Virgin - Lens Selection

[garyhun]

After some serious research I am just about to enter the DSLR world by purchasing a 20D!

I am going to begin with mainly landscape work so the question is which lens would you advise I purchase?

Thanks

PS. Does the 20D come with Photoshop or do I need to make a separate purchase? If separate is Photoshop the one to go for...have no experience at all!!

[kenyc]

You get Photoshop Elements (not CS2) with it. I just bought mine about a month ago and opted for the EFS 17-85 lens kit and I love it so far. I'm mostly into landscapes myself. Works well for that, though I will soon purchase the EFS 10-22 probably and after this weekend of shooting my daughters softball and rugby games I'm wanting a telephoto as well.

I'm still learning lots about how to us the camera. I've been away from photography for a few years, but and really excited about getting back to it.

Let me know what you end up with lens wise and how you like it!

KAC

[Bruce Watson]

Just a data point; I think Canon still ships Elements 2 with the 20D, but there is a page at the Adobe site where you can upgrade to CS2 for $299 which is a great deal.

You should be able to find it by searching Adobe.com or do a search through the POTN forums.

This is an ongoing offer to Canon purchasers, so if you find that you outgrow Elements, you can step up to the pro software at a reduced price.

[Bruce Watson]

Doh! Forgot to put the other paragraph in.

I also have the 17-85 lens and like it. I bought the 10-22 a few months ago and use it all the time, although the extreme wide end takes some getting used to.

They are not "L" glass (waiting for a bunch of posts on this!), but very functional and effective glass. These two make a very nice and light "walking around" combo covering ultra wide to moderate telephoto on 1.6 crop camera.

The only downside is that these EFS mounts only fit the 20D/300D/350D bodies. If you upgrade to a full frame/sensor Canon, they won't work with it.

I don't plan to, but if ever do, I will sell my 20D with the lenses at that point, so it is not an issue for me. This lens mount is popular enough that there will be a used market for a long time.

[garyhun]

Thanks guys. Very helpful...and very expensive tips.....17-85 and the 10-22 may be in order followed by a long telephoto!! Think I'll start with the 17-85 and get to know it first!

[PhotosGuy]

mainly landscape work The kit lens should be all you need for awhile. Keep in mind that a landscape shot with the 10-22 set on 10mm will make the far objects VERY small in comparison to the near objects in the frame. Consider using a narrower focal length & making a pano instead.

[garyhun]

Consider using a narrower focal length & making a pano instead.

Can you expand? Not sure I know what you mean...unless you mean shooting at 22 and putting together multiple shots in PS or something similar to make one picture?

[PhotosGuy]

unless you mean shooting at 22 and putting together multiple shots in PS or something similar to make one picture? Yes to PS or other pano software. PhotoStitch should come on a CD with your cam.
No to "22". Look at the landscape with different focal lengths. Maybe 38mm gives you the proportions between the foreground & background objects that you want. Use that. Another pic might be better with another focal length.

[Andy_T]

Gary,

if you consider starting with a less expensive lens first (which I think might be a good idea), you might also look at the 18-55 instead of the 17-85. It's a *lot* cheaper.

Best regards,
Andy