Embarrassed with the 18-55

Finally had a chance to put my brand new 20D to use. My kids Tae Kwon Do finals competition to be exact. I read a head of time about WB issues with indoor flourescent lighting, and nevertheless I "felt" like my shots were 60% successful. By the time I got a monitor to preview the images, then I notice most of the pictures were way too soft . Especially the wide open shots taken outdoors.

I figure the kit lens was to be sufficient hence I order a telephoto lens first. ( I did the deed and presuade my CFO, wasn't a very easy task mind you.)

So here I am in need of a replacement lens after I told the wifey what a great camera this is . I hate to admit this, but it seems like my SONY F707 was a lot sharper wide open.

Can someone recommend a semi wide angel (17mm or 18mm to anything) My only prerequisite is that the price be under $200. I believe that amount will slip right under the radar

I'll try and post some pictures tonight.

you need to sharpen your images on the PC. You'll see the same issue with a $700 L lens.

I hate to ask this, but PS is required? That doesn't seem right to me. I never use PS for my photos unless I want a dramatic change or something for my art work. I really like 'untouched' photos for my personal enjoyment.

Then you didn't need to get the 20D.

My digital rebel's kit lens takes nice crisp shots all day long. Learn how to use the camera (and digital processing) before you throw money at glass.

PS is suggested and you will get more out of your camera with it. You can , however, turn up the in-camera sharpness if you want more of a point-and-shoot feel. To do this make sure you are using the "creative zone" modes like P, Tv, Av, or M and then go to the menus. Under parameters, select either parameter 1 which boosts sharpness, contrast and saturation up a notch or go to set 1 and select them however you want. Even with sharpness, saturation and contrast turned all the way up you still won't get the over-sharpened, over-saturated and very contrasty effect you get with your point-and-shoot. These are great to show off on your computer slide show but don't suffer much work in PS or for making photo-realistic prints. It is much better to sharpen with more control in photoshop. Then you can sharpen just enough to bring out the effect you want and no more. Even then, you don't need the full photoshop, even though it is a deal at I believe $275 when you buy the 20D. You can also use PS Elements 3 which is also a fine program and a real bargain at like $75. You have to get in the habit of creating a work-flow for your images, however. You can't just shoot-and-show like you could with your point-and-shoot. However if you take the time it goes like this: shoot-sort-process-and say "Wow, I took that shot?!?". Hope that helps a little. Remember that the 20D is a hobbyist camera not a snapshot camera, but the hobby can be really rewarding!

-- Scott.

p.s. The kit lens is a fine lens especially at the wide end and especially stopped down a bit. Most people have trouble with it at 50mm, not at 18. Play with it a bit before you spend more money. If you can't get good results, come back here with some test shots and the EXIF information (the in-camera settings attached to each image) and folks here will help you out.

You can get Gimp, which is a free version of photoshop and has all the sharpening tools you need.

If you're looking just for P & S, put the camera in P mode and grind your teeth knowing that you've spent $900 more than what you needed...

Escapehtml,

You could try and increase the in-camera sharpening (as well as other processing parameters) if you don't want to use PS. See page 58 of your manual. I have no personal experience using this but it might be something that meets your needs.

Good Luck,

Dennis

Just turn up the in-camera sharpening.

There's a 17-40L lens which is quite good, or the 17-85 IS EF-S, but I don't know how good the EF-S lens is. Alternately try the Sigma 24-70 F2.8, which is meant to be quite good, though not so wide as you're after. I prefer to stand back and use a longer lens myself.

I agree with a couple of others - turn up the in-camera sharpening.

That said, try to determine why the images seem soft. Is it motion blur? Poor lighting? Image noise? Depth-of-field issues are much more significant on the larger SLR-type cameras (P&S cameras generally have such a deep depth of field that a slightly mis-focused image will go unnoticed).

It may take a little practice to get used to how the 20D handles. It's a very versatile machine, but the flexibility can be a hinderance to great images if you're not super-familiar with its features. Practice with it under many conditions, with the kit lens before you chuck it in favor of another lens.

PS - don't let people put you down for buying a 20D. There's a bigger learning curve with the SLR-type cameras, but once you get accustomed to it's operation, you'll really start appreciating its capabilities.

Thanks for everyone's suggestion. Here are some shots I took the day my camera arrived.

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There's nothing wrong with a cross product comparison. Mind you my 20D can achieve ISO 3200, kit lens @ f/22 and a blessing of AF metering and Cfn available. Not to mention my telephoto on the way. Anyways if you care to elaborate on such a remark please do.

Example pics will be posted later for reference.

I really appreciate this. NO, Really, THANKS!!!!!

I think you could make some good progress with any decent image editor. Pay attention to levels, curves, and sharpening.

---Bob Gross---

Learn to shoot in RAW as you'll see it'll give you greater control over WB and Exposure in your work.

I've actually gotten some fairly nice results with my 18-55 Kit Lens ... just don't care for the cheap feeling of it.

What were your shutter speeds for these indoor people pics? From those sample pics, I'm assuming you're not a "beginner" in a sense.

I've taken several images with the kit wide open and haven't been disappointed.
For under $200, you're looking at the kit lens.

I am sorry to say that the kit lens did not embarass you. (someone did). Using kit lens as an indoor sport lens is like driving a Ferrari on a dirt road. Ok, maybe that is a lousy example. But the point is, the lens is not fast enough for indoor sport like Tae Kwon Do. I have used the kit lens for a friend wedding, indoor. I barely got a few keepers even though not much action like Tae Kwon Do in the wedding. The kit lens is pretty sharp in my opinion, depending on how u use it. Any lens if used beyond its limit, u are not gonna get the result you expected. Learn how to workaround the lens. If it is not capable of what u r shooting, get a lens that suits the shooting style.

I cannot say the Ferrari embarassed me when it failed to run fast on the dirt road, can I?