From what I read the kit lens it comes with is garbage, so I need a recommendation for a decent zoom with image stabilization (will be shooting a lot on the water, and low light) something not too expensive. I will be in NYC from tomorrow to thursday so I will be stopping in B&H and a couple other superstores to pick one up.
Very exited about it, I haven’t had an SLR since my first Rebel 15 years ago, I ran that over with my car. I did have a Minolta Maxxum back in '01 but that was a piece of garbage.
He’s looking for a zoom lens. A 17-40 or 50 prime doesn’t fit that bill.
Looking for something cheap, this wouldn’t be too bad. My friend has it and likes it, but in fairness still uses the auto modes on his XTi…
I personally like separate lenses which will do a better job than those “jack of all” lenses. I run a Sigma EX 18-50 f/2.8 and Canon 70-200 f/4L however that’s going to set you back alot more $$.
So I got the camera, and the 55-250mm IS, and took some pics, seems great to me, especially since the total cost of the camera and both lenses was $560 ($350 for the camera with 18-55, $209 for the 55-250, both refurb)
These are all on auto, and have the most basic editing, (and a lot of compression for small files, you can really see it on the Kearns pic))pretty much what any novice would do, and that’s what I am since I haven’t had an SLR for a long time, and this is my first DSLR. Most are flowers since my wifes garden looks good now.
Nice. Id like to see some images with no compression. The zoom lens is convenient enough, but you will not like it in low light. As disappointing as buying a lens thats worth more than the body is, its almost a necessary evil if you want completely awesome shots almost ever time in many different situations. However this setup will likely serve you well, GL have fun
Get to learn how to shoot in manual modes, the XTi uses ISO 400 for all the auto modes. For outdoor sunny shots you should be down at ISO 100 and 200, you’ll pick up more clarity (less noise). All in all its a good platform to learn on and a good camera to figure out if its something you’ve got interest in taking further. I’m still using an XTi body, just with much upgraded glass. My next step is to go to the 50D.
Oh and what IanK said above about low light with the zoom lens, prepare to use a tripod. Low light + handheld + f/5.6 = blurry shots. That’s a decent starter zoom lens (step up from the kit lens), but its not very fast, so you’re going to need to keep it stable in low light, IS or not.
Nice tip on the ISO, the following were all shot in 400 I believe, I took a walk around my neighborhood. I’m not really happy with the sharpness. I’ll try some more later in 100 now that the sun is out, I’ll try the flowers again in the sun.
How’s this? A little better? Played with ISO and Aperture. These are completely unedited except for scale, the 2 last ones are only cropped, not scaled at all. The are all compressed alot to make the file sizes small though, I’m using GIMP (free!) maybe I need to upgrade
It’s not bad, there’s only so much you’ll be able to get out of those lenses you have though. I’m not trying to knock you, but just saying there is a reason you can spend $$$$$ on lenses. I’ll post some stuff later on when I’m at home if I remember.
Another note, just saw you plan to shoot on alot of water. I strongly recommend getting a circular polarizing filter for your lens, really knocks down glare on water.
