Canon 5D III with Canon 70-200 f/2.8 MkII.  Granted, great gear for Kenko to work with :)

hehe, so with my new budget...any single lens recommendation or other 2 lens combination?  like 600 or so.. 

should i try to score a used canon L lens? 

Unfortunately, used Canon L lenses go for around 90% of new prices on eBay.

For your budget, I personally would get the 

Sigma 70mm F/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens

http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-Macro-Canon-Digital-Cameras/dp/B000GPHQWO/ref=pd_cp_p_1

I've had it before, and it's sharper than the Canon 100 mm f/2.8L Macro, and the best thing is it's $499 NEW.  It's also a full frame lens, should you upgrade to FF camera in the future.  The 70mm is nicer than 85mm for closer indoor type work, yet better than 50mm for portrait work, and the Macro ability is awesome.  I believe it's the best/sharpest lens Sigma makes.  

One does not buy a Sigma lens without option to return it or exchange, so I would buy new.  I loved it while I had mine, but I eventually returned it due to funky autofocus while in live view, which may be better with new production.  It always worked perfectly via viewfinder.  

Don't take this the wrong way but it sounds like you have a bit of extra cash and want to spend it on a new lens without truly having a defined need.  Honestly, that's a mistake.  Lenses and cameras are tools, not solutions and you won't magically get better photos changing from one lens to another.

I know I mentioned a macro lens and Jon does the same above but have you thought about buying an accessory flash with a tilt/swivel head?  I recently got a 430 EX II and I couldn't be more pleased at how easily it works.

For taking snaps of your cat indoors, bouncing the flash of the ceiling will probably do more to improve your IQ than buying a fast lens and a 430 EX II plus a good charger and batteries is well within your budget.

you're right.  before I read this I backed out of getting a Sigma 10-20mm for really cheap on craigslist today.  Could have sold for an easy $50 profit and made more for my budget...but for now I think I'm not lacking too much.  I won't miss anything too much...what I really want and I'll get once I get into school is the canon 7D. I'm so impressed with how vibrant and sharp photos and videos are. 

I've got to agree with leftnose. Proper usage of flash indoors can make a huge difference. Though I have to say that bouncing off the ceiling is usually not the best option. It's still a lot better than direct, head-on flash, but ceiling bounce often results in not-so-pleasing shadows under a person's eyes. If you have to bounce off a ceiling, either add a bounce card to direct some of the light forwards to soften the shadows, or use a slower shutter speed to add some ambient light to the mix.

Here's a shot of my 4-month old son, with flash bounced off a nearby wall on the left:

The 430EX II is a good suggestion, not too expensive and pretty decent power output. Also, after you get the 7D later, you will find that the 7D can use its built-in flash as a wireless commander to control the 430EX. Then you can start experimenting with multiple off-camera flash setups, e.g.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadCow 

 

The 430EX II is a good suggestion, not too expensive and pretty decent power output.

The 430EX II is certainly a nice performer, especially with the current Canon rebate.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Speedlite-II-Digital-Cameras/dp/B001CCAISE

On the other hand, my 580EX II has much higher build quality, so it might be worth it for the power user.  

And yes in general I do believe, lighting >> lenses > camera body.  

And for a nicely-built compact flash diffusor, I like the ColorRight "FlashRight Pro," which shoots part of the light to ceiling/wall and part of light to your subject.  Some call it glorified bounce card, which it is, but due to the small size and better light control (via differently shaped inserts), I find myself carrying it much more than large bounce cards.  

It's way overpriced at MSRP, but they often have sales, like the one they are having today (last day!) for 72% off with coupon code DO72

http://colorright.com/colorright_flashright_store/flashright-pro-flash-diffuser.html

That's an odd-looking diffuser, even odder than some of the Gary Fongs that I've seen. Bet it's a good conversation starter.

On a semi-related note, I just bought a new 270EX II for times when I want to go out without my larger flashes, but still have something for a bit of fill light when needed.

It seems like quite a powerful unit, despite its diminutive looks. In my living room, I could get it to expose properly from a ceiling bounce at f/11 ISO400. Also, it supports manual exposure up to 1/64 power which may be useful for triggering optical slaves. It can also act as a slave for Canon's wireless system, but unfortunately stays in only one group (A).

The remote trigger button is... less useful, but it does make my RC6 remote redundant.

I was looking at the new 320EX as well, but the fact is, If I leave my house without the honking 580EX II, I feel somewhat "unprotected."  What we really need is off-board speedlites that levitate on their own and follow around the photographer without brackets, tripods, etc.  One can dream..

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon L 

I was looking at the new 320EX as well, but the fact is, If I leave my house without the honking 580EX II, I feel somewhat "unprotected."  What we really need is off-board speedlites that levitate on their own and follow around the photographer without brackets, tripods, etc.  One can dream..

I can see some crazy shoulder mounted rig in your future.  

Quote:

Originally Posted by daigo 

I can see some crazy shoulder mounted rig in your future.  

I'm thinking this one.  I already own two strip softboxes which are in the video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k1LK6pmozs&feature=youtube_gdata_player