I've just purchased an EOS D30 as an early Christmas pressie for myself :-) (Tax-free too so saving 270UKP)

I've just looked on the Canon UK web site and it seems that I qualify for their promotion as in the link below:

http://www.canon.co.uk/media/promo/eos_free_accessory/eos_accessory_promo.pdf

I'm asking this group for suggestions about which accessory to get!

As well as the soon to arrive D30, I've got a 50E, 28-80USM, 28-105USM and the 75-300USM. I've also go the 380EX and 420EX speedlites. Maybe not the best kit in the world but it serves my purpose.

Looking at the accessories that are on offer (and removing the non-suitable ones for the 1V and the CF card as I have ordered a larger one separately), I think that leaves me with the choice of the following:

550EX Flash 28-105USM Lens 2x Extender 1.4x Extender

I'm not keen on getting the 550EX as the 420EX that I've recently purchased will serve my needs. I already have a 28-105USM but could maybe get the second one with a view to keeping my 50E and D30 armed with the lens without having to swap. The last thing (that I'm really unsure about) are the extenders. Will I get the use out of them? Are they just worth having as they are on offer? Isn't the AF affected through the use of these extenders? And lastly, which extender 1.4 or 2x? Are the extenders a waste of time on my lenses that are not top of the range by any means....?

The last thing would be the option of taking the free accessory and then selling it to reduce the price of the D30 further... which would be best in that case?

Any suggestion or advice appreciated....

Thanks in advance,

John.

-- John Matthews (john@matthews-net.org.uk), November 27, 2001

Answers

You don't own any lenses which are compatible with the Canon Extenders, so there's not a lot of point getting those, unless you intend on getting a lens that is compatible with them in the near future (the reason they're white is because they mostly partner white lenses. The only black lenses they'll fit are the 135 F2L, 200 F2.8L and 180 F3.5L, and the only white lens they won't fit is the 35-350L).

The best course of action is to get the 2X Extender, send it here (UK also), and I'll cross it off my christmas list....;-).

Seriously though, you may do well to get one of the accessories and sell it. The ones most in demand second-hand, which would carry the highest price would probably be the 1.4X Extender or the 550EX flashgun.

-- Isaac Sibson (isibson@hotmail.com), November 27, 2001.

The only item you list that I would suggest you keep is the 550EX. It may seem redundant with your existing gear, but coupled with your 420EX you have a wireless multi-flash system. You may not have use for this, but I just had to throw it out there. I have seen the 550EX sell for over $300 (US) on e-bay - about what I paid for mine new via mail order.

-- Derrick Morin (dmorin@oasisol.com), November 27, 2001.

I'd say get the 550EX too. Sell the 380EX. I sold mine a few months ago on Ebay, and got back what I paid for it 4 1/2 years ago. By doing this, you will have one large highly capable flash should you need it, as well as a good mid-sized flash with the 420EX. You also get the benifit of wireless E-TTL with this combination if you ever need to use more than one flash. I haven't used the 420EX, but compared to the 380EX, the 550EX is worth the extra cost and bulk.

-- Brad Hutcheson (bhutcheson@iname.com), November 27, 2001.