Canon Digital Rebel XT - DPChallenge Forums

05/23/2005 10:23:45 PM · #26

Originally posted by jknight8907:

Ok I've changed my list a bit. Now I've got the XT body only, a Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, and a Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens, and am comparing filters and tripods.

It looks like my budget is running out pretty quick, so whats a good brand for a polarizing filter, and for a tripod. Does getting the Sigma lens fix the problem of the front rotating while focusing, thus making the polarizing filter hard to use?

Also can someone recommend a cheap but good case that will protect it well?

Yes, it's not a problem. The Sigma does not rotate. FWIW, you just need a regular polarizer; you don't need the slim type with 18mm and 1.6 crop factor.

A good polarizer can be somewhat expensive (especially for larger diameter lenses). There are several strategies for Polarizers, assuming you will eventually have several lenses.

1) Buy a large polarizer, say 77mm, and get a step up adapter for each lens you use. That will be quite large though for the Sigma, which is only 62mm. You could also go 67mm, which I believe is the size of the popular Canon 70-200/F4L, and step up to that.

2) Use the Cokin P system, which lets you put a single polarizer and other Cokin filters on all your lenses, by moving an adapter. Note the adapter is big though, and you can't leave it on the lens in your bag (usually).

3) Buy a different polarizer for each lens. Expensive alternative!

Edit: As I mentioned before, I recommend going the Cokin route. The system will be of general use to you if you are taking landscapes and nature shots. You will be using gradual filters, and the cokin system is the most convenient way to use one, since you can slide the filter to match the horizon.

Message edited by author 2005-05-23 23:25:33.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

05/24/2005 02:55:54 PM · #27

I'm a little confuzzled about the Cokin P system. Let me see if I've got this correct: I need an adapter for each size of lens (in this case 62mm and 52mm, right?), a filter holder, and the filters?

Maybe I'm searching for the wrong thing, cause I'm having trouble finding this stuff. I priced it out for individual filters and it's going to be around $110, so I am liking the Cokin idea.

nico_blue

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

05/24/2005 03:20:02 PM · #28

I originally ordered for dell since that was the best price by at least 100 with the coupons. But after waiting for at least 5 weeks during which it was backordered and kept getting pushed back I gave up on them. Plus I got a phone call from them asking if i wanted to switch my order which really made me decide not to buy from them.

So instead after some research on bizrate i purchased the black body with kit lens from pcnation and i got it after two days with free shipping and no tax since i live in RI.

Mr_Pants

SiPix Blink

05/24/2005 03:31:12 PM · #29

Originally posted by jknight8907:

I'm looking at getting my first DSLR, specifically the Rebel XT. I found it at //www.adorama.com for $900. I plan on getting the silver body with the included EFS 18-55mm zoom lens. Also I will add a wireless remote, a 1GB 80x card, and circular polarizing filter.

Do I need to get anything else for landscape and nature photography? Any suggestions on a small case that I can easily carry on a plane?

Here's links to everything:

//www.adorama.com/ICADRXTSK.html
//www.adorama.com/CARC1.html
//www.adorama.com/ILXCF801G.html
//www.adorama.com/CPSGPK.html
//www.adorama.com/TF58CPL1.html

thanks!

Jonathan Knight

Haven't there been problems reported of late regarding lost images using Lexar 80x cards and Canon cameras?

05/24/2005 03:37:56 PM · #30

Update on the Cokin:

I think I've got it figured out. Here's what I THINK I need, someone who knows please verify this:

//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=14264&is=REG
//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=14090&is=REG
//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=14093&is=REG
//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=14435&is=REG
//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=14457&is=REG

Is that all I need to the the Cokin system working for me?

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

05/24/2005 03:45:56 PM · #31

RE: Cokin
yes, Jonathan, all you need is the P holder and the adapters for your lens. Then some filters, as you've selected.

You might want to price them here though -- The Filter Connection -- that's where I bought mine.

Besides, it's easier to browse there than on B&H.

Edit: Here's the link to the Cokin P list, much easier: Cokin P system

Edit2: Also, I recommend buying a regular screw in UV filter too, to protect the lens when you are not using the Cokin system.

Message edited by author 2005-05-24 15:50:16.

SteveJ

Canon EOS-7D

05/24/2005 03:50:44 PM · #32

Originally posted by bear_music:

I'm looking at making the jump to dSLR also. I have tested the Canon kit lens. It is absolute junk, IMO. No way would I buy it. I've heard good things about the sigma, and I'm considering that as my basic lens.

R.

When I bought my 300D I got the USM kit lens included, it is an entirely different baby to the non-USM lens and can't be classed as junk...might be worth you checking it out when you buy, get the store to upgrade to the USM model.

Steve

GoldBerry

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

05/24/2005 03:53:16 PM · #33

Originally posted by jknight8907:

Do I need to get anything else for landscape and nature photography? Any suggestions on a small case that I can easily carry on a plane?

Depending on what type of nature you're interested in photographing, you may need a big zoom (like 400mm)..useful if wanting to photograph birds for instance.

SDW

Canon EOS-60D

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

05/24/2005 04:00:19 PM · #34

When I purchase my dSLR I didn't think of the following but it is a must.
Very important and works well.
1. Hurricane Blower
2. Lens cleaning kit

mycelium

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

05/24/2005 04:06:09 PM · #35

Originally posted by SDW65:

When I purchase my dSLR I didn't think of the following but it is a must.
Very important and works well.
1. Hurricane Blower
2. Lens cleaning kit

I don't even know what a hurricane blower is, but maybe I should?

A lens cleaning kit, though, I'm not so sure is necessary. Advice on the forums as well as personal experience leads me to believe that hot breath plus an old t-shirt is perfectly good for cleaning lenses. Save a few bucks?

Speaking of saving a few bucks, there are a lot of posts on this thread about people who got great deals on an XT ($850 here, $750 there, etc.) Well, for all those who didn't get such a deal, maybe this will make you feel better: I walked down to the local store and bought one for $929. Not much of a deal at all! Woohoo!!

Damon

05/24/2005 04:10:26 PM · #36

Okay, one more list:

From thefilterconnection.com, I've selected:

Cokin P holder, $8.71
Cokin 52mm adapter ring, $11.21
Cokin 62mm adapter ring, $11.21
#164 circular polarizer, $58.82
#120 G1 Grey graduated, $18.96
Hoya 52mm UV, $10.67
Hoya 62mm UV, $18.81
TOTAL: $138.39

Good selection at a reasonable price?

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

05/24/2005 04:15:42 PM · #37

Add a slim (wide angle) P holder to that for another $12 or so. It might be better for the 18mm mode without vignetting. You could buy only the slim holder, but it only holds one filter at a time, and mine's a bit harder to take on and off than the regular holder.

And add a hurricane blower and a lens pen too as someone suggested, or buy them elsewhere (I don't know if they sell them at filterconnection).

I use the blower to blow dust out of the camera--I've not yet had to clean my sensor other than using the blower. The lens pens are about $10 and they are my most valuable tool for removing fingerprints, which will happen one and a while!

Message edited by author 2005-05-24 16:20:50.

SDW

Canon EOS-60D

05/24/2005 04:31:26 PM · #38

Originally posted by mycelium:

Originally posted by SDW65:
When I purchase my dSLR I didn't think of the following but it is a must.
Very important and works well.
1. Hurricane Blower
2. Lens cleaning kit

I don't even know what a hurricane blower is, but maybe I should?

A lens cleaning kit, though, I'm not so sure is necessary. Advice on the forums as well as personal experience leads me to believe that hot breath plus an old t-shirt is perfectly good for cleaning lenses. Save a few bucks?

Speaking of saving a few bucks, there are a lot of posts on this thread about people who got great deals on an XT ($850 here, $750 there, etc.) Well, for all those who didn't get such a deal, maybe this will make you feel better: I walked down to the local store and bought one for $929. Not much of a deal at all! Woohoo!!

Damon

It is a sensor cleaning blower. Some cameras will come with dust particles on the sensor and it's easy to get dust on the sensor while changing lens. The 350XT has a sensor cleaning mode that lifts the mirror and holds it up so you can blow of the sensor. I have had sensor dust one time since purchasing my camera about two months ago. I was told about it and it worked get. Dust free not, or at least visibly dust free :)
This is just one style you can buy

As far as the lens cleaning kit. Very inexpensive a worth it comes with a lint free brush and none streaking cleaning solution along with lint free wipes. You will be surprised how abrasive a t-shirt can be on a lens. $15 or so is a good investment especially if you purchase costly lens such a "L" glass or in my case any lens. I can't afford to replace if it gets scratched. I know yo will be using filters and it does a good job of cleaning them as well. And cost less than replacing a UV filter in most cases.

Message edited by author 2005-05-24 16:36:01.

Kavey

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

05/24/2005 04:36:22 PM · #39

Originally posted by bear_music:

I really like our Sigma 18-125mm lens for our 20D, if that's the one you mean. Just feels... nice... to use... ya know?

05/24/2005 06:15:57 PM · #40

*giddy laughter*

Hehehehe....I done the deed and ordered it!!!!

I got the Rebel XT with the Sigma 18-125 lens, the Canon 50mm lens, a Cokin P holder, a Cokin wide-angle holder, two adapter rings and a polarizing filter. I'll add some more after the plastic cools off.... Also I got a UV filter for both lenses, and a sensor cleaning swab pack, and a 1GB 80x CF card.

Oooh, I cant WAIT!!!

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

05/24/2005 07:12:56 PM · #41

Originally posted by jknight8907:

Congratulations!

I think already someone mentioned it, but if that's the Lexar card, there's an issue and fix for it.

Article About Lost Files on CF cards

Message edited by author 2005-05-24 19:13:10.

nico_blue

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

05/24/2005 07:16:57 PM · #42

Originally posted by jknight8907:

congrats, welcome to the rebel xt fold :-)

m--E