Well, I was eager to get the 580EX II asap just so I can learn and do more flash photography. I've used it for Hassan's wedding dinner and the Darul Ihsan Orphanage visit to Stn 21. For both occasions I fixed the newly bought Rogue Flashbender. I originally wanted to get the Gary Fong Collapsible Lightsphere but the Cathay Photos guy advised me to get the flashbender instead; more versatile, much better option than the lightsphere. 

Based on my experience taking photos during the DIO visit, I'm glad I listened to his advice. One of the reasons for getting the Lightsphere was so I could use it to diffuse the fill flash in open space daylight. The Flashbender could do it as well just by bending the top. It's also much more portable so I won't hesitate to bring it anywhere when I plan to do some flash photography.

You could say the purchase of the Tokina glass was impulsive but you don't pass the chance to buy this glass  at $650. I had the cash, so I grabbed the opportunity. Now I've got a wide-angle, the standard kit, my nifty fifty, the 75-300mm and the Canon 3000V kit lens. I guess for an enthusiast that should be enough. If I got an assignment I could just rent as usual.

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Based on my experiences renting a few lenses, I found that I really liked the EF 24-105mm F/4L IS USM. Sure, the F/4 may not be so good for poor or low light but couple it with a flash, I understand why this glass is used by numerous professionals. It's much lighter then the EF 24-70mm F/2.8L USM, plus the extra reach makes it more versatile. 

Thus, if I were to buy an 'L', I'd get the EF 24-105mm. So now that lens is in my wish list. Hehehe.

But that glass isn't number one on the wishlist. Radio triggers are definitely next in line. PocketWizards FlexTT5 and MiniTT1 are the gold standard but at around $600 for the bundle, it's too pricey. An alternative I've found is the Pixel King flash triggers. They can use E-TTL, which means I can control my flashes from the back of my camera. Sweet, especially since my 360EX cannot be manually adjusted from the back of the unit. A shop in Funan IT Mall is selling them for $175 for transmitter and receiver. I'd probably buy a second receiver as well. Based on the reviews I've read and viewed, the PixelKing is a viable and reliable alternative.

Only question is when, in which case the answer is not so soon.

I got two other things on my photography wishlist. I'm really considering getting a SpiderPro holster. Imagine for a moment if you will - Spider plate, with the Manfrotto RC2 quick release plate fitted with the Black Rapid FastenR-T1. The camera is ready to be secured to the SpiderPro, fixed to my tripod or attached to my Black Rapid without any further changes. If I get a paid assignment which requires two cameras, one can be fixed to the Black Rapid while another to the SpiderPro. Yup, thinking long term. 

One of the main reasons why I'm considering using the SpiderPro is that the Black Rapid strap, though I love it and prefer it over the standard neck straps anytime, don't mix well with bag straps. Use a sling bag or a messenger style bag and I'll have straps criss-crossing me. Backpack ain't much better either. If I wanna take anything out of the bags, I'll have to take off the camera with the strap first. Plus, the RS-7 is rather bulky with its pockets and all that. 

I still love the Black Rapid. I will continue using them despite the cons I discussed. If I'm sure I can put my bag down somewhere and just take my photos, the RS-7 is ideal for me, containing my SD cards and wireless remote. But for a walkabout, perhaps the SpiderPro might be better. Because it offers possible solutions to the situations I mentioned, I'm considering getting it.

The other item is directly linked to me getting flash triggers - lightstands. If you're doing off-camera flash, especially multiple, you either have to get an assistant or use lightstands. Currently considering Manfrotto 1051BAC Alu Mini Air Cushioned Compact Stand. Compact. Light. Slim profile when storing, able to stack, just to name some plus points. However they are kind of pricey so I'm not really rushing off to get some. In the mean time, my tripod and monopods are rather under-utilised. 

SO to sum up - 

1. Flash triggers.

2. SpiderPro holster

3.Lightstands (maybe with umbrella or softbox, not urgent)

4. EF 24-105mm F/4L IS USM

5. Second camera body.

Before ending off this long post, currently I decided not to get EOS M at all.The poor autofocus leaves much to be desired. Hopefully (logically) Canon will release its successor and improve on this major issue. However, the Fujifilm X10 is still a consideration.

In any case, even if I have the cash, I won't necessarily splurge on these stuff. Top of the overall wishlist is to get a LASIK operation done, perhaps by January. I'm also thinking of getting a Honda NC700S. Time to upgrade my bike. I still have to save as well.

Kind of glad I'm not planning to marry anytime soon. Allows me to spend on my interests.