I use a Canon 30D with the 17-40 f/4L, 50mm f/1.8, 100mm f/2.8 macro and 70-200 f/2.8L IS for lenses. I have a Canon 580ex flash and the ST-E2 wireless transmitter. Along with a Manfrotto tripod & quick release head.
Davo, the 50mm 1.8 is a great little lens, but you can't really compare it to one of the L series for usability. It works ok in good light but the AF focus speed is nowhere near what my 70-200 is like I always find that the 50 hunts for AF too often for aquarium photo work, so it rarely gets used. I think I paid $55CAD for mine, so it's cheap enough that I don't mind it sitting unused in my camera bag!
Davo, the 50mm 1.8 is a great little lens, but you can't really compare it to one of the L series for usability. It works ok in good light but the AF focus speed is nowhere near what my 70-200 is like I always find that the 50 hunts for AF too often for aquarium photo work, so it rarely gets used. I think I paid $55CAD for mine, so it's cheap enough that I don't mind it sitting unused in my camera bag!