Advice Request

[MMardis]

First, let me say that I'm a newcomer to the forum, although I've been lurking in the shadows for the past week or so. I have to say that it is wonderful to have found such a knowledgable group. For quite some time, I've hoped to enter the field of SLR photography, although with graduate school, a new daughter, and starting my practice, I've had neither the time nor the money to pursue the desire. That said, I'm now ready to make that first foray into dSLR territory, and, with $2500 to spend, I'm at an impass. Any advice on the following is greatly appreciated:

1. (You guessed it) - Rebel or 10D? I'm leaning toward the Rebel for the simple reason that I hope the Rebel will help me to learn the basics while at the same time freeing up the additional funds for better lenses; with tech advances and plummeting prices, I can pick up the latest and greatest body in a few years. Of course, I'm the beginner, so if that logic is flawed, I'd like to know now!

2. If I go the Rebel route, I'd like to pick up a decent telephoto zoom and a macro lense. Any suggestions for each in the $500-$700 range?

3. What "accessories" do you all recommend? Beginner tripod? Filters? Etc.

I know the answers to the above questions are infinite, but I'll value any and all replies. My subjects/interests will include plants, portraits, lanscapes. And yes, I'll certainly wait until after the PMA show with the hope that we'll see some product upgrades or price reductions.

Thanks in advance to all.

[JZaun]

If you keep waiting to get the latest you will never get anything. With $2200 I got the 10D, 512mb mem, and a 24-85mm usm canon lens. With this lens I can do reasonable close up's and fair long shots. It will keep me busy for quite a while. I have all I need to get started. As you have read from the old timers on the forum this is a learning and growing process. You wil never have it all unless you have very deep pockets! The DRebel is great but you may regret not spending a little more for the 10D..
My ideas only. Good luck with whatever you buy.
JZaun

[Nolz]

ok....ill give you my take on it....

right now more so than ever...you MAY want to really consider the 10D it does offer a little more in terms of features (some of which you may not use just yet....but good to have there) and i have noticed (in Aust) that the prices have dropped considerably!.... but im sure you have read the reviews and noted the differences between the two camera's.

it seems that you are serious enough about the hobby so there is no losing out on buying a 10D i dont think. you uwill learn from it and grow to master it. so if the money allows for it! i'd say get the 10D. not that you will be making a bad decision getting a 300D.

next on my hit list would be a good sturdy tripod!....somethign that was good value for money was the manfrotto 190B its certainly a little more expensive than your generic tripod but well worth it! and its not quite the prices of the more serious gear. which i doubt is needed right now anways.

depending on what sort of photography you do. you can chose to get the pan and tilt head by manfrotto 141RC which is often sold together with the 190B. after a few months use with it htough i switched the head over to ball type quick release head. 468RC it takes panning and takign shots of moving shubjects alot easier!. withouth have to reach and rotate all the time.

i wont reccomend any lenses are prices vary alot from Aust and where you are....but i would get a UV filter for my lenses. you cant go wrong with a loepro bag or two :P ive got one bum bag style one for travels and will get a NOVA 5 for storage of all my gear.

other things to consider are...

remote - IR and cord
Flash - 420ex (in my case)
Battery grip - for those big hands or extra weight, battery carrying capacity.

and what seems to be the best bang for you buck lens....the canon 50mm F1.8 !!!!! a must in everyones kit i think!

:D enough from me :P

[GenEOS]

I would really consider the 10D. The prices are going to be right, and it is a fine camera. Sounds like you are wanting to grow, so I would suggest the 10D, so you will already have a good amount of advanced features you can learn to use. It's a bit quicker than the Drebel and has a better build quality.

The 24-85 is a nice lens to get. I would also suggest a 50 1.4 or 1.8.
With either of the 50's you will see what having a nice low f-stop lens will get you. It will make you want a f2.8 tele zoom!

Get you a really nice tripod and ball head (or head of your liking).

Also, you might consider a cable release, or the timer cable.

This would set you up for some serious play time.

Oh yeah, you can never have too many CF cards.

[westfalcon1]

I would buy the 10D, the battery grip, a 500 meg card, and the 28-135 usm IS lens. Put a filter on it right away. Buy a case for your goodies and a slik($40) tripod. Maybe a 420 EX flash if the budget permits. This should come very close to $2500 and you would be extremely happy with this outfit. Go for it!! Don't substitute the Rebel...its a wonderful camera but in the long run, you will be happier with the more versatile and sturdier body. Good luck......Brian

[Jim Larson]

Rebel vs 10D: Umm, that is personal choice.

Don't underestimate how import the feel of the camera is to your shooting.
DO NOT let a salesman talk you into a battery grip => the ONLY reason to buy it is because it makes the camera feel better in your hand.

Lenses: Umm, personally I would stay away from the 18-55 unless you REALLY need to go wide angle.

The 28-135 is a fine lens, but so is the 24-85. And the 24 is a good step beyond the 28. I recommend the 24-85. On the long end, I would say get a cheap 70-300 zoom. Many shun this lens, but short of spending $600 on a 70-200/4L, this is the way to go.

[Whaler]

This is what I did:

D Rebel $900

17-40"L" f/4 $700

70-200"L" f/4 $560 (after rebate)

UV & Polarizers S&H I was under $2500.

Okay, it's only a matter of time before a 35mm CMOS will be affordable. With that said, I will already have the glass.

[w10d]

Rebel or 10D? I'm leaning toward the Rebel for the simple reason that I hope the Rebel will help me to learn the basics while at the same time freeing up the additional funds for better lenses; with tech advances and plummeting prices, I can pick up the latest and greatest body in a few years. Of course, I'm the beginner, so if that logic is flawed, I'd like to know now!


I don't think that logic is flawed - as long as you are aware of the differences between the 10D and Rebel, and they aren't a problem for you.... DSLR technology will move quickly over the next few years, unlike lens technology. Hopefully the 35mm lens mount has a few years left in it and good quality lenses will be a sound investment when you get the chance to buy the 'latest and greatest' body.

[Scottes]

If you decide Rebel, I'd go with the kit 18-55, and the 70-200 f4 L. That's $1550, add a couple CF cards, extra battery, tripod, polarizer and you're at about $2000 with a very nice kit. The 18-55 is good, the 70-200 is just about great. Later on, if needed, the 17-40 L and 50mm 1.8 will give you great lenses at the lower end. But the $100 18-55 is a very good deal for the quality.

Now what kind of macro? Do you really need to photograph things smaller than a dime? A "true" 1:1 macro on the Rebel gives you 1.6:1 and a dime won't fit in the frame if fully zoomed in. If you're thinking bigger, like flowers and butterflies, add an extension tube and a 500D to the 70-200 for about $300. If you do want true macro then the Canon 100mm is $450 and you just about hit the $2500 mark.

Now for the 10D... I'm stumped at $2500. You get the camera, kit doo-dads, and that leaves about $500 for a single good lens, like the 70-200 f4. :( Can you do $3000 and go 10D? Then 17-40 L, 70-200 f4 L, a single CF card and a tripod. Along the course of time you'll spend $100 here and there for the rest.

[MMardis]

Thanks to all for the excellent advice. I'll certainly consider all of the suggestions and continue debating the Rebel vs. 10D question with myself as I wait patiently for the PMA in hopes of some price cuts. To the extent anyone else has some suggestions of the "if I had know then what I know now, I would have bought a ______" variety, I'll continue to be greatful for the help.

[Andy_T]

The Tamron 28-75 /2.8 XR keeps getting great reviews and is often compared with the (much more expensive) 24-70 L.

I think it would make a good 'starter' normal zoom that will be give you great pictures for a long time.

Regards,
Andy

[GenEOS]

Rebel vs 10D: Umm, that is personal choice.
Don't underestimate how import the feel of the camera is to your shooting.
DO NOT let a salesman talk you into a battery grip => the ONLY reason to buy it is because it makes the camera feel better in your hand.

:shock:
I would respectively disagree with this. Having the 2 batteries loaded at a time extends shooting time, especially when using IS lenses. The feel is also a major part. I shoot a lot of vertical shots and it is a lot more comfortable.

[Morden]

The feel is also a major part. I shoot a lot of vertical shots and it is a lot more comfortable.
Agreed. Additionally, the second set of controls are great for vertical shooting.