New to SLR/DSLR

kevitt_1973 wrote in post #16728515
Thanks. Im looking at a 50 mm now. My camera came with a EF 70mm-300mm, which I found out is great and I was willing to trade for a 50 mm, but I see I would be losing. Im just use to the point and shoot and the 70mm-300mm isn't close to that...LOL I'm learning as I go. Thanks a bunch

Definitely keep the 70-300, and maybe supplement with a shorter zoom like an 18-55 and a flash. If your shortest lens is only 70mm, you're going to find that you can't get far enough away for many of the shots you'll want, especially indoors (like at your daughter's prom).

archer1960 wrote in post #16728725
Definitely keep the 70-300, and maybe supplement with a shorter zoom like an 18-55 and a flash. If your shortest lens is only 70mm, you're going to find that you can't get far enough away for many of the shots you'll want, especially indoors (like at your daughter's/ prom).

Is it a 75-300 or 70-300? Not worth to keep 75-300 and it is about the right trade with a 50/1.8.

kevitt_1973 wrote in post #16728244
Ive always had a point and shoot camera, but recently purchased a Canon T2i DSLR camera and still very new with SLR/DSLR so I was wondering for a beginner how cheap can I get my lens and what are the older lens called so I can look for those type for the price? Ive seen online FD lenses, Ef lenses, and Ef-s lenses and was wondering, if I needed a adapter to use older lens. My daughters prom is coming soon and would like to be ready for pictures with my dslr camera

The least expensive useful lens for a beginner is the non-stabilized 18-200mm Tamron. This lens will not offer the performance or technical perfection that many users of this forum demand, but it is a good unit for those who are making the transition from compact cameras and for those who are learning the potential and limits of a DSLR. The lens has a low price, so in case you later decide you don't like the world of DSLR photography you will have made a minimum investment. And, if you grow into hobby photography, you will be able to easily identify where you need new equipment.


Again, and this is an important again, this recommendation is not aimed at the experienced technical perfectionist. It's intended for a beginner, for someone who is just getting started. Others will recommend more elaborate and more expensive lenses, but they will not help you buy what they want you to own.

did all you get with your t2i is the 70-300mm?

if so i'd pair along an 18-55STM...add a cheap 50mm f1.8, and if you can swing a yongnuo flash with e-ttl you'll be able to accomplish quite a bit

oh, and skip FD lenses...just look for ef, or ef-s

binlu12 wrote in post #16728746
Is it a 75-300 or 70-300? Not worth to keep 75-300 and it is about the right trade with a 50/1.8.

Yes, it is a EF 70-300 mm, just rechecked. Its the only lense I have, that came with the camera. Thanks for the advice

archer1960 wrote in post #16728725
Definitely keep the 70-300, and maybe supplement with a shorter zoom like an 18-55 and a flash. If your shortest lens is only 70mm, you're going to find that you can't get far enough away for many of the shots you'll want, especially indoors (like at your daughter's prom).

Thanks, all help appreciated

gasrocks wrote in post #16728289
Most poeple start with the Canon 18-55 IS and 55-250 IS lenses. They do not cost a lot, fairly sharp and pratical.

I was doing some research for a person and there is a special on T5i and those two lenses. The 55-250 is surprisingly good for the price. If you decide on these mark sure to buy the ones that are STM. Better IQ and quicker focus. A bit more but well worth it as I was told by others.

kevitt_1973 wrote in post #16728834
Yes, it is a EF 70-300 mm, just rechecked. Its the only lense I have, that came with the camera. Thanks for the advice

In that case you need something in the 17/18 to 50/75 range. The most economical solution is the 18-55 IS, which you can find for around $100. That will give you a nice two-lens setup that is excellent to start with. Use both lenses for a few months, to see if you think you need anything else. You don't need to spend any more money until you know exactly what you want and why you want it.

Enjoy!

digital paradise wrote in post #16728843
I was doing some research for a person and there is a special on T5i and those two lenses. The 55-250 is surprisingly good for the price. If you decide on these mark sure to buy the ones that are STM. Better IQ and quicker focus. A bit more but well worth it as I was told by others.

Thank you, I will keep that in mind

If all you've used is a P&S you may well be shocked by the sheer bulk and weight of even a small DSLR with a typical day-to-day zoom lens attached.

My old film SLR with a 50mm lens was far less bulky and lighter than any modern day DSLR with a 50mm lens.

Expect your DSLR camera and lens to be something in the region of a kilogram, maybe more if you want a few lenses.
It's not the sort of thing you can just shove in your pocket either.

If you're not prepared to carry it around every day then don't buy it, stick to a decent P&S.

If you want an all-in-one camera then consider a bridge camera. They are bulky, but no where near as much as a DSLR with lens, and the weight is a lot less than a DSLR/lens too.

Don't think a DSLR will give you "better" pictures either.
You have to work at it, and understand far more about aperture/shutter/etc..
Any decent photographer will get good pictures with camera built in to a basic mobile phone.

Just some thoughts that haven't been mentioned.

which 50 are you looking at?

kevitt_1973 wrote in post #16728515
Thanks. Im looking at a 50 mm now. My camera came with a EF 70mm-300mm, which I found out is great and I was willing to trade for a 50 mm, but I see I would be losing. Im just use to the point and shoot and the 70mm-300mm isn't close to that...LOL I'm learning as I go. Thanks a bunch

I think the 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM is a great budget lens. It is a bit soft at 300, so don't zoom out all of the way. It is a challenge to focus manually. My 70-300 comes with me when I'm looking for a light telephoto zoom.

I'm recent to DSLR having bought one about 12 months ago.

I went with the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM initially and found it a great lens to keep on the camera. It is not too bulky, can produce good quality and is of a range that covers a lot of situations and is therefore very versatile.

I've since added wider and longer lenses but this is the one I leave on my camera.

I agree on the comment with respect to diminishing returns but also believe strongly in that you need to spend a certain amount (on whatever you are buying) to get something of decent quality.

Chris L F wrote in post #16729473
I'm recent to DSLR having bought one about 12 months ago.

I went with the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM initially and found it a great lens to keep on the camera. It is not too bulky, can produce good quality and is of a range that covers a lot of situations and is therefore very versatile.

I've since added wider and longer lenses but this is the one I leave on my camera.

I agree on the comment with respect to diminishing returns but also believe strongly in that you need to spend a certain amount (on whatever you are buying) to get something of decent quality.

Thanks Chris, you and everyone has helped.

kevitt_1973 wrote in post #16728244
Ive always had a point and shoot camera, but recently purchased a Canon T2i DSLR camera and still very new with SLR/DSLR so I was wondering for a beginner how cheap can I get my lens and what are the older lens called so I can look for those type for the price? Ive seen online FD lenses, Ef lenses, and Ef-s lenses and was wondering, if I needed a adapter to use older lens. My daughters prom is coming soon and would like to be ready for pictures with my dslr camera

Based on the above and your later post about owning the very nice Canon 70-300mm, my recommendations are:

• Canon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 STM (~$325 used)
  
• Yongnuo YN-565 Flash (~$105 new)
  
• Lumiquest Ultrasoft or Pocket Bounce Flash Modifier ($25 new)