Znut Reefer
Premium Member
I'm thinking on buying a Cannon Rebel XTI. It comes with a standard lens 18-55 mm. What would be a better lens to get also with it? Macro or a good zoom lens. Any advice would be appreciated 
Cannon Rebel XTI Lens??
- Thread starter Znut Reefer
- Start date
t5Nitro
New member
I was just debating this camera also. I ended up buying the 30D. I don't have it yet, it is ordered though.
People have told me and others if you have the few extra hundred, go with the 30D, it is the newer camera and has a few extra features, along with a more heavy feel to it and not light weight like plastic I was told. The 18-55mm lens that comes on the XTi, you will probably replace it anyway.
There are people on here that have the XT and XTi and have amazing pictures, I think it is probably more what lenses you put on them.
If you buy the XTi, I would get the body only and go for some lenses. If you want some nice macros like people here on RC have, I would go with the canon 100mm f/2.8 lens. Amazing pics are taken with that macro lens.
I was also looking at the 70-300mm image stabalizer telephoto lens. I was told that is more for long distance shots though. If you want a long distance shot lens, that one is definately cool, I tried it out in the store. Otherwise, I ended up with the 30D and kit lens of the 28-135mm canon lens. That one new is around 500$ anyway I think, so it has a nice lens on it already. I think that one is used more for family/vacation and maybe a decent distance lens.
People have told me and others if you have the few extra hundred, go with the 30D, it is the newer camera and has a few extra features, along with a more heavy feel to it and not light weight like plastic I was told. The 18-55mm lens that comes on the XTi, you will probably replace it anyway.
There are people on here that have the XT and XTi and have amazing pictures, I think it is probably more what lenses you put on them.
If you buy the XTi, I would get the body only and go for some lenses. If you want some nice macros like people here on RC have, I would go with the canon 100mm f/2.8 lens. Amazing pics are taken with that macro lens.
I was also looking at the 70-300mm image stabalizer telephoto lens. I was told that is more for long distance shots though. If you want a long distance shot lens, that one is definately cool, I tried it out in the store. Otherwise, I ended up with the 30D and kit lens of the 28-135mm canon lens. That one new is around 500$ anyway I think, so it has a nice lens on it already. I think that one is used more for family/vacation and maybe a decent distance lens.
t5Nitro
New member
I would agree, have a budget you want to spend. A good zoom lens is the canon 70-300mm telephoto with image stabalizer, that zoomed a long ways in the store. I would also say the 100mm f/2.8 macro is an awesome lens for macros. I did try that in the store too, you can be close to an object and make it perfct quality. I don't know much on lenses, but I do know some are over 1k in price each, and the 2 above lenses are around 500 dollars each. www.bhphoto.com has some good prices.
Znut Reefer
Premium Member
I do agree about the budget. Is the 30D the newest camera or are they coming out with a 10.0 soon?
jeffbrig
Premium Member
The latest and greatest from Canon is probably the 5D - 12.1 MP and full-frame. You can get a bundle of this camera body and the excellent 24-105 F4L lens for the bargain price of $3800. 
Ok, back to reality, the 30D is currently the top of heap for Canon's non-professional line. The 30D is more semi-pro, while the XTI is more for the general consumer market.
There are SO many decisions to be made with respect to lenses, and most serious photographers have a bag full of them for various types of shooting. If you're serious about photography (for this post, I'll assume you are), think about what types of subjects you'll be photographing, at what distances, and what level of quality to you require. With lenses, you largely get what you pay for. Some are better values than others, but for the most part, quality glass costs more $$$.
A complete lens bag has zoom lenses covering a broad range of focal lengths, maybe with a little overlap, plus a couple of primes (non-zooms) for specific purposes. Generally, most people would start with a standard zoom as a walkaround, then a longer telephoto zoom for extra reach in other situations. Reefkeepers like us tend to add a Macro lens for tank photography. Next you might want a fast prime for shooting indoors without a flash. How about an ultra-wide angle for architecture or landscape? Then maybe a super telephoto. See where this is going? Lots of choices and decisions to be made.
As someone starting out, you don't have to make all of these choices today. The kit lens may be perfectly adequate for you initially. I could hand you a $1200 L lens tomorrow and you won't necessarily take better pictures with it. The lens certainly has the potential to take better pictures, but the person standing behind the camera is often times the limiting factor.
FWIW, I've been into photography for a while now, and the 18-55 is still my only lens in that range other than a 50mm prime. I find that I just don't use it very much, since most of my shooting is either wildlife with a 70-200 F/4L, or tank shots with the 100mm F/2.8 macro (both great lenses, btw). I am at a point where I am ready to replace the 18-55, because I can see its shortcoming in the pictures I do take with it.
My best advice is to think about what types of lenses you're intersted in (standard, tele, macro, etc.), what your budget is, and then ask for specific recommendations. It's also worth noting that a cheaper camera with quality glass will generally outperform the most expensive camera body with a cheap lens.
Ok, back to reality, the 30D is currently the top of heap for Canon's non-professional line. The 30D is more semi-pro, while the XTI is more for the general consumer market.There are SO many decisions to be made with respect to lenses, and most serious photographers have a bag full of them for various types of shooting. If you're serious about photography (for this post, I'll assume you are), think about what types of subjects you'll be photographing, at what distances, and what level of quality to you require. With lenses, you largely get what you pay for. Some are better values than others, but for the most part, quality glass costs more $$$.
A complete lens bag has zoom lenses covering a broad range of focal lengths, maybe with a little overlap, plus a couple of primes (non-zooms) for specific purposes. Generally, most people would start with a standard zoom as a walkaround, then a longer telephoto zoom for extra reach in other situations. Reefkeepers like us tend to add a Macro lens for tank photography. Next you might want a fast prime for shooting indoors without a flash. How about an ultra-wide angle for architecture or landscape? Then maybe a super telephoto. See where this is going? Lots of choices and decisions to be made.
As someone starting out, you don't have to make all of these choices today. The kit lens may be perfectly adequate for you initially. I could hand you a $1200 L lens tomorrow and you won't necessarily take better pictures with it. The lens certainly has the potential to take better pictures, but the person standing behind the camera is often times the limiting factor.
FWIW, I've been into photography for a while now, and the 18-55 is still my only lens in that range other than a 50mm prime. I find that I just don't use it very much, since most of my shooting is either wildlife with a 70-200 F/4L, or tank shots with the 100mm F/2.8 macro (both great lenses, btw). I am at a point where I am ready to replace the 18-55, because I can see its shortcoming in the pictures I do take with it.
My best advice is to think about what types of lenses you're intersted in (standard, tele, macro, etc.), what your budget is, and then ask for specific recommendations. It's also worth noting that a cheaper camera with quality glass will generally outperform the most expensive camera body with a cheap lens.
Znut Reefer
Premium Member
Jeffbrig,
Great advice thanks. I'm pretty sure now which lens I'm going to get. I want the 28-135 mm and also the 100mm f/2.8 macro. Now just trying to decide between the XTI or the 30D. I may get the 30D with the 28-135 kit lens and hold off and see if the macro lens is needed.
Does the 8.0 MP vs the 10.1 MP really make that big of difference. I'm sure the 30D is a much nicer camera for the money. Just not sure if I'll need all the features it offers.
Theres a $400 difference in the cost of the XTI vs the 30D with both lens. I want to make the right choice between the 2. I surely don't plan to upgrade cameras any time soon after my purchase.
But don't mind adding the macro lens later.
Great advice thanks. I'm pretty sure now which lens I'm going to get. I want the 28-135 mm and also the 100mm f/2.8 macro. Now just trying to decide between the XTI or the 30D. I may get the 30D with the 28-135 kit lens and hold off and see if the macro lens is needed.
Does the 8.0 MP vs the 10.1 MP really make that big of difference. I'm sure the 30D is a much nicer camera for the money. Just not sure if I'll need all the features it offers.
Theres a $400 difference in the cost of the XTI vs the 30D with both lens. I want to make the right choice between the 2. I surely don't plan to upgrade cameras any time soon after my purchase.
But don't mind adding the macro lens later.
jeffbrig
Premium Member
Here's a couple of sites with good info, reviews, ratings on lenses.
http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/index.php?cat=45
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=86975
I would almost suggest that you get the cheapest body available if this is your first SLR. Realistically, the difference from 8 to 10.1 MP isn't going to matter for most people. Saving several hundred dollars to invest in lenses is probably a smarter choice. IMO, there's no point in buying a high end body like the 30D if you will be casually shooting in full auto mode. I would argue that the old XT body is a great bargain right now. Roughly $500 new these days (less if used), yet it's 8MP and can take pictures on par with these others. The newer models give you a slightly bigger LCD for reviewing photos, more focus points, and a couple of other advanced features.
http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/index.php?cat=45
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=86975
I would almost suggest that you get the cheapest body available if this is your first SLR. Realistically, the difference from 8 to 10.1 MP isn't going to matter for most people. Saving several hundred dollars to invest in lenses is probably a smarter choice. IMO, there's no point in buying a high end body like the 30D if you will be casually shooting in full auto mode. I would argue that the old XT body is a great bargain right now. Roughly $500 new these days (less if used), yet it's 8MP and can take pictures on par with these others. The newer models give you a slightly bigger LCD for reviewing photos, more focus points, and a couple of other advanced features.
Mrs. PL-Reef
New member
I have the XT and have no problem with it, of course I'm constantly drooling over the 5D, but hey what can you do?? I'm getting my lens collection together first, and I added a battery grip to one of my XT's to help add some bulk to it, which makes it feel like a different camera I think you should save the extra money for a lens, of course it would be better if you went and held both of them and decided which feels better in your hands, if the XT feels okay but a little small look into the battery grip which you can afford with the money you'll save. The feel of them in your hands is more important then anything, if you don't like holding the camera you won't take any photos... My $.02
I think you should save the extra money for a lens, of course it would be better if you went and held both of them and decided which feels better in your hands, if the XT feels okay but a little small look into the battery grip which you can afford with the money you'll save. The feel of them in your hands is more important then anything, if you don't like holding the camera you won't take any photos... My $.02
Znut Reefer
Premium Member
Thanks for the replies. I think I'll go check both the Rebel XTI and the 30D in person and see which camera I will like the best. I'll post my decision here.
Canon just announced rebates on select Canon EF lenses!
Canon Instant Rebate Savings
Happy Shopping!:rollface:
Canon Instant Rebate Savings
Happy Shopping!:rollface:
Znut Reefer
Premium Member
Wow thats good but the link does not work says denied access?
Znut Reefer
Premium Member
Ok, thanks. I'll check it out on their site.
Znut Reefer
Premium Member
Yes I did check out the canon site. Both lens I want are not on the list. ):
Thats what I do plan to do is go look at both cameras and hold them and see which one I'll like the best. It's looking like for the $ I'll be more interested in the 30D.
Thats what I do plan to do is go look at both cameras and hold them and see which one I'll like the best. It's looking like for the $ I'll be more interested in the 30D.
