Canon Rebel lenses

[aquagurl]

I would like to get some opinions on a new purchase. I currently own the 35mm Rebel 2000 that comes with the lense shown in the picture - a 28-80mm Lens. Even though I have owned this camera for years and I do like it once I got my point and shoot digital this just sits in the bag due to the convenience of digital. Now I would like to get the Canon XTi . Now, my question...would it be worth the addtional ~$90 to get it with the lense or should I just buy the body, use my current lense and save my money for a different lense in the future? (or that new MH pendant I need to buy ) I would like to use the camera for macro shots and some everyday "snap shots" of the animals, people and places etc. Hopefully I will evolve as I take more photos. Thanks for any input.

 

[clippo]

tough one - personally, I'd get it with the kit lens if you plan to do a fair amount of everyday stuff. The 28-80 may be a bit 'long' for this kind of work IMO (when the crop factor is taken into consideration). Once you get used to it, maybe consider a macro lens - Tamron and Sigma offer alternatives to the Canon macro.

 

[BlueCorn]

Keep in mind that the XTi is a cropped sensor camera. Basically, the sensor is smaller that the frame on your 35mm film. What that does for your exising lens is to give it the same effective magnification as a 45-128mm lens on your Rebel. You'll likely want something wider than that for "normal" shots.

 

[aquagurl]

Thanks clippo and beerguy. And thank you for that explanation beerguy. I had read that the lense from my 35mm lense would work but it would be different on the digital, but I didn't understand how or why at the time. Thank you - that makes sense now

 

[RRodrigues]

Hi aquacurl, I've got also the rebel 35mm with the 28-80 lens, when I bought my XT I didn't get the kit lens and later did buy a macro Tamron lens and a 50mm 1.8 from Canon (cheap ad veru good optics). Now I'm considering to buy a nice zoom to repalce the old 28-80, that is: 24-70 L from Canon.

 

[jwedehase]

It would be nice to have that extra width of the 18mm, but I'd save the money and use your current "stock" lens. The stock lenses aren't quality pieces, they're built inexpensively with the non-discriminating hobbyist and "the package" in mind. I wouldn't hesitate to leave it out, and save the $90 for another lens that will be more satisfying in the long run.

On another note, I've been nothing short of completely satisfied with B&H Photo as my preferred reseller. In the photography industry, there are lots of places filled with bad ethics, misleading information and in my opinion, outright malice, so you have to be careful who you buy through. Amazon isn't one of these, but they're also not a specialist... they sell everything.

Check this out:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/457530-REG/Canon_1239B002_EOS_Digital_Rebel_XTi.html

 

[aquagurl]

You guys aren't making this decision any easier! But at least now I understand a little bit more what I will be getting out of the XTi with my current lense or the stock XTi lense.
So jwedehase, or anyone, if I know I will be buying a better lense in the future but I don't know how far in the future before I will be able to drop the cash on one...is it worth the $90? Or are there some lenses out there with smaller price tags than I think? Some of the lenses I have seen people suggest carry a decent size price tag on them and I am going to have to save my pennies.
And thanks jwedehase for the concern. I am not planning on buying through Amazon for reasons you mentioned-they were just an easy link for my needs B&H is probably where I will purchase when I take the plunge. Great prices and I have heard good things unlike a lot of scummy places out there.
Thanks for all the input - and if anyone else has any opinions let me know!

 

[bureau13]

IMO, I would save money and not get the kit lens ONLY if you are planning on buying another lens in the very near future (like, now). The kit lens isn't bad, really, and your current lens just isn't wide enough if that's all you have (exception if you know for a fact you'll be doing primarily a type of photography that doesn't need to go very wide). If 90% of your shots are going to be macro shots of your tank, for instance, save your money and buy a decent macro. I got the 60mm EF-S macro, but I think my recommendation if you're getting just the one is the EF 100mm. But I'm getting off topic a bit...

OH, and I completely concur on the B&H Photo comment...great vendor.

jds

 

[aquagurl]

Thanks bureau13,
No you are not off topic at all If I "shouldn't" get the stock lens it is good to hear what people recommend. Do you mean this lens? I guess it will just depend on my $$ situation at the time of purchase whether I go stock or not. I really do need to buy a metal halide pendant - there goes the money for that macro lens . Not that I won't get enjoyment out a new light as well Just too many expensive hobbies...I am not sure why I am getting into another.
At least I know that my current lens is not a "replacement" for the XTi stock.
Also any input on the used equipment through B&H?

 

[BlueCorn]

I've bought used gear from B&H and highly recommend them. It's a far better choice than eBay for used gear as it's returnable if there's a problem with it. KEH and Adorama also offer used gear.

 

[clippo]

consider extension tubes as an alternative to a macro lens - when combiend with a 50mm f1/8 can get decent results. Should teach you about DOF etc too.... just buying an expensive lens doesn't gaurantee good results incidentally - you ahve to know how to use it. Observe images taken by those making recommendations also - see which you shots/techniques you like best.

 

[aquagurl]

I am keeping extension tubes in mind as well - even though I do forget about them at times. Believe me - I really can't afford expensive lenses and equipment. I am going to be relying on a lot of reading and practice to make the equipment I have, or rather will have, work for me.
Thanks beerguy. I forgot about Adorama and I will have to check out KEH. Thanks again for all the help