Noob... I need a starter lens for my rebel xt

[Chris Rebel XT]

Hey, I need to find a starter lens for my canon rebel xt. I just bought a rebel body, and now need to find a good lens to start off with. If you have an ideas, please let me know. Links with good deals would be greatly appreciated! thanks, -Chris

[awad]

whats your budget?

[Chris Rebel XT]

i would say somewhere up to 100-250.... im not trying to spend too much.

[awad]

i'd say the 18-55 (kit) lens or the 50mm f/1.8.

[Titus213]

For that money I'd go with the kit lens. The 50mm f1.8 is OK but no where near as versatile as the 18-55 kit lens and (I never thought I'd say this) the kit lens should be a bit cheaper.

[Chris Rebel XT]

Any ideas where to get the kit lens or the 50mm f/1.8?

[Chris Rebel XT]

what do you think about this one... hows the quality? price? http://cgi.ebay.com/Sigma-28-70mm-DG-Lens-Canon-EOS-30D-20D-5D-Rebel-XT-1D_W0QQitemZ280027494995QQihZ018QQcategoryZ4687QQr dZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[CRE@TE]

I'd think you could get both the kit lens plus the 50 F1.8 within your budget.

[CRE@TE]

Here's what people think of that store.
Seems to have been slipping in their service this year.

http://www.resellerratings.com/seller3456.html

[racketman]

Tamron 28-75 is good but seems to be about $310 in US.

[liza]

Save your money and buy decent glass, because you definitely get what you pay for. There are very good lenses available for under $500, but few in your particular price range other than the ones already mentioned. A decent consumer telephoto zoom that doesn't break the bank is the Sigma 70-300 APO DG ($219 at B&H).

[Titus213]

Keep an eye on the market place here at POTN....
http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=14

There's a kit lens and hood there now for $75.

[Anselina]

Chris I got your email and tried to respond but its not going through... please PM or email me about your XT... Thanks

[steved110]

I'd suggest sticking with the kit lens, and start saving for a lens upgrade. With any luck by the time you know what you would like, you'll pretty much be there financially. the budget you outline would not be enough to get a meaniongful upgrade, and seriously, the kit lens is not that bad!

[steve547]

The kit lens is good if you want a zoom that covers wide angle(scenes of the countryside like when you're on vacation) to portrait (closeup of people) all in one lens. A normal lens like the 35mm f2.0 is nice to appreciate the quality of your camera and cost about $220. It focuses better both automatically and manually and is bright enough to use under lower light conditions. Of the 2, I use the 35mm most because it's more fun to use, but I miss the wide angle abiilty of the kit lens. so I have both. Alot depends on your preferences. Steve.

[Big WIll]

600mm check out the search facility :)

[Jon]

Tried the EF Lens FAQ? Link there to the Top Ten POTN Recommended Starter Lenses (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=56747).

[vkalia]

The thing is, without knowing what your interests are and what you shoot, it is very hard to make a recommendation.

People here love the 70-200 - for me, it is my least-used lens. And even if the price were equal, I'd still stick with the 70-200/4 rather than the 70-200/2.8. The 50/1.8 is a steal at $70, but I havent used mine for 2 years (although I am starting a book project shot solely with primes, so it will get some work now).

So you need to figure out what *your* needs are. I have an article here that might help:
http://www.photosafariindia.com/articles/beg2-lenses.html

Vandit

[katiesmom99]

Get the kit lens. Learn its strengths and weaknesses. Learn to make good shots with it. Push it to the very limits. Then go back and look at the pictures you have taken. Do you tend to use one focal length range more than others? Do you take more of a certain type of picture - landscape, portrait, bugs, birds, flowers?

Then you will be able to eliminate what you don't need, and make a more informed choice of what you do need.

My .02
Keep the change:)

[Andy_T]

Take a look at this thread in 'marketplace'

http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=212421
$ 350 for a 17-85 IS lens sounds like a very decent deal.

Best regards,
Andy

[RedMatrixXRS]

i'd suggest saving for a decent lens such as the sigma 17-70.

[Chris Rebel XT]

Thanks for everyones advise! I picked up a kit lens with UV filter from a local private seller for $70. Im sure when Im done with it I can sell it on ebay for $130! LOL. I will be sure to consult you guys when I decide to move on up to a better lens.

I need some suggestions on Tripods and Camera bags. Suggestions welcome, links appreciated. -Chris

[cgratti]

The 28-105 f/3.5 USM II is a great lens and within your budget.

[Dorman]

Vandit, good article for those getting started and for some of us "experienced" folk who get caught up in lens lust! (yeah we're all guilty). Thanks for sharing.

[TooManyHobbies]

If you hadn't bough the lens I'd say buy my lens for $290.

But before you buy any lens always look here....

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/

[vkalia]

Dorman - thanks and glad you liked the article. It sounds funny coming from me as I own a bagful of pricey lenses, but I honestly think that for most people, the lens is NOT the limiting factor in their photography. People can take a compelling photograph with any lens.

Rather than suggesting specific lenses to beginners, the goal should be - go out there and shoot, find out what you are missing the most and then buy something to fill that gap.

Vandit

[Chris Rebel XT]

vkalia, Thanks for the article!! although i didnt read it until after i bought my kit lens, it will come in handy in the future. I will be making another lens purchase soon... once i find out what is it what I like to shoot. I think one of my main uses is going to be for cirty/ streets and cars. I will be going to the auto show "Sema" in las vegas in about a month, and will need a good lens for that.
-Chris

[steved110]

Chris, well done on resisting the urge to over spend on this - the kit lens will surprise you1 It's a bit flimsy but sharp enough stopped down to f/8-11 or so. And it has a good zoom range. by the time you are ready to upgrade you'll have a pretty good idea what way to go!

Now go shoot some stuff!