I am seriously considering getting this as my first DSLR camera, but I'm not sure if I should just get the kit or the body only and purchase a lens separate. I've been trying to do my research for a few weeks now, but seeing as I have never played with these things I want some opinions. My wife will be having my first born son in a few months, so I want to be prepared to capture some memories. Based on my research, here is what I think I need:
- Standard angle lens, I'll mostly be doing portrait shots
- Zoom lens for flexibility
- Fairly low f-stop - I want decent low-light photos as well as the ability to take shots with good "bokeh"
I want to take pictures of my son, as well as my step daughter. She plays soccer so I'd like a lens that can handle portraits as well as a shot from maybe 20 yards away. I really like the bokeh effect where there is a narrow DoF and the subject is crisp while the background is blurry.
The biggest complaint I've seen with this camera kit is that the kit lens is "cheap." The other thing I'm worried about is whether or not it is best suited for my needs. I don't know if the minimum f-stop is enough, or if the focal lengths will suffice. I'd say my budget is around $1200 - $1500. I see a T2i on NewEgg with a EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS kit lens for $1100. My gut tells me that will do what I want, but again - I'm not sure. The body only costs $800.
If anyone knows of a lens for less than $700 that would be worth getting over the kit lens for my needs, please let me know! Much appreciated!
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This will be my first DSLR. What's a good lens?
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I bought the Canon Rebel T2i/550D back in April along with the EFS 15-85mm IS. It's a great all round lens, but if you want a lens that performs well in low light then I'd recommend the EFS 17-55 f2.8 IS. It's an expensive piece of glass, but it's easily the best wide angle zoom lens under $1100. If that's outta your price range, then how about stick with the kit lens and buy the EF 50mm f1.4 USM. It's a great portrait lens and performs very well in low light.
If you get more interested in photography then you can later in vest in better quality glass.
If you get more interested in photography then you can later in vest in better quality glass.
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I have an XSi. I got it with the 18-55mm cheapo EF-S IS lens. It's ok in lighted situations. When I bought the camera, I also bought the EF 50mm f1.8 prime lens for like a hundred bucks. You will not believe the shots it takes for being a cheap lens, it is a necessity for portraits and low light situations. You can get great bokeh with it too because of the f1.8. Get whatever other lens as you might, I implore you to get the "nifty-fifty".
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Avoid kit lenses like the plague. Their either not worthwhile, or you can get them for cheaper used when talking about L lenses.
I'd say get a 50mm f1.4 and a 28-135 f3.5-5.6. The prime lens will give you superior sharpness and good bokeh, while the zoom will give you some versatility in your shots. I'd just recommend using the 50mm as much as possible as zooming with your feet is always better than zooming with a lens. At around $250-300 for each lens plus $800 for the body, you shouldn't go overbudget.
I'd say get a 50mm f1.4 and a 28-135 f3.5-5.6. The prime lens will give you superior sharpness and good bokeh, while the zoom will give you some versatility in your shots. I'd just recommend using the 50mm as much as possible as zooming with your feet is always better than zooming with a lens. At around $250-300 for each lens plus $800 for the body, you shouldn't go overbudget.
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For anybody that still has this same question I have the 50mm 1.4 USM and love it. Perfect shots. But keep in mind this is actually an effective 80mm lens on the 550D (T2i) due to the APS-C crop. Multiply (Lens Focal legth) X 1.6 = perceived focal length
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Have a look at this:
www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/17-70mm-f28-4-dc-macro-os-...
Here are some reviews:
www.reviewroot.com/index.php?subject=Sigma_17-70mm...
I've just bought this camera and this seems to be a really good lens to start with.. =)
www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/17-70mm-f28-4-dc-macro-os-...
Here are some reviews:
www.reviewroot.com/index.php?subject=Sigma_17-70mm...
I've just bought this camera and this seems to be a really good lens to start with.. =)
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Go for the bundle with the 18-135mm. I recently purchased that kit as my first DSLR and haven't regretted at all.
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Tamron 17-50mm - Demo photos from GDGT event in Seattle yesterday. Just got the Canon EOS Rebel 2Ti and the Tamron...
Just make sure to check the lens as I hear they are made in two locations with some variance. The combo is a great rig for shooting events.
GDGT Photos - I barely know how to use the camera, so these are out of the box, zero experience shooting with camera. www.flickr.com/photos/timreha/sets/721576245991189...
Just make sure to check the lens as I hear they are made in two locations with some variance. The combo is a great rig for shooting events.
GDGT Photos - I barely know how to use the camera, so these are out of the box, zero experience shooting with camera. www.flickr.com/photos/timreha/sets/721576245991189...
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awesome feedback guys. based on my budget, I decided to get the T2i with the 18-135mm kit lens, as well as purchasing the cannon 50mm f/1.4 prime lens. Why the hell not, right? I think I will be sporting that prime lens for most of the portraits, and then using that jumbo kit lens for a variety of shots in well lit scenes.
I decided that if I got the body only and a zoom lens with low fstop, it would cost more than the kit + prime combo I ended up with. I spent less than $1500, so I'm happy. I can't wait for these to end up on my door step so I can put some new toys on my have list!
I decided that if I got the body only and a zoom lens with low fstop, it would cost more than the kit + prime combo I ended up with. I spent less than $1500, so I'm happy. I can't wait for these to end up on my door step so I can put some new toys on my have list!
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