Shopping List for Canon Digital Rebel 350D

07/23/2005 04:02:26 PM · #1

Hi,

I am a complete newbie to the whole world of photography.
I am awaiting on delivery of a Canon Digital Rebel XT with 18-55mm lens.

I am interested in doing alot of landscape photography and some close up nature photography and am wondering what should be on my shopping list for hardware?

I would like to keep my budget around $600.

My current list looks like this:

2x ACD-239 Lithium-Ion Battery
2x MC-NB2LH Mini Battery Charger
Canon BG-E3 Vertical Grip/Battery Holder
Vivitar Zoom Super W/A 19-35mm f/3.5-4.5 Series 1 AF Lens
General Brand 62mm Circular Polarizer Glass Filter
Canon GB2400 Gadget Bag
Tamron Zoom Telephoto AF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 LD Macro AF Lens

Is this a suitable list? Are there better options? Any other recommandations?

Thanks

Darragh Sherwin

Rikki

07/23/2005 04:04:56 PM · #2

I would recommend getting a good tripod.

AlexMonty

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

07/23/2005 04:12:23 PM · #3

I'd say it was fairly pointless for you to get that Vivitar lens, purely because the range is covered by your kit lens and the optics of said lens are probably not that much better than the kit lens.

The Tamron 75-300mm isn't a bad idea, maybe think about some alternatives like the Sigma or Canon equivalents.

Tripod is a must, get a decent one if the budget allows.

Enjoy your new purchase!
Alex

Rikki

Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra

07/23/2005 04:19:33 PM · #4

I agree with AlexMonty. If I were you, I would get a lens that is maybe a f2.8 or less. I have a Sigma 28-70 F2.8 and I love it. It's great for portrait shots and is wondeful in low light conditions. I also have the Tamron 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di IF Macro. It's great!

Back to the tripod, I suggest a decent one such as a Slik. The tripod head is up for debate. I muself have a ball head but others swear by their grip heads and still others with their pan/tilts.

Don't forget your blower/duster/cleaner. Often time people forget to clean their lenses prior to a shoot and if it's an open challenge, dust spots are a curse since there's no dodging or cloning.

Have fun and good luck.

Bear_Music

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

07/23/2005 04:19:54 PM · #5

Are you sure you need the vertical grip and the extra batteries? I've shot several HUNDRED pics on my new 20D in a couple days (it uses the same battery) and the battery still shows full on the indicator. Since it only takes a couple hours to recharge, I don't see the need of the extra weight of the vertical grip plus batteries unless you're going to be shooting away from reliable electricity for days at a time.

The tripod is a MUST. You'll have to spend something over 100 bucks to get a decent one. Don't go cheap on this. Slik makes some very decent tripods at 110 buck range; I use one myself.

Robt.

07/23/2005 04:32:05 PM · #6

Thank you for all the replies.
From your replies, I think my shopping list should look like:

58mm Haze UV-1 Glass Filter
58mm Circular Polarizer Glass Filter
Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III USM Autofocus Len
Cullmann 3335 Universal 3335 Macro Tripod with Large Panhead (Quick Release)
Canon GB2400 Camera/Camcorder Gadget Bag

Is this a good list to have?

Thanks

Darragh

Rikki

07/23/2005 04:46:39 PM · #7

I don't think you'll need the UV filter since UV is already compensated in the Digital Rebel.

I'm a bit weary about the Cullman because the manufacturer doesn't specify the max weight that the tripod can carry. When buying tripods, it's also important to know what the tripod can hold as far as weight is concerned. You wouldn't want to place your expensive camera on a tripod that you're not sure of right?

My personal preference is a camera backpack instead of a bag. I used to have a bag but since i got my backpack, it's been easier carrying the camera. There are a number of inexpensive backpacks at B&H.

suemack

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

07/23/2005 05:13:13 PM · #8

Different sort of lens, but might be worth considering.......I've got the 50mm f1.8 ll ordered, is cheap and has good reviews mostly. Should arrive this week, will let you know how I get on with it.

yido

Canon EOS-5D

Sigma 20mm f/1.8 EX Aspherical DG DF RF for Canon

07/24/2005 12:11:32 AM · #9

If you are completely new to SLR's and interested in mainly landscape and macros, I'd recommend the following.
1. get a 58mm Circular polarizer for the kit lens. I'd say almost absolutely essential for landscape photography.
2. A very good tripod for macros and panoramic landscape shots, if you intend on doing any.
3. A nice Macro lens.
The above should cost you about $600 alone.
I'd recommend skipping the Vivitar, I'm not sure their optics are upto snuff, and also the Tamron, a long zoom is neither condusive to macros or landscapes. A battery grip is nice but most landscapes are done in horizontal position. If you don't buy all these stuff, you won't need a bag yet. Many start getting into photography and buy inexpensive lens to try different things and then end up buying expensive lens for the same purpose. I did the same thing. Instead, I'd recommend starting slow and buying nice lenses as your skill grow. You'll save more money in the end.

Sigma 20mm f/1.8 EX Aspherical DG DF RF for Canon

07/25/2005 09:09:58 AM · #10

Hi,

Thank you for all the replies, I have decided to buy:
ACD-239 Lithium-Ion Battery (7.4v 900mAh)
Digital Camera Cleaning Kit
Tiffen 58mm Photo Essentials Kit
Sigma Zoom Telephoto 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO Zoom Macro Super II Autofocus Lens
Slik Pro 700DX Tripod with 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head (Quick Release)
Canon GB2400 Camera/Camcorder Gadget Bag

I want to play with a Macro lens like the Sigma above so it will give me a good idea of what other lenses I may want to buy in the future.

Also I want to get all the stuff for cheap in the US before I head home to Ireland where this stuff would cost an arm and a leg.

Thank you

Darragh

yido

Canon EOS-5D

07/25/2005 07:23:22 PM · #11

Darragh,
You may want to just get the 58mm cpl filter instead of a filter kit and save some moeny.
The Sigma 70-300 is not a true macro but close enough. However there is a new DG version made with a coating for digital cameras. Make sure you get that. The german sigma site has it on their webpage. I think I have the same tripod and if it's so, it's a nice one, although heavy. You also may want to check around on bags. Others make good bags that are cheaper than Canons.

Prof_Fate

07/25/2005 07:40:28 PM · #12

Originally posted by dsherwin:

Now your list looks pretty good. I think the Sigma takes a 58mm filter, so one circular polarizer will work for both. The macro function works well, but you have to be pretty far back to use it (good for some things, bad for others.) You could get a 58-58 reversing ring to mount the kit lens on the sigma for another macro option, only $7 or 8.

a spare battery is handy, although even with my 300D i can get a long days use with one charge (7 hours on, 300 RAW pics at a wedding and still juice to spare - another day, or 2 actaully, on vacation - a bit over 500 pics on one charge)

as long as you aren't hiking a million miles, a heavey tripod is better. quick release is great.

anoher thought would be a strap - a got a pro tech strap - LOTS more comfortable than the stock one and has quick releases to remove the strap (or untwist it). $16. well worth it.

ty_roni

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

07/25/2005 07:43:18 PM · #13

If you can fit it in get a 50mm f/1.8 you can get the II version for well under $100. Its one great lense for the price. Sharp and fast. Have fun.

Ty

faidoi

Pentax K10D

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

07/25/2005 07:47:03 PM · #14

Canon EOS Digital Rebel Digital Field Guide
Canon Super Zoom Kit for the Canon Digital Rebel

Message edited by author 2005-07-25 19:51:46.

07/25/2005 10:15:11 PM · #15

Hi Prof_Fate,

Thanks for the info.

Do B & H do a 58mm reversing ring? I can't seem to find one on their
website. If you could post a link (url) that would be great.

Thank you

Darragh

mesmeraj

07/25/2005 10:28:05 PM · #16

i dont mean to be rude - but thats an awful lot of dingerlings and glitsy gadgets for a self professed newbie - i suggest you learn to use the camera with provided lens before you start exploring other "extras" because thats what they are - extras.
SLR photography is believe it or not, a fairly steep learning curve, and youre just going to make it more difficult for yourself with all these extras.
I would learn the basics before i started experimenting with additionals. In all honestly some of the worse photogs are know are so bad because they dove head first into the barrel of extras without learning the basics.

A tripod is what you really need right now. And some good books of learning to operate a slr and lighting.

edit for possibly the worlds dumbest spelling mistake (try pod) ack hahah

Message edited by author 2005-07-25 22:29:51.

07/28/2005 04:52:20 PM · #17

I bought everything in my shopping list except the tripod, I am going on holidays in Florida and I didn't want to be lugging a heavy tripod through airports and trains etc with all my other luggage.

I'll buy one when I get home to Ireland in a few weeks.

BTW, anyone know a good and cheap camera shop in Dublin where I could get the tripod?

Thank you for all the info, my next course of action is a photography class from a Camera club.

Thank you

Darragh

art-inept

Olympus C-5060WZ

Canon EF 35mm f/2.0

07/28/2005 05:12:10 PM · #18

Originally posted by dsherwin:

My current list looks like this:

2x ACD-239 Lithium-Ion Battery
2x MC-NB2LH Mini Battery Charger
Canon BG-E3 Vertical Grip/Battery Holder
Vivitar Zoom Super W/A 19-35mm f/3.5-4.5 Series 1 AF Lens
General Brand 62mm Circular Polarizer Glass Filter
Canon GB2400 Gadget Bag
Tamron Zoom Telephoto AF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 LD Macro AF Lens

you dont need 3 batts, you could shoot a TON of pics before you run out of battery from one battery. i only have one battery. so cut that down to like 1 spare at most., the vertical grip looks nice and everything but your main priority is to get some nice glass to slap on that body first. so ditch that grip and the vivitar and the tamron and the polarizer. if you want to look pro, i'd get some lowepro bag. you already have the 18-55 lens which i've heard mixed reviews from. i say you should get one spare battery then pick up the canon 70-200 f/4 L which will blow away the 18-55, the tamron, and the sigma out of the water.

let me put it this way. instead of buying a bunch of different equipment that's not spectacular. buy one or two things that you'll really hold on to. the L glass will hold it's resale value if you want to sell it later on, the tamrons and sigmas wont, or at least not nearly as well as the L. let me put it this way. it's better to have one good friend, than a bunch of little semi-friends. your L glass is your super friend. the other stuff will be a burden to take care of.

i know my profile says i have an oly, but i also have an xt. but i dont have great glass, my sharpest piece would be the 50 f/1.8 which isn't exactly a wall-hanger. i spend most of my money in lights and all that junk because that's what i really need. yep, hope that inspires you

Message edited by author 2005-07-28 17:16:17.

LoudDog

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

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

07/28/2005 05:14:46 PM · #19

A little to late, but if you're doing a lot of on foot transit a camera backpack is much more comfortable then a standard over the shoulder bag.

For landscape, start saving up for the Canon 17-40mm f4.0 L to replace the 18-55mm. Dell just had them for $540 and free shipping and I snagged myself one.

Ditto on the 50mm F1.8. For $80, why not? it's a very good portrait lens and 52mm filters for it are a dime a dozen on Ebay to have all sorts of fun with.

Also, get yourself some lens hoods!

art-inept

Olympus C-5060WZ

Canon EF 35mm f/2.0

07/28/2005 05:20:21 PM · #20

sorry, i get a little carried away sometimes, but i understand if you want to be realistic. of course, getting an L isn't a realistic first lens. go shoot with your 18-55 and see what things are most important to you. like, do you find that you want more vivid color from your lens? how about sharpness? you need a slightly wider lens, or a longer telephoto? shoot around with the 18-55 for a week, see what you need then go from there. also, i agree with the other on the tripod. a tripod is very necessary.

SteveJ

Canon EOS-7D

07/28/2005 05:27:29 PM · #21

Forget all the extras...get a Slik 400DX or close model, that will be man enough tripod for your camera, and relatively cheap...£100

The lenses and other bits can come later.

Steve

peterish

Nikon D90

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

07/28/2005 07:01:13 PM · #22

Most people would agree that the rebel XT is a bit uncomfortable to hold, and can be straining to the right hand. I've heard that using the extra battery grip all the time eliminates this drawback; how realistic is this?

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