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Kit or Body and prime lens?

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ianincornwall

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Hi all

Probably getting a 300 this weekend. Can you suggest whether it would be better for me to get the kit or a 50 mm lens. I am a "snapshot" type photographer looking for more quality and control than my point and shoot has given.
 
I dont have the 50/1.8 yet....its on the christmas list.. :-)

But, I'd suggest getting the kit lens (for $100 its worth it), and the 50mm as well.
ianincornwall said:
Hi all

Probably getting a 300 this weekend. Can you suggest whether it
would be better for me to get the kit or a 50 mm lens. I am a
"snapshot" type photographer looking for more quality and control
than my point and shoot has given.
Click to expand...
 
If I were you, I'd get both! Best bargains available!

Right now at least, you can only get the 18-55 with the camera in the "kit". It's really hard to pass up.
 
DO NOT PASS UP THE 18-55mm KIT LENS. You'll regret it since you won't be able to get great wide-angle performance at anything near that price.

Remember the 1.6x crop factor - that 50mm lens behaves more like an 80mm portrait lens on the 300D. It's a great lens, I have one myself, but it's no substitute for the 18-55 EF-S.
  • Zapped
More random EOS300D pics -
http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=4289085949
 
If and when you want to sell the camera to move to a later model, you will need that kit lens to make the sale more acceptable. I suggest you order lenses from companies like B & H, Adorama, Delta International, Canoga. You will save a lot of money, and if you order from out of their state, you will save taxes. A 50mm lens is about $70 and a real bargain for lowlight situations. I'd get both. If you plan to buy from a brick and mortar store, you will probably pay more for added lenses. Just get the kit there or from a web store. Be sure to check all web merchants at http://www.resellerratings.com .
 
I bought a DigiReb for the wife last week at best buy with the kit lens. I snapped a quick shot last night in the yard and was impressed with the results of this $100.00 lens. Link is below. Personally, I'd make sure to get this lens as it appears to be an excellent value (as is the 50 f1.8). I have the 50 for my 10D but it doesn't see much light of day as I find the zooms more convenient. So in my opinion, the kit lens is the right way to go and if you find later that you need the low light capability and want a good prime, then add the 50. Anyway you do it, you can't go wrong.

http://www.pbase.com/image/22731849&exif=Y
Phil Wheeler said:
ianincornwall said:
Hi all

Probably getting a 300 this weekend. Can you suggest whether it
would be better for me to get the kit or a 50 mm lens.
Click to expand...
Both. The 50 mm lens is equiv to 80 mm on a 35 mm.

You will want the kit lens to get down to 28 mm equiv.

Phil
Click to expand...
 
Both!

I was able to get the Dreb with the kit lens and the 50mm f/1.8 prime all for $989 shipped from onecall. Couldn't pass up of the offer.

But definately get the kit lens, it's worth the extra $100. There is no way you can find a Canon WA zoom lens for even close to $100.
ianincornwall said:
Hi all

Probably getting a 300 this weekend. Can you suggest whether it
would be better for me to get the kit or a 50 mm lens. I am a
"snapshot" type photographer looking for more quality and control
than my point and shoot has given.
Click to expand...
--
http://www.pbase.com/pmantis24
 
No, the image is the size from the camera. I did downsize to 72DPI. I did a bit of levels adjustment and added a bit of USM. Otherwise, it's using the dreb defaults.
saiyan said:
That picture you took of the flower, was that cropped and then
enlarged?
jim powers said:
http://www.pbase.com/image/22731849&exif=Y
Phil Wheeler said:
ianincornwall said:
Hi all

Probably getting a 300 this weekend. Can you suggest whether it
would be better for me to get the kit or a 50 mm lens.
Click to expand...
Both. The 50 mm lens is equiv to 80 mm on a 35 mm.

You will want the kit lens to get down to 28 mm equiv.

Phil
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
The kit lens minimum focus distance is something like 9 inches so it will get really close. This was taken at 55mm.
jim powers said:
saiyan said:
That picture you took of the flower, was that cropped and then
enlarged?
jim powers said:
http://www.pbase.com/image/22731849&exif=Y
Phil Wheeler said:
ianincornwall said:
Hi all

Probably getting a 300 this weekend. Can you suggest whether it
would be better for me to get the kit or a 50 mm lens.
Click to expand...
Both. The 50 mm lens is equiv to 80 mm on a 35 mm.

You will want the kit lens to get down to 28 mm equiv.

Phil
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Hi Jim,

Did you manual focus with that shot? I had not been able to
get that close to my subject ie. a flower...
jim powers said:
jim powers said:
saiyan said:
That picture you took of the flower, was that cropped and then
enlarged?
jim powers said:
http://www.pbase.com/image/22731849&exif=Y
Phil Wheeler said:
ianincornwall said:
Hi all

Probably getting a 300 this weekend. Can you suggest whether it
would be better for me to get the kit or a 50 mm lens.
Click to expand...
Both. The 50 mm lens is equiv to 80 mm on a 35 mm.

You will want the kit lens to get down to 28 mm equiv.

Phil
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
No, I used autofocus and used the right middle focus point only.
saiyan said:
Did you manual focus with that shot? I had not been able to
get that close to my subject ie. a flower...
jim powers said:
jim powers said:
saiyan said:
That picture you took of the flower, was that cropped and then
enlarged?
jim powers said:
http://www.pbase.com/image/22731849&exif=Y
Phil Wheeler said:
ianincornwall said:
Hi all

Probably getting a 300 this weekend. Can you suggest whether it
would be better for me to get the kit or a 50 mm lens.
Click to expand...
Both. The 50 mm lens is equiv to 80 mm on a 35 mm.

You will want the kit lens to get down to 28 mm equiv.

Phil
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
misha,
good point! jim, was this handheld?

i'm trying to figure if i should buy the 50 or 100mm macro lens.
or stick it out and try to use the kit lens for macro.
misha said:
saiyan said:
Hi Jim,

Did you manual focus with that shot? I had not been able to
get that close to my subject ie. a flower...
Click to expand...
Note that this is a large flower (a dahlia)
--
Misha
Click to expand...
 
This was handheld and just a passing shot (I was actually out taking pics of the 18 month old). I have been impressed with the kit lens and think it is useful for macro's. Personally, I had the Sigma 105 F2.8 EX Macro lens for the 10D but wanted more working distance so I purchased the Sigma 180 F3.5 EX macro and am glad I did. Excellent lens, very sharp, and once I put it on, I don't want to take it off. I prefer the extra working distance and can heartily recommend this lens for macro work. It's 1:1 right out of the box and can be had for less than $500.00. In the meantime though, the kit lens looks good to me.

Yes, this is a dahlia but is not one of the "large varieties" that float about. I'd say this is a small to medium variety. I love the large ones but they won't grow in my backyard due to the wind.
saiyan said:
i'm trying to figure if i should buy the 50 or 100mm macro lens.
or stick it out and try to use the kit lens for macro.
misha said:
saiyan said:
Hi Jim,

Did you manual focus with that shot? I had not been able to
get that close to my subject ie. a flower...
Click to expand...
Note that this is a large flower (a dahlia)
--
Misha
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Jim,

I am in the same position of waiting for the C-EOS 300D in Australia to arrive as a Body only. I have a number of lenses (Canon EF type - that I am happy with : 35 -80 and 75-300. Can you tell me what the ratio will be on the digital of these EF lenses..

Are there any other differences that I will be missing out on, by using the EF type lenses? How long was it before Canon released the body only model from the kit model, where you are?.. The 300D has just been released in Australia, and retailers are telling me that they have no indication of when the body only model will appear?

Thanks
jim powers said:
Yes, this is a dahlia but is not one of the "large varieties" that
float about. I'd say this is a small to medium variety. I love
the large ones but they won't grow in my backyard due to the wind.
saiyan said:
i'm trying to figure if i should buy the 50 or 100mm macro lens.
or stick it out and try to use the kit lens for macro.
misha said:
saiyan said:
Hi Jim,

Did you manual focus with that shot? I had not been able to
get that close to my subject ie. a flower...
Click to expand...
Note that this is a large flower (a dahlia)
--
Misha
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Kon,

In my opinion, you should go ahead and buy the kit as the lens that comes with it is worth the $100.00 and gives you around a 28mm equivalent. You can't buy one for that price and the ones you already have won't get down to that wide angle range. With the 1.6 "crop factor" the widest you have is equivalent to 56mm. Also, the optical quality of the kit lens seems to be good. Just mulitiply the 35mm lenght by 1.6 and you'll get the "range" of your current lenses. The kit lens is 18-55 which will be the equivalent of 29 to 88. Makes for a nice range. The cheapest acceptable wide angle I could find was a 19-35 for approx $150 US. Spend the extra and get the lens to use in conjuntion with existing ones. To me, it looks like it will add to your collection quite nicely.

Enjoy.
Kon Koutoumanos said:
Are there any other differences that I will be missing out on, by
using the EF type lenses? How long was it before Canon released the
body only model from the kit model, where you are?.. The 300D has
just been released in Australia, and retailers are telling me that
they have no indication of when the body only model will appear?

Thanks
jim powers said:
Yes, this is a dahlia but is not one of the "large varieties" that
float about. I'd say this is a small to medium variety. I love
the large ones but they won't grow in my backyard due to the wind.
saiyan said:
i'm trying to figure if i should buy the 50 or 100mm macro lens.
or stick it out and try to use the kit lens for macro.
misha said:
saiyan said:
Hi Jim,

Did you manual focus with that shot? I had not been able to
get that close to my subject ie. a flower...
Click to expand...
Note that this is a large flower (a dahlia)
--
Misha
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Some here says go for both the kit lens and the 50mm f1.8, but I say if you can afford these two then you should really be getting the 28-135mm IS lens. Yes it costs more but cover the ranges generally more commonly used and dont suffer focus limitations that the other two lens may have, if you want just wanted one lens then this one will do.

To be honest I doubt you be really happy with the kit lens and it does no justice to the price you pay for the camera.
ianincornwall said:
Hi all

Probably getting a 300 this weekend. Can you suggest whether it
would be better for me to get the kit or a 50 mm lens. I am a
"snapshot" type photographer looking for more quality and control
than my point and shoot has given.
Click to expand...
 
Jim,
Much appreciated for the response..

I think I am convinced, however it now comes down to getting the right price and availability of it.. thanks for the feedback..
jim powers said:
In my opinion, you should go ahead and buy the kit as the lens that
comes with it is worth the $100.00 and gives you around a 28mm
equivalent. You can't buy one for that price and the ones you
already have won't get down to that wide angle range. With the 1.6
"crop factor" the widest you have is equivalent to 56mm. Also, the
optical quality of the kit lens seems to be good. Just mulitiply
the 35mm lenght by 1.6 and you'll get the "range" of your current
lenses. The kit lens is 18-55 which will be the equivalent of 29 to
88. Makes for a nice range. The cheapest acceptable wide angle I
could find was a 19-35 for approx $150 US. Spend the extra and get
the lens to use in conjuntion with existing ones. To me, it looks
like it will add to your collection quite nicely.

Enjoy.
Kon Koutoumanos said:
Are there any other differences that I will be missing out on, by
using the EF type lenses? How long was it before Canon released the
body only model from the kit model, where you are?.. The 300D has
just been released in Australia, and retailers are telling me that
they have no indication of when the body only model will appear?

Thanks
jim powers said:
Yes, this is a dahlia but is not one of the "large varieties" that
float about. I'd say this is a small to medium variety. I love
the large ones but they won't grow in my backyard due to the wind.
saiyan said:
i'm trying to figure if i should buy the 50 or 100mm macro lens.
or stick it out and try to use the kit lens for macro.
misha said:
saiyan said:
Hi Jim,

Did you manual focus with that shot? I had not been able to
get that close to my subject ie. a flower...
Click to expand...
Note that this is a large flower (a dahlia)
--
Misha
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
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