MAY Buy T2i/550D HELP Please

Toying with the idea of buying the T21 and kit lens. Have read dpreview review & am "comfortable" with this camera. I know there are better lenses (& cameras) but the kit is OK, for me, for now. I can afford this camera but others start stretching my budget: considering lenses, fillters, et al. And I do not see myself upgrading this camera. This is a MAJOR step for me.
I have only used G series. G3, G6, G12.
Can I shoot using the LCD monitor? I am not clear on this.
Do you use a UV filter to protect the lens?
Do you leave the lens on or remove lens & cap body? It seems like leaving the lens on would reduce the risk of dust since this is the only lens I will use, for a while.
With a CPL on, how do you turn the CPL without messing up focus?
The kit lens has an almost "worthless" lens hood. Is there a better lens hood? Or simply learn the shortcomings of this one?
Anything I should be asking myself that I am not?
Thank you for your help.

GilBean

Yes, you can take pictures using the screen, just like a point and shoot. All you have to do is press one button and the screen becomes your viewfinder (but it's slower, doesn't focus as well, etc.). Use the viewfinder and learn to enjoy it.

You don't need a UV filter to protect the lens. That's a personal decision and most people don't.

Always keep the lens on your body. There's no reason not to (unless switching lenses or selling the body).

A lens hood can help a little. Most people don't use one, but some do.

Spend your money on good lenses after getting the body.

MikeFairbanks wrote in post #14750635
Yes, you can take pictures using the screen, just like a point and shoot. All you have to do is press one button and the screen becomes your viewfinder (but it's slower, doesn't focus as well, etc.). Use the viewfinder and learn to enjoy it.

You don't need a UV filter to protect the lens. That's a personal decision and most people don't.

Always keep the lens on your body. There's no reason not to (unless switching lenses or selling the body).

A lens hood can help a little. Most people don't use one, but some do.

Spend your money on good lenses after getting the body.

MikeFairbanks, thank you for answering. Any suggestions on a good SD/SDHC card and initial filters? I assume a CPL although I am a little concerned that the lens rotates when zoomed. That will mean adjusting the CPL each time the lens moves. Will it be OK to adjust the CPL as long as I wait until after the lens and AF stop moving? Any other "Must Have" accessories for initial purpose? Have tripods, 220EX, and 430EXII. Thanks again.

GilBean

I've had my 550D for 2½ years and have had no thought on replacing it.

I started with the kit lens (and a Tamron 70-300) and they served me well for 14 months.

I used a "cheap" hood off ebay to protect the kit lens. I also bought a set of cheap ND's and a CPL. The CPL was mostly used on landscapes (with water) and occasional car shows. With the subjects being stationary, the rotating front element was never an issue.

Once you take the plunge, see in which direction your photographic interests take you - you can always add to your kit as you progress.

As for a card, I have a couple of 8GB Sandisk's, one at 30MB/s and one at 20MB/s as a spare

Lawrence

Spare battery is very useful. You can get Wasabi 3rd party batteries very cheap and they work fine.

The focus speed using live view (the screen) is not as fast as using the viewfinder, just FYI. You'll probably get used to the viewfinder quickly if you just keep using it.

Enjoy!!

If CPL's are important to you, then replace the kit lens when you can afford to. I would suggest that you use the kit lens as is- till you decide what you want to replace it with. Some may choose a similar range and fixed f/2.8 aperture, longer range- and variable aperture, or maybe venture into a superzoom. Most lenses out there don't behave like the 18-55 does with the rotating filter threads.

In between then and now, focus, use the one hand to hold the body/lens- at the lens- and the other to rotate- you'll get close.. then focus again- and shoot..

For example, replacing it with a 15-85 might make sense for some, others are more interested in f/2.8 like a 17-50/17-55 offerings. Some might go for a single lens solution like an 18-135 or 18-200.. Everyone's needs are different- use the 18-55 till you decide what you want to replace it with- IF.

And you can focus both with live view, and thru the EOS utility tethered.. While slower than normal AF- it CAN be more accurate than the normal phase detect autofocus. Best thing- try it- see if you like it- and go from there.

Stop toying and start buying - you will not regret it. I have always used UV filters (high quality) and CPLs when required. I have replaced all my kit lenses with the faster glass (F2.8), but that isn't a must do. The 550D is an awesome bit of kit for the money, I still use it despite having bought the 7D. Get use to the view finder, it will allow you to better compose your shots. I see that there are a couple for sale in the market place section.
Your next post should read - bought a 550D

Dutch

I'm just going to repeat what most others have said, get the kit and use it for a while. At some point you will realize what YOUR next purchase should be. When you repeatedly bump the same limitation then address that need.

Here is one to tempt you

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1209836

Dutch

Buy it. My wife has one and she loves it .. I actually like to use it. Very capable camera.
Just make sure the kit lens you're looking at is the IS version. Add a 430ex II flash and you should be good to go.

Pick up the 50mm 1.8 while you're at it! I sold my T2i...and miss it. The 60D is great...but damn that T2i was a great camera! MEMORIES!

mangrovedutch wrote in post #14759266
Here is one to tempt you

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1209836

Dutch

Thank all of you for your ideas, suggestions, thoughts, and advice. Waiting for payment to clear to say "I Bought One!!!"

GilBean