Help complete my bundle...

[Ginger Jay]

Ok so I have $3000 +/- to spend on upgrading my kit. I currently have a T1i with kit lens and 55-250.

I am pretty set on a new 6D. Can get it for around $1600 brand new.

So my question is what lens/speedlites do you recommend. I have a carrying bag and tripod already.

Not a professional nor do I intend on being paid for any pictures. Main subjects will be my family/toddler. Occasional landscape/auto pictures. So I guess "recreational" would be a good term.

Appreciate all the help in advance.

 

[mwh1964]

That's an impressive upgrade. If certain you wanna go FF for sure the 6D is a good choice. Add the 24-105 + 600exrt and you will be set to go for less than your budget. If flash not that important you may wanna go 270ex for fill or a 3rd party which will give room for perhaps a prime lens or a 70-300 telezoom. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[Ginger Jay]

That's an impressive upgrade. If certain you wanna go FF for sure the 6D is a good choice. Add the 24-105 + 600exrt and you will be set to go for less than your budget. If flash not that important you may wanna go 270ex for fill or a 3rd party which will give room for perhaps a prime lens or a 70-300 telezoom. Good luck with your purchase.

Thanks. Got a referral bonus at work. Now to put the money to good work. I am positive I want FF.

I honestly do not have any experiences with flashes. But from what I have read you can do some amazing things that you can't with a built in flash. Would the 600ex be overkill for me?

I forgot to mention I have the nifty fifty. Worth upgrading it or getting a smaller prime? I love the look of some of the wide angle auto pictures.

 

[Dylan777]

First step - sell all current gear.

I have 2 kids and these are my choices:
1. 6D + 24-70 f2.8 II - if budget allows
2. 6D + 50mm f1.4 + 85mm f1.8 or 135L

24-105 is too slow for indoor. With kids, your shutter speed needs to be 1/125 or faster.

1. 50mm is very easy to use for indoor on FF - from general shooting to portrait.
2. 85mm f1.8 will get you decent portrait for indoor - creamy background.
3. 135L might be too tight for indoor, however, it's excellent lens for outdoor shooting kids running around or portrait.

 

[Random Orbits]

6D + 24-105 + 430EX II and start saving for a telephoto prime/zoom. The 24-105 has good value because it has been discounted so much. The 430 has much of the functionality of the 580/600s but costs a lot less and is a good value. The 600ex-rt is only worth it if you intend on using multiple units and need radio transmission. For a single flash setup, much of its value is unrealized because it'll be connected to the hot shoe.

 

[SwissBear]

Some people were quite fond of the 50mm focal length on full frame and said it was all they needed...

When I was about to purchase a flash, I finally decided on the 580, it was about 25% more expensive than the 430 but offered more, and so far, i haven't regretted my decision.

Best thing would be to check your most used focal lenghts (there seem to be some lightroom plugins that can count that) and the images that went wrong because the limits of your gear.

On the other hand, if you really wanna learn and grow into "capture that moment", get a 6D, put that nifty fifty on it and and think again in a year what you do with the rest of the money

 

[privatebydesign]

The 600 would not be overkill. Indeed anybody with a 2012 body would be foolish to not get one even if you never intended to get more flashes.

It has so many additional features over the 580 and 430 that it is well worth the money as a single on camera unit. The menu works, the zoom to 200 gives you much greater control and with the additional power over the 430 the bouncing capabilities (the best way to use an on camera flash) are far greater.

 

[mariusx1]

I'm in the process of going through a very similar upgrade from a 40D. I knew I wanted to go FF and similarly, had a $3000 budget. I already had 3 lenses (17-40L, 85 1.8, and 70-300 IS) plus a 430 EX II, so my needs were a little different, but here's what I ended up buying (it's currently in transit):

6D w/ 24-105mm
The 24-105 seems like such a versatile lens and comes at a deep discount in the kit. It was a no-brainer for me.

40mm 2.8 STM
I was looking at the 50 f/1.8 and 35 f/2, but decided to go for a solid build and newer lens in the shorty-forty, even though it's a at least a full stop slower.

77mm B+W Circular Polarizer
For landscape photography with my 17-40 and 24-105.

A bunch of accessories
The extras can really add up, especially if you have a firm budget. I added some cleaning supplies, memory cards, 2 extra batteries, a new bag, Syl Arena's Speedliter's Handbook. I also decided to get lens hoods for my 85 1.8 and 70-300mm.

I'd agree that a flash would be a good item to consider. I don't have experience with anything other than the 430 EX II, but it has greatly improved my photos ever since I bought it last summer. Another +1 for the 85mm 1.8 as well. It's been my favorite lens on crop and I hope it finds a lot of use on FF.

Also, you might want to take a look at your tripod if you plan on doing occasional landscapes. If your current tripod is a cheapie, you might want to consider an upgrade there as well.

All in all, I'm sure you'll be pleased with your new setup, whatever you decide!

 

[Ginger Jay]

Thanks everyone for all the insight thus far. I will need to do some more research on the 600 vs 480ii flash. See if it's worth the additional money for my needs.

I definitely want at least one zoom. Anyone with kids knows how they hate to sit still. I cannot keep up.

However I would like a few primes too. Is the 40mm worth it even if I already have the 50mm and will presumably cover that focal length if I get the 24-105?

 

[mwh1964]

Hi again. Primes are for speed in low light and bokeh. Zooms as the 24-105 is for flexibility. I don't think you need both the 40ty and the 50ty. By the way the 40 is one stop slower.

 

[Random Orbits]

Thanks everyone for all the insight thus far. I will need to do some more research on the 600 vs 480ii flash. See if it's worth the additional money for my needs.

I definitely want at least one zoom. Anyone with kids knows how they hate to sit still. I cannot keep up.

However I would like a few primes too. Is the 40mm worth it even if I already have the 50mm and will presumably cover that focal length if I get the 24-105?

It's worth it to some people and not others. I don't see it having as much value for someone that has a nifty fifty. It has more value for those that only have larger/heavier lenses. If you are intending to go ahead with the 24-105, faster primes would give you a clearer delineation as to use which lens under different circumstances. I would suggest getting other lenses that fill out your focal length needs first, whether it is a 70-200 f/4, 70-300L or 135L. Try the 6D with the 24-105 and 50 first and then decide what to get next based on where your kit is the most lacking.

 

[bholliman]

First step - sell all current gear.

I have 2 kids and these are my choices:
1. 6D + 24-70 f2.8 II - if budget allows
2. 6D + 50mm f1.4 + 85mm f1.8 or 135L

24-105 is too slow for indoor. With kids, your shutter speed needs to be 1/125 or faster.

1. 50mm is very easy to use for indoor on FF - from general shooting to portrait.
2. 85mm f1.8 will get you decent portrait for indoor - creamy background.
3. 135L might be too tight for indoor, however, it's excellent lens for outdoor shooting kids running around or portrait.

Agreed. You will find you seldom use your T1i after you get a 6D. I kept my 7D and it seldom leaves the camera bag.

As other have pointed out, you really need a standard zoom for young kids (we have 3 kids: 1,4 and 14). When they are young babies they don't move much, and I used my 50 1.4 most of the time, but now its more difficult to use unless I can catch one of them intently playing and shoot before they start toward me. I find the 24-105 OK for shooting kids indoors thanks to the 6D's great high ISO capabilities, but I'm saving for a 24-70 2.8 II which will do better.

 

[Daniel Flather]

Would the 600ex be overkill for me?

Absolutey not, get the 600ex and nothing smaller. I'd sell the rebel and kit lens, buy the 6D and then you choice of lenses, primes versus zooms.

 

[FTb-n]

I love the 24-105 on my 5D3, great all around lens and love the IS. While 2.8 would be nice, the 5D3 makes the slower 24-105's f4 usable in low light. And, for more creativity, think small stream rushing over rocks at a slow shutter speed, the IS offers it.

In full disclosure, my most used lens is the 70-200 f2.8 Mark II. For fast kids, indoor sports, and even event candids, this lens is great with the 5D3 or 6D. It's one worth saving for.

For flash, EX 430 or up. But, this is a tougher call. I rarely carry my 430 with me. But, I have delved in portrait work and prefer several Yongnuo 460ii's with umbrella's. They give me more flexibility on the cheap -- especially when paired with Cowboy Studio radio triggers. It's fully manual, but easy to work with. My 430 is reserved for emergency use when low light is too low and multiple flash setup isn't practical. I often use the 430 off camera in hand-held soft box. To be fair, the 580 or 600 would give you more options within modifiers like soft boxes due to the added power.

My advice on the flash is to wait until you know the limits of the 6D in available light and you've identified what you really want in a flash.

Regarding the 40, you don't need it with the 50 1.8. But, it is fun to use. It's cheap off Canon's refurb store, focusses faster and quieter than the 50 and is sharp from corner to corner. It's my travel light lens. You don't need it now. Save this for down the road as a fun way to treat yourself with a new toy.

 

[M.ST]

Do you really need a FF camera for taking pictures of your kids?

Wait what is coming next. Maybe the 7D Mark II (or whatever called) in combination with one or two L lenses is the better choice.

For the 6D or lower I recommend the 430EX II with a diffusor and/or a black foamie thing.

Don´t waste your money for the EF 17-40 L. A replacement is near.

 

[Ginger Jay]

I was under the assumption that FF gave better IQ than crop. So even with the new 70D on the horizon wouldn't the 6D be a better choice?

Is the 6D's auto focus as really bad as everyone says?

 

[sunnyVan]

I was under the assumption that FF gave better IQ than crop. So even with the new 70D on the horizon wouldn't the 6D be a better choice?

Is the 6D's auto focus as really bad as everyone says?

If you haven't used 7D before you won't feel any difference as far as AF is concerned. 6Ds AF is fine as long as you're used to using center point. The 6D has insane low light capability. With the 24-105 lens you'll already feel a drastic difference from where you were before. The 50mm is awesome on your 6D. Great for indoor.

As for flash I think you can delay this decision. Unless you get a discount by buying everything at once, why the rush? You can start with a used or refurbished 430ex if you want. 600ex-rt is an overkill unless you plan on buying more than one.

 

[Wildfire]

I was under the assumption that FF gave better IQ than crop. So even with the new 70D on the horizon wouldn't the 6D be a better choice?

Is the 6D's auto focus as really bad as everyone says?

The 6D's autofocus isn't bad, it's just less effective than some other AF systems out there.

It has 11 autofocus points and they all work great in good light. In low light, the center point (which is more sensitive) will catch focus in situations that would leave any other AF system hunting.

 

[Hillsilly]

I was under the assumption that FF gave better IQ than crop. So even with the new 70D on the horizon wouldn't the 6D be a better choice?

Is the 6D's auto focus as really bad as everyone says?

Modern APS-C sensors have IQ almost as good to FF sensors in good shooting conditions. Its only when you start pushing the ISO up that the differences become more noticeable. In recent years, Canon's APS-C sensors have been lagging a bit compared with the competition, but its widely expected (hoped?) that a generational improvement will come through soon. If that happens, finding differences between a FF camera and an APS-C camera at low ISO's will be tough - if you look very closely you might notice some differences in the shadows or highlights, but otherwise...

FF sensors retain an advantage with shallow depth of field and blurred backgrounds. The cameras with FF sensors are also very feature-packed and well built, but also cost more and tend to be bigger and heavier (6D aside?).

All up, its probably best to conclude that a FF sensor is better, but in many common situations you would be hard pressed to see it.

The pricing on the 6D makes me think new FF cameras are within the financial reach of more people. And as the IQ gap narrows, people will make buying decisions on the features of the camera as a whole (such as high ISO capabilities, AF, weather sealing, viewfinder, FPS, video features etc) without automatically assuming that a FF camera is the be-all and end-all. If the 7Dii has an improved sensor, I'm going to be very curious about how it performs sale-wise compared with the 6D.

 

[sjschall]

I would say I'm in a similar situation to you, recreational photography. My favorite advice I've received is that the best gear is the gear you use. It's great to get the expensive fancy stuff but often it's heavy and more than what you or I need - i.e. 70-200 IS II which is an incredible lens but yeah, it's heavy and expensive! IMO a 430exII plus a couple zooms or a zoom and a prime will get you really great results, especially with 6D! Then maybe you can save some of your budget for a future upgrade where you see fit. Maybe you'll decide later that you want more flash power or a wider lens or a faster prime, etc. Good luck!