Kit or Body Only? I'm planning to get the T1i, and am debating about getting the kit with the 18-55 lens, or the body. I've read the kit lens isn't great. However, I'm leaning towards the kit because I'm not sure what kind of lens I'm going to want, and I figured I can get used to the camera and that will help me decide.My last SLR was an A1, and I started with the body and a mid-range telephoto lens. I saved money doing that, but it doesn't appear that would be the case with the new one.Anyone have any recommendations or thought on this?Thanks!! Kit or Body Only? I'm planning to get the T1i, and am debating about getting the kit with the 18-55 lens, or the body. I've read the kit lens isn't great. However, I'm leaning... » Read More Kit or Body Only? I'm planning to get the T1i, and am debating about getting the kit with the 18-55 lens, or the body. I've read the kit lens isn't great. However, I'm leaning towards the kit because I'm not sure what kind of lens I'm going to want, and I figured I can get used to the camera and that will help me decide.My last SLR was an A1, and I started with the body and a mid-range telephoto lens. I saved money doing that, but it doesn't appear that would be the case with the new one.Anyone have any recommendations or thought on this?Thanks!! « Show Less
423139
The kit lens is pretty cheap and probably the best Rebel kit lens to date. Plus its optically stabilized and, as you note, it'll help you get an idea what lens you'd like next so why not?
423140
In August 2007 Canon introduced the current kit lens, it is a substantial improvement over older kit lenses. So when you read material older than that, that states the kit lens is worthless, it is not talking about that lens.http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/canon_18-55_3p5-5p6_is_c16/
423141
If you don't already have an ultra-wide angle lens for your A1, then it is worthwhile to get the kit lens for less than $100 extra. Due to the 1.6x multiplier in focus length (when going from a full-frame to an APS-sized sensor), your old 28mm lens is now equivalent to 45mm. So you'll need the 18mm lens just to give you a 29mm view.[update]I just realized that the Canon A1 uses FD lens mount, which is incompatible with the modern EOS (EF and EF-S) lens mount used by Canon T1i. So you cannot carry over any lenses anyway.
423142
Thanks Janet, I kinda knew that, but was surprised that you would be using p&s.; I would love nothing more than to stick with a p&s;,but the shutter lag (for shooting puppies/dogs in motion)(low-key professionally) is KILLING me. Is it true, there is no p&s; with a truly shorter shutter lag?p.s. not to mention a big ol' black SLR scares heck outta puppies!
423143
I don't really know----I found some great camera review websites when I was deciding which SLR to choose. My favorite showed basically the same shot taken with multiple cameras. I had narrowed my choice down to 2 based on price and MPs (if I'm gonna do it, I might as well go with the 15.1) and I was delighted to find that I actually liked the pix taken with the less expensive one better. Bet you could find a similar site for p&s;, or start a discussion specifically about the best p&s; for motion shots. My Elph has a setting to take multiple shots, and I've gotten some great butterfly and bird photos---and a lot of lousy ones, too. Ya gotta LOVE digital!!! I don't really know----I found some great camera review websites when I was deciding which SLR to choose. My favorite showed basically the same shot taken with multiple cameras. I had narrowed my choice down to 2 based on price and MPs (if I'm gonna do it, I might as well go with the 15.1) and I was delighted to find that I actually liked the pix taken with the less expensive one better. Bet you could find a similar site for p&s;, or start a discussion specifically about the best p&s; for motion shots. My Elph has a setting to take multiple shots, and I've gotten some great butterfly and bird... » Read More I don't really know----I found some great camera review websites when I was deciding which SLR to choose. My favorite showed basically the same shot taken with multiple cameras. I had narrowed my choice down to 2 based on price and MPs (if I'm gonna do it, I might as well go with the 15.1) and I was delighted to find that I actually liked the pix taken with the less expensive one better. Bet you could find a similar site for p&s;, or start a discussion specifically about the best p&s; for motion shots. My Elph has a setting to take multiple shots, and I've gotten some great butterfly and bird photos---and a lot of lousy ones, too. Ya gotta LOVE digital!!! « Show Less
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"Elph" is one of Canon's lines of digital point-and-shoot cameras. I currently have the Powershot SD 900 Elph, and love it. But of course it can't compare to an SLR.
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Yeah, unfortunately that was something I checked into early on in my research. Really a bummer, because over the years I used it a lot, I built up a great set of lenses for the old girl. But I can't see myself going back to film any time in the near future. I'm on my 3rd Elph, and I'm hooked on digital!
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don't know about luvvin' that digital (oh for the days when we laboriously loaded film, our two choices Fuji or Kodak, into our beloved and fabulous Nikons! -- with 6 sizes of lenses! and actually understood the camera! -- talking 70s here) but that's a great idea about asking for "best p&s; for motion shots". That's what I need all right. Or best dSLR for motion shots. It's really that simple, isn't it. That's why after 6 months I still don't have the slightest inkling of an answer.Serious thanks janet!
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Thanks, Tech Guy! So the "optical stabilization" feature is one thing I notice not all the lenses have, and I assume becomes more critical with more zoom?Annette, I'm glad I could help. I'm not a great photographer, but I've been fortunate enough to get some pretty good pix, both with film and digital. For me, the 2 best things about digital are 1) not having that little voice in the back of my head saying "you're going to spend a fortune getting these developed" while I'm trying to get the perfect shot; and 2) not having to wait for them!!
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What's an 'Elph' and does it relate to T1i or XSi (pardon my ignorance, new to Canons)
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Hmm, it seems that Canon believes that the kits should come first because they are higher revenue than the body. Those of us cheapskates who forego the lens should wait. Now if only the camera worked without a lens. It seems I spent a lot more money on getting a better lens from Canon than I would have had I accepted the lens that comes from the kit. Surely the bodies should come first - it is the true enthusiast that would buy a body only and then complement it with a good lens?
1026446
The T2i body only version also is not in stock at B&H; Photo, Adorama and Best Buy. It is not even available on the Canon Web site. I've been thinking of biting the financial bullet and buying a 7d instead.
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I have the 50mm f1.8 and love everything about it. My only problem is the focusing speed. I don't mind spending $340 for the 1.4 but I read alot of people had problem with it and have to send it in for repair. This made me very nervous. Anybody familiar with this problem? One more thing, if you want to choose between the 50mm or 85mm, check the crop on your camera first. Ex. T3i have a 1.6 vs 5D have a 1.0 meaning a 50mm on a T3i is equal to a 80mm on a 5D.
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I own the D80 with 18-135 lens and love it. Yes, you sacrifice a tad of fabulousness by picking the lens with the broader range, but I wanted bang-for-buck versatility first. I recommend getting at least *one* of the Nikon-Nikkor lenses, since they have proprietary circuitry that (I believe) the after-markets don't. The one thing you'd gain by starting with the 18-55 lens is that it *is* quite a bit smaller. I hate to mention it here, but I found - post-purchase - my local (Atlanta) membership w'house had a kit with *both* lenses for less than I paid for the body + lens.
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I have no experience with the SL1, so I will only comment on the lens. The 18-135 is what you want. It is almost good enough to have only that one lens, at least to start with. I highly recommend it. I have other lenses that I use as well, but the 18-135 can cover ~90% of what I want to shoot in any random situation.
578411
What camera bodies do you currently own and for what type of shooting?? For portrait, people love the 85, some even say they prefer the 100mm. I own the 50L, the only thing I can say is that shooting at f1.2 takes practice, and the auto focus is a bit slower than most other modern day lens with AF.
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Because if you buy from Canon it comes with the 18 - 55 lense. However this is a good camera and because I had one before I was not looking for a lense, I only wanted the camera body.
298203
Thanks for all of the feedback. I bought the E-510 about month ago and it has been great. I am glad I went with the two lens kit for $650 on amazon. Its great to have both lenses. The E-510 is proving to be a great camera.
8522
Hardy,Thanks for the info about getting better lenses. I just "bit the bullet" and bought the 24-105mm L lens. I have heard this same wise advice from other photographers, and I am looking forward to getting sharper photos with the new lens, and I will try to get only L lenses from now on. In the end, you truly get what you pay for.
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Yes! I have a T2i and it fits great. I don't think it ever came as a kit--but it is made to fit the body. It is a little bit heavier than the kit lens that your friend has, but it is much more versatile for, say, vacation photos where you might need a variety of shots in a quick period of time that turn out pretty good. I'm happy with it--a lot of people will get into the technical stuff about it, and they're right, but for your average person on a vacation (for example) looking for a lot of versatility in just one lens, this one is a winner!
1703577
Thanks Michael for sharing your experience. I myself ended up buying a 60d with 18-135 lens kit about a week ago from amazon and I am very happy both with the body as well as the Lens. I had a T2i with 18-55mm before this purchase, and I am not a pro but so far i haven't seen any degradation on the image quality between the two lenses. I like the 18-135 for its decent quality and a very practical zoom range. Not to mention that 60D is a far better body than T2i.
646696
DEFINITELY go with the T5i. I was thinking the same, but the extra features, newer & better tech, MANUAL video mode (light settings) and such were a great addition. This camera is great for the starting shooter or amateur. I went from little knowledge to taking masterpieces. Go for the T5i. You won't regret it.
297888
Thanks! A lot of specific info.Yeah, I knew the NEX series can't handle the Maxxum lenses.I probably wouldn't be buying any more lenses cause that's why I want the Sony BODY, cause I already HAVE several Maxxum lenses. PLus I really like how they have the IS in the body, not the lens.I don't often shoot sports so that's not a problem to me.I did NOT know that Tamron was associated with Minolta/Sony. To be honest, the original reason I went with Maxxum was that I had trouble seeing well enough to manually focus (took me forever). So I'd probably let the camera do that, and just change the speed/opening.My daughter has a Canon 30D but BOY is that a heavy body!Well, thanks again. I'll prob be buying the A33 body next month. Thanks! A lot of specific info.Yeah, I knew the NEX series can't handle the Maxxum lenses.I probably wouldn't be buying any more lenses cause that's why I want the Sony BODY, cause I already HAVE several Maxxum lenses. PLus I really like how they have the IS in the body, not the lens.I don't often shoot sports so that's not a problem to me.I did NOT know that Tamron was associated with Minolta/Sony. To be honest, the original reason I went with Maxxum was that I had trouble seeing well enough to manually focus (took me forever). So I'd... » Read More Thanks! A lot of specific info.Yeah, I knew the NEX series can't handle the Maxxum lenses.I probably wouldn't be buying any more lenses cause that's why I want the Sony BODY, cause I already HAVE several Maxxum lenses. PLus I really like how they have the IS in the body, not the lens.I don't often shoot sports so that's not a problem to me.I did NOT know that Tamron was associated with Minolta/Sony. To be honest, the original reason I went with Maxxum was that I had trouble seeing well enough to manually focus (took me forever). So I'd probably let the camera do that, and just change the speed/opening.My daughter has a Canon 30D but BOY is that a heavy body!Well, thanks again. I'll prob be buying the A33 body next month. « Show Less
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I realize your question is now 3 yrs old, but I may still be able to help someone else. My favorite lens for my T2i is the Tamron 118-270mm. Talk about versatile. I have the Canon 50mm and a zoom along with the standard kit lens, but none compare to the Tamron...no more changing the lens so often.
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Trust me, you will be so glad you went ahead with the 70D. When I was just beginning, I chose the T1i. Don't get me wrong, I learned a lot quickly. But after 3 years I was ready for a much better camera and had I bought the 7D then, I probably would have been set for a very long time. Granted, it's not a full frame but hey, for a crop sensor camera it's top of the line. The glass you invest in should be equally thought out. Whatever type of photos you tend to take can tell you a lot. I'm looking at several lenses myself now to add to my setup.
597329
Sounds good! I'm buying my first digital camera for my daughter and her family. I've locked in on the t1i and 15-85. I really like my 24-105 lens and think that the 15-85 should be a great match for the camera.