In the UK everywhere seems to be sold out of the Futaba 8J and RX but am still looking.
I think the 8's worth the wait, or pick up a used 14 with telemetry. I run a 10CG, but after playing with the s-bus @ Advance RC last week, I have to say it's a simple solution to a lot of hassles, and there's a ton of programming advice available online.
The little black bird was just an exercise in "how much stuff can I cram on a 450". She's loaded to the gills, and slightly overweight, but flies like a dream on 8X 900 kv motors on 4S. The retracts are made from old 16mm carbon tail booms, and a pair of e-flite focke wolfe 74* retracts. Works like a charm on a spare channel.
Definitely go through the tutorials at Circular Wireless, and learn your radio inside out. It will help you solve ton of issues up front.
The DJI props are adequate, but I've already broken one in flight; they fatigue at the root quite easily, wich is a shame because they have soft, supple flight characteristics, even when the gains are moderately high.
The E-props are an excellent upgrade, but be sure to balance them PERFECTLY, and add a 8mm washer between the prop & motor to resolve the clearance issue. Pick up a DuBro 6-8-10mm prop reamer; it's an essential tool, and dirt cheap. You'll probably need to drop your gains down a little if you use e-props, as they offer a crisper response.
The 450 has limited room; take your time to do the layout of the power system and Naza wiring, and you'll be happy boy. Get lots of double sided tape for mounting and re-mounting, and be really careful with your balance, IMU placement, and measurements for Naza setup.
If you're getting an OSD, go with the iosd 2, as it eliminates the need for the can-bus, and offers a few more specs worthy of note.
I've used both the DJI & Immersion/fat shark systems, in 5.8. The fat shark is a good system to get into, and with some basic wire work plugs & plays as easy as the DJI, but is lighter and IMHO, more adaptable to other systems.
Olivier- in this forum- has done some really nice lightweight travel rigs, and HGT(High Gain Tuning), does great coax mods, and was an inspiration for the X8 shown previously.
Take your time, wait for deals, and learn the ways of the DJI. It's not difficult to have a perfectly flying rig, your first time out.
Cheers,
PT