EOS 30D lens and gear recommendations for landscape photography

[Gunthskipa]

Questions about a New Old Camera

So, several years ago, I was given an EOS 30D, and the EF100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM and EF28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 IV USM lenses, along with a 1Gb CF card, a nice camera bag, strap, manuals, etc.

I was recently laid off from my job, and while trying to keep myself occupied, I found the camera. While I'm far from an experienced photographer, I'm familiar with the basics, and was reminded of how much fun I used to have with my old 35mm Nikon when I was a kid.

I'm mostly interested in doing landscapes and nature photography, and maybe the odd shoot at my parish. I'm also interested in perhaps dabbling in astrophotography.

To those ends, aside from an intervalometer, a better flash, and spare CF cards/batteries, what gear would you guys suggest? I know I'm going to need some lenses, but looking around online, I mostly succeeded in bewildering myself!

[stevet1]

Gunthskipa,

You might (repeat might) be able to upgrade to an 8gb card.

Another accessory to look at would be a tripod.

Steve Thomas

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

In this case, I would invest very sparingly.  Here's why.  The 30D is about 20 yrs old.  It has a 8.2 MP sensor.  9pt AF, no video or live view capability, 2.5 in LCD, etc.   CF express type I & II cards are no longer widely used, however you can still find them.  Generic batteries for the 30D are readily available.  Given the camera's age and technology, a modern cell phone can outperform the 30D on its best day.  

A budget is needed regardless of the direction you decide to go in.  Do you have one and if so what is it?

A lens I might consider is the EF-S 17-55 (first choice) or the EF-S 10-22.  The EF 28-80 and EF 100-300 are both intended for full frame.  Their FOV equivalents will be 44.8 - 128 & 160 - 480.  A basic tripod would also be helpful.  Whatever you purchase, I would try to ensure as much of it as possible could be used with a updated body if that's in the future.  

[Gunthskipa]

The age and limitations don't bother me too much. I've always been behind the curve on most of my electronics (I'm currently posting from a 10-year old ThinkPad W530), and looking at the prices on new equipment has fairly well informed me that this is going to me my new most expensive hobby! It'll suffice for taking photos when I go hiking or camping, and I don't anticipate having anything blown up to the point that the low resolution would matter terribly. I dug it out knowing it was well-and-good obsolete by this point, as a friend of mine who is a professional photographer now was using a 30D when he was first starting his business in 2010.

As far as budget, I'm trying to stick to the $400-$500 range, and I understand that's mostly limiting me to used gear, which I'm fine with. As this is mostly a supplement to my other hobbies, I'm fine not being on the bleeding edge.

Luckily, I've got a decent tripod already. If I upgrade anytime soon, I'd likely bee looking at an 80D or a 90D. I'll be using the 30D in some capacity until it becomes non-functional, though, as I've always been of the mind that anything that still works can still be useful.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

Sounds like you have good knowledge and realistic expectations for the gear.  You can stick with 1 GB CF type I cards since the avg. file size of a RAW image (30D) is 8.7mb.  I saw new batteries on Amazon with charger...i believe the camera uses BP-511/A.  Used gear is fine.  Buy from a reputable seller and ensure they have a no hassle return policy and warranty.  KEH, MPB, B&H or Adorama used departments, etc.  The 17-55 I mentioned above would be a great start.  You'd be able to use all of your lenses on a 80 or 90D too. 

[ebiggs1]

"I've always been of the mind that anything that still works can still be useful."

Well I wouldn't let negative comments deter me and neither should you. The 30D is as good today as it ever was at at one time it was considered one of the best. There are tons of used good quality lenses and accoutrements out there at very reasonable prices.

"...a modern cell phone can outperform the 30D on its best day."

I just upgraded my iPhone last month to the latest greatest and I would still take a 30D over it for photography. I recommend you do too. I would also recommend you get DPP4 form Canon (its free) and use it along with the ole 30D. I still upon occasion drag out my old 1D (4mp). It makes beautiful portraits.

"...upgrade to an 8gb card."

Good idea but make sure you get whatever CF is listed in the owner's manual for the 30D. Keep in mind you do not need a huge CF and actually a big CF is not a good idea. Two or three smaller ones are better.

[atam1]

Welcome Gunthskipa, welcome!

First off, that is a very good question- and thank you for that! Like you, my main DSLR camera system is Canon- from EOS 10D to 50D APS-C bodies plus 1 full-frame 5D (circa 2005) and a couple of non-Canon mirrorless full-frames. I purchased a Canon DSLR as the model came out each time and stopped.  I studied and learned all characteristics of each one- both strengths and limitations.  I have pushed them to the limits, physically and technically.  And I know the brains that control them- how they think, how they react, and how they perceive light and shadows. DIGIC has come a long way.

Like you, I like shooting landscapes and other human interests i.e. street, night, long, and portraits of my kids (they model for me) and I don't make any money from any of it. I just use these cameras as my canvas. It is how I make art, where you're heart tells you when you see something worth a snap, because you are making a decision you think is worthy to capture: of that fleeting moment; the burst of excitement; and the thrill of making an image that may never be repeated or seen again! 

What you have- 30D with full-frame lenses, that would be enough for me. Why? Because I know the limitations of my equipment. I know its strengths, too! I know how I would and when to use them. My first dslr was a 10D with EF 28-80mm F3.5-5.6 II.  I wasn't discouraged with the lenses that came with it, there were no apsc lenses that time for the 10D. I just studied and learned the strengths and limitations of what I had- even writing notes of setting I've used for each shot. Then I played to its strengths and chose my subjects.  When I go out, I already have an image on my brain- I don't hunt for images, I compose and shoot my targets.  That made me discipline my needs for gear/s.  I stick to lenses with focal lengths I need- I do 28mm for landscapes, or 85mm for portraits, or say 200mm for distant targets. And I stick to them, literally! I would stick a gaffer tape around the a zoom lens and use only the focal length I need for the whole trip!  I got a lens like yours, but an earlier version. 28-80 zoom and set it to 28mm and put a tape around it! That'll stop you're itch to zoom in, yeah? "Accept the challenges, find the solution", I would tell myself.

The lenses are your eyes, yes, but your 30D is your canvas! Every time you see the viewfinder, you see your canvas! Do not let yourself get distracted by over-gearing, learn first what you want to do. Then build your system as your needs grow, with common sense as your Mantra.

Back at you, my friend, think what your priorities are: you got 2 lenses so that's done.  I would get a Canon 430EX or 580EX flash and 2 4GB CF cards, and 2 BP-511A batts and you're all set. Save your money and use what you have and push them hard. Make them work and show you what they can do. Get out there and shoot some pictures and don't forget to share them! Good luck!!