WooHoo...finally got a DSLR!!

[returnofsid]

Well, I finally took the plunge and purchased a used Digital Rebel Xt (350D). It included the kit lens and a 1 Gb CF Card, as well as the other standard kit accessories, such as strap, charger and the misc. cords and such. I paid $500.00. I think this was a pretty fair price. I've also just found a lens on Craigslist for $50.00 that I'm considering. It's a Canon EOS EF 50MM 1.8, although I really have no idea what this means...lol. I've still got a lot of learning to do!! I'm really excited about this new aspect to our wonderful hobby of reef keeping...AND excited about the potential start to a new and just as expensive hobby...lol.

Any and all suggestions and advice from others is welcome. This is my first SLR camera and I'm clueless at this point!!
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[edwing206]

That's cool. Just another place to spend money.lol

 

[michaeldaly]

I would not get the 50mm lens, it's neither wide angle or telephoto. The lens kit is probably an 18 - 50mm anyway.

 

[jeffbrig]

That 50mm is known is at the "nifty fifty" due to its price/performance ratio. They're only about $80 new online.

Despite the fact that 50mm is covered by the kit lens, the 50mm prime has better sharpness and is SIGNIFICANTLY faster. Build quality is the only place where it's lacking, since the lens is all plastic (what do you expect for $80 new?). But, there isn't another lens out there that can touch f/1.8 speed without spending hundreds of dollars. It's great for shooting indoors without flash, or in low light tanks.

Most Canon shooters I know have either the 50mm f/1.8, or its more expensive sibling the 50mm f/1.4. Major performance differences, aside from speed, is that the 1.4 has a 7 or 8 blade aperture, instead of a 5 blade on the 1.8, resulting in smoother bokeh.

 

[zenya]

Re: WooHoo...finally got a DSLR!!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10044253#post10044253 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by returnofsid
This is my first SLR camera and I'm clueless at this point!!
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If I may add one thing, since this is your first DSLR, why not get a sheap book like the one by Scott Kelby. I find it fun to read as well as getting good and quick guide.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._032147404X_Book_The_Digital_Photography.html

I also agree with jeffbrig on the description of the 50mm f1.8 lens. It is very capable lens ( I have one as well) and a good learning piece of glass to have in a the bag. Much more capable in the dim light than the kit lens and light as a feather to boot.

 

[returnofsid]

I also think the 50 mm would be a great lens. It's performance will be much better than the kit lens @ 50 mm. I think having a fixed lens will also be better for learning, since it forces me to think more about the shot than simply being able to zoom in or out.

 

[swjim]

In addition to the book that zenya mentioned above, the tutorials on this site are pretty good if you're just starting out: http://web.canon.jp/Imaging/enjoydslr/index.html

Also, the forums at http://photography-on-the.net/forum/ are really good too. You might want to check them out.

 

[returnofsid]

Well, I looked at the 50 mm prime lens. Unfortunately, the focus ring is a bit sticky and it's unable to auto-focus. I can manually focus it fine but it's a little of a nuisance because of the sticky ring. For short distance work, the AF worked fine...it's when you get out about 25-30 feet and hit those couple of sticky spots that troubles start. I don't know if this is something I could easily fix by some cleaning method or not. I offered the guy $30.00, he countered with $40.00 and said anything less and he'd try to fix it himself and sell it for $50.00. I did tell him that if he's able to get it working properly, I'd pay $50.00. Any opinions?

 

[jeffbrig]

I think you did the right thing. $50 is the going rate for a used one in working condition. If it's not workig perfectly, I wouldn't buy it, period. Wait for a better opportunity to come along.

 

[jedininja]

For $30 difference, I would really just get a new one. I had the same lens myself until I got my 17-55 IS. It was definatly the best value you can get for any lens. It was sharper than most lens 4 times its price.