New Lens vs New Light Equipment

[go1982team]

Hello shot critics I just want to get your opinion on what you thought I should get... I ran into about $900 and I cant decide whether to get a new lens for my canon rebel xti or a purchase some lighting equipment.

Which lens is best recommened for portraits? (any price)

Which studio equipment would you buy with $900.

I am a beginner so keep that in mind. I would love to here your thoughts on the subject.

[JKlebPhoto]

Besides your XTi, what do you have?

[go1982team]

Oh yeah I guess it would be helpful to know that

Tamron AF 75-300 1:4-5.6 LD TELE-MACRO(1:39)
Canon Ultrasonic EFS 18-55mm

thats it (well atleast what was on each lens)

[JKlebPhoto]

Originally Posted by go1982team

Oh yeah I guess it would be helpful to know that

Tamron AF 75-300 1:4-5.6 LD TELE-MACRO(1:39)
Canon Ultrasonic EFS 18-55mm

thats it (well atleast what was on each lens)

Now what kind of photo's do you want to take?

[go1982team]

Potraits I like taking pictures.. want to get into shooting models

[JKlebPhoto]

If you bought lights would you have a good space to use them? If you had them would you know how to use them?

There's more to this than lights and lenses.

[RSStory]

I would buy a lens... perhaps the Canon 50mm 1.4 Great lens or the 85mm 1.8 another awesome lens.

[go1982team]

yeah I was hoping to learn lighting by setting it up in a spare bedroom of mine..

I saw the Canon 50mm 1.4... have you rented from BorrowLenses.com - Camera Rental and Canon/Nikon Lens Rental... I was going to try them out before I buy

[Arbib]

Originally Posted by go1982team

yeah I was hoping to learn lighting by setting it up in a spare bedroom of mine..

I saw the Canon 50mm 1.4... have you rented from BorrowLenses.com - Camera Rental and Canon/Nikon Lens Rental... I was going to try them out before I buy

Well, a spare bedroom may be good for Head hots and full length "sitting down"..You will need at least a 12 foot runway of space (IMO). to use a 50mm or 85mm lens, you'll be standing 6-8 away from your model. and your model will be 3-5 feet in front of the BG. So a 12 long room is tight.

I use my living room/kitchen area. The LR has about 15 feet after I set up the BG. and I stand in the kitchen that adds another 10 feet are so. for my Oly E510, I use the 14-42 (from 25-42) for full and 1/2 shots, and my 40-150 for 1/2 and head shots. and sitting poses..

A garage will make a good studio too. a 2 car garage is 21-23 feet wide by 20-22 feet long (in the USA)

Your BG stands will place your BG about 2 feet from the wall...(Nail the BG to the wall to save space, or get a Wall Mount BD holder).

You can nice 2 light set up (Not Pro line)..the 320ws will have plenty of power for a home studio. 2-320ws. 2 Light-stands (Heavy-duty) a savage BG holder..(I 9' rod and 2 stands). 2-36" softbox or the Amvona/Alian Bee Softbox Umbrella (at least 36"), 2-White/Silver 48" Umbrellas. Plus 2 umbrella/Light holders. 1-White BG, 1-Black BG....

and you ready...well a good book, and or a lighting coarse at a local college.. Oh Yah----a very willing model to pose. and be very patient as you "cut your teeth" in studio lighting.

and the adventure deepens.....

[go1982team]

Ok thanks for the info.. I will keep that space in mind as I look for a new place in Florida... so the adventure deepens more.. definately plan on taking a college course on lighting