What to get

[WharfRat]

I'm going to be getting a EOS Digital Rebel XT for X-mas and I have no experience with SLR cameras. I need to know what type of lens I will need for shooting my fish as well as general purpose. I can get it with a 18 - 55 ( I think ) lens or I can upgrade to a 70 - 300. I'm already confused so help a fishhead out.
Thanks!

 

[BlueCorn]

Don't buy the 70-300; it's garbage.

 

[WharfRat]

Um..care to elaborate on this.

 

[PJSEA]

For the fish you'll want to get a MACRO lens so you can focus up close. Something like this:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-100mm-f-2.8-USM-Macro-Lens-Review.aspx

 

[WharfRat]

So just go with the 18 - 55 as a starter lens and then get a macro lens for shooting upclose?

 

[Rosseau]

I have the 70-300mm IS.

I would not say it is garbage. I like the range, the IS and have had some good shots.

If I had another $400 laying around I would have gotten something different.

All handheld.

This last one is using Kenko extension tubes and the telephoto lens (I've only had them a few hours, so I need some practice still).

You may be looking at a slightly different lens than I have.

http://www.pbase.com/cameras
Check this link out. There are hundreds/thousands of user pictures taken and organized by lens/camera.

 

[Rosseau]

Again, if I had some more money that I wanted to put towards a true macro lens (i.e. Canon 2.8 100mm) I would. Yet, for now, Kenko extension tubes will have to do. They are quite cheap and produce some nice magnification.

 

[Reefmack]

The 60mm Macro lens is nice too. I got the XTi, and the 18-55 lens isn't the best, but it's a good all around lens. The 60mm gives nice macro shots, but to get FTS shots you'll have to back up quite a bit to get the whole tank in the picture - much easier to take those with the 18-55mm.

 

[WharfRat]

I think I'm going to go with a bare body and then get a 50 mm 1.8 or some such thing..not up on the jargon yet. Did order a book on how to use the XT. I've been reading that the 50 mm is a decent starter lens. Thanks for all the replies

 

[J. Montgomery]

I'd recommend the book Understanding Exposure to learn some basics about aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.

 

[ZIN22]

Well I will answer your question .... 50mm- 1.8 cost 75.00 and a great lens for the $$$

 

[ZIN22]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11064626#post11064626 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by beerguy
Don't buy the 70-300; it's garbage.

I think a better way to put it is go with the 70-200 f/4.0 its a better choice.but not for your reef shots just everything else pretty much.