Just Got My first Body - Lens Advice Needed.

whats_this

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Heya everyone, have just bought my very first dslr (Canon 30d.) Been using my Dad's 400d + Kit Lens and reading everything I can. Feel like i've got a reasonable grasp of the settings on the camera (I can consistently take a well exposed shot on manual and get the effect i want,) but obviously I am still learning rapidly.

looking for a walkabout lens, done some searching and I am leaning to a Tamron 17-50 2.8, really like the constant aperture for low light, focal. Also have access to my dad's 70mm-200mm to borrow on occasion if needed.

Bit more info on my tastes, I like to shoot landscapes, architecture, travel, candids, portraiture and panoramics. Also like taking pictures at the odd friends wedding.

Does anyone know where the best reputable place to get a good price for the Tamron 17-50 2.8? Not adverse to buying second hand either. Of course if there is an alternative lens I have completely missed please let me know?

Two other newb questions.

What do people think about Flash cards? Do branded/expensive faster cards make any difference?

Also looking for a rucksack, camera/laptop combo bag? Both the Kata 467 LowePro Fastpack 250 seem to get good reviews. Anyone got a recommendation? or know where to get a good price on the kata, cant find better than £65?

Thanks Guys.
 
This site might help you find prices for the Tamron lens
Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di ll LD Aspherical (IF) from £309.95, UK Specialist Price Comparison Site, Camera Price Buster

Just my opinion, but buying for example a SanDisk Extreme IV card would be a waste of your money for the type of photograph you like to do.
The only time you'll notice the speed of faster cards is when you transfer you photos to you computer, and then you'll need a suitable card reader to take advantage of the speed.
A limiting factor for speed when taking photos can be your camera's buffer speed, so bear that in mind too.

My personal choice is instead of buying SanDisk CF cards is "Transcend", they are cheaper and just the same quality.
The cheapest place I've found recently for all CF cards is 7dayshop.com - Online shopping made easy !

Check this link out for Lowepro bags Camera Price Buster - Lowepro Bags
Personally I like the Lowepro Mini Trekker Classic

:)
 
I would highly recommendthe Tamron 17-50 f2.8. Its an incredibly useful walkabout lens that nearly always delivers sharp results and is very good value for money. As for places to buy second hand, there is of course via AV-forums, you could also try London Camera Exchange, the Warehouse Express 'bargain basement' section, Park Cameras and of course ebay. I bought my 17-50 from One Stop Digital, which is a very reliable Hong Kong based retailer that subsequently can seriously undercut EU prices and you're buying new not second hand.

As for flash cards i think they are so cheap now anyway that i would rather pay a few pounds extra for the peace of mind a high quality brand can provide. I prefer Sandisk because they have solid build quality and the speeds and capacities quoted on them are the actual specs of the cards. I've not had one let me down yet. Just make sure you buy them from a reputable retretailer to avoid fakes.
 
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@ some bloke - Thanks for the links, hadn't seem camera price buster before. Safely bookmarked now.

@ too_funky - Seems lots of people on here have used one stop digital, I had been put off, but having searched about I will definitely consider them if I can't find a second hand one. Thanks
 
The Tamron 17-50 f2.8 is a great lens just buy it from somewhere that will give you the UK warranty. I had one that would front focus, sent to intro2020 and recalibrated and sent back for free :) Not used it in full on anger yet but test muck about shots seem a lot better, time will tell...
 

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