unsure of which focal range; should i buy a used kit-lens first?

i'm not sure whether i should get the 24/28-70/75 or the 17/18-50 focal range. i would like wide angle, but i dont really know how often i'll really use it. furthermore, the non-wide angle option will give me a broader range of portrait options.

also, i do plan on getting the 85mm 1.8 to wrap up the 30D rebate (im 95% sure of the 30D; i just need to hold it one more time to confirm my decision). however, i am also considering the 50mm f1.4, but would prefer the 85mm since it covers a focal range no provided in the walkaround i will soon choose.

i am considering buying a used 18-55 kit lens and sell it later when i figure out what i want as well. would this be a good idea? how much can i buy and eventually sell for if i did this?

all suggestions are welcome (even if it's not a lens i've mentioned). thanks

my first lens I ever bought was the 70-200f4L...was a GREAT first lens used that and my kit for a little while

the kit lens isn't that bad, and it's going to be cheap used.

Get it, and shoot shoot shoot! Then go back and read the exif info and see where you are shooting at. That'll let you know what your sweet spots are.

And if you don't have, say enough zoom, you can always zoom with your feet (in most cases).

syntrix wrote in post #2129331
the kit lens isn't that bad, and it's going to be cheap used.

Get it, and shoot shoot shoot! Then go back and read the exif info and see where you are shooting at. That'll let you know what your sweet spots are.

And if you don't have, say enough zoom, you can always zoom with your feet (in most cases).

i've got nothing against the kit lens, but since i can buy a nicer lens, i thought i might as well. and i wouldnt want to commit to a nice lens with a focal range that i'm not going to use.

thx for the suggestion. i was thinkin that myself, but was wondering if there were any other reasonable alternatives

Exactly as syntrix said

oh i read wrong..I thought you ment you had the Kit lens with your camera and wanted to figure what to buy next

05Xrunner wrote in post #2129361
oh i read wrong..I thought you ment you had the Kit lens with your camera and wanted to figure what to buy next

yea...i decided to just buy the body since im planning on buying a nicer walkaround than the kit lens. im just not sure which focal range, and need to figure out either a good range that will cover everything i need, or a dirt cheap practice lens. i was thinking maybe i get the 50mm f1.8, but it would be hard to measure whether i need the 18/19~24/28 range based on footsteps

the 2 prime starter set does sound appealing though...despite less convenient zooms

Dude, you can buy the 30D plus Kit lens, in the same package, and take the double rebate. Don't waste your money yet...just find out what you would like...once you have the camera.

Here's the Canon link, to the Rebate FAQ's, and it states that the 30D + Kit lens package qualifies for the double rebate...

http://www.usa.canon.c​om …html?id=special​offers_faq

Wait till the rebate check comes in, and by then, you will know what you like to shoot. The kit lens isn't all that bad....it's not an L, but then again, it does not pretend to be. It's a 'learning' lens...and a decent one, at that.

inthedeck wrote in post #2129379
Dude, you can buy the 30D plus Kit lens, in the same package, and take the double rebate. Don't waste your money yet...just find out what you would like...once you have the camera.

Here's the Canon link, to the Rebate FAQ's, and it states that the 30D + Kit lens package qualifies for the double rebate...

http://www.usa.canon.c​om …html?id=special​offers_faq

Wait till the rebate check comes in, and by then, you will know what you like to shoot. The kit lens isn't all that bad....it's not an L, but then again, it does not pretend to be. It's a 'learning' lens...and a decent one, at that.

the penny pinching bug has hit me. i can get the body for 1150, and the kit addon will cost another 100. why pay 100 when i can pay as low as 50 used, and sell it back at nearly the same price? :P

too much hassle in most people's minds, but that $50 dollars i save is a memorable night out with the buds at the bar

well i would say the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 is an AWSOME lens for the money
I have it and its awsome..I used it to replace my kit lens....great IQ

Umm....Unix04...the kit lens that comes with the aforementioned rebate is the EF-s 17-85mm IS lens...I don't think it's cheap, by any means.

inthedeck wrote in post #2129490
Umm....Unix04...the kit lens that comes with the aforementioned rebate is the EF-s 17-85mm IS lens...I don't think it's cheap, by any means.

sorry about that, didnt realize you were referring to the 17-85 IS. that's certainly a thought!

YES!YES!YES!

Not to be rude, but (the big but), if you don't know what focal length you need ... then you are not ready to buy a lens. Buy the cheap kit lens and use the hell of of it .. in time you will know what focal length you need next ... then come back here and ask what brand to buy and why ... but not what focal length (unless it is for a specific photo).

Gary

I just got my d30 last month with the 50/f:1.8 and while it is a fine lens, I felt I needed more versatility, esp. in the wider angle...I thought of getting a 20 or 24 (32/38mm) lens.

I've read that changing lenses often isn't the best for digi-SLRs in that it leaves the sensor too exposed to dirt...and don't know why those with more experience than I haven't mentioned it, but I went with the 24-85 (38-136mm) Canon lens....and like it very much....

When I can afford a 30D I'll get that prime wide angle and use one on each body so I won't need the zoom...most of my shots will be just fine with the 38/85 combo...except for particular instances when I'd use just the zoom.

IMO you can't save or lose much on the kit lens. They new ones go for 50 bucks and you can always use it as a "high risk" lens in unfriendly environment.