Looking for a great all aound camera, what am I getting into?

[Siffy]

I'm considering purchasing a Canon Rebel XTi to replace my 7 year old Kodak dx4900. I'm the type that likes to buy high up on the tech chain and keep it for a long time. Not only to get my money's worth, have about the best I could get for a while, but also because I don't like change once I'm used to something and know how to use it w/o thinking.

I'm open to another camera brand/model suggestion as long as it's from a reputable company (expect Sony for personal reasons). I'd even look at the Canon 30D more (or models in that price range) if someone convinces me it has options I'd probably want.

What I'm looking for is a great camera for taking pictures of people, tank macro shots, and possibly long range scenery/outdoors. I know I'll need to buy a macro lens, but don't know if I'll be needing to buy another lens to cover the other 2 categories. I'm wondering what my final costs will be like.

I know I'll need about a $700-$800 camera, $360-$470 macro lens (once I decide between the EF-S 60mm or EF 100mm, don't really know the difference), tripod, extra rechargable batteries, high speed flash card in 2-4gb range, but what else? Is there something else big or even several nickel and dime options/accessories I'm forgetting? Is a standard 18-55mm lens good for all around pictures of people/things 5-20 feet away? Or should I buy the body only for $100 less put that toward a different lens?

I'm just trying to figure out if I'm looking at $1500-$1600 after accessories or possibly over $2k.

TIA

 

[Maxxumless]

I have the XT (body only), 430 flash, two lenses and a grip and I really bargain shopped â€"œ still went over 1200. The XTi would have been that much more.

If you are serious, I would recommend either the XT or XTi â€"œ but if you have big hands then a grip will surely feel better. A great walk around lens would be the Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4.5 DC and just buy the Rebel without the lens (which is OK but the Sigma puts it to shame). The Sigma runs around 390 and the XT around 490 and with that combo you are well off. Canon also has the 60mm and 100mm macro lenses but they are NOT cheap! The Sigma is better than most in its range at macro work. The general rule in photography is to split your total cost evenly between the camera and lens â€"œ there is no substitute for good glass (just look around at the good photos here). Getting a 1000 camera and a 300 lens will often be worse than buying a 500 camera and 500 lens. If you pick up an L class Canon lens you'll never want anything else Later, when you are sure you'll be taking more macro or distant shots you can upgrade â€"œ there are places online that will rent you a 1000+ lens so you can test it out â€"œ long story short, my recommendation will get your feet wet and won't lock you into one category of photography. Remember, with the Rebel's 1.6x crop that Sigma will actually be closer to a 27-112mm lens.

 

[Mrs. PL-Reef]

Also a side note to remember if you get any EF-S lenses and want to someday upgrade to a full frame body you won't be able to use those lenses.
You will need different lenses for macro, people and long range photos...
I have a XT with grip (helps make it feel bigger) the 100mm macro, a 24-70 L for a walk around lens. My next purchase will be the 70-200 2.8 IS for more reach and eventually I'd like the 500 for some really good reach. I bought the kit lens with the camera and though it's not the greatest lens, you can use it, I still use it for landscape and night shots because it's my widest lens. Look around for third party lenses to help save some money, but Maxxumless is right, once you get L fever there's no going back LOL

 

[jeffbrig]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10033035#post10033035 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Maxxumless
The general rule in photography is to split your total cost evenly between the camera and lens

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

My lenses and accessories are easily 3-4X what I paid for my camera body, and that number only climbs with time.


I agree with the lens rental suggestion. I'm actually renting two lenses worth almost $2k to take on vacation next month. A great way to sample some fancy glass that you haven't shelled out the big bucks for.

 

[Maxxumless]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10038320#post10038320 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jeffbrig
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

My lenses and accessories are easily 3-4X what I paid for my camera body, and that number only climbs with time.

Maybe I should have said 'first' lens or starting lens. And by that equation, perhaps you should get a MKIII if you haven't already

 

[jeffbrig]

Sounds like a good excuse to me,