Which to get next?

[EJC]

Hi folks

I am a newby. My problem is which to get next a circular polarizing lens or a tripod. I have a Canon 40D with the 28-135 mm IS USM lens and $100 budget. I would like to shoot land/cityscapes and try potraits. My other alternative is to wait til the budget is bigger. What are your thoughts?

Thanks
EJC

[tirediron]

Okay, that's a tough call. I would have to recommend the CPOL in this case, simply because your budget isn't adequate for a decent tripod.

Don't scrimp on filters. Remember, these become the first optical element of your lens, and a poor quality filter will cause more problems than it will cure. Stick with known names: Tiffen, Hoya (make sure they're the multi-coated line), B+W/Schneider, Rodenstock, Helopan, or Singh-Ray. DON'T even think about buying any of that no-name cheapo crap on eBay that ships from China. You will regret it. Check out your local used gear store; as long as they're unscratched and the threads undamaged, used filters will work just fine, and you can save a lot of money.

Tripods are a whole 'nother matter. You're going to need to sock away at least $200 for a good set of used legs and head, and $400+ if you buy new. And why you ask? "There's a really nice looking tripod at Wal-Mart for $49.99" Nowhere is "you get what you pay for" more true than in the world of photography. You're going to use a tripod to support hundreds or thousands of dollars in gear. Does it make sense to use the cheapest support system you can find? Not to me. Start looking now, and get an idea of what you want, and start saving. Look at Manfrotto, Gitzo and Benbo. Velbon and Sunpak make a few decent tripods as well, but be careful. They also make a lot of "consumer" grade products.

[Marko]

T.I. - You and I are so on the same page lately. Agreed - a 100 dollar tripod is crap but you can get a really good cpol for that same C-note.
Nice extra info on both the tripod and the filter T.I. :highfive:

[tirediron]

T.I. - You and I are so on the same page lately. Agreed - a 100 dollar tripod is crap but you can get a really good cpol for that same C-note.
Nice extra info on both the tripod and the filter T.I. :highfive:

Thanks dude. Yeah, we have to stop this, people will talk!

[EJC]

Thank you both for the advice! I'll start shopping.

cheers
EJC

[jillcatrina]

I know this tripod. Hoya 72mm PRO1 DIGITAL Circular Polarizer Filter DMC
Get a tripod. It's not essential and you won't use it all the time, but it's very handy for situations where you do. It's like a spare tire for a car, you may keep it in your truck most of the time, but it's better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it.
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jillcatrina

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[EJC]

I bought a CPOL and will search the used market for tripod & head. They seem to come up fairly often but you have to move fast for the good ones.

Thanks for the advice!