years, and almost made myself believe that it's as good as film used to be, but when I bought the 5D, it was like coming home! :)

Keep the 30D for the crop and "reach", and get a full-frame body for the rest.

BTW, after reading your post, I would like to amend my "essentials" kit to the following:

5D, 16-35L, 35L, 85L, 135L, 300/2.8L IS, 1.4x Extender, 2x Extender (the 100-400L would have to go, since this is the "essentials" kit! :D).

[Kevin]

I'm not sure what my dream set up would be. If money were no object then I supposed I'd do a 1DsM2 and a 1DM2n for birds. Because "they" say the 5D is so great, I'd have to get one of those just to see for myself. That would probably be a walk around camera for me.

As for lenses, I've toyed with going a prime route, in which case I'd do the 35L, 50L, 85L, 135L, 180L, 200L

otherwise, I'd probably do the 16-35L, 24-70L, 70-200ISL

And since we're just dreaming, I'd do the 300/f2.8 IS L for the rookeries, the 400/f2.8 IS L for my general birding lens, and the 600/f4 IS L for when I needed/wanted more reach.

In reality, my goal is to have the 5D for portraits/landscapes and a 1Dm2 for birding. I'll then get the 300/f2.8, then figure out a way to get the 400/f2.8 or 500/f4. Doubt I'll ever get the 600, but I'd like to have it.

All this, of course, is based on not knowing the future offerings of Canon.

[Jeff M]

Man you got a pretty daughter!!

Thanks for the compliment, and not to nitpick..but that's actually my niece. I do have pretty daughters, but they aren't pictured here.
This is my niece
http://www.pbase.com/nikonfan/image/67238583.jpg
And this is my daughter.
http://www.pbase.com/nikonfan/image/66488076.jpg

My niece is pretty, and very intelligent. I often ask my sister n' law.."is she adopted ?" :D
They don't think that's as funny as I do.cool;

[Jeff M]

Well, unfortunately I live in the real world where money is always an object. My present system is pretty close to what I would have even if I could afford anything.

My present system includes:

20D
30D
17-40 f/4L
24-105 f/4L IS
70-200 f/4L
70-200 f/2.8L IS
300 f/4L IS
400 f/5.6L
100 f/2.8 macro
1.4x TC
430EX flash
EM-140 Sigma ring light

300 f/2.8L IS is enroute to me and 2x TC in the near future (300 f/4L IS and 400 f/5.6L are likely to go)

I think if I had unlimited funds, I would probably add a full frame body (1Ds MkII) and a super telephoto such as a 500 f/4L IS or a 500 f/4L IS. I might also replace my 20D with a 1D MkIIn.

I can't imagine I'd need anything more.

Well, if I had unlimited funds..I probably would buy more than I "needed". Like you, I live in the real world too. Getting what I need..is sometimes a challenge. :) (referring to photo gear, of course)

[Harv]

Harv,

If you sell off the 300 and 400 primes and free up some funds, do yourself a favour and buy a full-frame body. I'm biased, but cannot recommend the 5D highly enough! You will never look back, and expand your photographic possibilities more than you think. I used a crop body for years, and almost made myself believe that it's as good as film used to be, but when I bought the 5D, it was like coming home! :)

Keep the 30D for the crop and "reach", and get a full-frame body for the rest.

BTW, after reading your post, I would like to amend my "essentials" kit to the following:

5D, 16-35L, 35L, 85L, 135L, 300/2.8L IS, 1.4x Extender, 2x Extender (the 100-400L would have to go, since this is the "essentials" kit! :D).

Rudi, I looked long and hard at the 5D before I added the 30D. There is no doubt it would be a 'nice to have' but it's an expensive camera that I feel is better suited for landscapes and portraits. I decided to put the $$$ into glass. At this time, the crop camera is better suited for what I shoot. Also a lot more affordable.

When I sell off the 300 and 400, it will be to recover some of the $$$ spent on the 300 2.8 that I just purchased from Cliff.

[Rudi]

When I sell off the 300 and 400, it will be to recover some of the $$$ spent on the 300 2.8 that I just purchased from Cliff.

Fair enough, makes sense to me - the 300/2.8 is not a cheap lens! :)

Still, next time you start thinking about a 5D - don't fight it! :D

[Roger]

bah, zooms are just for lazy people, shocked;

Joking....

I would go all primes if I could afford it , if I didn't like changing lenses, I would just buy more camera bodies.

[Jeff M]

bah, zooms are just for lazy people, shocked;

Joking....

I would go all primes if I could afford it , if I didn't like changing lenses, I would just buy more camera bodies.

Simple, yet profound....Simple yet..expensive! But if money were no object, expense wouldn't matter.cool;

[pcho]

Well as the saying goes "a picture tells a thousands words". Here is my collection and I owe this to my lovely and understanding wife. If I have to be greedy I might add the 400F2.8L IS to my current collection but I think I have tested my good wife to the limit and I will settle with what I have for the moment :)

Perry

http://www.thepatienteye.com/albums/webforum/eq.jpg

[gluwater]

Well as the saying goes "a picture tells a thousands words".
shocked; Did you actually hear my jaw hitting the floor?
Well instead of "a picture tells a thousand words", I think this picture costs $30,000 dollars. What is the lens 4th from the right, the one without the petal shaped hood next to the 17-40? You definitely have a sweet setup.

[pcho]

shocked; Did you actually hear my jaw hitting the floor?
Well instead of "a picture tells a thousand words", I think this picture costs $30,000 dollars. What is the lens 4th from the right, the one without the petal shaped hood next to the 17-40? You definitely have a sweet setup.

Hi Nick,

I have resisted posting this picture for a while, I only took it for insurance purpose. The 4th lens from the right is the 85F1.2L Mk1. I am glad you like my collection.

Perry

[Rudi]

The 4th lens from the right is the 85F1.2L Mk1.

It sure is! I can pick that lens in any line-up, too! Of course, mine says MkII, but otherwise the lens looks identical... :D

[dmwphoto]

nice image of nice collection Perry

[pcho]

nice image of nice collection Perry

Thanks dmwphoto and do you know I took the above picture with one of the cameras and 2 of the lenses as displayed.

Perry

[Jonathan]

Perry, there is something I have been meaning to tell you, we are actually related.shocked; yes I know its shocking but um so now that you know I am part of the family....innocent; 505;

[pcho]

Perry, there is something I have been meaning to tell you, we are actually related.shocked; yes I know its shocking but um so now that you know I am part of the family....innocent; 505;


Hello brother, please to know that as I want to borrow money from you to purchase more gear :)

the Chemist 2

[Jeff M]

Hello brother, please to know that as I want to borrow money from you to purchase more gear :)

the Chemist 2

I loaned money to my brother in law once, and it made him sick. Gave him amnesia.:D

[bobber]

Hey..if you loan a friend 20.00 and you never see him again..it was worth the 20.00!!!

[MichiganMan]

If money was no object, why would my dream system have Canon written on it? It wouldn't.

[Rudi]

Care to elaborate???

[pcho]

If money was no object, why would my dream system have Canon written on it? It wouldn't.


Care to elaborate???

Rudi, Rudi please don't get hooked into a slanging match. This is a nice clean forum with nice people who needs help and want to learn. You know better, good equipment doesn't necessary take good photos. I don't care if Canon is a cheap and nasty brand as long as I can take good pictures. Don't get to the low levels of other forums and let people get under your skin. I am sure you are better than that.

Canon, Nikon, pentax, panasonic, olympics, etc are all my dream gear and pick the one that makes you happy.

Perry

[MichiganMan]

Yeah Rudi, don't get into some match like pcho thinks is the purpose of some post.

If pcho was referring to my post, then pcho doesn't know everything. I asked a simple question, but apparently we are not allowed to ask a question during a post that asks a question.

So, if I am suppose to answer the question....

http://www.hasselblad.com/promotions/h3d.aspx

[Rudi]

OK, everyone calm down! Perry, stop stirring things up!:D

I was only asking, since I was curious what you WOULD buy if money was no object. There was no other motive behind my request for you to elaborate on why you would not buy Canon.

Thin skins, people, thin skins... :dontgetit:

[Rudi]

BTW, MichiganMan, nice choice! :)

The one and only thing I do not like about the Hassy is the mirror SLAP! And it is a hell of a slap! It's a much larger mirror, since it is a MF-sized camera, and I have found that the camera HAS to be used on a tripod much of the time to take advantage of the larger sensor. If it's handheld, the mirror slap is pronounced enough that unless you use really high shutter speeds, you will see camera movement blurring your images.

Still, a tripod is a small price to pay... :)

[pcho]

Yeah Rudi, don't get into some match like pcho thinks is the purpose of some post.

If pcho was referring to my post, then pcho doesn't know everything. I asked a simple question, but apparently we are not allowed to ask a question during a post that asks a question.

So, if I am suppose to answer the question....

http://www.hasselblad.com/promotions/h3d.aspx

Oops, only joking. Apologies to everyone concern :chair:

Perry

[MichiganMan]

The one and only thing I do not like about the Hassy is the mirror SLAP!

Do you think that the slap is worse on this digital than it is on a film one?

Regardless (since money is no object) I would be mounting it to my stabilizer, found here:
http://www.ken-lab.com/stabilizers.html

[Kevin]

Well as the saying goes "a picture tells a thousands words". Here is my collection and I owe this to my lovely and understanding wife. If I have to be greedy I might add the 400F2.8L IS to my current collection but I think I have tested my good wife to the limit and I will settle with what I have for the moment :)

Perry

http://www.thepatienteye.com/albums/webforum/eq.jpg

Perry.....Can I come live with you? :boat:

[Rudi]

Do you think that the slap is worse on this digital than it is on a film one?

Nope. it's about the same. I think it is more noticeable on the newer bodies, because they are lighter and you really feel the slap when you hold the camera! I have also noticed it in the images (probably because it's so easy to inspect them at 100% in Photoshop!). BUT - when I inspect my old film images, they are not as sharp as I remember them (so we are getting more critical in the digital age).


Regardless (since money is no object) I would be mounting it to my stabilizer, found here:
http://www.ken-lab.com/stabilizers.html

Way to go, and not even a little bit of overkill! :biggrinthumb: :D

[Rudi]

Perry.....Can I come live with you? :boat:

Psst! Perry! I think Kevin likes you! :D