Some help choosing between these 3 canon DSLR cameras

Since I'm a Canon guy I'd recommend the used 30D over the new XSi if you've handled it and it fits your hand; but that's just a personal thing.

You're getting way too caught up specs that will likely never matter to you or your images. None of those cameras would be a "wrong choice." Pick one and move on. ;)
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13954075#post13954075 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by beerguy
Since I'm a Canon guy I'd recommend the used 30D over the new XSi if you've handled it and it fits your hand; but that's just a personal thing.

You're getting way too caught up specs that will likely never matter to you or your images. None of those cameras would be a "wrong choice." Pick one and move on. ;)
Click to expand...

Ok thanks!!!

Just curious though... What specs am I caught up on?

NathanS
 
You tell me. :)

In one sentence you say that you've decided on the 450D and then post 12 more "choices" :lol:

Pick one and start shooting!
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13954141#post13954141 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by beerguy
You tell me. :)

In one sentence you say that you've decided on the 450D and then post 12 more "choices" :lol:

Pick one and start shooting!
Click to expand...


Ok...well, my bad then...I don't understand

Later,
NathanS
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13954710#post13954710 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TitusvileSurfer
For reef photos you want the Canon 100mm f/2.8
Click to expand...


Thank you so much!

My tank is only 12" deep, and most of my corals may not be as far away from the front as some folks... Does that make any difference at all?

I only ask since I see soooo many macro lenses to choose from

Thanks,
NathanS
 
The 65mm is REALLY cool. (I mean really super duper cool.) If you have enough reach with your 18-55 go for it.
This one:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/reviews/Canon-MP-E-65mm-1-5x-Macro-Lens-Review.aspx

I would rather have the 180mm than the 100mm, but the price to quality trade off makes it impractical unless you have a very deep tank. Which as stated you don't. I'm not sure how much more useful the 65mm would be in a tank vs. the 100mm. You have to get SO CLOSE to the subject to really make it shine. If you want to shoot flowers or little bugs or anything tiny that isn't in water, this is the ultimate macro lens IMO.
 
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The 65mm is NOT a standard macro lens. It's very specialized but I agree it's very cool.

The 100mm is a really sharp lens and it's working distance makes ideally suited for aquarium work. It also, unlike the Tamron or the Sigma, is internal focusing. That means that the barrel doesn't extend when focusing; which is a real hassle when you're up against glass.

Probably 9 out of 10 Canon shooters on this forum who use a macro lens use the 100mm f/2.8
 
Ok... I got my XSI, and I really like it... I wanted to first thank all you guys for the help!
I am just trying to learn all about it right now, and playing around... One of the things that I am trying to figure out, is how to shop for lenses... I have several recommendations that I got from this thread... Looking around @ different lenses, I wonder how it is that I should figure out which ones I can use... Such as this one http://www.adorama.com/SY100CA.html... How does one figure out what is compatable?

Later,
NathanS
 
That's a really cheap, low-end lens.

In the long run you'd be happier with the 100mm Canon. At that price it's cheap enough to buy as a toy but it doesn't come close in quality.
 
Thanks beer guy... I figured that it was not a great lens, but I am a very less than great photog... I just want something that cost less than the camera itself

I mean that Canon 100mm is probably great, but My God!!! That is ridiculous :lol: ... I need something that is cheaper, so that I can learn how to take pictures, and such... I really just did not know if that would fit my camera

Thanks,
NathanS
 
The other question that I have, is whether I need a 100mm lens in order to take macro shots of my tank... My tank measures 48" x 12" x 30" ... The 12" is front to back, so none of my corals are more than 10" from the front glass... I figure that something a little less than 100mm would work for me, and then later on when I get a bigger tank, I could get a much better lens;)

I plan to get about a 150 to 180 in the next year, so I will need that extra lens then... So, the thought for me is that if I can use a 75mm lens or something else than a 100mm, that would allow me to get a quality product...Instead of the so called low end junk... I sure am glad I asked you guys about all of this... I love the 450... Its great :thumbsup:


NathanS
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14023711#post14023711 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lukinrats
Thanks beer guy... I figured that it was not a great lens, but I am a very less than great photog... I just want something that cost less than the camera itself

I mean that Canon 100mm is probably great, but My God!!! That is ridiculous :lol: ... I need something that is cheaper, so that I can learn how to take pictures, and such... I really just did not know if that would fit my camera

Thanks,
NathanS
Click to expand...

Nothing about a DSLR is cheap. ;) That 100mm is, by far, the least expensive lens in my bag.


You could save a little money by going with the 90mm Tamron or the 105mm Sigma.
 
You will want the 100mm f/2.8 macro by canon , a good tripod (preferably with a macro-rail but not necessary) , a remote shutter release so the camera does not move while shooting and and a 2 gig plus fast memory card ,a remote flash is quite helpful as well .
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14023711#post14023711 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lukinrats
Thanks beer guy... I figured that it was not a great lens, but I am a very less than great photog... I just want something that cost less than the camera itself

I mean that Canon 100mm is probably great, but My God!!! That is ridiculous :lol: ... I need something that is cheaper, so that I can learn how to take pictures, and such... I really just did not know if that would fit my camera

Thanks,
NathanS
Click to expand...
I'll agree with Beerguy...as far as a nice lens goes this is as cheap as your going to get. I have lenses that cost 3 times as much...heck I have a lens that cost 4 times as much. Your not going to find a less expensive lens in the same ball park as the Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro.

To everyone thinking buying a DSLR with their Christmas money:
If you don't plan on investing a couple thousand dollars, buy a nice point an shoot camera for $500-600. It is really that simple.
 
gotta start somewhere!

I figure that learning how to use something, and making sure that I can learn how to take great pictures, can be done with a less expensive lens... Not exactly the one I linked to... I think it was missed that I linked that lens, because I am trying to figure out how to know that a certain lens will fit my camera... There are so many, and I am not sure about all the language that is used with photography yet

I will get a good lens, and I am sure that in the end, it will be the Canon, but I am still going to shop around & etc.

I appreciate all the suggestions, as it keeps me out of trouble;)

NathanS
 
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You want EF or EF-S mounts...which is basically any lens made for a Canon in recent history. FD mounts were made before there was such a thing as digital (or more accurately auto focus).
If you want a great camera that takes great pictures, you have to feed it money. That is just reality. Here is an analogy that will let you see the situation from our perspective:
You are trying to keep a SPS tank with no sump, a hang on the back skimmer, and PC lights. Your logic is that you are trying to save money by seeing if it will work with cheap stuff...but in reality it isn't going to work like you think and your just going to spend even more money once you realize that you needed better equipment all along. In the end you have to buy everything twice.

There are a lot of experienced photographers here and we are all screaming "Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro". I highly recommend you listen.
 
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Lenses will be the big ticket items in your bag, once you come to understand that in the DSLR world camera bodies are disposable you will be much happier, but your wallet will be crying :D

I like to buy used equipment from reputable users and or buisnesses like B&H and KEH, this helped me save a few bucks on my equipment and make the pain a little more managable.
 
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