My first DSLR - DPChallenge Forums

04/27/2006 10:06:11 PM · #1

Hello, I'm new to DPChallenge and I'm about to purchase my first digital SLR camera. Since I'm not a professional photographer I'm looking at the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT...because of the lower cost mainly. The 20D would be nice but I just don't know if it makes sense to spend that much my first time out. I would eventually like to get into photograph as more than a just a hobbie and perhaps make a little money on the side. Any help or advice anyone can offer would be appreciated.

idnic

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

04/27/2006 10:08:44 PM · #2

The Rebel is a great place to start with your current goals. You can learn soooo much with that one, then later upgrade once you feel you've exhausted the Rebel's capabilities. That might be a few years. In the mean-time, shoot lots, read TONS (websites, forums, books, etc) and ask questions..... oh... and have fun.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

04/27/2006 10:10:57 PM · #3

You're making a good decision, I think. The XT has a good set of capabilities to grow into, and the lower cost means you will have more left to spend on lenses. You *will* eventually spend significantly more on lenses than on the body if you keep at photography for any length of time. You will eventually upgrade, no doubt, but you will be well served in the near term. It's a good cam.

04/27/2006 10:12:57 PM · #4

Wow, thanks for the fast response. I've been reading...ALOT and it looks to me like Canon is the way to go. I know the 18-55mm kit lens is limited and I'll quickly find myself looking to purchase my first lens. But, I won't tell my wife that just yet!!

digitalpins

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

04/27/2006 10:14:18 PM · #5

yep its a great camera to start out with, I love mine, very easy to learn, also takes great shots, lens will cost you eventually, before you know it you will be looking at them. But again the XT is great to be your first and learn with....

idnic

04/27/2006 10:16:32 PM · #6

Originally posted by renegade1966:

Skip the kit lens ( you can buy the body with or without ) and spend $100 on the 50mm 1.8 You won't regret it.

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

04/27/2006 10:16:58 PM · #7

Originally posted by renegade1966:

...But, I won't tell my wife that just yet!!

You learn quickly, my young Padawan... ;)

04/27/2006 10:18:36 PM · #8

Since lenses were mentioned....what do you think about Tamron? I sell Their CCTV lenses and can get their SLR lenses at dealer prices. I know they're cheaper than Canon. Any input?

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

04/27/2006 10:19:45 PM · #9

You MUST get the Tamron 28-75. It's necessary. :)

idnic

04/27/2006 10:20:24 PM · #10

Originally posted by renegade1966:

Since lenses were mentioned....what do you think about Tamron? I sell Their CCTV lenses and can get their SLR lenses at dealer prices. I know they're cheaper than Canon. Any input?

A wise man told me once "where lenses go -- buy only the best.... even if it takes a long time to save for them, have less lenses, but better glass" With some experience, I totally support that theory now.

04/27/2006 10:24:57 PM · #11

Originally posted by laurielblack:

You MUST get the Tamron 28-75. It's necessary. :)

//www.digitalfotoclub.com/sc/product-features.asp?id=964588098&lhalf=bp

Is this the lens you're talking about?

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

04/27/2006 10:27:58 PM · #12

Originally posted by renegade1966:

Originally posted by laurielblack:
You MUST get the Tamron 28-75. It's necessary. :)

//www.digitalfotoclub.com/sc/product-features.asp?id=964588098&lhalf=bp

Is this the lens you're talking about?

Yes...HERE are some sample images taken with that lens from this site. You'll love it. I know I love mine, and many people around here swear by it. :)

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

04/27/2006 10:29:12 PM · #13

Originally posted by renegade1966:

Yep, that's the one Laurie was referring to. If you can get them at a discount, even better. Tamron, like all manufacturers, has their good and their bad. That one's very good.

Canon PowerShot Pro 90 IS

04/27/2006 10:40:30 PM · #14

Originally posted by kirbic:

Originally posted by renegade1966:

Originally posted by laurielblack:
You MUST get the Tamron 28-75. It's necessary. :)

//www.digitalfotoclub.com/sc/product-features.asp?id=964588098&lhalf=bp

Is this the lens you're talking about?

Yep, that's the one Laurie was referring to. If you can get them at a discount, even better. Tamron, like all manufacturers, has their good and their bad. That one's very good.

So, tell me about the bad. What should I stay away from? I have a freind who wants me to shoot some action shots for his little league baseball team. I know I'll need something at least semi-telephoto. Any input as far as something good from Tamron?

coolhar

04/27/2006 11:17:06 PM · #15

Originally posted by renegade1966:

For shooting sports, and as a all-in-one starter lens, from the Tamron line I would suggest the AF70-300mm F4-5.6 LD Macro. It's not a real fast aperture so it won't do well for night games and other low light situations but it's fine for day games; and it has long enough reach for sports action shooting. Indeed, a pretty versatile range for lots of different kinds of shooting and very reasonably priced at under $200, but you should be able to get it for less. It earns an overall quality rating of 7.7 at fredmiranda.com which is quite high for a lens in that price range. If you want to get into more serious sports shooting you'll want a faster aperture, like f2.8, but that's gonna cost you much bigger bucks.

04/27/2006 11:22:38 PM · #16

Originally posted by coolhar:

Originally posted by renegade1966:
So, tell me about the bad. What should I stay away from? I have a freind who wants me to shoot some action shots for his little league baseball team. I know I'll need something at least semi-telephoto. Any input as far as something good from Tamron?

For shooting sports, and as a all-in-one starter lens, from the Tamron line I would suggest the AF70-300mm F4-5.6 LD Macro. It's not a real fast aperture so it won't do well for night games and other low light situations but it's fine for day games; and it has long enough reach for sports action shooting. Indeed, a pretty versatile range for lots of different kinds of shooting and very reasonably priced at under $200, but you should be able to get it for less. It earns an overall quality rating of 7.7 at fredmiranda.com which is quite high for a lens in that price range. If you want to get into more serious sports shooting you'll want a faster aperture, like f2.8, but that's gonna cost you much bigger bucks.

That is the exact lens that I have been looking at. Also, as someone suggested, I'm considering buying the Digital Rebel body only and purchasing the Canon 50mm f1.8 and possibly this Tamron 70-300. I would think these two should cover most of my needs...at least for now.

eschelar

Canon EOS-7D