What lens for 300d?

I am sure this question has been asked before. I might buy a new 300d. Wanted to know if I should get the kit lens or another. If another which should I get.
--
Lee

~ Be the person your dog thinks you are. ~

http://www.flyfamily.org

thefly said:

I am sure this question has been asked before. I might buy a new
300d. Wanted to know if I should get the kit lens or another. If
another which should I get.
--
Lee

Click to expand...

Conventional wisdom says buy the kit lens (it's only $50), and works well if you crop your photos. After that, buy either the 28-135 F3.5-5.6 IS or the 28-105 F/3.5-4.5.

thefly said:

I am sure this question has been asked before. I might buy a new
300d. Wanted to know if I should get the kit lens or another. If
another which should I get.

Click to expand...

What do you want to shoot? Without knowing that, I suggest the
105mm f2.8 macro, because it's such a great lens.

Think seriously about buying the kit lens (or the 18-125), and
buying lots of memory instead. If you get a cheap generic extra
battery and a 2GB memory card you'll be able to take a lot more
photos, which will help you learn more and make informed choices
about extra lenses.

For many purposes, you might be better off with the new Sigma
18-125mm zoom, because it gives you a little more zoom range
for a few extra dollars. But if you're lilkely to want better lenses
soon, buy the kit lens because it's so cheap. If you have dollars
to burn, I suggest the Sigma 12-24, the 24-70L and the 70-200IS
would give you excellent coverage over a good range. For only about
$US4000 too.

Read the forum, consider things like the Sigma 70-300 APO macro II,
the 17-40L and perhaps the 100-400IS. It's all about budget and what
you'll use the camera for.

Since the kit is a 'good value' at the $90-$100 premium over the body-only, AND since it covers a range of focal lengths typically FAR more expensive to cover (18mm-24mm), then I'd suggest getting the kit lens.

Just know it's limitations and understand that it is what it is: A solid VALUE in an Ultrawide Angle Zoom. Don't get hung up in the "kit vs. 17-40L" disctractions (just yet). Use the kit as intended.. as a servicable starter lens, best when stopped to to around f/8-f/11, but this isn't of great concern since MOST wideangle shots are more likely to be of the the type you typically WOULD stop down, anyways (landscape, architecture, etc.). If you'd like to pick up a cheap way to ensure you have at least one 'go to' piece of glass that will yield a very sharp photo, think about adding the inexpensive, but sharp, Canon 50/1.8.

Other than that, I'd strongly suggest you stick to the essentials out of the gate and THEN weigh your options. I wouldn't recommend stalking up on glass, UNLESS you've used an SLR before and know what focal lengths you'd find most useful/important AND what kind of optical performance you will want to demand from them. Otherwise, you might find yourself adding that 'must have' lens someone else suggests, only to find yourself wishing you'd applied that money spent towards a different lens that YOU would have rather preferred.

No rush.. get the body + kit, perhaps adding the $80 Canon 50/1.8 at time of purchase, and then once you get the camera, start shooting, and being to get consistent results that are on par with the camera/lens capabilities you can THEN be in a better position to evaluate "what's missing" for YOU and YOUR shooting wants/needs/habits.

Best of luck!

icmp

thefly said:

I am sure this question has been asked before. I might buy a new
300d. Wanted to know if I should get the kit lens or another. If
another which should I get.
--
Lee

~ Be the person your dog thinks you are. ~

http://www.flyfamily.org

Click to expand...

Moz said:

thefly said:

I am sure this question has been asked before. I might buy a new
300d. Wanted to know if I should get the kit lens or another. If
another which should I get.

Click to expand...

What do you want to shoot? Without knowing that, I suggest the
105mm f2.8 macro, because it's such a great lens.

Think seriously about buying the kit lens (or the 18-125), and
buying lots of memory instead. If you get a cheap generic extra
battery and a 2GB memory card you'll be able to take a lot more
photos, which will help you learn more and make informed choices
about extra lenses.

For many purposes, you might be better off with the new Sigma
18-125mm zoom, because it gives you a little more zoom range
for a few extra dollars. But if you're lilkely to want better lenses
soon, buy the kit lens because it's so cheap. If you have dollars
to burn, I suggest the Sigma 12-24, the 24-70L and the 70-200IS
would give you excellent coverage over a good range. For only about
$US4000 too.

Read the forum, consider things like the Sigma 70-300 APO macro II,
the 17-40L and perhaps the 100-400IS. It's all about budget and what
you'll use the camera for.

Click to expand...

Thanks Moz.

My Canon G3 was stolen today and I am looking for a replacement. Just was looking for the best all purpose lens. I will price the Sigma 18-125 as an alternative the the kit lens.
--
Lee

~ Be the person your dog thinks you are. ~

http://www.flyfamily.org

The kit lens is great to start off with, as well as the 50mm f/1.8 because it is so cheap. Use both extensively and then find out how the lenses limit your style of photography (if at all!).

Bummer to hear about your G3 being stolen. The 300D is an entirely different beast--the DOF is MUCH more shallow than the G3 (I upgraded from a G2).

Good luck with your decision and enjoy the camera!

--
Chewie

Sigma 18-125
Sigma 70-300 APO II
Canon 50/1.8

I'd start with the 18-125.

thefly said:

I am sure this question has been asked before. I might buy a new
300d. Wanted to know if I should get the kit lens or another. If
another which should I get.
--
Lee

~ Be the person your dog thinks you are. ~

http://www.flyfamily.org

Click to expand...

petermk said:

Sigma 18-125
Sigma 70-300 APO II
Canon 50/1.8

I'd start with the 18-125.

Click to expand...

I second that, unless money is really tight. The 18-125 will give you
an immediate kick in zoom range over the G3, plus all the SLR
benefits you're hoping for. Then you just have to get out there
and take photos ;-)

Moz said:

petermk said:

Sigma 18-125
Sigma 70-300 APO II
Canon 50/1.8

I'd start with the 18-125.

Click to expand...

I second that, unless money is really tight. The 18-125 will give you
an immediate kick in zoom range over the G3, plus all the SLR
benefits you're hoping for. Then you just have to get out there
and take photos ;-)

Click to expand...

Money is tight. But, I want something to be happy with for a few years.

Having trouble finding anyone who sells the 300d without the kit lens. Any suggestions?
--
Lee

~ Be the person your dog thinks you are. ~

http://www.flyfamily.org

The Canon 28-135 is a great walkaround for starters. You can get the kit if you want but if you want to save a few dollars, skip it and just get the 28-135. Only bother with the kit lens if you want to do wide angle.

thefly said:

Moz said:

petermk said:

Sigma 18-125
Sigma 70-300 APO II
Canon 50/1.8

I'd start with the 18-125.

Click to expand...

I second that, unless money is really tight. The 18-125 will give you
an immediate kick in zoom range over the G3, plus all the SLR
benefits you're hoping for. Then you just have to get out there
and take photos ;-)

Click to expand...

Money is tight. But, I want something to be happy with for a few
years.

Having trouble finding anyone who sells the 300d without the kit
lens. Any suggestions?
--
Lee

~ Be the person your dog thinks you are. ~

http://www.flyfamily.org

Click to expand...

I am also a newbie to DSLR's. The best advice I recieved was to puchase the canon 50mm 1.8/f, around $70. Everyone says, and I agree, It is a great lens to start with, takes very sharp shots, best bang for you buck.
Start with this lens, then purchase new lens as needed.

Newbie aka ERic

I've had the DRebel for about 4 months; been into SLR's for decades and do some professional photography.

Personally, I can't imagine buying the DRebel without the kit lens. If for no other reason than re-sale. If you eventually upgrade your body and want to unload the DRebel, what lens are you going to sell with it? Since anyone buying a used DRebel is likely on a low budget and would welcome the kit lens.

Plus, I actually use the kit lens quite a bit. It's light and has good wide angle. Fact is, if you buy the body without the kit lens and then decide you want the kit lens for whatever reason, you are out of luck.

BTW, I'm a bit confused by your previous logic. You seem to indicate that you have the money for extra lens, which will almost certainly set you back more than the body, and then you seem to be wanting to save some money by not including the kits which adds less than $100 to the price.

It's is great lens but as an extra lens, not as your first lens (assuming you don't get the kit lens). 50mm is too long on the DRebel for many types of shots, especially indoor ones.

PeterF said:

I've had the DRebel for about 4 months; been into SLR's for decades
and do some professional photography.

Personally, I can't imagine buying the DRebel without the kit lens.
If for no other reason than re-sale. If you eventually upgrade
your body and want to unload the DRebel, what lens are you going to
sell with it? Since anyone buying a used DRebel is likely on a low
budget and would welcome the kit lens.

Plus, I actually use the kit lens quite a bit. It's light and has
good wide angle. Fact is, if you buy the body without the kit lens
and then decide you want the kit lens for whatever reason, you are
out of luck.

BTW, I'm a bit confused by your previous logic. You seem to
indicate that you have the money for extra lens, which will almost
certainly set you back more than the body, and then you seem to be
wanting to save some money by not including the kits which adds
less than $100 to the price.

Click to expand...

Sorry. Money is very tight. Just did not want a lens that I would want to replace in a couple of months.
--
Lee

~ Be the person your dog thinks you are. ~

http://www.flyfamily.org

thefly said:

Money is tight. But, I want something to be happy with for a few
years. Having trouble finding anyone who sells the 300d without
the kit lens. Any suggestions?

Click to expand...

BH have it: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home ;jsessionid=BE9UYydBSp!-701446997?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=297500&is=REG

Adorama have it:

http://www.adorama.com/ICADR.html?sid=10908131132918180&searchinfo=canon%20digital%20rebel&item_no=2

Both $US800, compared to $880 with the kit lens.

That plus the Sigma 18-125 for $269... still costs you an extra $160
over the kit lens.

If money is that tight, I think you'd be much better off with the kit
lens and a 1GB card, which you should be able to get for about $1000.
Unless you already have lots of storage, I'd buy the memory instead of
the lens.

Also check out this thread... pricing comments especially.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1029&message=9662944

BuyDig has the body only for $741

thefly said:

Moz said:

petermk said:

Sigma 18-125
Sigma 70-300 APO II
Canon 50/1.8

I'd start with the 18-125.

Click to expand...

I second that, unless money is really tight. The 18-125 will give you
an immediate kick in zoom range over the G3, plus all the SLR
benefits you're hoping for. Then you just have to get out there
and take photos ;-)

Click to expand...

Money is tight. But, I want something to be happy with for a few
years.

Having trouble finding anyone who sells the 300d without the kit
lens. Any suggestions?
--
Lee

~ Be the person your dog thinks you are. ~

http://www.flyfamily.org

Click to expand...

I'd buy the DR on buydig.com for $748. Add the Sigma 18-125 for $270 and a 512K CF for about $65 (regular speed). That would roughly add up to $1100. You'd have plenty of memory for starters and a lens that would cover both the wide angle and medium range.

thefly said:

I am sure this question has been asked before. I might buy a new
300d. Wanted to know if I should get the kit lens or another. If
another which should I get.
--
Lee

~ Be the person your dog thinks you are. ~

http://www.flyfamily.org

Click to expand...

Here's where I started reading seven months ago:

http://www.photo.net/equipment/canon/300D/EOS_300D_lenses.html

Then cross-check with reviews from http://www.photographyreview.com

Moz said:

thefly said:

Money is tight. But, I want something to be happy with for a few
years. Having trouble finding anyone who sells the 300d without
the kit lens. Any suggestions?

Click to expand...

BH have it:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home ;jsessionid=BE9UYydBSp!-701446997?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=297500&is=REG

Adorama have it:

http://www.adorama.com/ICADR.html?sid=10908131132918180&searchinfo=canon%20digital%20rebel&item_no=2

Both $US800, compared to $880 with the kit lens.

That plus the Sigma 18-125 for $269... still costs you an extra $160
over the kit lens.

If money is that tight, I think you'd be much better off with the kit
lens and a 1GB card, which you should be able to get for about $1000.
Unless you already have lots of storage, I'd buy the memory instead of
the lens.

Click to expand...

I think I am going to get it with the Sigma. It will be easier to selll my wife on a new card than a new lens in a few months. She will just say why did you not get he lens you wanted in the first place.
--
Lee

~ Be the person your dog thinks you are. ~

http://www.flyfamily.org