Need advice on SLR Camera Lens

R

roadmaster_Tx1

New member
I plan on purchasing a digital SLR camera in the near future and although I have decided what camera I want (Canon Digital Rebel Xt) I am still unsure about some of the lenses sine I am a beginner.



I saw this deal on ebay and was wondering if anybody could comment on the lenses that it comes with.

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT + TM 28-80 & 75-300 +2GB Kit - (eBay item 280170107823 end time Nov-11-07 12:09:17 PST)

These are the lenses

Tamron 28-80mm & 75-300mm Lens, 1 2GB Memory Card, 2 UV Filters, tripod etc all for around $623 with shipping.



it does not come with the stock canon 18-55mm



If anyone has any experience with these lenses or any advice they can give it would really help.



Thanks
 
General thoughts that may/not be helpful (note: I've never shot Canon and the Tamron lenses I've used were back in the day):



3rd party zoom lenses have never made a good impression on me. IMO it's often the *lenses* that're the most important part of the equation so I wouldn't skimp there. Those lenses and the tripod sorta smack of "freebies" that're being thrown in to make the package look complete.



Those lenses have pretty small wide-open aperatures, so they'd result in too dim/dark a view through the viewfinder *for me*. But plenty of people aren't that picky. Still, I'd check out some objective reviews and see how those lenses perform (distortion, weird effects at the edges, glare, etc.).



Overall, I'd buy the camera with good specs (yeah the Digital Rebel is a good camera) and one good lens. There are places like KEH Camera Brokers that sell used lenses at good prices (I've bought a scad of used lenses over the years). I'd get a very good lens, even if it's not brand new. If going Canon, I'd probably get a Canon lense, they're well-regarded- one of the reasons I almost went with Canon when going digital was the way Canon DSLRs and their lenses have a very "film-like" look, and the specs on the Canon lenses really impressed me.
 
Just to add on Accumulator...



Yes your glass is the most important thing in determing how sharp or soft your photos look. With camera equipment it's usually you get what you pay for. With that said I wouldn't get that ebay package, since the lenses look cheap, and will probably be soft. It's a better idea to spend a little more money, and get better equipment that will last. I've had a bad experience with my $450 Tamron lens losing it's AF within a year of ownership. That alone made me sell it, and I won't buy their products anymore, but that's just one experience; and they did repair it for me for free. I do prefer to stick with Canon now, but that's just personal preference.



It's hard for us to recommend lenses since we don't know what kind of photography your into, and what your budget is. If your more specific with what you wanna shot (wide angle, closeups, portraits, sports, automotive, macro, etc.)

I can help recommend something for you.



You can also check these two sites below for reviews on lenses just so you have a better idea of what your buying.



PhotoZone



FM Reviews - Main Index
 
Thanks for the reply guys.

My budget is going to be around $600 and as far as my photography skills go, well Iam a beginner and this will be an upgrade from a regular Nikon 4MP Point and shoot camera. But the type of photography I will be doing is more than likely Automotive.
 
Watch out for those ebay Canon auctions. Also Tamron are so so and I personaly stick with Canon lenses. They cost a little more but are worth it and resale is way better. You really do not need filter for DSLR...photoshop will take care of processing but a clear lens protector is a good idea
 
To echo most of the posts above: Get the best manufacturer's lens you can afford. I know you've decided on the Canon, but take a look at the Nikon D40 with 18-55 kit lens (not D40x) and save up for the 18-200 Nikon lens. That's what I would get today if I could (I have the 18-200, but on a D70)
 
That's a pretty decent lens with your budget. I have one. Mine doesn't get used anymore since I've upgraded but it was a good starting point for me.
 
mdrums said:
Also Tamron are so so and I personaly stick with Canon lenses. They cost a little more but are worth it and resale is way better. You really do not need filter for DSLR...photoshop will take care of processing but a clear lens protector is a good idea
Click to expand...



Incredibly misinformed..
 
sQuashed said:
Incredibly misinformed..
Click to expand...



So, the Tamron 28-70mm and the 70-300mm arent bad lenses? Im real new to this but from what I have read alot of people also recommend the Cannon 18-55mm and to buy a Canon 50mm 1.4 I believe.
 
roadmaster_Tx said:
So, the Tamron 28-70mm and the 70-300mm arent bad lenses? Im real new to this but from what I have read alot of people also recommend the Cannon 18-55mm and to buy a Canon 50mm 1.4 I believe.
Click to expand...



They probably mean the 50mm f/1.8 since it's so so cheap around $80 or so. That's not a bad lens for the price, but it has limited applications since it's a pretty long prime lens on the XT. Even though I've never used those Tamron lenses (ebay ones) I'll go on a limb and say they are mediocre at best. Tamron does have some good lenses, but they cost more money.



Considering your budget, and learning experience I guess the 18-55mm should serve you well for the time being. Maybe look for the newer IS version which was suppose to have come out this month. Just be warned in advance good glass costs a lot of money, so ask yourself if your willing to invest money into this investment. If not there are some really nice advanced P+S or prosumer cameras out there, that will give you excellent image quality.
 
I dont know about the 28-70 but My daily driver is the Tamron SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF). Between that and the Sigma 10-20 wide angle, "I" am good to go. Depends on what you are shooting though. I also own the Canon 50mm 1.8 the cheap but cool lens. If the light is good, the nifty fifty shines.. Of course with a little post processing, you can make any picture look any way you want.

gotophotoshop1.jpg


These are all taken with the 28-75...

-17.jpg


-27.jpg


-31.jpg
 
Wow, that first picture is amazing!! I think I should save up some money get the kit lens and that 28-70 lens.

sQuashed said:
I dont know about the 28-70 but My daily driver is the Tamron SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF). Between that and the Sigma 10-20 wide angle, "I" am good to go. Depends on what you are shooting though. I also own the Canon 50mm 1.8 the cheap but cool lens. If the light is good, the nifty fifty shines.. Of course with a little post processing, you can make any picture look any way you want.

gotophotoshop1.jpg


These are all taken with the 28-75...

-17.jpg


-27.jpg


-31.jpg
Click to expand...
 
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