Canon EOS 450D, anyone?

[dendro982]

If you using Canon EOS 450, post examples of what is possible without macrolenses, and what is the lowest light that it can handle, with setting if possible. Will be greatly appreciated.

My better half is toying now with Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi with Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 18-55 mm, as a replacement for Fuji FinePix 6500 fd, that didn't do the job well. So far this Canon's quality of shots is comparable to point-and-shoot Fuji 2.3 MP.

Old Pentax Optio 30 (point and shoot too) gives much better quality in the same conditions:
Under 18W PC:

 

[BlueCorn]

With a DSLR, the lens is more important than the camera body. The 450D is a fine body that will produce excellent images.

Without using a macro lens you're not going to be able to get nearly as close as those images without cropping. The kit lens just is not designed for that. The 100 f/2.8 (roughly ~$500 US) would improve your capabilities quite a bit.

This is an example of the type of magnification that you can get with it. I'm also using extension tubes and a 1.4TC on this shot but it's the 100 macro. On your camera, this would be even bigger since it's not a full frame sensor.

Salt and Pepper:

 

[dendro982]

Thank you! Are there any cheaper lens, that still will do the job? Maybe not the best, but sufficient for the task.

 

[BlueCorn]

Tamron and Sigma both make decent macros in the ~100mm range. I don't like them as well as the Canon but both are sharp.

Don't rule out used. I'd be leery of eBay or the like but B&H, Adorama and KEH all are reputable and sell used gear. The advantage that they have over private sales is that you can return the lens if there is a problem.

Cheers

 

[dendro982]

Thank you! This is just what I need to know, will look for them.

 

[BlueCorn]

No problem. We'll be waiting patiently for pictures.

 

[RevHtree]

DANG Doug that is an awesome photo!