New to the DLSR world

[JaysGT4]

Hello

I just joined the world of the digital SLR. I am coming from a Canon A40 point and shoot. I have been lurking around for a while and i cannot wait to learn from everyone here and trust me a i have A LOT to learn.

I picked up a Canon Rebel XT kit today to get myself started. I was going to pick up the Canon "nifty fifty" but decided to learn with the kit lens first and work myself up from there.

I go to a lot of car racing events and have been reading information in the motorsport forum that helps but will still need lots of help getting my settings right.

Thanks
Jay

[wolf]

Congrats on the new camera and Welcome to POTN. You have picked the right forum for helpful information that is for sure

Get yourself that nifty fifty and check out how good that new camera of yours really is, you will be amazed.

[jra]

Congrats on the new gear! When moving to a DSLR from a point-and-shoot there's a bit of a learning curve. When many people "move up" they often become discouraged at first because their pics were better with the old point and shoot but with a little learning and practice you'll never look back.

BTW...get that "nifty-fifty"...it'll do wonders with indoor, low light shots that the kit lens just can't work with.

[mxwphoto]

I concur with the 50mm. Even though I don't have it, I use a old fully manual nikon 50mm w/adapter and the bokeh (background blur) is beautiful... Also, if you're considering shooting at motorsport events, start saving all your pennies as you'll find that your kit lens won't be nearly enough! Have fun and welcome to the dark side... ;)

[Chris71]

Welcome to the forum, and congrats on the new camera. The XT is a great starter camera, you will enjoy it.

[JaysGT4]

Hey

Thanks a lot for the warm welcome. I will for sure pick up the fifty in the coming weeks.

Also for the motorsports events i think i need something will more zoom? what would you guys suggest? I am planning a trip to Sebring raceway in Feb so by then i will be able to afford a more appropriate lens.

For now though i am going to start taking some test shots and see what i can learn before picking everyones brain.

Thanks
Jay

[Cobra351]

Welcome to the forums here and congratulations on the new purchase!

I can't tell you how much I agree with and appreciate your approach to what you just bought. Before throwing lots (and lots and lots..... :confused: ) of money at lenses, first learn what you have, then go on from there. Once you learn your camera and current lens you'll have a much better idea as to what other lenses you may need (of course based on what you shoot).
Good luck and enjoy!

(oh, be sure to come back, I'm eager to see your race shots!)

[Hermeto]

Welcome!

Don’t rush to buy new lenses right now, give yourself some time.
Later on, when you get some experience, you’ll find lots of opportunities to ruin yourself financially.. ;)

[Mark_Cohran]

Congrats and welcome. As others have said, take time to learn your camera first, then get the lenses you need as you define their need.

Mark

[wolf]

If and when you decide to get a zoom have a look at the Canon 70-200 f/4 and the Canon 70-300 f/4-5.6 (Non DO). They are both excellent lenses at around $550-580.

[liza]

The Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 is a good lens, too, and works well in lower light situations.

[JaysGT4]

Hey

thanks for the suggestions and kind words. I really cannot wait to get out there a take some shots and learn some tricks that you guys use to get some of the fantastic shots i have been seeing around.

One thing i would like to learn is how to get a really nice depth of field when capturing a static subject.

Thanks
Jay

[wolf]

Go to the Canon Learning Center (http://photoworkshop.com/canon/) and click on the Rebel XT link. There you will find some tutorials which included DOF.

[JaysGT4]

Hey

thanks for the info, helped a lot.

I am going to get out there tomorrow and really start shooting, i have been so busy with work lately i have no time for anything.

can anyone suggest a good camera bag for the camera and like 2 extra lenses?

Thanks

[Hawmaw]

Just a thought from another beginner who also likes to shoot motorsport.

The 70-200 lens will probably be too short even when taking into consideration the crop factor .

Go for a 300.

[JaysGT4]

I am going to be using my camera primarily for motorsports photography.

i was looking at the Sigma 70-300 /f4-5.6 APO, i read some reviews and they have to say very good things about it and for the price apparently it is the best.