Lens and Tripod suggestion

Finally I am going to pull plug on a lens and a tripod and I want to finish this splurge by this weekend( so that I do not change my mind, if I delay any more ).


Lens - I am torn between Canon EF 1.8f 50mm Vs Canon EF 1.4f 50mm prime. Yes I know 1.4f is costly but I am willing to spend on lenses and stick with my 1000D for some more time.
So, i want an answer for this- Is is worth spending more than 15K Vs 6K for extra .2 fstops? Or shall I stick with 1.8f prime?

Tripod - Ah this is where I am lost. I need one which can hold a 70-200mm L f2.8 lens + a Canon 5D Mark II comfortably. Yes you heard it right, I am getting the legendary 70-200mm L series lens + 5d MkII soon. So I do not want to spend again when I jump to full frame and with a heavy lens like one I have mentioned.

Can someone suggest me a good tripod with following features -
1. Lighter the better but no specific preference to weight.
2. Should be able to lower up to fairly low height for macro shots, so that I can use my reverse ring adapters .
3. Brand name does not impress me, but quality and durability does.
4. Budget for tripod - 6-8K. Doable???
5. If it can double up as a monopod, it will be great.

Cu,

Hey, its always advisable to get the best lenses you can afford rather than buying cheap, selling for a loss and then buying a new lens again. Bodies come and go and they get better and better all the time. Lenses do not ! A 1945 Leica lens is better than many lenses you get today.

So with that in mind I wholeheartedly suggest you take the plunge and get some good glass.

The Canon 50mm f1.4 is not only about the 1/3 stop difference. The 50mm f1.4 has USM for faster autofocusing and most importantly a better build quality to last much longer than the f1.8. Plus the f1.4 has a circular aperture for a better bokeh.

Unfortunately the same applies to the tripod. No tripod at 8k is going to be able to support a 5D MKII with a 70-200mm f2.8 lens.

You need to up your budget to at least 15k to get a Manfrotto 055x pro tripod with a Manfrotto head.

I suggest this one - Manfrotto 055XPROB PRO Tripod with 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty

And this head -
Manfrotto 055XPROB PRO Tripod with 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty

*bump*
I have 2 more days to go before I pull the plug. Looking for more suggestions.

Thanks,

1. Where you buying?

2. A tripod suggestion is always difficult to make without the gear in hand, cuz I suggest going to a store and trying out the tripod with lens + camera in your hand. I bought a Rs.2,500 tripod (went shopping with BF1983), and am happy with it for a lot of reasons.

That said, a SLIK/BENRO tripod in 8k range will easily fit your suggestion. It will be metal and not carbon-fibre and it will work. Try them out and then buy, I can't suggest an exact model.

3. As for the lens, since you're buying a 5D Mk II soon, take the 50 f1.4. The more bokeh the better, the better the bokeh even better the snaps. Simple. The 50mm f1.8 is a cracker of a deal but someone owning a 5D Mk II, I'd always take the f1.4.

4. Congrats! That's some great gear you're getting, where are the photos I say!

Cheers!
Payne

^^^ @d.payne

1. buying from Bangalore.
2. Slik/benro I had in mind but exact model was what I am looking for .
3. Yes understand that , thanks for the tip.
4. Hahaha gear is on hold, first I need to outgrow my 1000d .

Cu,

Bangalore has a lot of good places to shop I am told. Especially foto-circle. As I keep saying, suggesting a model number online for a tripod is like looking out for a pair of shoes online. Just go to a store man.

Look for three things:

1. Stability when *fully* extended. The last extension is the most unstable point of any tripod.
2. Ability to mount different heads. This will give you flexibility when you upgrade later.
3. How low can it go. My SLIK goes down to some 3-4" above the ground, and I love it for that.

8k is good money for a tripod as long as you're NOT buying Manfrotto/Bogen/Gitzo.

If you find a 2ndhand 50mm 1.4, you can sell it off after many years for the same price if the condition remains good
Besides, the new camera deserves the 1.4

Hi there,

My vote goes for Benro. Of course. having used a Feisol and a Benro I prefer the former, but I don't think they have an authorized store in India. For Benros look at GaffarBhai and Sons. They are based out of Mumbai but would ship to anywhere in India.

Gaffarbhai and Sons

The Manfrottos are nice too, but out of your budget. And stay away from Aluminum. They are good if you are on a budget but can get real heavy.

If your getting full frame in future, isn't it better u buy 85mm instead of 50mm,

I already have a 50mm 1.8 mkII, the build quality really sux, its almost unusable at 1.8, you have to stop down at least till f2.8 to get good pictures, but for the price its still quite amazing. i am anyway considering to sell it and kit lens off and buy a 17-55mm instead .

Foto circle also doesn't have too many tripods, and he can't source them easily either, yo will have to go to rk photo studio for that.

^^^No why will I buy 85mm, when I plan to get a 70-200mmL f2.8 ?
50mm is good enough for now.

This sux, tripod is turning out to be most difficult accessory to choose.
Might skip it right now and get a f1.4 only.

Thanks,

Prime lens seriously outclass zoom lenses in IQ. Even a simple 50mm f/1.8 will be much better at f/2.8 than compared with the legendary 24-70 f/2.8 L. Plus the 85mm f/1.8 is almost one stop faster.

^^^But I have limited money .
Can't keep on doubling up equipment for same focal length.

What sort of photos do you take? Portraits, landscapes, etc?

^^^ Potraits and landscapes for now.

SLIK has lightweight affordable units & Manfroto has super light, though costly tripods. I own one each.

For general use, check out both of them, a purchase that will last you a lifetime, and both have an Indian presence now.

KMD will be cheaper though