beginner here....

[goodolimack91]

alright so i decided to take up photography as a hobby..hoping in the long run to be very good at it. a lot of my peers have suggested getting an XTi. but after picking it up, i didnt like it at all. the feel wasn't there for me (i have large hands). so anyway, the only other options i have are the 30D and the nikon D80. what i want to do is stick with Canon and get the 30D. no lens, just body first. but if i were to get a great all-around lens that would hold up for a month or 2, which would u recommend? im more into taking pictures of landscapes, objects, and so forth. no too into pictures of people..(but that option would be nice)

so what are your suggestions? i need advice on whether the 30D is a good camera for a beginner to grow into. and a lens to last me for 1-2 months.

thanks in advance..

[Gliderparentntn]

If you still have your Xti maybe look at a battery grip attachment. I've heard this helps for folks with large hands and also gives a much better balance feel to the camera.

For a lens the 18-55 Kit lens will work for you from what describe. You don't say what shots you intend to take so that would help on determing what lens.

[goodolimack91]

well even the feel of it wasn't that much to make me want to get an XTi...i just dont wanna come to a point where i have to upgrade. i mean for now, the battery grip isn't something i need. i want a camera that will last me for a while, and also allows to me learn..as far as lenses go, buildings, landscapes, objects, and every now and then pictures of people

[RichNY]

The 30D is a great first camera for a beginner- I purchased mine this past October. It's no easier or more challenging to learn on than the XTi. For me it was much more comfortable than the XT sized alternative and was much better built. Highly recommended as a first DSLR.

In terms of a first lens, that would depend on what your budget is. The kit lens is very inexpensive and a way to get your foot in the door and start shooting. After you spend time shooting you are going to realize what its shortcomings are and may choose to upgrade. (For example it isn't a fast lens good for shooting with low light indoors) The better lenses for this purpose range from around $400-$1000 where the kit lens will still work fine at under $100 if you are shooting outdoors in good light. (The other's are better optically also but when you first start taking pictures what will determine how your images look is more about how well you learn to expose your shots and understanding of light and composition. Once you've mastered that so that your shots don't come out way to light or too dark you begin to look for things like getting your images to be really sharp- that's a good time to upgrade.) If you really think you are going to stay with photography and can swing for the camera and better lens upfront I'd suggest going for it. The main reason I did was that with all I needed to learn if I could remove one source of frustration (not having a fast enough lens for low light) it was worth it.

*Beware, once you start learning and using it this becomes a very addictive and expensive hobby.

[goodolimack91]

exactly, it all came down to feel for me. i went to a local camera shop, asked them to bring out the XTi and Nikon D80 and i couldnt see myself with the XTi, now the only next step up from the XTi in the line is the 30D.

any ideas for a good all-around lens?

im all for this!

[Gliderparentntn]

Ok I mis read or interpeted your first message. You picked one up and handled it not actually purchased?
The 30d is a good camera and one that should last you a long time. I think I'd leave the lens choice to those that are more knowledagble than I. definetely a telephoto lens just not sure what power range to advice you on.

[goodolimack91]

thanks...yeah im still browsin but i plan to make a purchase this week..

[DDan]

How much budget do you have for a lens? Sounds like not much. If that is the case go for a kit lens. I was tempted to say the 50mm 1.8 as the price is about the same but I think that it would be useful to play with a few different focal lengths to get an idea of what its like.

[goodolimack91]

$500 at most.

[nicksan]

How about a Tamron or Sigma lens in the 17-50mm or 17-55mm range.
You should be able to get a constant f2.8 lens for that price.

Other options would be just to get yourself a 50mm lens to learn. This could be either the $75 50mm 1.8 or the $275 50mm 1.4.

If you want a lens with IS, perhaps the EF-S 17-85 is a choice as well...

[Evan Idler]

The 30D is a great camera, and will server you well. From beginner, thru to becoming a Pro. The Kit lens on the 30D isn't that bad of a lens. It's capable of delivering some fairly decent pictures for it's price. That said, I personally prefer the Tamron 17-50 F/2.8 XR Dii LD lens for a better quality picture. It's sharper, and a constant aperature that will help in low light. Price wise the Tamron is more money, so it will all depend uponwhat you can afford. Either of these lenses would server a starting point, but the Tamron would be something worth keeping for much longer.

The choices are numerous, so start with what you can afford for now, then build your lens collection as you can afford to. Collecting one lens a year, is easily do-able, and it won't take long to build a nice collection.

--Evan

[goodolimack91]

i was told to get the 17-85 as well. would it answer all of needs? several focal lengths?
ability to go wide and take close up pictures as well? help please i need something that answers both and is also pretty decent

[Johnny Thunder]

If you can afford it, a 30D and a Tamron 28-75 2.8 is a great combination. Maybe not as good for landscapes as a the kit lens (as far as wide angle, FAR superior in image quality) can be had for $375ish. or there is the Tamron 17-50 2.8 for around 375 and Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.5 for $350ish. Ive heard good things about the 17-50 and 17-70 (but have not used them) and I love my 28-75 Tammy, this is a lens that can last you a very long time.

-Johnny

[nicksan]

Originally Posted by goodolimack91

i was told to get the 17-85 as well. would it answer all of needs? several focal lengths?
ability to go wide and take close up pictures as well? help please i need something that answers both and is also pretty decent

It's a good step up from the kit lens.
The IS will certainly help you with shooting non-moving subjects.
It's not a particularly fast lens with its f4-45.6 variable aperture over the 17-85 focal length.

It's got good range. It's reasonably wide enough, yet has some reach at 85. (Remember the 1.6x crop factor which will give you 136mm FOV Equivalent)

Is it know for great IQ? Probably not. My co-worker has this lens I've seen some pretty darn nice pics taken with it.

Again, also check out Tamron and Sigma, if you don't third party that is...

When I was starting out, I got myself the 50mm 1.8 (replaced now by a 50mm 1.4). It's a great way to learn because it makes you think about framing, and also give you an idea about fast glass, depth of field, and all that good stuff...

[goodolimack91]

now, with that being said,

heres my setup so far..

30D
Tamron 28-75

where should i go to purchase? preferrably online