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07/13/2005 12:22:10 PM · #1 |
I've finally managed to accumulate $1000 for a new dslr and lens. I was considering buying a Canon Rebel XT and the Kit lens with it. Till now, Ive been using a Canon Powershot S50...So I'm completely clueless about lenses apart from what I've been reading).
I would like suggestions on what kind of lens can I get which would be a good beginner lens and fits within the budget.
Thanks for your help.
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07/13/2005 12:26:25 PM · #2 |
| With your budget, start with the 350XT and kit lens and then start saving your pennies for all those other lenses you will be lusting for. |
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07/13/2005 12:27:28 PM · #3 |
I have the 300d Rebel, and while I know pretty much nothing about DSLRs, I do know that the kit lens is junk.
Well, maybe not *quite* that bad, but there are definitely nicer lenses out there. The AF is slow, it doesn't focus well in lowlight, bla bla bla.
I have two Sigma lenses as well as the Rebel kit lens (I believe they are the same for the Rebel and the Rebel XT, right?) and I love them.
So there's my two cents. :) Like I said, I don't know much, but there's what I know.
Good luck! |
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07/13/2005 12:31:49 PM · #4 |
| Do get the 50mm f/1.8 II lens. At ~$75 US it's a no-brainer - surprisingly sharp for a cheap lens. That and the kit lens will serve you well, until you get a better feel for what you want/need in an SLR. |
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07/13/2005 12:42:05 PM · #5 |
I'm gonna be the token Nikon shout, go into a camera store, pick up the little beasties and see what feel right for you. I was certain that I was going to get a 300D until I got the D70 in my hands.
If you do choose the Nikon route then give me a shout, I've had to set up on a budget and would be happy to share the results of research with you :)
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07/13/2005 12:47:18 PM · #6 |
When I bought by Canon 10D, I purchased a 24-85mm canon zoom to go with it. I shot with that lens for awhile, but my results didn't seem that different than what I had achieved with my coolpix point-and-shoot. It wasn't until I got a fast prime lens that I started to see differently and fully take advantage of dslr capabilities such as shallow depth of field. I know that primes are not cool anymore, but I think you need at least one. The 50mm f/1.8 and f/1.4 are great lenses, but can be a little long for some situations. The canon 35mm f/2 is also great and inexpensive. The canon 85mm f/1.8 is reasonably priced and makes a fantastic portrait lens.
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07/13/2005 12:50:12 PM · #7 |
I myself had about 1,000 to spend on everything. I picked a Pentax *ist Ds with 28mm-80mm Sigma APO Lens, 70mm-300mm Sigma APO, 512mb 80x sd card, bag, charger and batteries etc etc all for $749.95.
For the price I think its the best camera out their. Artyste convinved me to get one because he owns one. And said that Pentax would discontinue making them in August 2005. So they will be limited availability soon. |
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07/13/2005 01:07:10 PM · #8 |
I'm not too sure about pentax... I will upgrade in the future and I dont want to end up buying a whole new set of lenses later on. And I havent heard too many people talk about pentax. So i'm kind of hesitant.
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07/13/2005 01:12:41 PM · #9 |
| I am sure others can offer more light on Pentax as a company. And the canon rebels are fine cameras. I just like straying a little off the path. If you look at how many users have rebels I am sure its in the 1000's and less then 100 for the Pentax *ist D and Ds. |
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07/13/2005 01:13:14 PM · #10 |
I agree with Lenkphotos. Nobody can really give you much meaningful advice without knowing your needs, but the 50mm f/1.8 is a no-brainer for the money. Beyond that, you might be better off getting familiar with the camera and/or buying a good tripod or fast CF card.
You might consider skipping the kit lens in favor of something better, but you shouldn't rush into a purchase without considering your typical subjects and lighting conditions. Will you be shooting birds at 300 yards, panoramic landscapes, indoor weddings, closeups of butterflies...? You'd get different recommendations for each of those situations. The Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 is my favorite lens for general use, but you'll lose the wide angle of the kit lens. The Sigma 18-125 is a decent lens that will give you more flexibility for now, but it's not a whole lot better than the kit lens in terms of image quality. |
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07/13/2005 01:26:22 PM · #11 |
I have a 10D and can't take advantage of the EF-S lenses, but if I had a Rebel (300, 350XT) or a 20D I'd definitely get that 17-85 IS for everyday use. I use my 17-40 as an everyday lens and something that's smaller, lighter, has IS and has a larger range of focal lengths would be great for a single-lens solution.
I'd definitely go 350XT and 17-85 IS if you can afford that option.
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07/13/2005 01:31:56 PM · #12 |
The kit lens definitely is not junk. It's not a $500 lens either, but it's not junk. It is a good starter lens that will give you a nice range to play with at first. Go ahead and get the XT w/kit, and if you can swing $75 more get the 50mm 1.8. I got my 300D a couple of weeks ago, with kit lens, and then added the 50 and have been very pleased with the results so far.
People that keep suggesting these expensive IS lenses and such need to remember you're on a beginner budget. :) Go ahead and get what you can afford now, then when say Christmas rolls around you will have a better idea of what you want to build on what you already have.
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07/13/2005 01:39:59 PM · #13 |
I'll dare to be the second Nikon spokeman. I know you said Canon becasue you already use a Canon but ..... without an investment in lenes you are still open to either. You should at least give yourself the opportunity to stop in a shop and fire off a few pictures with both the XT and the D70. It is purely a personal choice as both are good cameras. As for kit lenses the Nikon is far suporior to the Canon kit lens. If you skip the D70s and buy a D70 you could get the rebate and come out pretty close.
Anyway - the best advise is "Try before you buy". |
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07/13/2005 01:46:19 PM · #14 |
I think it's good to get a little info before suggestion the (+) and (-) of a particular lens:
What makes you want to upgrade your current camera? More pixels, more control, etc?
What types of photography to you enjoy or hope to take? Landscape, snapshots, portraits, sports,etc?
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07/13/2005 01:49:40 PM · #15 |
About what I will be shooting, its mostly landcsapes, buildings, a bit of street photography, and some closeups. What I will not(mostly) will be studio shots, no wildlife photography (cant afford it).
A 'normal''everyday' lens which would cover these situations will be nice.
Also, I realize that the leap from a point and shoot to a dslr is going to be a significant one, in the sense that I'll nees to learn a lot more... So i think I would like to limit myself to at most 3 'beginner lenses'.
Thanks to the lot of you who have been giving me some good ideas..I'v ebeen looking at all the options....Havent made a decision yet. I will surely go in for the 50mm/f1.8 .
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07/13/2005 01:50:59 PM · #16 |
I'd skip the kit lens - it adds $100 to the kit price and you can get that lens anytime on ebay for about $70.
The 300D is good, the 350XT better. smaller, but i think has enough more features i'd get that.
lens...this depends on what you like to shoot. If you live for macro, then the canon 50mm macro woould be a decent choice.
if you love telephoto, the sigma 70-300 4-5.6 APO Super 2 macro is a great lens for the money.
If you want a walk around lens...
Good: Tamron 28-80 3.5-5.6 for $50-70. Better than the kit lens, but not as wide, more telephoto though.
better: tamron 28-75 2.8 XR Di for about $300. fast, good range.
better yet: sigma 18-50 2.8 EX DC for $420-$520 as sharp as the canon 17-40L, but faster and less money with more range.
The canon 50 1.8 is great for the money.
The only issue you will have is that once you use a good lens, you will be spoiled and dissatisfied with your other lenses.
Message edited by author 2005-07-13 13:52:10.
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07/13/2005 01:56:17 PM · #17 |
I would still consider the Pentax... that's what I have, and I've been happy with it. The reason you don't see a lot of people talking about it is that it's not the fad camera of the moment like the Canon and Nikon. What I like most about mine is the weight (lightest of the DSLRs), the batteries (non-proprietary AA's), and that I can use any Pentax lens ever made. If you're wondering about the batteries, consider this... I went on a 4 day camping trip and had no electricity; went through 4 sets of NIMH AA's in that time. If I'd had a Canon or Nikon, my shooting would have been over on the second day of the trip.
The lenses are also lighter, since the focus motor is not located in the lens (think - 3 lenses, one camera... I have one focus motor; Canon/Nikon uses are carrying 3). Just something to think about.
-Steve |
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07/13/2005 01:57:41 PM · #18 |
Originally posted by suprada:
About what I will be shooting, its mostly landcsapes, buildings, a bit of street photography, and some closeups. What I will not(mostly) will be studio shots, no wildlife photography (cant afford it).
A 'normal''everyday' lens which would cover these situations will be nice.
Also, I realize that the leap from a point and shoot to a dslr is going to be a significant one, in the sense that I'll nees to learn a lot more... So i think I would like to limit myself to at most 3 'beginner lenses'.
Thanks to the lot of you who have been giving me some good ideas..I'v ebeen looking at all the options....Havent made a decision yet. I will surely go in for the 50mm/f1.8 . |
OK - the kit lens that comes with the D70 package will fit quite a bit of this. It is 18-70mm so it does well for landscapes and the like. I have even taken close ups with it, although not Macro.
Still - I say go out and try them first.
edit: Since you mention you want to start with beginner lenes don't spend to much. You will eventually want to upgrade. Tamron makes a couple of fair (for the price) all around lenses, the 28-200 and the 28-300, you can start with. They fill quite a large range of shooting with one walk around lenses that is inexpensive. The 28-300 is less that $300 now that the newer 28-200 is out. They have fairly close focus for close up also and are made for all the top camera lines.
Message edited by author 2005-07-13 14:06:50. |
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07/13/2005 02:01:15 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by mcrochip:
... I went on a 4 day camping trip and had no electricity; went through 4 sets of NIMH AA's in that time. If I'd had a Canon or Nikon, my shooting would have been over on the second day of the trip. -Steve |
Maybe not. The D70 has an extrodinary long battery life. I carry only one spare and have never had to recharge while on short trips. Just got back from three days at Mt. Ranier National Park and never even used the spare. Spent ten days in the southwest this spring and only recharged one battery once.
Message edited by author 2005-07-13 17:06:37. |
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07/13/2005 02:09:59 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by jbsmithana:
OK - the kit lens that comes with the D70 package will fit quite a bit of this. It is 18-70mm so it does well for landscapes and the like. I have even taken close ups with it, although not Macro.
Still - I say go out and try them first. |
The kit lenses with all of the DSLRs are pretty much the same... but right above is the most important thing - try them first. The choice for me was between the Nikon and the Pentax... I didn't like what the Canon felt like. You may agree, or you may find something you like.
Overall, read reviews (all got very good reviews, though I've heard of problems with the 20D), and go to a couple of camera stores. Keep in mind - if Nikon has a sales bonus, most salespeople will push that camera, even if it's not the best for your needs. Pentax was the best for my needs due to the weight and batteries (backpacks get heavy).
-Steve |
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07/13/2005 02:33:41 PM · #21 |
For a starter kit, I'd rather buy Sigma's 18-125mm (I did) or 18-200mm than the kit lens. Their quality is better and the reach much greater (you never have enough reach, do you know? ;-). The canon 50 f/1.8 is a good companion for those and costs peanuts.
You can buy specialized or better lenses later as you feel the need, but a walk around lens is always good to have.
Oh!... and start saving for the accessories, i.e. memory card, bag, spare battery, tripod...
Edit: even though I'm a Canon guy, I feel Nikon deliver a great bang-for-the-buck now. You may even consider used ones, available for quite less money at least here, from the folks switching to Canon.
Message edited by author 2005-07-13 14:38:52. |
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07/13/2005 02:35:53 PM · #22 |
Pentax *istDs (and D and DL) sound pretty good and have the advantage of working with a big range of lenses, although be aware you will need SD cards for it. Nikon has that D50 just out that you might want to look at too. You may also want to look at the Olympus E-300 too. The Oly lenses are very pricey, but they make good stuff and I know from my E-10 that they put a lot of work into design, ergnomics and build quality. I believe Oly has a 2 lens kit that gives you a full range from wide to long tele for $999. I personally chose a 300D cause I wanted that good quality that Canon's CMOS chips give, I already had a 420EX flash with my Pro1, and you can always find a large selection of Canon EOS compatible lenses. When I eventually upgrade, it will be to another Canon.
But I would have been happy with any of the consumer DSLRs, really.
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07/13/2005 03:52:29 PM · #23 |
Just a little correction: The *istDS takes a compact flash card.
Originally posted by danmurrelljr:
Pentax *istDs (and D and DL) sound pretty good and have the advantage of working with a big range of lenses, although be aware you will need SD cards for it. |
I agree with danmurrellljr that all of the consumer DSLRs seem good. I was looking at all three - Canon 300D, Nikon D70, and Pentax *ist DS when I got this one. They all have good reviews.
Originally posted by danmurrelljr:
But I would have been happy with any of the consumer DSLRs, really. |
After much agonizing over those three choices, I finally settled on the Pentax. At the time I got it, it had the biggest viewfinder for checking my shots in camera, it fit in my hand, and above all, old Pentax lenses are cheap and have a very good reputation for quality.
I love my Pentax, but I'm sure that if I had chosen Nikon or Canon, I would've loved either of those just as much. If you take a lot of pictures, the camera will end up feeling like part of your hand no matter what :-)
Edited to add: The 18-55 kit lens that comes with the Pentax stinks. I have it on a shelf and never use it anymore.
Message edited by author 2005-07-13 15:54:02. |
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07/13/2005 04:49:15 PM · #24 |
Originally posted by puzzled:
Just a little correction: The *istDS takes a compact flash card.
Originally posted by danmurrelljr:
Pentax *istDs (and D and DL) sound pretty good and have the advantage of working with a big range of lenses, although be aware you will need SD cards for it. |
I agree with danmurrellljr that all of the consumer DSLRs seem good. I was looking at all three - Canon 300D, Nikon D70, and Pentax *ist DS when I got this one. They all have good reviews.
Originally posted by danmurrelljr:
But I would have been happy with any of the consumer DSLRs, really. |
After much agonizing over those three choices, I finally settled on the Pentax. At the time I got it, it had the biggest viewfinder for checking my shots in camera, it fit in my hand, and above all, old Pentax lenses are cheap and have a very good reputation for quality.
I love my Pentax, but I'm sure that if I had chosen Nikon or Canon, I would've loved either of those just as much. If you take a lot of pictures, the camera will end up feeling like part of your hand no matter what :-)
Edited to add: The 18-55 kit lens that comes with the Pentax stinks. I have it on a shelf and never use it anymore. |
Huh? *istDS only takes SD Cards.
I agree with everything Puzzled says except the Kit 18-55. Maybe it is manufacturing issues on her copy, but mine is sharp.
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07/13/2005 05:33:12 PM · #25 |
The hottest kit around for about $1000: (IMNSHO)
Olympus E-300 + 14-45 + 40-150.
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