You've got your Canon EOS 40D: Now what?

One of the reasons you bought your Canon 40D instead of, say, a superzoom camera with an electronic viewfinder is because Canon's mid-level camera is 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 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 40D.

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My recommendations for Canon EOS 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	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.	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.