Lens For Rebel XT on $250.00 Budget

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

Hey everyone, a friend of mine has decided he wants to enter the world of DSLR's. He hasn't purchased anything yet, but right now he's pretty set on getting a Rebel XT. He's just having trouble figuring out what lens to purchase.

Right now he's looking at the sigma 28-80mm and 70-300mm combo set. They look to me like pretty sketchy lenses.....

Anyway, he's on a $250.00 lens budget, and when asked what he wants to do with his lenses he replied "everything".

Can you help me help him please?

Thanks!

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

Oh yea, here's a link to those sigma lenses. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=362643&is=USA

[formula4speed]

Well Sigma makes a 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 for $230 (sigma4less) which focal legnth wise would be pretty good but I can't say that I've ever tried it. I'd probably suggest the kit lens and saving up for something nicer in the long run.

[rklepper]

If it were me I would just get the camera body and with the money you save purchase the EF 28-135 IS USM (around 400 from B&H) The body without the lense is about 120-150 less, depending on where you get it. This will give him a great deal more budget for a lense. I have this lense and could not be more pleased.

Here are a couple of photos take with it on my 350D.

http://www.iowalakes.edu/faculty/klepper/pictures/ruby01.htm

http://www.iowalakes.edu/faculty/klepper/pictures/falls%20park.htm

http://www.iowalakes.edu/faculty/klepper/pictures/falls%20park02.htm

Doc

[condyk]

They could get a 300D and then have lots more cash for a better lens ... maybe even buy your 70-200mm f4 SH :lol: The 38-135 IS is a fair suggestion, though a bit of a softy for my tastes. As you know the 20D is a great camera but the Xt is an inbetweenie! 300D and quality lens will beat a Xt and cheaper lens. The main variable is the user and lens I reckon to star with ... later on then the body becomes more vital. Why do you think I STILL have a 300D ... because I am still the biggest weakness :lol:

[BrandonSi]

They could get a 300D and then havelots more cash for a better lens ... maybe even buy your 70-200mm f4 SH :lol: The 38-135 IS is a fair suggestion, though a bit of a softy for my tastes.

I agree, I'd pick up a 300D and then go with better lenses. IMHO, the price difference from the 300 to 350D isn't worth the additional features. The body may seem like the big expense up front, but it really isn't. Spend some money and build a decent lens collection, your friend can always upgrade the body later.

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

Hm, but he wants to shoot sports a lot. Would a 300D meet his requirements? The sigma lenses definately wont cut it for sports will they?

Looks like if he wants good results he's going to have to swallow the sight of a $400.00 price tag or higher
huh?

[condyk]

I've seen some great 70-300mm APO Sigma shots and for the length there is no competition at the price, but his longer shots will be softer than I would like myself. That's why I sold mine. Same applies to all the cheaper zooms, not just Sigma tho'. Buyer will need to compromise a lot because of budget. Good light and they should be OK if they hold the camera nad lens correctly. The Xt is a bit small for a bigger lens and may be tricky to hand hold.

Buying the 300D will release more funds for the standard zoom range which may well get more use. He could also get the XT with kit lens, which can produce some half decent results and the small gap to 70mm is not important.

He may not take to photography and end up selling so no popint blowing all the cash, as will need CF card, bag, whatever! At least he can have a good go with this stuff and maybe borrow your lenses now and again to see what he's missing.

[eos-rob-uk]

Good points condyk, a 300D is a bargin and with the right firmware gives more control, apart from better niose reduction the 350D has little more to offer the beginner and the 300D's resale value is still high if he does take to it, i went for the 350D over the 300d and nikon D70 because i have small chubby hands and it felt the most comfortable of the lot. I have seen good reports of the EF 28-105 F3.5 metal mount for a good kit lens alternative. Personally i am put off sigma lenses, can you be sure they will work with the next model of canon cameras? or am i just a pessimist.

As for sport shots a 300d is more than good enough, with practice and good technique you can get good results from any kit.

from my 1 megapixel sony DV cams memory stick
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/bateman.family/Croft-bikes/post/sony-1-magapixel/DSC00753.jpg



RoB B

[Headcase650]

Come on guys, the 300D sucks for sports, I have a 300D and struggled with my daughters soccer games all last summer and got maybe a few decent pics out of hundreds. Last winter I picked up a 20D and was AMAZED!!!!!! at what real AI servo could do. now I save 50-80 percent of my shots.

My vote

Rebel xt body only and the sigma 18-125mm. I have played with this lens and think its a great value. Later on save up for something else.

[BrandonSi]

Come on guys, the 300D sucks for sports, I have a 300D and struggled with my daughters soccer games all last summer and got maybe a few decent pics out of hundreds. Last winter I picked up a 20D and was AMAZED!!!!!! at what real AI servo could do. now I save 50-80 percent of my shots.

My vote

Rebel xt body only and the sigma 18-125mm. I have played with this lens and think its a great value. Later on save up for something else.

I agree, the 300D isn't the best for sports but it can be done. The point is that a 350D doesn't get much of anything over the 300D, especially for the price. I don't think the 20D is in his price range.

[ed rader]

I agree, the 300D isn't the best for sports but it can be done. The point is that a 350D doesn't get much of anything over the 300D, especially for the price. I don't think the 20D is in his price range.

the 350d is also smaller and does not suit my fullsize hands and lenses....hence i just bought my second 300d and when i get good enough i'll get the successor to the 20d.

so the guy wants to shoot sports but doesn't want to pony up for the gear?

well i want to shoot swimsuit models too but that ain't gonna happen :).

ed rader

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

Hahaha yea, I think we need to convince him to blow at least 1600. :-)

Omg though, now he's changed his mind and wants to get the Nikon D70. I'm just... speachless... although I understand his reasoning. He doesn't like the size of the XT. the D70 is still a pretty good camera though isn't it?

[condyk]

:lol: Good for him. Handling is so important and if he likes the Nikon then he should get it. But he should also check typical 3rd party lens length/speed prices and see if they compare with Canon. My vague memory is the Canon lenses seemed a bit cheaper than equiv. Nikon, but it's worth checking if he's serious as that's where the most money goes!!

I nearly bought the same in preference to my 'on paper' XT choice, but then realised the 300D was the best all round option given lenses are the long term keepers rather than bodies and I definately prefered it in hand over the XT and the Nikon. Learn on a 300D and then upgrade once the new 20D is out ... that's my intention.

I still think 300D is his best option given budget. As to 'sports' I bet if you do a forum search you will find everyone waxing lyrical about the 300D when it first came out ... because it's not flavour of the month suddenly it can't take a picture of a sports event. Cobblers ... the weak link these days is the user and not the capabilities of their DSLR!

[BrandonSi]

Hahaha yea, I think we need to convince him to blow at least 1600. :-)

Omg though, now he's changed his mind and wants to get the Nikon D70. I'm just... speachless... although I understand his reasoning. He doesn't like the size of the XT. the D70 is still a pretty good camera though isn't it?

It's a great camera, actually better than the digital rebel in many respects. pop photo's 2004 camera of the year. Although he'll have to associate with all the Nikon people ;) I don't like the size of the XT either. I'm not sure of the prices now, but I'm pretty sure he can pick up a 300D w/ kit lens cheaper than just the body D70.

[prime80]

If he's looking at D70 kit, he's getting pretty close to 20D pricing.

[lostdoggy]

Buy the Kit at any store that will offer no interest for 18 month and with the cash on hand buy the 70-200f/4L or the Sigma 70-200f/2.8 EX DG and the 50f/1.8. Now he'll have a nice range 18-55 and 70-200 and if he adds a 1.4X TC later on he will have the complete range from 18 to 280.