lens confusal

[Mile]

so while im deciding on which new canon to buy 400/450/500/550d there are a few lenses to choose from as well. so far my main option is the twin lens kit (stabalised) 18-55 & 55-250mm lenses. someone told me today these lenses are not that great. to me they seem like the best value and best range coverage.

I do also want to buy a 50mm f1.8 lens to allow me to take photos in low light. Im not a pro and the rest of the time i will be shooting general stuff.

will the kit lenses be sufficient enough for a general user or should i go for a 18-135mm one if its any better quality.

here are the prices and lenses of the 500d which i just might get. http://www.d-d-photographics.com.au/canon500d.htm

Sorry for sounding stupid but its all very confusing for me.

[ricktas]

Kit lenses will serve you well whilst you learn photography and probably into the 'enthusiast' level. But as your skills progress and you want more from your gear and you have learnt how to push your gear to its limits to get the results you want, you will find yourself wanting more from your gear than kit lenses will allow.

Having said that, it all depends how you perceive photography and where you want to take your new hobby. Some people are very happy with kit lenses their entire lives.

[Mile]

ah yes, i suppose there is no point in me worrying about all the other lenses when first of all i dont know where i will take it and second i dont know what they all do. The twin lens kit is what i will take as well as the 50mm f1.8. then if i need more i will go from there.

[soulman]

I think the 50 1.8 is a good choice, but take another view on lenses for SLRs generally. Kit lenses usually offer image quality that is not too different from the lenses on good compact cameras. They also have very limited resale value. Better quality lenses should give you image quality that makes it worth the effort of lugging an SLR and will be much easier to sell later if you need to, and will hold their value much better.

[TOM]

Mile, the lenses are more important than the camera. You need to first choose the lenses, then get the best camera you can justify with the change. But you will need to know what size sensor you're using first though.

[ZedEx]

go the 500D over the 550D. They're by and large very very similar cameras. 450D is probably the one i'd pick out of those models, and spend the extra money on some better lenses. Seriously look into buying the tamron 17-50 f2.8 instead of the 18-55 canon kit lens. It is a great little lens and is very sharp. Is pretty compact for an f2.8 fixed zoom too

[Mile]

go the 500D over the 550D. They're by and large very very similar cameras. 450D is probably the one i'd pick out of those models, and spend the extra money on some better lenses. Seriously look into buying the tamron 17-50 f2.8 instead of the 18-55 canon kit lens. It is a great little lens and is very sharp. Is pretty compact for an f2.8 fixed zoom too

why do you say the 450 is the best choice? I was chasing a 550d as first choice and 450d as second.

Every time i see the 550d it looks a little more 'plasticy' than the 450d, is it any worse quality?

i found a 550d i might get with a 18-55mm lens and for an extra $110 i can have the 50mm/f1.8 lens which i will get.

[ZedEx]

I wouldn't say the 550D is any worse quality. They're both very similar feeling cameras, all xxxD model Canon EOS' are plasty cased. IMO the 550D has a better physical design (ie it looks like a scaled down 7D) but not in such a way to effect the operation. I'd just rather spend the extra money on better lenses. They are honest to god the most important consideration you should make

[Mile]

ill have to know what lenses can do first i think before i know what to upgrade to. ill be happy with the kit 18-55 for now.

[bricat]

Have bought those kit lens with the 7D and find them to be adequate for my skill level. Am still learning so I am not an expert; far from it. Am still learning how to use camera and all the settings so will be a while before I have to worry about which lens to upgrade. Mind you if you keep reading posts on this site you will soon discover what is being said about different lens. Cheers Brian

[andylo]

Mile, seeing you are in Brisbane. If you want to have a trial on how the 18-55 and the 55-200 range, you are welcome to borrow mine.

I have a 18-55 IS and a Tamron 55-200 you have give it a test drive.

[Mile]

thanks andylo, i will already have the 18-55 lens with any camera i buy im guessing but maybe the tamron trial at a later date might work. i have to know how to work the 18-55 first before i can compare. if i end up getting a better lens from day 1 then thats just great.

[PH005]

Mile. A lens or a camera are only as good as the person that is useing them. Take your time, and in time you will learn what you need . or desire. Dont forget that the lens and camera are only an extension of yourself. Dont be affraid to experiment, climb. bend, stoop. lay and wait. Have fun most of all.

[dulvariprestige]

Another option would be to buy the body only and maybe a Sigma 18-200 OS lens for about the same price as a twin lens kit, just a thought.

[Mile]

i bought the camera today. its a canon 550d and came with 18-55mm IS lens.

i also paid extra for a 50mm f1.8 lens.

time to play

[wmphoto]

i bought the camera today. its a canon 550d and came with 18-55mm IS lens.

i also paid extra for a 50mm f1.8 lens.

time to play

Well done, you won't be sorry. "Time to play" is the key here. I've got a 450D with the kit lenses and I am now finding that my photography is going in a slightly different direction than I originally thought. So I'm glad I didn't spend money on a telephoto lens at the start when I now find myself leaning towards wanting a good quality wide angle.

[Mile]

cool stuff