New to the world of DSLR

Hello everyone, 1st post.

Just dropping a post to say hello and to say there is a just way to much info here, but that is a good thing.

I got my 1st ever DSLR (well never owned a SLR for that matter). I bought a referb 30D kit (with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens) and I pretty much Love it. The only problem I had/have with it is it came out of the box with a very dirty inside and sensor. I have Rocket blown it and I have used 4 Sensor Swabs and still can't get it 100% clean. I am going to try one more time, but this time I am not going to push so hard like the package instructs you to do, I think a bit of the swab comes off and sticks to the sensor (my thought only)... Yep, I have read above a million words on how, what, where and when to clean the sensor. In any case, I have learned that shooting RAW is the best option and that is what I do, so removing the dust spots where seen isn't that big of a deal, just one more step before converting to jpeg.

Anyhow... For all the reasons that someone would buy a DSLR, I have a few reasons why I went with the 30D and not with the Rebel Series.

1... Cost. Going with a referb 30D seemed to be a better option for "me". I really wanted the 40D, but just couldn't swing the founds. Who knows, maybe at upgrade time I will go a few steps higher and get the 50D or 60D (if the 60 will happen on Canons end).

2... For some reason I just had to have that Top info LCD screen.

3... The metal body.

There is many more reasons, but that was my top 3.

I know there is another section on Lens, but I thought I would ask here...

I would like to have something with more zoom, so I have been looking at the EF-S 55-250 IS it seems to be a good choice for me. Right now I don't want to upgrade to "great" glass, I want to get the feel of the DSLR world 1st and see how I like it. With that said, any thoughts on the lens of choice? Should I get rid of the kit lens and maybe replace the 2 lens thought with just one lens? Yes money is kind of tight so the biggest bang for the buck is what I am looking for. Just remember, I'm new to this camera world.

Thanks and I hope to get to know you all very soon, even if it is nothing but words and photos.

First of all, welcome to POTN and the world of DSLR's!! I think you've made a great choice in buying the 30d. I started with a 300d and once I learned the ins and outs quickly moved on to the 20d.

I'd say to learn with the equipment you currently have. Once you've found your style and the things you like to shoot, make your equipment choices accordingly.

If you're looking for a good zoom I'd save up for the EF 70-200 f4 L, it's a great lens and you can usually find a used one here for $450.00 to $500.00. I'm not sure what the EF-S 55-200mm costs but if you ever move on to a full frame body, the EF-S lenses will not work with those bodies.

Enjoy your new found passion and don't over-obsess about sensor dust.

Steve... Thanks for the reply, yea I gotta on the sensor dust.

The EF-S 55-250 in referb can be bought for $200 or new for $250, used for all round that cost, maybe a bit lower.

Also I see your point on the "L" and understand that the EF-S can't be used on a full size sensor. But at this point, I don't think I will go to a full size sensor any time soon, for my "next" upgrade. I mean my upgrade would be more at the 50D then the 5D, that is how I see it right now, sure you never know. BUT I will take a good look at the EF 70-200 f4 L that you have pointed out Steve

I am looking to get the 30D up and running with a zoom lens choice, either all in one (wide/zoom) or having 2 glasses I can go to. Heck who knows, when that upgrade happens, maybe I'll get lucky and can get good glass at the same time.

The 50-250 IS has been well received by many members of this forum.

I remember reading that Sigma makes a good 70-300 lens (handles macro too) which might save you a few bucks, especially if you can find it used.

I've been doing a little reading here and another choice might be the Canon 70-210mm. Here's a thread talking about the 55-250 and the 70-210. https://photography-on-the.net …777&highlight=5​5-250+lens

Hey Steve

Great choice on the 30D. I just got mine, I was initially planning on getting a 40D but couldn't pass up the deal (plus I wanted one since they were new in stores). My XTi has been collecting dust over the last month.. lol.

I've been though a couple of used telephotos- a cheap Tamron 75-300, upgraded to a soft copy of the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 , and my most recent the Canon 70-200 f/4L which is just stupidly sharp!! I would be intriqued to try out the 55-250 IS.. it's got a nice range (sometimes 70mm is not QUITE wide enough and I get frustrated) and IS is always a bonus. Good luck on whatever you decide!

Thanks everyone.

Steve... I do need that IS i think. Either I am getting old or a drink to much coffee or both. Yes it goes without saying that all depends on shutter speed. But seeing what allare saying about that lens, maybe I can by-pass the IS.

Pear... You have a link? Dose it have IS? I am sure I can find it and the info if needed.

Jr... Thanks.

EDIT... Thanks for all of that DStanic. So no Sigma?

MrSteve wrote in post #7888760
EDIT... Thanks for all of that DStanic. So no Sigma?

Nope I sold it. And if I were to ever get a f/2.8 telephoto lens again, it would have to have IS to make it worth lugging that weight around (it was quite large and heavy). I found that f/2.8 was not enough indoors without IS, which is why I went with the Canon f/4L. I may consider the f/4L IS in the future because I really like the size and weight and sharpness of the f/4L. Shooting drag racing for example, I want to have a shutter speed of 1/200 or 1/250 (any higher and the wheels on the vehicle are frozen) that would be a great time to have IS.

Welcome to the forum. You made a great choice for a first camera. I don't have any first hand experience with 55-250 IS but it gets good reviews. I like the 70-200 F4 as a starter first zoom lens.

Just a heads up, not all plastics are made equal. Newer lenses that have some plastic components use engineering grade plastics, the same stuff that was used in legos. If you've ever built a lego bunker and chucked a baseball at it, you'll know how strong plastics can be.

Unless you absolutely know what you need, don't get anything. You may find that wider lenses work better for you or that you really need much more reach than even a 300mm. Until you know this, take it easy, slowly get used to everything, then worry about what comes next.

First of all, welcome to a new world of what I think you'll enjoy .
If you want IS, you maybe must consider the EF 70-300, the reviews are with this lens and is very respected by fellow forummembers.
The price is the double of the 55-250, but I think it's worth it.
Don't get me wrong, the 55-250 is a good lens to.
Take a look at both!
And again, have alot of fun in your new heaven !

Thanks again everyone...

What would I use it for?

Well I have found myself taking photos of wild life. Living here in Florida in the country, some good subject cross my path, but mostly at distance, some on the ground, some in the air or some that never move at all.

I live about 2 miles away from the County Airport and most days the landing path is right over my home (well a bit to the east), but the aircraft are still at about 1,500ft or so. There are some not so common aircraft over my head and I would love to get some photos of them. One is the Beechcraft Starship (google it, great Aircraft). Yes sure I could go to the airport, but being right at home, I could just wait for the aircraft to come to me.

We have horses and I am 100% sure the wife would like as many photos of them as possible.

I am sure there is more, that is just a small list.

Jelle... Thanks, seems for the cost that I was able to find, not a bad lens at all. I will be reading up on it some more.

basroil... Forgive me, but what are you letting me know about? What Manufacture being better then the other or maybe because that some mounts are plastic and for me to be careful on what lens/from you I get it from?

jerokaz... I will be sure to keep it on my list.

DStanic... Thanks again.

EDIT... Opps. Also when the shuttle takes off, I get a good view even if it is 200 miles away, below is some photos I took of one with a Olympus SP-570 (That I sold to get the 30d)

MrSteve wrote in post #7889754
basroil... Forgive me, but what are you letting me know about? What Manufacture being better then the other or maybe because that some mounts are plastic and for me to be careful on what lens/from you I get it from?

EDIT... Opps. Also when the shuttle takes off, I get a good view even if it is 200 miles away, below is some photos I took of one with a Olympus SP-570 (That I sold to get the 30d)

Simply telling you to check with lens specific forums like friedmiranda and the like. As for plastic mounts, there are only two i know of, 50 1.8 and 18-55. And any lenses that have a plastic mount WILL ALWAYS HAVE A PLASTIC MOUNT. If anyone tells you otherwise, call the better business bureau and report an upgrade scam, they are not a reputable seller and you should take your business elsewhere.

As for shuttle, forget about getting closer crops than that. To get even 200x200 pixels that are the shuttle itself, you'll need more than a 1200mm lens. For that price, you might as well just get an 800, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, and a 1dsmkiii for each, drive to the closest to the launch site you can, then take some photos.

Thanks...

No I wasn't saying I could get closer shots of the shuttle with a 300 or less, I was just stating shuttle shots is what the zoom lens would be used for as well as my other reasons.