Lens Recommendations

dfrear · 20-12-2007, 6:12 PM

After much research and trying to work out how much cash I've got (im sure you've all seen the threads!) I finally managed to bag myself a Canon 350D + Kit Lens for £209 delivered (brand new).

I just couldnt justify spending roughly another £200 (£150 with cashback) on a 400D. Now I have heard the kit lens is pretty dissapointing so I'd like to get a cheap Canon lens to go with it, my choices so far as as follows:

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

CANON EF 38-76mm AF

Canon EF 35-80mm AF F4-5.6

Canon EF 28-80mm AF

These are considering my limited budget and I could get either one for roughly £35-45.

As im only a beginner I was hoping to get some views on which would be the best "all rounder" for me to start off with. I mostly shoot landscape, wildlife (although I know I'll be needing a much longer lense for this in future) and general photography such as buildings etc.

The Canon EF 28-80mm AF appeals to me the most due to the extra bit of zoom, but is there any downside to buying this over the others?

Thanks for all the help guys, sorry to be such a pain with all these "umming and arring" threads!

Holowlegs · 20-12-2007, 6:36 PM

Hi ya

I think the CANON EF 38-76mm AF is the kit lens so if I was you wouldn't get that. I could be wrong

I will have a look at the other lens for you.

But this is only my opinion, but for now play around with the kit lens,get use to the camera and save a bit more. There no hurry, you be better off geting something that's going to last you, maybe longer than the camera, than getting something you will not like and want to replace.

Two good lens that are value for money are

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens which you can pick up for £56 but it is a fixed focal length of 50mm

Another is the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Lens £109.99.

Cheers Holo

dfrear · 20-12-2007, 6:44 PM

You may have a point there, the kit lens in question (with the 350D) is the EF-S 18 - 55 mm F3.5 - F5.6 II - may actually be the same as the first one I mentioned (although that is the USM version, and could be the on which comes with the 400D)

Holowlegs · 20-12-2007, 6:49 PM

Hi ya

meant Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

dfrear · 20-12-2007, 7:02 PM

hehe, apparently the big complaint with is that its very soft at small apertures

rizingstar · 20-12-2007, 7:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfrear

hehe, apparently the big complaint with is that its very soft at small apertures

Sure is,i knew after only 1 week that i would be buying another lens

dave_walton · 20-12-2007, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfrear

After much research and trying to work out how much cash I've got (im sure you've all seen the threads!) I finally managed to bag myself a Canon 350D + Kit Lens for £209 delivered (brand new).

Where did you get that from? Do you know if there are any left?

dfrear · 20-12-2007, 10:50 PM

Hi dave, I got it from eBay - there are about 16 left, brand new, full 12 month warranty. The item number is 360007345601.

Not to everyones taste, buying off eBay, but im happy with that sort of saving. It comes with a free 2GB CF card too.

I managed to get myself a Sigma 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 so that should see me through a while.

Peakoverload · 21-12-2007, 12:34 PM

If you are 'only' a beginner stick with the kit lens to begin with, that's what it was meant for in the first place. Yeah sure it's not the best lens in the world but it isn't a complete dogs dinner and until you get more experience and know what kind of lens, in terms of focal lengths and speed, you really need you'll just be wasting your money. Also most of the lenses you mentioned are very old, and other than different focal length aren't really going to offer you anything better than the kit lens.

My advice is buy the camera with the kit lens. If you budget can be stretched to buying something with a focal range like a 24-70 or something that goes from around 50mm to 100-200mm on the second hand market (check out Sigma and Tamron lenses for better prices than Canon) than this will let you do more telephoto photography whilst you learn.

In a years time or whenever you feel that you are now outperforming the lenses (i.e. they are stopping you from getting the kind of shots you now know how to take), flog those lenses and invest in some better glass.

Basically learn to walk before you can run. Photography is an incredibly expensive hobby, or at least it can be. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that you have to have the best lenses/cameras in order to take good photos. You could have the best lens/camera in the world but if you don't know how to use them properly you still won't get the best from them. By buying competent gear you'll learn a lot and learn quickly without wasting your money.

HTH

dfrear · 21-12-2007, 1:27 PM

Hi Peak,

Thanks for the advice, that's roughly what I was thinking - which is mostly why I chose very cheap lenses which were quite old but would give me a bit more scope than the 18-55. I tend to be a sucker for a bit of zoom so getting the 28-300 for 60 quid was a pretty good start.

Time will tell just how good though! I am upgrading from an S6500fd so I guess thats why I was a little sceptical about "stepping down" to "just" 18-55mm.

hongkonguk · 21-12-2007, 2:49 PM

Was the Sigma off ebay too? I only ask because I bought one and got the dreaded "Error 99" problem that some (usually Sigma) lenses get-meaning that to work they need to be rechipped. This is usually more likely to happen the older the lens is. I sold mine onto another Canon user,this time a film user where this error doesn't occur.

I hope you aren't as unlucky as me.

johndow · 29-12-2007, 8:27 PM

Dfrear

i have just had a look on ebay at the 350d. i am seriously considering buyingone, but would you have any concerns/ advice having just purchased one?

Also, is it the 350 Badged model, or the USA RebelXT model, and is it black or silver (not that that will change my mind)

Thanks in advance

JD

dfrear · 29-12-2007, 11:24 PM

hi johndow, when/if it arrives ill let you know

So yes, there are concerns - the seller isnt holding stock, but it is shipped from a UK seller. If you check feedback they have been having some trouble in the run up to xmas, I have been promised that it will be shipped on the 2nd of January when their supplier returns to work.

Basicly, if you don't mind the wait (although there may not be one now its after xmas) then go for it, but otherwise, buy elsewhere. I don't mind the wait if it saves me about 120 quid... Next cheapest new 350D was about £300

dave_walton · 30-12-2007, 6:32 PM

I've bought one also and been told it will ship after 2nd January, will just have to wait and see but for the price it is a bargain.

johndow · 01-01-2008, 7:56 PM

I'm a sucker for impulse buying, and usually regret it. I see the 18 available went pretty quickly, but if it is as good as it says, i will keep an eye out for any more.

It's the old "if it looks too good to be true, it usually is" eating away at me.

Fingers crossed it works out for you. i will be eagerly watching this space, and ebay (and prob kicking myself i didn't buy when i could have!)!!

JD

Jimmer · 03-01-2008, 12:32 PM

Any news as to the whereabouts of your 350d Dfrear?? I am thinking of getting one, but am wary as to the source of these etc. Emailed the seller and he said available on 10 days, so may click buy and hold off on payment until he has them in stock....

johndow · 08-01-2008, 2:33 PM

I have also ordered one. Bought on Wed 2nd. Asked seller for dispatch date and they said within 5 working days.

Doesn't look good though judging by feedback. All items relating to the 350D refer to problems with suppliers and buyers being refunded. I haven't seen one feedback which said "item recieved"!

JD

dave_walton · 08-01-2008, 4:57 PM

I have asked about the outstanding orders and have been advised that every single outstanding order will be completed and dispatched by the end of the week.

Bit concerning though that there are no feedbacks saying that the Item has been received also. Guess we will just have to wait and see what happens. There are many feedback entries that talk about refunds being given when requested. Just a bit misleading though as the stock was not the sellers but through an external supplier.

johndow · 09-01-2008, 1:50 PM

To be honest, i don't mind a bit of a wait if it's what it says it is. I don't mind if it's the 350D or Rebel XT, at that price for a new DSLR with kit lens, its a bargain.

I wouldn't have been able to afford a DSLR for another 6 months anyway, so two or three weeks is nothing.

I might email the seller again on friday or monday for a delivery date.

JD

dave_walton · 12-01-2008, 12:32 PM

I Have contacted the seller again and they have confirmed told me that all deliveries will be completed and delivered by tuesday next week or earlier.

johndow · 15-01-2008, 4:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave_walton

I Have contacted the seller again and they have confirmed told me that all deliveries will be completed and delivered by tuesday next week or earlier.

That's same as i got on friday. Doesn't look hopeful, tuesday is nearly over and no deliveries. The feedback seems to be getting gradually worse.

I can't understand the problem, this is a powerseller (good reputation) and people are getting their money back when asked (honest), so they don't seem to gain anything from lying about stock.

It's also strange that they keep advertising 350Ds every 7 days, 16 or 18 at a time. This has been going on since long before xmas, and not one has been delivered. I recon there must have been at least 100 purchases so far

JD

dave_walton · 15-01-2008, 7:05 PM

Latest update: Now being told friday. I am going to give them until the end of the week and if it hasn't come look at getting a refund.