EOS-350D kit lens or other? - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

08/11/2006 11:26:05 AM · #1

I am considering getting the camera without the kit lens in the hopes of getting something better, but not spending much more. If I save about $100 by getting the body only, is there a better "starter" lens that costs about the same? Eventually I'd like to get good lenses, but need something inexpensive now.

Neil

Fujifilm X-T30

08/11/2006 11:32:48 AM · #2

Yes! Get the Sigma 18-125 for around $200-$250. It's a great all around lens. Very sharp IMHO, focuses well, though not as well as a Canon USM lens. Comes with a petal style lens hood, and does not rotate when focusing like the stupid kit lens.

I appreciate its versatility more and more each time I use it. I just wish it had a bit more reach, but you can get that for a few more bucks by going for the 18-200 version instead (about $300-$350).

mist

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

08/11/2006 11:42:13 AM · #3

If you shop around you should be able to find it for roughly the same price with the lens as without.

I know when I got my 20D it was 5 pounds more without the lens, I guess because the shop had overstock on the kit.

Mick

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

08/11/2006 11:42:45 AM · #4

The 50mm f/1.8 would be a good choice too. Very cheap and sharp as a tack.

Olympus 12-45mm f/4.0 Pro

08/11/2006 11:43:26 AM · #5

Originally posted by nshapiro:

Thanks. The Sigma looks like a nice lens but the prices I checked are closer to $250. The goal here is to use the kit lens money and not much more. If nothing is available, I'll probably just get the kit lens and upgrade later.

OdysseyF22

Panasonic DC-G9

08/11/2006 11:44:53 AM · #6

The 50mm F/1.8 runs about $70US and is a great little lens, but you't be happy with it as a walk around.

My suggestion, spring for about $350 and get the Tamron 28-75 F/2.8 The constant 2.8 is great, it has a good range, and takes great shots. Since I got mine, it has hardly left the camera.

Edit: Seeing your last post about how much you want to spend, the kit lens isn't bad for starters. It's worth the extra $100 to get the kit, and then save for something better if you can't swing for the extra right off.

Message edited by author 2006-08-11 11:45:53.

08/11/2006 11:47:12 AM · #7

Originally posted by mist:

I want to stick with a reputable dealer so I actually get the camera. Newegg has the body for $619, kit for $719. That's about the best I could find where I know I'll get good service.

violinist123

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

08/11/2006 11:53:43 AM · #8

Originally posted by mad_brewer:

The extra hundred bucks gets you a lense people can't ebay fast enough (and you can get from ebay for 50 bucks). I'm sorry to not give a more balanced review but the bottom line is the lense is a complete piece of junk. It is poorly constructed, the colors look odd when you look at your shots, it is soft as a ball of cotton, etc. There is nothing good to say about the lense at all. Take the 100 bucks and get the 50mm 1.8 and use your feet as your zoom till you save up some more dough and can start adding glass to your collection. Use the change to buy some beer.

Message edited by author 2006-08-11 11:54:45.

NstiG8tr

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

08/11/2006 12:05:44 PM · #9

Or go see this thread My lenses for sale and make me some offers.

Message edited by author 2006-08-11 12:06:38.

RKT

Canon EOS-60D

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 for Canon

08/11/2006 12:20:39 PM · #10

The 50mm 1.8 is a nice choice, and actually, IMO, you can get some very nice shots out of the kit lense if you know how to use it and learn what it's limitations are. I've gotten some excellent images at F8 and there abouts. It also depends on what you plan to do with your photography. The kit lense is probably not the way to go if you plan on putting out 30" by 40" prints, but for smaller prints and online it's not so bad. Other problems, whatever they might be, can be corrected in post proccessing. You can always upgrade lenses as you learn what your needs are.

: }

...edit to say;

Go have a look under the equipment menu under lenses/canon/18-55 etc. and have a look for yourself just what the kit lense is capable of, you may be impressed, I know I was.

Message edited by author 2006-08-11 12:26:27.

08/11/2006 12:26:53 PM · #11

NstiG8tr - will PM when ready (aka "get final spousal approval").

RKT - no big prints at this time. Upgrades will happen in future as money permits.

rami

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

08/11/2006 12:35:45 PM · #12

i bought the kit lens, when i got arround to use it i got another lens and planning on getting more.. eventually i havent been using my kit lens.. problem is i didnt know exactly what i would be missing untill i bought it .. so here is what i find wrong with the kit lens

its alright, but the aperture is very limiting.. its not fast enough..
i don like shooting with flash, it ruins the mood, so f/3.5-5.6 isnt gonna cut it indoors and in low light situations..
it doesnt give me enough shallow DOF.
other than that .. its a decent lens.. and as mentioned before i guess post processing can fix imperfections..
now i would buy the body only and get a good lens with a constant f/2.8 or less.. i guess the prime 50mm 1.8 is a good one..
i've been researching and found the Tamron 28-75 F/2.8 a good choice.. from specs and reviews.. havent tried it in person.. but seems to me like a good replacement for the kit lens and not to expensive

ionyou

Fujifilm FinePix S602Z

08/11/2006 01:28:28 PM · #13

Get the 50mm 1.8, you will later anyway. Everyone does. it's only around $70 so well within your budget. While you're saving up for a good zoom lens you can learn how to use your camera. Or just wait till you can afford both the camera and the Tamron 28-75 F/2.8

08/11/2006 02:23:45 PM · #14

I'm starting to lean towards the 50mm 1.8. If I were to get a great deal also on the kit lens, would that really add much ? If I get the 50mm for $75 and the other for $50, that's only $25 more than the bundled deal.

violinist123

Canon EOS-6D

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM for Canon

08/11/2006 02:35:40 PM · #15

It would give you a wide angle to shoot with, but on the 350 (I have this cam too) it's really not a 'wide angle' since you lose a good chunk of the field of view to your crop factor. Good for buildings and some odds and ends. Basically for 50 bucks you get to take pictures with a little more in the shot, at a lot less quality than the 50mm. Wether that's worth 50 bucks is your option.

ionyou

Fujifilm FinePix S602Z

08/11/2006 03:05:24 PM · #16

They should make a fixed wide angle prime. If it can be made as cheaply as the 50mm 1.8 that is.

coronamv

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

08/11/2006 03:14:31 PM · #17

As glass is concerned nothing good comes cheap... But you can get some decent lens for below $500. The body of the camera will be the cheapest cost in the end.

violinist123

Canon EOS-6D

08/11/2006 03:17:17 PM · #18

Originally posted by ionyou:

They should make a fixed wide angle prime. If it can be made as cheaply as the 50mm 1.8 that is.

Canon has a nice prime, 35mm 2.8. Have to order it since no shops seem to carry primes anymore, at least not this one. Not nearly so cheap as the 50mm :(

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM for Canon

08/11/2006 03:23:40 PM · #19

Originally posted by coronamv:

As glass is concerned nothing good comes cheap... But you can get some decent lens for below $500. The body of the camera will be the cheapest cost in the end.

That's why I don't want to get something midrange now and then not be able to upgrade because I already spent so much. I want cheap but decent now and then get the good stuff later. I'm assuming that even the kits lens must be better than my P&S. I'll still have that as a backup and it does decent macro and does fine indoors with the Sigma flash.

coronamv

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

08/11/2006 05:13:13 PM · #20

the 28-105 USM is a good choice, but its still more than a hundred more.. and the kit lens does go to 18 which is more wide than 28 on the xt. good luck becareful with ebay check prices before you bid for some reason people get into bidding wars and up the price above retail..