New to the Forums and the Camera

[Chase20D]

Im gearing up to buy the 20D and I've been reading your forums for the past few weeks trying to decide what to get. It appears there are many happy 20D customers so I've gone your folks route. Im heading off to college in the fall and studying photography and am just looking for advice on extras + lenses. THe lense I will be getting with the camera is the EF-S 17-85MM f4-5.6 with the image stabilizer. I have always shot 35mm, and my old 35mm 28-80 lense and 100-400 promaster lense's will fit the 20D with the 1.6 focal length change. Any advice or hints would help. Im new to the digital world and will be learning an entirely new way to shoot. Along with the camera I'm going to purchase a MAC powerbook + Photoshop so any advice on anything would be very very welcome. I hope to become a regular poster and I look forward to a reply here and there. Thanks Much


Chase

[willg]

you are going to be buying L glass in no time

[defordphoto]

Welcome!

[tim]

Consider getting an F2.8 lens instead of the F4-F5.6 IS lens, the F2.8 is more versatile. Tamron 28-75 is always a good choice, and I think it's cheaper than the IS lens too.

[Pat H]

I have always shot 35mm, and my old 35mm 28-80 lense and 100-400 promaster lense's will fit the 20D with the 1.6 focal length change. Any advice or hints would help. Im new to the digital world and will be learning an entirely new way to shoot.
Chase

I can't remember how I even put up with film a few years ago. I need to see my picture after I take it. But then again I know people who swear by film and refuse to go digital. The guy I was talking to at the camera store a while ago said he wouldn't be surprised if they did away w/ most film cameras entirely in the next decade or so. I can't say I agree but that sounds like an interesting concept.

Anyway, welcome!

[Anooptalks]

WELCOME:D I am also new to the world of DSLR and learning from the great guys in this forum. You will get lots of good advise I bet.


HAVE FUN!

[condyk]

I'd agree with Tim unless you specifically want a wide to standard zoom. I think you'll fine the ultimate quality of output is a little better. The Sigma 24-70 2.8 DG Macro is also a great choice and has a little more on the wide end. 2.8 is always more usable overall unless you know you'll be in good light all the time. You might then be able to afford a flash too, which I guess you will need if you're studying photography. Otherwise, sensible choices.

[lkorell]

If photography is your major in college, my recommendation is to get one really good and useful prime lens. I suggest the Canon 50 1.4 because it is versatile, and you can do a lot of artistic shooting with it in any situation. It's a great lens to study with and won't break the bank since it is about the same price as one of the cheap zooms from Sigma, Tamron, etc. It's still cheaper than books! I can't believe how much they charge college students for books. I know, I put two girls through college and will need to do the same when my son is old enough. :eek:


Lou

[Medic1]

Welcome to the forum.....let the stress on your bank account begin!!! :lol:

[lostdoggy]

The 17-85 may be a good lens but the price doesn't justify its quality. You'll be better of getting the cheap kit lens, 17-55, and spend the money on either the 24-70 f/2.8 sigma, 28-75f/2.8 tamron, or the 70-200f/4 L. The better choice ould be the 70-200f/4 L since L lenses doesn't loss its value much you can always trade up later for a 70-200f/2.8 L. For another $80 you can also add the 50f/1.8 for a little more speed and still won't break the bank. The Sigma will cost you about $400 and the 70-200f4 around $600.

[Chase20D]

I appriciate all the advice, im looking into switching lenses around due to all the wonderful advice. Ill be buying it around wednesday and my laptop around saturday, let the zeros in the bank account flow wildly. Thanks folks. By the way what is the L glass? And any other trinkets I should get? I have a tripod, i was thinking a trigger for night shots, what else is a good small extra that helps emensly. Thanks.

Chase