Canon EOS 7d
I decided to upgrade to the 7d after much internal deliberation. I got away from an "entry level" variety, but did not take the financial plunge into a full frame camera either. I have been very happy with its performance thus far and although I don't want to go into all of its technical details, I will comment on a few differences/advantages it has over my previous camera (Canon Rebel XS). First of all the build quality is fantastic, it is made out of a magnesium alloy frame that is extensively weather sealed, and the larger body size gives the camera nice ergonomics. Also, the autofocus system is the best out of all Canon's camera line-up except for the professional 1D series. Finally one of the aspects of the camera that I like best is the fact that it shoots up to 8fps, which is a nice function to have when you don't want to miss a second of the action. I purchased this camera via the Canon Loyalty Program; with this program you are able send in an old broken canon point and shoot (some people just buy a $10 one off of Craigslist) and you get 20% off a refurbished camera directly from Canon. They are just trying to make sure these old cameras don't end up in a landfill. You can go here to see what cameras are available and call 1-866-443-8002 to order.
Canon 24-70mm f2.8L USM
Luckily Lauren and I were hired to shoot a few weddings so I had the perfect excuse (and extra funds) to purchase this lens. I debated back and forth between it and the 24-105 f4.0L, but eventually the larger aperture won me over. It's an L so obviously it's sharp and really well made. It is a little heavy, but I don't really notice it after toting around my 70-200 all the time. This is a go-to lens for many pro photographers out there, so I am excited to see what I can do with it.
Canon 50mm f1.4
To be honest, I don't really use this lens very much because it is always on my wife's camera. It is by far her favorite lens. She takes it everywhere and uses it for everything. If you are looking for a solid prime lens at a great price then look no further. It produces amazing photos time and time again, and being able to stop down to 1.4 will give you the bokeh you have always dreamed of.
Canon 70-200mm f2.8L IS I USM
This lens never leaves my camera body and is without a doubt the best photography investment I have ever made. We rented one of these to shoot a wedding, and afterward I had to get one... well I had to get a used one. The image quality that this lens gives you is something that you can only get with L-series glass. Since I have a cropped frame sensor, the 200mm focal length is plenty of zoom for me. If you have a choice to upgrade your lens or camera body... go for the lens and you won't regret it.
This lens never leaves my camera body and is without a doubt the best photography investment I have ever made. We rented one of these to shoot a wedding, and afterward I had to get one... well I had to get a used one. The image quality that this lens gives you is something that you can only get with L-series glass. Since I have a cropped frame sensor, the 200mm focal length is plenty of zoom for me. If you have a choice to upgrade your lens or camera body... go for the lens and you won't regret it.
Canon 580 EX II
Now that Canon came out with a new "flagship" flash, I was able to get this one for a reasonable price. It is a piece of equipment that requires a lot of skill to use well.
Induro AT-214 (Tripod) and Induro BHD2 (Ballhead)
Wow, I didn't know what I was missing before I got this combo! This setup is very sturdy and made to last a lifetime. It handles the weight of my 7D + battery grip + 70-200mm f2.8L with ease. It is a pretty heavy addition to the camera bag, but not everyone can afford carbon fiber.
Canon 18-55mm stock lens
Now that Canon came out with a new "flagship" flash, I was able to get this one for a reasonable price. It is a piece of equipment that requires a lot of skill to use well.
Induro AT-214 (Tripod) and Induro BHD2 (Ballhead)
Wow, I didn't know what I was missing before I got this combo! This setup is very sturdy and made to last a lifetime. It handles the weight of my 7D + battery grip + 70-200mm f2.8L with ease. It is a pretty heavy addition to the camera bag, but not everyone can afford carbon fiber.
Canon 18-55mm stock lens
I really only have this on here for completion. It barely ever gets any action and will now will be largely ignored now that I have the 24-70.
Extension tubes
I decided to go cheap on this one. If you don't want the autofocus function, which from what I read isn't all that reliable with extension tubes, then there is no reason to spend anymore than $10 considering that all you are buying is metal and air. I put my stock lens on, set it to f8, take it off and add the extension tubes, switch my camera to live view and focus by moving my hands back and forth. This needs to be really still since you are losing a lot of light, so really a tripod is the way to go for the best results. I know it could be a lot easier, but I was just not willing to spend $500-1000 on a macro lens at this point, although someday I hope to add one to my arsenal.
*Go to http://www.the-digital-picture.com/ for in-depth reviews on both Canon and Nikon cameras/lenses!
Accessories
Canon BG-E7 (battery grip): I love having a battery grip on my camera. Not only do I get to go longer without charging, but increasing the size of the body makes the camera so much more comfortable to hold. Also it is nice to have the second shutter button and dial for taking pictures in the portrait orientation. Since I normally carry around my monsterous 70-200, I don't really notice any change in the weight.
Carry Speed strap: a cheaper alternative ($28.99) to the popular Black Rapid strap ($60+). I like the design of the Carry Speed better anyway; you don't have to take off the bracket to attach your camera to a tripod. This will save you from having an aching neck after an extended period of carrying your camera. It can be found on Ebay or Amazon.
Vivitar Series 1 flash: this flash gets the job done and serves its purpose as a rarely used item in my camera bag. Its recycle time is considerably slower than its Canon counterpart, so if you intend on using a flash a lot then I would spend the extra money for the real thing.
Gary Fong knock-off dome flash diffusers: each real Gary Fong diffuser is $40, but I got two of these after market diffusers for $20. They make all the difference in the world when it comes to lighting. You will love how evenly light is spread across your subject and the decreased amount of shadows.
My wish list...
1. Virtually every Canon L prime lenses
2. Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8L II USM
3. Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L USM (fulfilled)
4. Canon EF 100mm f2.8L USM Macro
7. Eventually a full frame camera body for my wife
8. Totally unrealistic but.... a Leica
My advice when purchasing equipment
Almost everything I buy new comes from http://www.bhphotovideo.com/, they usually have the lowest prices you can find, do not charge a sales tax because they are based out of NY (important for those high priced items), and they offer free shipping on a lot of items. They also have excellent customer service and are very dependable. If you are buying new, buy from BH, period.
If you are careful and patient, it is also possible to make safe purchases from Ebay sellers. I have bought two used lenses (one of them being my 70-200 L-series) and have not had any problems. Look for sellers who are selling their gear in order that they can upgrade to the new and latest model that you can't afford. I would check out their history as a seller and if they have sold for example eight 5d Mark II's over the past 6 months, then they probably aren't the best person to buy from.
