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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Decision to make... Please help! (RegardingLenses)
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 03/04/2004 08:29:06 AM · #1
At the end of this month, I will be purchasing a Brand new Canon - EOS Digital Rebel SLR. Now, there are two packages for this camera. Both packages include 2 lenses. Here are the descriptions...

Package Contents:
- EOS Digital Rebel Body
- Sigma 28-80mm Autofocus Lens
- Sigma 70-300mm Autofocus Len
- Sigma Gadget Bag
- Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM
- Adobe Photoshop Elements
- Video Cable VC-100
- Interface Cable IFC-300PCU
- Wide Strap EW-10DB II
- Battery Charger CB-5L
- Battery Pack BP-511

---AND THE OTHER---

Package Contents:
- EOS Digital Rebel Body
- EF-S 18-55mm Lens
- Quantaray 70-300mm Autofocus Len
- Quantaray Leather Gadget Bag
- Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM
- Adobe Photoshop Elements
- Video Cable VC-100
- Interface Cable IFC-300PCU
- Wide Strap EW-10DB II
- Battery Charger CB-5L
- Battery Pack BP-511

Now my question... Which would seem the better purchase? There is only about a $75 difference between the two, so that doesn't really play a factor. Thanks for the help, and pros/cons work too!
 03/04/2004 08:47:00 AM · #2
If it were me, I would avoid any "package deal" and buy just the Digital Rebel kit.

You can see a picture of what is included as "standard" from Canon at the bottom of this page.

Most of the stuff you are listing is part of the retail box from Canon, so the real difference between the two kits is:

- Sigma 28-80mm Autofocus Lens
- Sigma 70-300mm Autofocus Len
- Sigma Gadget Bag

or:

- EF-S 18-55mm Lens
- Quantaray 70-300mm Autofocus Len
- Quantaray Leather Gadget Bag

I would suggest getting just the boxed kit version that includes the EF-S 18-55mm lens and nothing more to start out with. Often times retailers will add in "low quality" lenses or cheap "gadget bags" at marked up prices and make it seem like the "package" is a good deal. In my experience, you are better off selecting your own package (especially when it comes to lenses) after determining what your wants and needs are.
 03/04/2004 08:59:57 AM · #3
I agree with Eddy ... he said it best :-)

You really should choose the lenses you want. My experience is the same, included items are not usually of the best quality.

Message edited by author 2004-03-04 09:39:53.
 03/04/2004 09:30:24 AM · #4
I will third that!
Also keep in mind that if you do decide to go with the
sigma kit you will loose your wide angle!
18-55 = 28.8-88 vs 28-80 = 44.8-128
 03/04/2004 09:30:49 AM · #5
Me too! Avoid the retailer-bundled kits. Just get the Rebel with or without the EF-S 18-55mm kits lens and add your own bag and accessories. A good camera bag from LowePro, etc, is less than $50. Here's a good reference for additional lenses: Lenses for 300D
 03/04/2004 09:34:34 AM · #6
I will fifth that!!! (Is there even such a phrase...? lol)

Get the camera and kit lens... then add the rest of the stuff by yourself.

:)atwl
 03/04/2004 09:42:32 AM · #7
Absolutely, positively, without a doubt, agree.

Buy the manufacturers lenses for the camera system you choose.
 03/04/2004 10:15:00 AM · #8
well I think I know what I should do then :) I would really like to get a Telephoto lens, so which do you all suggest? I am on a bit of a budget keep in mind =)
 03/04/2004 10:23:01 AM · #9
If you are interested in a zoom lens, the Canon 75-300mm f/4-5.6 USM III is a great lens... only $180 (I think) from B&H Photo.

I use that lens more than the kit lens.
 03/04/2004 10:26:31 AM · #10
See my earlier link to Canon Lenses for 300D.
 03/04/2004 11:25:57 AM · #11
Originally posted by outofreachx:
well I think I know what I should do then :) I would really like to get a Telephoto lens, so which do you all suggest? I am on a bit of a budget keep in mind =)


I don't ever recall seeing so much agreement in a single thread. I have used a 75-300 for years.....been very happy with it.....but am now seriously considering replacing it with an 80-400. Calvus just got a Tokina.....Canon makes one also.

Message edited by author 2004-03-04 11:27:10.
 03/04/2004 12:30:10 PM · #12
Originally posted by Adrian Tung:
I will fifth that!!! (Is there even such a phrase...? lol)

Get the camera and kit lens... then add the rest of the stuff by yourself.

:)atwl


Would that be a fifth of agreement. I'd also say that you should avoid the bundle deals for the reasons mentioned. If I were going to buy some lenses separately I'd probably get the 18-55 kit lens and the 70-300 lens but I think it'll be worth your while to price the Rebel separately and then add the price of the Sigma or Quantaray. The Sigma sells for $149 for the less expensive version on B&H (link) or $209 USD for the more expensive APO version (link)). I own the Quantaray 70-300 lens and while its OK to shoot with it is not a heavy weight lens that is meant to take continual use & abuse. I didn't know how often you're liable to hit something with a longer lens and while I can easily count the number of times I've hit the lens against something with any decent force it has been enough to jam up the gears so that it needs some work done. I've seen photos of professional grade lenses that can stand up to serious usage with dings, scratchs and even one shot where the filter ring was bent so badly that a user couldn't put a filter on the end. That kind of dent must have taken a lot of force to produce. While I don't intend using the lens as a baseball bat, the Quantaray just doesn't seem to have a very strong construction and it is slow focusing with a lot of hunting.
For a lens in this length on a budget I think the Canon version is probably better built.

Message edited by author 2004-03-04 12:31:26.
 03/04/2004 12:46:04 PM · #13
I thought the 18-55mm 'kit' lens wasn't available aftermarket, only bundled with the Rebel... ??
 03/04/2004 12:51:25 PM · #14
Originally posted by tfaust:
I thought the 18-55mm 'kit' lens wasn't available aftermarket, only bundled with the Rebel... ??

You are right!
18-55 is EFS lens and work " only " with Digital Rebel!
 03/04/2004 01:23:08 PM · #15
Originally posted by tfaust:
I thought the 18-55mm 'kit' lens wasn't available aftermarket, only bundled with the Rebel... ??


I have seen some shops who open the package, take out the 18-55, make a new kit with 28mm+ lenses. The 18-55 goes for sale with a markup.
Many of those 28mm+ kitbuyers find out that the lack of wideangle (28mm is almost 45mm on the rebel) is bothering them. They return to buy that 18-55mm. Or they buy a more expensive wideangle Sigma or the 17-40 L. That way the shop is able to make more money. They don't give you your 18-55, sell you some crap lenses and when you come back you can pay them even more cash to solve the wideangle problem. :(
 03/04/2004 01:36:54 PM · #16
Thank you for all the suggestions. I plan on buying the Kit with the 18-55mm lens, and then adding the Canon 70-300mm. It seems to be the ultimate decision here =)

Any suggestions on a good bag to purchase while we are at it?
 03/04/2004 01:43:39 PM · #17
Check this thread at dpreview.com for photographs of bags with content and some discussion about using them.


03/04/2004 01:59:00 PM · #18
Originally posted by outofreachx:
Any suggestions on a good bag to purchase while we are at it?


Can never have enough bags. Most pros have at least 3. Hardsided, softsided, shoulder, waist, backpack......the options are endless. Shop for a bag WITH your gear. Try 'em out. See which ones meet YOUR needs. It is an endless pursuit....the perfect bag.

Those cold drink holders (typically soft foam) make inexpensive lens protectors. Also, sponge foam from fabric shops is quite effective at lining/separating and protecting equipment.


Message edited by author 2004-03-04 14:03:03.
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