Request for Advice: beginner considering Canon EOS D Rebel

[hobbit_lore]

I am looking to make the jump to digital SLR. I have been playing with digital cameras on a small scale for several years - point and shoot digitals, currently the A300.

I would like to do portrait type shots of my daughters. Will the kit lens with the 300D be appropriate for those types of shots? I am also considering a telephoto lens as well. I have read some of the reviews and am considering the Canon 75-300 F/4.5-6 III USM lens.

I know there are several posts like this and I have read some of the reviews for the camera and lens I am considering. I am just nervous about the prospect and looking for some words of wisdom.

[Deckyon]

Ask yourself what you intend on doing with the camera a year from now. That alone will dictate what you should get that will allow you to grow into your ability.

The 2 lenses are fine, depending on your expectations. What are your expectations from the camera and lenses you mentioned?

[hobbit_lore]

Thanks for the reply. I am mainly looking to do shots of family in a indoor setting and also use it for nature photography on hiking trips.

[Deckyon]

If that is it, then the camera and lenses you mentioned will work just fine. Good luck with your purchase.

[roanjohn]

The Rebel will be a HUGE improvement from your currect rig. The AF speed and image quality will blow you away.

I would recommend the kit lens. It is optically good and gives you a nice and light wide angle zoom lens.

Another lens that you will see recommended many times over is the cheap 50 f1.8. Especially for portraiture and indoor photography, this lens will allow you to take intimate photos without using your flash... and did I mention its sharp??

.........not to sure about the telephoto............I would say save up your cash and buy a 70-200 f4L.

Ro1

[hobbit_lore]

Thanks for the advice. I have ordered a Rebel kit and a 50 f1.8 to start out with. I am looking forward to trying it out.

[roanjohn]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

:D

[Paul_B]

A new Rebel owner, finally I get to help out some around here :)

Your gonna be back with many questions, here are some links I've gathered since I got my Rebel in Sept this year.

http://www.photoworkshop.com/canon/rick_sammon.html Canon Digital Learning Center

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ Canon Lens Review site

http://photonotes.org/articles/beginner-faq/ Canon EOS Beginners’ FAQ

http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/ Flash Photography with Canon EOS Cameras

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/understanding-histograms.shtml
Understanding Histograms

They should keep you busy while you wait for your camera. There are some sticky threads at the top of this forum. You will likely find some/all of these links and more in them as well.
I think you'll really enjoy the Rebel, I'm finding it great for learning, and just love the pictures I'm getting.

[commando]

FYI i've been doing some reading, and in general the 100-300 lens seems to get better reviews than the 75-300.

[Persian-Rice]

Congrats.

The 50mm prime will spoil you. It's one of the sharpest and probably best valued lens Canons produces. Equivalent to all of those lenses that cost thousands. You will be glad you started with the 50 prime. Although you get no zoom, you get the best lens available for the price, it would even be worth it at 200-300.

Become a regular so we can corrupt your mind and empty your pockets. :D You are among beginners and professionals who use EOS. This is the best place to learn, develop and perfect photography skills and knowledge.

So congrats and welcome.

[Ballen Photo]

Thanks for the advice. I have ordered a Rebel kit and a 50 f1.8 to start out with.

Your addition of the 50mm 1.8 was a very wise decision on your part. It is a VERY sharp lens.
Congratulations, and welcome to both the forum, AND the world of EOS. :D
-Bruce

[commando]

How's the 50mm 1.8 for macro photography? I'd like to have a lens that can do closeups of insects, for example.

[Ballen Photo]

How's the 50mm 1.8 for macro photography? I'd like to have a lens that can do closeups of insects, for example.

Sorry, I never used it for macro.
Maybe someone else can answer that?
-Bruce

[Persian-Rice]

How's the 50mm 1.8 for macro photography? I'd like to have a lens that can do closeups of insects, for example.

It's not a macro lens, but buy some tubes and they will help.

[commando]

I don't have the 50mm 1.8, just the kit and Tamron lenses, I just wondered if it'd work for that. I might get it some time seeing as how it's pretty cheap and highly recommended, but not until the credit card recovers from buying the 300D, Tamron, tripod, bags, memory card, etc!