What kind of lense for city shots?

[Wasiq]

What kind lens would I need for city shots to use with the Drebel XT? I don't know how well the lens that comes with the camera will work, so I am just making sure. And what kinda settings are the best for night city shots? Or does that depend on the lens too? Thanks!

[tim]

It depends on what kind of shots you want to take (building, skyline) and where you are compared with them. Get the kit lens and see how that does for you, it's not bad and it's a cheap wide angle lens, it's limitations will guide you towards your next lens.

Settings: use a tripod, set the camera at F8-F16 on Av mode, use a cable release if you have one or the timer if you don't, then check the histogram - bright lights might mean you need to use a bit of negative exposure compensation.

[lostdoggy]

Great thing about taking pictures in RAW format. You get a second chance when you develop it. Download the RAWShooter from Pixmatic for free it works. Another great thing, you can take as many shot as you like with digital and print only the ones you like. So, bracket your exposure one or two stops +/- (increasing and decreasing the f/stop in AV mode or shutter speed in TV mode)
Composition is yours and yours alone can't blame the camera. For good info try luminous-landscape.com they have good essay to help you.

[tim]

If you have to bracket by 2 stops you need to work on your exposure technique - better to get it right and bracket by 1/2 to 2/3 unless you know better. RAW can't fix overexposure very well either, so better to underexpose. Maybe bracketing by 2 stops would be handy for night shots if there's a really bright light in the scene.