1st non-kit lens... [Archive] - Digital Photography School

Junior_co

02-05-2008, 04:31 AM

Ok, so you know where I'm coming from... I've been looking, reading, learning in order to make the jump to DSLR...

I've pretty much decided that the Canon Xti Rebel is the camera that fits me best at this time... ($$, feels good in the hand, $$, friend w/ compatible lenses, etc...)

My Better Half (MBH) found a screaming deal on what is probably a "Factory Fresh" (refurbished?) camera body only... ~260 USD. After a phone call to figure out exactly what comes with it (all factory equip??) and it's Factory Fresh definition... I'll probably order it...

So, since it doesn't come with a Kit Lens... and assuming that the savings are accurate, It seems that I'll be able to buy a ~decent~ lens...

So, since this would be my first DSLR... And that I'll prbably only be buying one lens and maybe a 50mm (second lens)...

What do you suggest... Obviously I'd like to step up from the kit lens, but what I'd need is a lens that will let me learn the camea, and help me figure out exactly what I'd need to purcase in the future, but at the same time, not throwing away $$$...

Sorry for the long(ish) post, but wanted to pass on my thoughts (and lack of knowlage...

Junior

GEli

02-05-2008, 05:49 AM

$260 for a new XTi sounds far, far too good of a deal to be true. The body only should be around $500 USD, and closer to $600 with the kit lens. What website is it coming from? Have you checked resellerratings.com on them yet? Chances are it's a scam - there are a lot of them out there, particularly for digital cameras.

That being said, once you do get your XTi, pick up the Canon 50mm f/1.8 like you've said. Then wait a while. As you shoot with what you have, think about whether you find yourself wanting longer or shorter lenses. Once you're quite sure you know what you're missing, buy that lens.

smc1377

02-05-2008, 06:34 AM

Agree with the "too good to be true" sentiment. Even on this forum, there has been a few people who've gone with those super cheap places and they got the run around and the upsales pitch and everything. In conjunction to researching the seller, posting the business name on this site could yield you some past experiences others may have had with them.

Junior_co

02-05-2008, 11:39 AM

Here is the link that the camera is listed...

http://www.bestpricecameras.com/prodetails.asp?prodid=713192

I took a look at the web site that you suggested.

We will be avoiding this place... It's too bad that there are companies/people out there like that. Even if we were to luck out, and get the screaming deal and great service, I wouldn't feel good about supporting a company that screwed over so many others...

On a brighter note... Thanks for the lens advice... I ran a 50mm on my old Pentax K1000 from days gone by.... I do know from that experience that I need something that will reach out a little bit to get some better shots of wild life. Living in Colorado, that is a must. I also know that I like to get close up (Macro?) shots of various bugs, and lizard type critters. But the latter is probably not as important as reaching out a little bit....

Thanks for the feedback.

Junior

mattdm

02-05-2008, 12:07 PM

Since the XTi has a sensor 1.6× smaller than film, you may want to consider a 30mm prime to match the experience you're used to on your film camera. Sigma has a nice one available in Canon mount (review here (http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/Canon EOS Lens Tests/45-canon-eos-aps-c/298-sigma-af-30mm-f14-ex-hsm-dc-test-report--review)) for around $400.

As for where to buy: B&H Photo, Adorama, Beach/Buydig, or Amazon. Pretty much anywhere else and you're asking for trouble.

(PS: note that while that review says some negative things, the comparison is with lenses costing several times more. So....)

wulf

02-05-2008, 12:08 PM

You might find it easiest to look for a good deal (from a reputable merchant) with the kit lens included. Generally these bundles work out cheaper than buying body and lens separately.

The kit lens almost certainly won't do everything you want but it will give you a good introduction over a useful range. After two or three months experience you can then decide on a second lens, drawing on what you have learnt.

Wulf

GEli

02-06-2008, 08:19 AM

How many lenses do you have for your K1000? Have you taken a look at Pentax's DSLR line up? Their DSLRs work with every K mount lens ever made, so if you do already have a substantial (or even small, they're great DLSRs!) collection, give them a look. I have a K10D myself, but that may be a bit above your budget (they're $700ish). On a smaller budget, consider the K100D Super. For $450 or so new and $350ish used, you get a fantastic body with great low light performance that'll work with your old lenses and new Pentax glass. If you find a cheap used K100D non-Super, don't worry too much about it - the Super only denotes their compatibility with new HSM focusing motors found in a select few expensive new lenses.

Edit: I should also mention that the K100D boasts in-body shake reduction, meaning you'll have SR even with your legacy glass.

Junior_co

02-06-2008, 12:08 PM

How many lenses do you have for your K1000? Have you taken a look at Pentax's DSLR line up?

I've only got one 50mm lens for the old pentax... And even it was dropped by my mother well before I snaked it from her... As it is, I can't even screw a filter on to it.

I had thought about going the Pentax route, but since my friend has canon lenses that I can try and play around with... I thinks it's the Canon route for me...

Thanks for the thought though....

Good on ya

Junior

inkista

02-06-2008, 10:55 PM

The newer IS version (http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=335&sort=7&cat=27&page=3) of the EF-S 18-55 kit is said to rival the $1100 EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS for sharpness (though not speed, obviously). That means it's optically a lot better than the old EF-S 18-55 kit lens. There have been a lot of folks on dpreview posting full galleries of shots done at night handheld at 1/6s and the like that are mighty impressive, so if you're budget-strapped lens-wise, I'd say reconsider the kit lens as long as it's the IS version (~$200).

Dr. WooD

02-19-2008, 07:22 AM

RUN AWAY

As soon as I clicked on the link you posted where you were planning on buying the camera my McAfee SiteAdvisor posted

Feedback from credible users indicates an overall concern with shopping at this site.

Matthew James Norman

02-19-2008, 06:28 PM

Junior_co

02-21-2008, 11:51 AM

I've already done run away from that one... I will probably go with a purchase from costco.com... the price is around the average, but it'll come with a memory card... And we've always had good luck with them on cusomer realated issues....

Thanks for all the input from everyone!! Your comments have even scared my better half off from the shotty and less reputable companies... That says a lot, cause she is always willing to take a chance for a "good deal"...

Now to coax the last bit of $$$ from her tight grasp!! :-D

J