You've got your Canon EOS 30D: Now what?

One of the reasons you bought your Canon 30D instead of, say, a superzoom camera with an electronic viewfinder is because Canon's mid-level camera was incredibly expandable. There are hundreds of lenses, tons of add-on accessories, many electronic flash options, and a whole raft of things you can do to enhance the capabilities of your camera. But, where do you start?

I have lots of recommendations, including reviews of many Canon lenses in my two books, the Canon EOS 30D Guide to Digital SLR Photography, and the Canon EOS 40D Guide to Digital SLR Photography. But I've begun putting together this web page, which I plan to use to provide more up-to-date advice, specifics about new lenses and accessories as they are introduced, and even links to where you can purchase this gear at a discount. I've got a few key must-haves here, but will be expanding this page to include even more goodies and recommendations in the future. This page should grow into a good resource for those who want to get some of the same lenses and add-ons that I use to upgrade the capabilities of any Canon 30D or 40D. Although originally designed for the Canon EOS 40D, most of the recommendations here apply equally to the Canon 30D, too.

Click to return to my Canon 30D Page

My recommendations for Canon EOS 30D and 40D must-have essentials

(And stuff I just like):

(Click picture for a discount price)


My guidebook, natch!	The Canon 580 EX II electronic flash	BG-E2N battery pack/vertical grip	Upgrade to the Canon EOS 40D camera with 28-135mm zoom

Wireless remote release Never leave home without your wireless release!	Manfrotto Monopod I own this, and the Manfrotto carbon fiber monopod. Super for sports, landscapes, wildlife.	Budget Grip/Battery pack This low-cost alternative to the BG-E2N comes with two batteries, for twice the shooting!	Screen Protector Shield your big 3-inch LCD from scratching and damage.

Take advantage of your 40D's 6 fps continuous shooting rate and get fast transfer to your computer as a bonus with this fast CF card.	While the 4GB Sandisk card is great, I've standardized on 8GB cards. I can shoot all day on a single card for sports and travel photography.	Is it possible that the sharpest lens you own can cost less than $100? This 50mm f/1.8 lens will exceed your expectations. Great for macro work, too.	Already own a bunch of EF or EF-S lenses? Upgrading from a Canon EOS 30D? Buy just the 40D body and save your $$$ for more lenses!

Tokina 12-24mm zoom. Here's a chance to save some money on a lens that is excellent, at a lower price.	Canon WFT-E3A Wireless File Transmitter Transmit your photos directly from your 40D to your laptop. (Does not work with the 30D)	I love The "Bigma", the 50-500 f/4-6.3 zoom from Sigma. Great image quality and the range you need for sports, wildlife, portraits.	Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM Lens Ready for one big splurge? This is one premium "L" lens that does it all. Treat yourself just once!

FAST! This Canon 50mm f1.2 is the available-light photographer's dream lens! You need this.	FAST! This Canon 85mm f/1.2 is legendary. Absolutely beautiful for portraiture!	FAST! Photojournalists and anyone looking for speed indoors will love this Canon 24mm f/1.4 lens.	FAST! Although it's a "normal" lens on the 40D, this speedy 35mm f/1.4 is excellent indoors and out.