Help me get hooked up!! (for $1000)

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

07/27/2006 10:53:17 PM · #1

OK, first, I apologize. I think this is my 3rd thread created in pursuit of a new camera and lenses. BUT I've decided to go witht the Canon 350D, and am looking to spend no more (if possible) than $1000 for the whole shebang.

So here it is. I see the camera body on B&H for $650. I'm going to purchase just the body, and coronamv has been so awesome to offer me the kit lens for a great price. So that leaves $350 to spend on lenses.

I like the looks of the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III Autofocus for $149.95 on B&H also. Is this a good lens? (seems quite cheap pricewise.)

Also, I'm looking for something to take to Europe with me. A good walk around lens for taking 'tourist' shots...I'd also love to do some portraits of my friends too.

I'd rather go for quality over quantity. Thanks so much for your help! (and this will hopefully be my last post full of questions :))

faidoi

Pentax K10D

07/27/2006 10:54:52 PM · #2

CF memory cards.

kyebosh

Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8L

07/27/2006 10:57:48 PM · #3

I would not call a 75-300mm a walkaround lens, especially if you're going to be sight seeing. Something with a range in the 17-100mm range would be good. I'm not sure if there's a lens like that in the price range. Look up some tamron lenses, they might be a good place to start.

07/27/2006 10:57:48 PM · #4

haha, yes, I already have that factored in. Also a backpack. But thanks!

Rikki

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

07/27/2006 11:03:41 PM · #5

Just always remember that your invest are in the glass. The 75-300 is good but something I wouldn't recommend at this point. Get the Tamron 28-70 f2.8 and you won't be sorry.

07/27/2006 11:08:32 PM · #6

like this 28-105

or this?28-200
or this? 18-50 and 55-200 kit

all three are $250 each

Rikki

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

07/27/2006 11:10:51 PM · #7

No. Like this

Those other ones are ok but IMHO, not worth the money.

Message edited by author 2006-07-27 23:11:43.

07/27/2006 11:12:38 PM · #8

haha, I JUST found that one and was looking...sure looks nice :) Thanks for the info.

edit: and wow, the examples taken with it on here are amazing.

Message edited by author 2006-07-27 23:16:48.

kyebosh

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8L

07/27/2006 11:15:14 PM · #9

it's a fantastic lens, but lacking on the wide end, especially on a 1.6x crop.

violinist123

Canon EOS-6D

07/27/2006 11:16:54 PM · #10

You've got the kit lense which will get you some portraits

I'm dumping my tamron 28-300, selling it to a guy at work. I'm replacing it with this Sigma 70-300mm for $199 and pocketing the extra hundred bucks.

That leaves you with what, a hundred bucks. I'd still get the 50mm 1.8. Maybe pick up a generic 2nd battery with the change.

Check out photodo.com for lense reviews.

Message edited by author 2006-07-27 23:17:19.

07/27/2006 11:20:15 PM · #11

I looked and didn't find a 17-whatever....but didn't go above $400 either

kyebosh

Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8L

07/27/2006 11:32:00 PM · #12

Here's something close.

//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=363593&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

not going to be nearly as good as the 28-75, but it definately covers a lot more range.

Message edited by author 2006-07-27 23:33:32.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

07/28/2006 12:03:42 AM · #13

OK...so I believe I'm going for the 28-75, unless someone can change my mind. I might be able to save up enough to get the 70-300 too before I leave, but not sure. Thanks for all your help everyone, it's greatly appreciated.

Kevin

violinist123

Canon EOS-6D

07/28/2006 12:18:09 AM · #14

The kit lense is what, 28-55mm. So you're buying a lense to pick up another 20mm on the top end? You want to shoot those snowboards you might consider picking up some sort of telephoto unless you are going to be able to run next to them the whole time heheh.

edit: took my kit lense out of the box it's been sitting in for a month and verified its 18-55

Message edited by author 2006-07-28 00:21:23.

Prof_Fate

07/28/2006 12:25:08 AM · #15

There are known good lenses, some lesser known good lenses, some you can just figure to be good (any canon L lens), and some that are great value.

in teh great value category:

canon 50 1.8 ($75)
sigma 70-300 4-5.6 DG APO macro (MUST be the APO versoin) about $180. Very sharp all the way out to 300mm.

best walk around lense is the Tamron SP24-135 3.5-5.6 for $400. Does macro, is super super sharp, great range.

Best value in a wide angle is the tokins 12-24 f4.

For more money...
tamron 17-50 2.8 or sigma 18-50 2.8 instead of the kit lens. $400-450
canon 10-22 3.5-4.5 $800 or so
canon 70-200 F4 $550
sigma 70-200 2.8 $850
canon 70-200 2.8 and the 2.8 IS - but these exceed your budget by a lot.

You might find a used tamron 70-210 2.8 LD for under $500 - no longer made, but an excellent lens and a fantastic value. I got mine for $300 - a steal.

also consider a sigma EF500DG Super flash. I got a used one for $170 incl shipping and while it does not feel as solid as the canon it works very well.

violinist123

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

07/28/2006 12:27:56 AM · #16

Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

canon 50 1.8 ($75)
sigma 70-300 4-5.6 DG APO macro (MUST be the APO versoin) about $180. Very sharp all the way out to 300mm.

Two votes now for this winning combo. You've got your fast lense for inside churches in Europe (or whatever) and your telephoto for most everything else.

07/28/2006 12:37:32 AM · #17

yes, that combo (50 and 70-300) looks great.....man, this is frustrating! :)

I think I'm going to have to sleep on it.

If you've got more suggestions, keep 'em coming, but I probably won't respond until morning.

Thanks to prof_fate and routerguy for the info.

edit: one last thing... On B&H, what's the difference between imported and USA?

Message edited by author 2006-07-28 00:40:33.

Prof_Fate

07/28/2006 12:58:28 AM · #18

USA means the lens is supposed to be imported to the US, so regular warranty applies. The Import is also known as gray market - a lens that's supposed to be sold someplace other than the US. Usually a few bucks cheaper.

My 50 1.8 i bought a gray market version from b&h. I doubt you'd ever notice the difference even if you held them beside eachother - i mean, it's not like the lens instructions are written in german or something - smae english/french/spanish/japanese instructions you get with everything these days.

IF you need warranty service on a gray market you supposedly have to send the item back to b&h instead of directly to canon. I know nikon is realy picky about this, but i have not heard any issues with canon.

one person here - name excapes me - moved to singapore, no, guam i think. Anyway, she bought lots of stuff before she left. also, you can travel and buy on vacation, or have it break down in a foreign land - so I don't see any reason not to buy gray market. (from a reputable place)

Rikki