DSLR without extras? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

10/28/2004 02:25:45 PM · #1

So, I'm really considering upgrading to a DSLR with my xmas bonus...but I know I won't have enough money to buy any lenses!

Is it wise? I've got my eye on the 300D, it's so purdy...but I'm afraid that if I buy the DSLR I won't be able to take decent shots WITHOUT a ton of lenses. Please tell me I'm wrong!

I'd like to invest in the camera, be able to take stellar shots, and then slowly work on purchasing equipment. I'm assuming it'll be way better than my Dimage Z1, but I'd like any opinions I can get!

Oh, and maybe I'm a little slow...but what kind of lenses are supported? Is there a whole Canon line compatible with the 300D? I'm a B&H fanatic, but they don't really say what camera goes with what lens...

Thanks in advance!!!

Katy

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

10/28/2004 02:29:25 PM · #2

The kit lens that comes with the 300D will probably do you quite well. It is probably equivalent to a 28-80/90 on a film SLR. The zoom will be your feet.

All EF lenses from Canon will work on the Rebel. If you see FD in the lens description it is most likely a manual lens and will only work with an adapter (manual metering and focus).

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

10/28/2004 02:30:00 PM · #3

Originally posted by kdkaboom:

Any canon ef mount lens will fit on the 300D

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

10/28/2004 02:33:44 PM · #4

Wow, thank you for the quick replies!

I appreciate the help :)

Katy

jxpfeer

Nikon D70

10/28/2004 03:07:49 PM · #5

hey katy, i know how you feel about the cost of lenses... i used my d70 with just the kit lense for quite a while before i could by the cheap zoom i have now.

if you can afford the rebel, even with the kit lense, get it and just use that until you can afford something else. instead of thinking of the range you're giving up in zoom, just think of the opportunities you now have to work more closely with the environment you're shooting in.

i think the biggest advantage i had in using the 18-70 on my d70 for a while, was that i learned to see things differently than i was used to. my fuji had the equivalent ofa 35-210 zoom, so i felt like i was missing a lot of range at first. but... it basically forced me to be more creative with the stuff around me. and now my favorite lense is still my kit lense.

i say if you can afford it, go for it... but be prepared to save aggressively, cuz you will wanna buy more and more stuff :)

GoldBerry

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

10/28/2004 03:10:34 PM · #6

There's a thread running now called "entering into digital..." that has a lot of tips.

P.S. I personally think owning tons of lenses is pure propaganda on behalf of the manufacturers. A good all purpose and a zoom..that's all I have.

Message edited by author 2004-10-28 15:11:44.

digistoune

Canon EOS-20D

10/28/2004 03:17:12 PM · #7

Not trying to hijack your thread but I am looking to upgrade so I'm selling my 300D with extras! It will ship with the kit lens, a Tamron 28-105AF lens, a 128mb CF card, and a wireless remote (RC1). Total package $900 + shipping. Oh, and in case you're curious, I bought in June so it's not that old at all and I have babied it. PM me if interested.

fotodude

Nikon D70

10/28/2004 03:21:19 PM · #8

i wouldn't worry about the lens issue unless you do 1 type of shooting more than another in which case (for the sake of cost) buy yourself a film lens which tend to be much cheeper.

Now i no this is going to be a red flag for some of you i've got all the money in the world but, i am fully awhere of the advantages and diss. of shooting digital w/a film lens.

so Katy know that if you do what i am sugessting your cameras light reception will be comprmized in that you will gain on the tele. side but you will lose some of wid angle capabulities.(it all has to do w/the way light enters the lens[digi is diffrent from film]).

i work a wolfcamera here in the states and the 300D is a fine choise i'm more of a Nikon guy but granted they can be a lot more $.

good luck,

_brando_

soup

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

10/28/2004 03:57:41 PM · #9

the lenses for a film or digital SLR are the same. its the film plane that is different. it has nothing to do with light reception outside of the fact the area the light hits ( inside the camera ) is smaller on a digital SLR ( unless you spend about $5000 US). nothing in the lense has anything to do with affecting the focal range you get on a film vs digital camera.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

10/28/2004 04:11:00 PM · #10

You are all a bunch of wonderful wonderful smartypants people!!

Thanks for all the replies!

Jay, your comments made me very happy! Based on your comments, and others here, I think if I can afford just the camera and kit lens I'll be very happy...

Digistoune, I would be interested except I have to wait until Xmas...and I'm also looking for mega warranty! I broke my camera this weekend and had to send it in for fixin', and I woulda been dead in the water if it wasn't for the warranty...I don't know if those things are transferrable. But I will surely keep you in mind! Thanks for letting me know!!

Say, does the 300D have a macro function? My Z1 now has a great macro function (my fave feature of the cam, for sure), and a sunset/outdoor/indoor/sports/portrait setting too heheh but I never use those. Lots of options, gotta love lots of options...but what I love most is it has a really expansive set of manual controls.

Okay...THANKS!!!! :)

GoldBerry

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

10/28/2004 04:13:38 PM · #11

"Say, does the 300D have a macro function"

once you go DSLR, it's all about the lenses baby!

smokeditor

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

10/28/2004 04:21:55 PM · #12

Originally posted by GoldBerry:

"Say, does the 300D have a macro function"

once you go DSLR, it's all about the lenses baby!

But just 5 posts ago you said "personally think owning tons of lenses is pure propaganda" and now you say its all about the lens?

So your contradicting yourself? So which is it?

10/28/2004 04:33:28 PM · #13

Smoke-D, I bet it can be both heheh

And damn...lenses lenses lenses lenses...I need me some more benjamins.

K

bledford

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

10/28/2004 04:36:59 PM · #14

Just to add my two cents.

I have the Rebel and the kit lens. I also have the 50mm 1.8 and a 550ex. Going from a point and shoot to this camera is going to require a few changes in your shooting style. I for one, find the useability of the kit lens far outweighs the sharpness advantage of the 50mm. Others will disagree. So, the kit lens is going to serve you well, if not provide the best picture quality the camera is capable of.

But the usefulness of this camera and the lenses you buy is going to vary depending on what kind of shots you take. In order to get the equivalent all-around flexibility of a decent point and shoot (i.e. macro, 10x zoom, image stabilization), get ready to spend some cash on suitable lenses.

kosmikkreeper

Nikon D300s

10/28/2004 04:38:15 PM · #15

well... I just got my 80-400mm VR zoom and now my kit is COMPLETE!!
3 lenses that's it!

18-70mm kit lens (everyday shots and good wide angle)
105mm sigma macro (closeups)
80-400mm VR (nice zooming)

ya don't need more than that!! The rest is propaganda I tell ya!!!

Now where's the info on that fisheye lens again???? The SB-800 flash??? the 4 GB flash card?? The sudio flashes with softboxes??? the backdrops??? The underwater camera case???
**goes into a corner and cries** ;-)

Message edited by author 2004-10-28 16:41:10.

10/28/2004 04:42:12 PM · #16

At first I thought I'd sell my Z1 to fund a lens, but now I'm thinking I'll keep it (if I can afford to...) and use it just for around the town, walkabout photo days...but the 300D would be for more professional, more intentional photography... I love the Z1 because it's easy to hold, easy to just push the button, great zoom for candid shots (hiding in the bushes, woohoo!)...but I really really want to get more serious about photography. And I'm not interested in fixing my grampa's old 35mm ;)

Once ya go digital...

Oy vey... hehehe

10/28/2004 04:43:09 PM · #17

There is no rule of thumb recipe for buying lenses for a DSLR. You simply have to evaluate what your needs are and then buy lenses that meet them. You can get full macro capability and focal length coverage between 28 and 300mm for a total price as low as $550 or $600 at bottom end lens prices... maybe even less. The image quality usually improves as the prices of the lenses go up. Lenses with wider aperture capabilities also cost more.

10/28/2004 04:43:55 PM · #18

Originally posted by kosmikkreeper:

Ahahaha, this is exactly how I'm feeling! ahahah

It will allll be okaaaaaaay...here, have a valium!

10/28/2004 04:44:36 PM · #19

Another note of interest is that most prosumer digicams have higher quality lenses than the inexpensive choices for a DSLR. None of the lower end lenses I have ever used with a DSLR would match the optics on my Sony 707.

10/28/2004 04:49:33 PM · #20

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

Well, I'm hoping to use the 300D as a jumping off point, something I can slowly build upon in order to create a fantabulous set of equipment. I am one po ass mofo, but I really want, over the next few years, to get SERIOUS with the photography schtick. It's something I've always loved, but never taken serious. I'm thinking that a DSLR is really the way to begin this journey... I know nothing of prosumer digicams is what I'm saying :)

10/28/2004 04:50:13 PM · #21

Originally posted by GoldBerry:

You should try one of THESE next time you shoot a wedding. This is all you really need to produce artistic photos.

10/28/2004 04:51:07 PM · #22

Originally posted by kdkaboom:

Originally posted by jmsetzler:
Another note of interest is that most prosumer digicams have higher quality lenses than the inexpensive choices for a DSLR. None of the lower end lenses I have ever used with a DSLR would match the optics on my Sony 707.

Well, I'm hoping to use the 300D as a jumping off point, something I can slowly build upon in order to create a fantabulous set of equipment. I am one po ass mofo, but I really want, over the next few years, to get SERIOUS with the photography schtick. It's something I've always loved, but never taken serious. I'm thinking that a DSLR is really the way to begin this journey... I know nothing of prosumer digicams is what I'm saying :)

The only advice I can offer you is to consider a 10D while they are still available. You can get one for $1150 right now while they still have them. To me, it would be worth the extra money.