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Advice & Tips Wanted: Grabbing a 70D bundle from Costco tomorrow!

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JLerner

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Hitting Costco and grabbing the 2 lens 70D bundle tomorrow, was curious if there were any must have accessories, or other purchases that I'll want to make up front.

Firmware: I'll of course be googling around and scanning forums but if there's any critical firmware updates/issues that people know of off the top of their head, I appreciate the tip.

Storage: Comes with class 10 32GB card, so I know I'll want to grab another. I'm figuring Black Friday for that addition.

Strap: Based on a friend's recommendation I've already ordered a Black Rapid RS-7.

Lenses: It comes with 18-55 IS STM lens and 55-250 mm Lens, Canon's kit lenses. I've read conflicting opinions on these with a lot of folks saying for an APS-C sensor these are a great match, and others who believe that you get the best glass available no matter what. I'm inclined to stick with the kits and see how they do first hand.

Warranty: I'm planning on calling my renter's insurance agent up and getting a rider for it--if they'll offer it otherwise I'll just get square trade.

Travel: I'm taking this to wet and cold London around December, so aside from any cold weather advice/tips/storage, is there any gear I'd benefit from (including making international travel easier).

Thanks to any of you who can offer assistance/advice on any of these topics. I'll of course be combing through the forums looking for shooting and usage tips and other's experiences as well.

Cheers and hope to post some first shots soon,

JL
 
JLerner said:
JLerner wrote:

Hitting Costco and grabbing the 2 lens 70D bundle tomorrow, was curious if there were any must have accessories, or other purchases that I'll want to make up front.
Click to expand...
Congrats. You'll love it. Far as other stuff, You may want an external flash eventually... I'd wait until you get to know the camera and determine how powerful a unit you'll want.
JLerner said:
Firmware: I'll of course be googling around and scanning forums but if there's any critical firmware updates/issues that people know of off the top of their head, I appreciate the tip.
Click to expand...
Nothing special there, far as I know.
JLerner said:
Storage: Comes with class 10 32GB card, so I know I'll want to grab another. I'm figuring Black Friday for that addition.

Strap: Based on a friend's recommendation I've already ordered a Black Rapid RS-7.
Click to expand...
Great choice. Love mine and use it with a 7D and 100-400 periodically... a pretty heavy kit. Works like a charm.
JLerner said:
Lenses: It comes with 18-55 IS STM lens and 55-250 mm Lens, Canon's kit lenses. I've read conflicting opinions on these with a lot of folks saying for an APS-C sensor these are a great match, and others who believe that you get the best glass available no matter what. I'm inclined to stick with the kits and see how they do first hand.
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Good choice. Latest versions of these lenses are purported to be excellent in IQ. Build quality is OK and eventually you may want to upgrade to a 17-55 or 15-85 plus a nicer telephoto (70-200L, 70-300L, or 100-400L) but for the meantime, you'll be just fine with the kit you're purchasing. Lots of time to consider an upgrade once you feel you've outgrown what you have.
JLerner said:
Warranty: I'm planning on calling my renter's insurance agent up and getting a rider for it--if they'll offer it otherwise I'll just get square trade.

Travel: I'm taking this to wet and cold London around December, so aside from any cold weather advice/tips/storage, is there any gear I'd benefit from (including making international travel easier).

Thanks to any of you who can offer assistance/advice on any of these topics. I'll of course be combing through the forums looking for shooting and usage tips and other's experiences as well.

Cheers and hope to post some first shots soon,
Click to expand...
Best of luck... enjoy your new toy!
 
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Additional gear?

* A memory card reader, if you computer doesn't have one built-in. Don't copy images from camera-to-computer via USB cable or WiFi, it's really slow.

* Second SD card? Not too important... 32 GB is a lot. A RAW image on my 7D is about 25 MB, so a 32 GB card should hold 1,000 RAW images. You should copy those files to your computer, not keep them on a tiny card.

* Second battery: Yes. Ideally, a reputable 3rd party battery. The Canon-brand batteries are too expensive

* External flash: I'm a big fan. The built-in flash is lame. Get at least the 430 EX ii so you'll have enough power to bounce or use a diffuser to soften the light. If you think you'll do any events indoor, I'd get a 600EX, because it can fire longer. The 430 EX recycling times get pretty long.

* A bag, maybe. You don't have a lot of gear yet. I like my LowePro flipside, but you don't have enough gear for that, yet. I kind of like Canon's affordable bags, but I dislike the Canon logos on my bags (or on my camera, or strap). I remove or tape over the Canon bling.

* Nifty fifty. Register on GearShop and get $50 off of the nifty fifty -- the sharp, 50mm f/1.8 lens. That's your indoor lens.
 
Congrats! I'd suggest sticking to the kit lenses til you get a feel for the ranges you will use the most. They are decent.

I would second the suggestion of a card reader and a nice backpack. Buy bigger than you think you will need as gear accumulates quickly. I also like the Flipside bags. My 400 holds a lot and still fits under an airline seat. For rainy weather on your trip you might want to invest in a few cheap rain covers.
 
I always carry a disposable poncho in my camera bag. They are cheap, light, small, and can cover me and the camera if needed - I can even rotate it around and shoot out of one of the arm holes if needed. For trips, I'll throw an extra one or two in my main bag too, just in case the one in my camera bag gets torn when I use it.

Personally, I love the Tamrac Velocity bags as shooting bags. But when I travel, I pack the Velocity 7s in my suitcase (it folds fairly flat) and use a medium sized camera backpack (mine is the LowePro MiniTrekker, but that's no longer available), with room for my camera gear and everything else I might need on the plane. I switch my camera gear to my shooting bag once I get to the hotel.
 
JLerner said:
Hitting Costco and grabbing the 2 lens 70D bundle tomorrow, was curious if there were any must have accessories, or other purchases that I'll want to make up front.

Firmware: I'll of course be googling around and scanning forums but if there's any critical firmware updates/issues that people know of off the top of their head, I appreciate the tip.

Storage: Comes with class 10 32GB card, so I know I'll want to grab another. I'm figuring Black Friday for that addition.

Strap: Based on a friend's recommendation I've already ordered a Black Rapid RS-7.
Click to expand...
Be aware that the tripod mounted connection for the Black Rapid strap can and does come loose, causing the camera to drop to the ground. A coworker got one and it happened to him, now he is constantly checking/retightening it.

I'd recommend the OP/Tech USA strap system, instead. Get the; OP/TECH USA Utility Strap - Sling (Black) $22, OP/TECH USA System Connector Uni Adaptor Loop - Regular $8, and the OP/TECH USA SLR Wrist Strap (Black) $9. With those three you can configure it as a sling strap like the Black Rapid, but, it uses the cameras existing strap mounting points, a conventional over the neck camera strap, or a wrist strap only. OP/Tech USA makes most of their gear here in the US. They don't block the tripod mount if you want to use a monopod, tripod, or flash bracket.

This video covers how to set it up: OP/TECH USA System Connectors
JLerner said:
Lenses: It comes with 18-55 IS STM lens and 55-250 mm Lens, Canon's kit lenses. I've read conflicting opinions on these with a lot of folks saying for an APS-C sensor these are a great match, and others who believe that you get the best glass available no matter what. I'm inclined to stick with the kits and see how they do first hand.

Warranty: I'm planning on calling my renter's insurance agent up and getting a rider for it--if they'll offer it otherwise I'll just get square trade.

Travel: I'm taking this to wet and cold London around December, so aside from any cold weather advice/tips/storage, is there any gear I'd benefit from (including making international travel easier).

Thanks to any of you who can offer assistance/advice on any of these topics. I'll of course be combing through the forums looking for shooting and usage tips and other's experiences as well.

Cheers and hope to post some first shots soon,

JL
Click to expand...
 
A very strong second for the OP/Tech system. I have the dual sling (for when I use two bodies, but it works OK with one), the standard neck/shoulder strap, and the wrist strap. They're all easily interchangeable, using the same pair of connectors that remain attached to the camera. Typically, I'll have the wrist strap on the camera and the neck strap in my bag for when it's needed - it just takes a second or two to swap between them.

I hate the tripod attachment for the Black Rapid system - the risk of it coming loose (maybe not high) bothers me, but the need to remove it when using a tripod is another issue. With the OP/Tech system, I can leave the straps on the camera when using a tripod or quickly/easily remove them once the camera is on the tripod.
 
Jeff Peterman said:
A very strong second for the OP/Tech system. I have the dual sling (for when I use two bodies, but it works OK with one), the standard neck/shoulder strap, and the wrist strap. They're all easily interchangeable, using the same pair of connectors that remain attached to the camera. Typically, I'll have the wrist strap on the camera and the neck strap in my bag for when it's needed - it just takes a second or two to swap between them.

I hate the tripod attachment for the Black Rapid system - the risk of it coming loose (maybe not high) bothers me, but the need to remove it when using a tripod is another issue. With the OP/Tech system, I can leave the straps on the camera when using a tripod or quickly/easily remove them once the camera is on the tripod.
Click to expand...
 
But adding the plate does two things:
1. The better ones add at a few ounces.

2. The camera becomes taller, which can be a problem with the camera bag, with the base being uneven.

Why go through all that when you can use the MUCH cheaper and more versatile OP/Tech system (the three strap combination I mentioned costs less than just the Black Rapid strap).
 
Jeff Peterman said:
But adding the plate does two things:
1. The better ones add at a few ounces.

2. The camera becomes taller, which can be a problem with the camera bag, with the base being uneven.

Why go through all that when you can use the MUCH cheaper and more versatile OP/Tech system (the three strap combination I mentioned costs less than just the Black Rapid strap).
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Because I hate the extra time and fumbling around mounting a camera to a tripod with the standard threaded stud. When shooting with an EOS-M, the added weight might be noticed. When using a 5D Mark III, it will never be noticed. That extra 1/4 inch on the bottom has never been a problem for me either. I don't buy bags that require a shoe horn and vaseline to squeeze my gear into.
 
Did the OP know he needed to buy an Arca Swiss plate?

Or was he going to find that out after his camera fell off it and hit the ground?
 
TTMartin said:
Did the OP know he needed to buy an Arca Swiss plate?

Or was he going to find that out after his camera fell off it and hit the ground?
Click to expand...
I don't know that you NEED to buy a plate to make it work safely. That is simply the way I use the system because it makes the transition from strap to tripod and back very fast and easy. It just so happens that that method also allows me to semi-permantnetly attach the strap to the plate. It also allows me to use the same strap on any of my cameras as they all wear QR plates.

I'm waiting for a Black Strap hater to tell me that my clamp is going to loosen and drop the camera. I've been using this configuration for quite a few years without the first problem. I've also never heard of a camera falling off a tripod if it was properly attached. I could suggest that the Op-Tech strap hardware might break and drop the camera too. But, there is no need in conjecture of ridiculous scenarios with odds higher than winning the lottery.
 
I'm in Canada, where Costco has different stock.

Anyway, why wait to save $5 on an extra memory card?

Do you need a new computer?

You probably do need a portable hard drive, for backup.

You need lens hoods for both lenses.

Software: When in doubt, Adobe Photoshop Elements 12 and probably Adobe Premiere Elements.

Do you need a bigger monitor?

How about a cable to connect computer to TV to look at your pictures?

Zoom brand mic for video. Headphones for editing video.

Maybe wait for England and buy a waterproof jacket with lots of pockets -- better selection there than in USA

Polarizer, at least for short lens.

A tripod, but there's a lot of choice. A very small one might work just fine for England.

Card reader is handy if your own computer is not available.

Battery grip if you are a serious people photographer under uncontrolled conditions.

Costco up here sells a 4-pack of USB drives -- handy when sharing pix with people you meet on your trip.

BAK
 
Even if you have a solution that is successful to you, that still doesn't answer why someone should spend all the money on the Black Rapid solution when the Op/Tech is so much cheaper - and more flexible as it is part of an interchangeable system of straps.

Personally, I don't like to have the camera hanging from the base and don't like the extra thickness on the camera - I have a few bags that take my camera body perfectly and the large nut from the Black Rapid strap on the base would get in the way of quick removal/replacement of the camera. And I've been very happy with the flexibility of the system - most of the time I just have a wrist strap attached, and it works fine with a 7D/70-200 f2.8L IS combination, with just a few seconds to switch to the neck strap or sling strap, if needed.
 
Jeff Peterman said:
Even if you have a solution that is successful to you, that still doesn't answer why someone should spend all the money on the Black Rapid solution when the Op/Tech is so much cheaper - and more flexible as it is part of an interchangeable system of straps.

Personally, I don't like to have the camera hanging from the base and don't like the extra thickness on the camera - I have a few bags that take my camera body perfectly and the large nut from the Black Rapid strap on the base would get in the way of quick removal/replacement of the camera. And I've been very happy with the flexibility of the system - most of the time I just have a wrist strap attached, and it works fine with a 7D/70-200 f2.8L IS combination, with just a few seconds to switch to the neck strap or sling strap, if needed.
Click to expand...
Another advantage to the OP/Tech system, is that larger lenses that have a strap connection point on the tripod collar should be supported by that point when attached to the camera.

It is easy and inexpensive to add additional OP/Tech system connectors to the lens tripod collar, allowing you to easily move your strap off the camera and onto the lens like it should be.

I have OP/Tech system connectors attached to my Sigma 150-500 OS and Sigma 120-300 f/2.8.
 
TTMartin said:
Jeff Peterman said:
Even if you have a solution that is successful to you, that still doesn't answer why someone should spend all the money on the Black Rapid solution when the Op/Tech is so much cheaper - and more flexible as it is part of an interchangeable system of straps.

Personally, I don't like to have the camera hanging from the base and don't like the extra thickness on the camera - I have a few bags that take my camera body perfectly and the large nut from the Black Rapid strap on the base would get in the way of quick removal/replacement of the camera. And I've been very happy with the flexibility of the system - most of the time I just have a wrist strap attached, and it works fine with a 7D/70-200 f2.8L IS combination, with just a few seconds to switch to the neck strap or sling strap, if needed.
Click to expand...
Another advantage to the OP/Tech system, is that larger lenses that have a strap connection point on the tripod collar should be supported by that point when attached to the camera.

It is easy and inexpensive to add additional OP/Tech system connectors to the lens tripod collar, allowing you to easily move your strap off the camera and onto the lens like it should be.

I have OP/Tech system connectors attached to my Sigma 150-500 OS and Sigma 120-300 f/2.8.
Click to expand...
And exactly the same thing applies to my setup. Large lenses with tripod rings also have an Arca Swiss QR plate on them. The Black Rapid strap with a QR clamp attaches to the lens plate or the camera QR plate, whichever balances the best. That large a lens and camera combination is another reason to not use a neck strap. I find it way more comfortable to have the weight bearing on my shoulder.
 
Digital Shutterbug said:
TTMartin said:
Jeff Peterman said:
Even if you have a solution that is successful to you, that still doesn't answer why someone should spend all the money on the Black Rapid solution when the Op/Tech is so much cheaper - and more flexible as it is part of an interchangeable system of straps.

Personally, I don't like to have the camera hanging from the base and don't like the extra thickness on the camera - I have a few bags that take my camera body perfectly and the large nut from the Black Rapid strap on the base would get in the way of quick removal/replacement of the camera. And I've been very happy with the flexibility of the system - most of the time I just have a wrist strap attached, and it works fine with a 7D/70-200 f2.8L IS combination, with just a few seconds to switch to the neck strap or sling strap, if needed.
Click to expand...
Another advantage to the OP/Tech system, is that larger lenses that have a strap connection point on the tripod collar should be supported by that point when attached to the camera.

It is easy and inexpensive to add additional OP/Tech system connectors to the lens tripod collar, allowing you to easily move your strap off the camera and onto the lens like it should be.

I have OP/Tech system connectors attached to my Sigma 150-500 OS and Sigma 120-300 f/2.8.
Click to expand...
And exactly the same thing applies to my setup. Large lenses with tripod rings also have an Arca Swiss QR plate on them. The Black Rapid strap with a QR clamp attaches to the lens plate or the camera QR plate, whichever balances the best. That large a lens and camera combination is another reason to not use a neck strap. I find it way more comfortable to have the weight bearing on my shoulder.
Click to expand...
Based on your comments, I'm not sure that you understand that the OP/Tech strap system, can easily be changed from either a Black Rapid style sling strap, a neck strap, or a wrist strap. And that complete setup costs $20 less than the Black Rapid alone. And if you want the sling strap alone it is half the cost of the Black Rapid strap.

I don't hate the Black Rapid strap, but, when I researched it, I found it was too expensive for what it was and had a risk of dropping the camera as designed. I chose not to purchase one for those reasons.

As I mentioned in a previous post a co-worker of mine did purchase one, and had his Nikon D7000 come disconnected and fall to the ground from the lowered position. Luckily, there was no damage to the cameras, but, now he is constantly checking and re-tightening the connection.

I'm not saying that your modification to the system doesn't work, but, it just adds to the cost of an already expensive strap.
 
Jeff Peterman said:
Even if you have a solution that is successful to you, that still doesn't answer why someone should spend all the money on the Black Rapid solution when the Op/Tech is so much cheaper - and more flexible as it is part of an interchangeable system of straps.
Click to expand...
Because I have the money to use what is comfortable and flexible to me. I'd rather spend more for what works best for me than even half that much for something that works for you and not for me.
Jeff Peterman said:
Personally, I don't like to have the camera hanging from the base and don't like the extra thickness on the camera - I have a few bags that take my camera body perfectly and the large nut from the Black Rapid strap on the base would get in the way of quick removal/replacement of the camera. And I've been very happy with the flexibility of the system - most of the time I just have a wrist strap attached, and it works fine with a 7D/70-200 f2.8L IS combination, with just a few seconds to switch to the neck strap or sling strap, if needed.
Click to expand...
I don't leave the strap attached to the camera when placed in a bag or case. Remember, it is attached via a QR plate. Two seconds and it's off the camera. I buy any case knowing that my camera is going to have that gigantic quarter inch thick QR plate attached to the bottom. I don't think I have a single camera bag of any style that doesn't have dividers that are adjustable with velcro tabs. That humongous quarter inch plate simply isn't an issue. I'm glad you have been very happy with the flexibility and comfort of your system. I used the same setup for many years before Black Rapid came along with their system. I have found it superior for my needs, and since no one has ever offered to pay for my equipment, I use what works best for me.
 
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