accessories needed for XT

[Nagaforce]

I am planning to buy a Rebel XT and want to pair it with a 28-135 lense. First , what other accessories do I definitely need? When I try to price things out on the net, there are all packages including additional lenses I don't want to buy. What is the cheapest way toi go- a kit with stuff I don't want or buy a body annd the accessaories sepately. I am having overload trying to compare the different package deals.

Thanks in advance.

Bill

[BIGTUFFGUY]

get the grip, expensive but its a whole new camera

i will be going for a handstrap soon too.

as for lenses go with something wide and something long.

[Woolburr]

Forget the package deals on ebay...they are a total rip-off...beyond the camera body, they usually include a bunch of second and third rate crap that you will never use. Go to the site of a legit retailer like B&H Photo and make up a wish list. Buy only the things you need and you will save money over one of those bad package deals, as you will have only stuff you will be using and that will be of some value to you. Use the code PSJAN in the search bar at B&H and you will find several Canon money-saving specials.

[Tee Why]

I'd recommend a fast CF card and a lens to start. Stay away from "kits" the stores make. Usually it's more expensive than if you got things on your own or it usually includes a cheap item you normally wouldn't get.
BTW, I'd recommend a Tamron 28-75 or a Sigma 24-70 rather than the 28-135IS.

[Dante King]

get the key chain adapter so this camera can go in your key set and never get lost ;)

Congrats!!!

[Jetmech1]

You can get the generic grip, it is an Opteka brand at Amazon. Very nice grip. Only cost 59.99. A fast CF card and a good prime len for lowlight and you will be set. I have the 28-135 lens. It is a nice lens no matter what others say. Most seem to compare it to an "L" lens, which it is not. I would also suggest a card reader for your computer. You will also need a case/bag to put your new items in.

[TheSteveMadden]

I purchased the XT with the 18-55 non USM kit lens. The kit lens is okay stopped down and gives you the wide end very cheaply.

I've used experience to guide what I've bought since. Until you run up against a limitation, I wouldn't spend money on accessories. Start out with the camera, one 1GB CF Card, the kit lens or a cheap standard zoom lens and a case to hold and protect it all.

Here's what I've found I needed since, in the order I found I needed them.

Something to carry it all in (I got a Lowepro Rezo 140 AW, but I'm finding it a little small as It only can handle two lenses, one of them on the camera)

EF 50 f/1.8 fast prime lens for available light and portraits (I was on a budget)

Mid-Level Consumer Grade USM zoom to get faster more accurate AF especially in AI Servo and a little more reach (28-105 f/3.5-4.5 USM II, in my case. Nice walk around lens for the price, but a tad soft wide open)

Additional battery (3'rd party 1300mAh) so you won't have to worry about always starting out with a full charge on the one in the camera.

Additional 1GB CF card. 1GB holds ~80 RAW+Jpg, ~120 RAW only, or 200+ large fine jpg.

USB Card reader (faster than camera usb and you can download while you keep shooting while not using camera battery power)

Decent Tripod and mini-ball head (El cheapo tripods are more trouble than they're worth)


Here's what I now find I need and plan on getting soon...

EF 85 f/1.8 - Faster, quality medium telephoto for kids-at-play photos at 1/1000s. my 28-105 wide open is a little soft and doesn't provide enough subject separation.

SpeedLite 430EX Flash - On-Camera flash creates ugly shadow in portrait mode and red-eye if further that 8 ft away.

EF 50 f/1.4 - the 50 f/1.8 has been a great learning lens, but the AF can be inconsistant and it's not as sharp as I'd like wide open.

[nicmo]

I'll throw another vote in for the grip.

[freeflydrew]

After I received the XT as a birthday gift, I immediately bought a 15mm sigma fisheye lens, a 1 GB Sandisk Ultra Compact Flash, and the Canon kits lens... the kit lens sucks. I bought the battery grip, and extra battery, and the eye piece extender. I then ended up buying the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8. Very nice for indoor and outdoor sports shots. I picked up the Canon 50mm f/1.4 which puts out photos that are simply beautiful in all lighting conditions. The 550ex Speedlite was the next addition, along with 2 sets of quick charge batteries, as well as the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8. I'm just starting to get to know the new sigma lens, and it may become my freefall lens, alongside the sigma 15mm fisheye. I received a Pelican Case as a gift and just picked up a LowePro backpack. Oh yeah, I also bought filters for all the lenses except for the 15mm sigma which doesn't accept a filter, and also the lens cleaning kit.

At this point, every part of the kit is equally important and equally used...

[75D]

You don't mention what type of photography you are going to be doing, so the lens you selected may be your best choice.
I got the kit lens (18-55) with the camera and as has been said before it is not the best but can produce great shots if used within it's limitations. There are plenty of threads on how to use it properly.
I purchased 2 512 Mb CF cards and a 1GB card along with an extra battery and off I went for 3 weeks in Scotland. That experience helped me to make decisions on my next purchases. The 50 mm 1.8 is probably my best purchase so far.
Depending on your budget and what you intend to specialize in your choices are many.
I personally haven't bought the grip because I have heard of a few problems with it and I find that by carrying two batteries I am able to get through a full day of shooting with no problems.
Don't rush into anything and buy only what you need.

Wayne

[PeaPicker]

get the key chain adapter so this camera can go in your key set and never get lost ;)


Mine is on the rear view mirror with the dice. :)
XT is a great camera.

Welcome to the forum.

[rklepper]

1) Grip
2) Spare battery
3) Tripod
4) Cable release
5) Hand strap
6) POTN neck strap
7) Giotto Rocket Air Blower

Probably some other things but just not remembering them right now.

[kwsanders]

I am with Doc... and pretty much that same order. The grip made my XT feel like a whole new camera. Spare batteries are a must, or you will end up like I did... 4th quarter, nephew about to kick the winning field goal, and your battery dies! :(

Most definitely go with the POTN strap. It is much better than the original Canon strap that comes with the camera.

[Nagaforce]

What kind of grip are you guys talking about? The one that holds the two batteries?