Gear
I bought my first SLR in October of 2010. It was a Canon t2i with an 18-55mm IS kit lens. I bought a used 75-300mm zoom (no IS) as my first upgrade and quickly followed up with an 18-135mm IS zoom. I also bought the “nifty fifty” (50mm f1.8) and a 17-40mm f4L ultra-wide zoom.
These are all just fine for all-around use. And I originally wanted to be an HDR photographer and do portraits for money. But I found that there wasn’t that much to shoot for HDR in South Florida, and my heart really isn’t into portraits. I found myself shooting less and less. Then I bought a 100mm f2.8 macro lens, and a whole new world opened up for me.
I don’t regret my lens purchases. It’s good to have all the focal ranges covered with some good glass. It’s just that this 100mm macro is practically living on my camera. I am a macro addict. I now shoot almost every single day, and all I carry in my bag is the t2i with the 100mm attached, the 17-40mm in it’s pouch, some filters, and a 430 EXII Speedlite.
For right now I’m happy with my t2i. It shoots macro just fine. Most modern SLRs are good for macro, and a cropped sensor camera has the added advantage of the 1.6 magnification factor. I’d like the weather sealing and controls of the 7D, but I need to hold off on that for a while.
I originally had a burning desire to go out and get a Mark II 5D and 70-200mm f2.8 lens, even though I couldn’t afford it. I’m a real enthusiast, and can really get carried away if I’m not careful. I’m glad I did not jump into a full-frame camera right off the bat, though maybe someday I’ll decide to go that route.
I’ve listed some Canon gear below that’s nice to have. When you order through these links you help support this blog. If you have any questions about macro lens or gear, please drop me a line. I’ve done a lot of research and will do what I can to share knowledge with you.
Just remember, the photographer make the picture and the best camera is the one you have in your hand. Good glass comes first, upgrade your body when it truly will not do what you need it to do. And last but not least, have fun.
CAMERAS
LENSES
FLASHES