Beginner's Camera Equipment

[PowerPee]

I just recently got myself a REBEL 300D (with 18-55mm package) digital camera. I do not know much about cameras but love to shoot em whenever I can (have 200-300 photos of my 1st child taken @ the nursey so you can imgaine).

I recently got a EF55-200MM that I want to sell (est around 2 weeks old) and get myself an 85mm portrait lens or a 100mm Macro lens. As for what I like to shoot, basically just about anything...:blush:

I kinw enjoy Macro shots a lot more than the others but basically I shoot whatever I see.

Question:

1.) If I were to get 2 lens to complement the packaged one, what would you suggest and why?

Thanks in advance to the Pros ! ! !

[ditoy_eagle]

The best value is always the Canon 50mm f1.8 mkII which goes around P4200-5T brand new! It's sharp and very afforable.

Canon 28-135 IS f/3.5-5.6 (originally recommended to me by Vic the master) good range, good sharpness with Image Stabilization. Usually P15-18T pre-oowned, Brand new around P26-29T.

For indoor shots though, better to get a faster lens f/2.8 at least. The Tamron 28-75 Di and Sigma 24-70 is good. Both around P24-26T brand new.

A zoom range of 70-200 is best to complement the kit lens. The Canon f4L version around P40T brand new is the sharpest, you can see raves about it everywhere. The 2.8 version though will cost you P70T and with IS P120T!!! The f4 is light and already color white (pogi points hehe!). For more afforability, the Canon 75-300 USM and Sigma 70-300 APO around P8-9T pre-owned have good reviews for the price.

[PowerPee]

Sir Ditoy,

Thanks for the tips... mali nga ako eh. I should've gotten the 75-300 instead of the 55-200mm na lens. Yung Canon na 50mm pang macro yaN?

I don't think I can buy L lens kaya kayo na lang masa pogi dyan... he he he

[ditoy_eagle]

Yung Canon 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro yun, I think around P17T yun. The 50mm f1.8 mkII is a standard range lens that works well indoors, and gives a wonderful "bokeh". It is also good for portraits.

[PowerPee]

"bokeh?"

Ah talaga? sige me check that out din. I read kasi sa EF LENS book ng CANON na perfect daw ang 85mm lens. Pero kung yang 50mm eh cheaper aba ! ! ! :blush:

[mgd]

Great advice from Ditoy! I'll just chime in on the 50mm 1.8. It's a good lens to have. It's fast and sharp. Great for shooting indoors (expect alot of that over the holidays). You might also want to look at external flashes (Speedlite 420/550/580EX). These have swivel/angle heads that are great for bouncing off ceilings and walls. Here's a nice discussion on the 300D.

[ditoy_eagle]

Yes indeed the 85mm f1.8 is a killer portrait lens, daming PROs yun ang gamit. It's around P19T ata brand new, so your expense goes higher. There will always be a better but more expensive lens. I suggest though that you read a lot of reviews and forums online, don't rely on marketing books and brochures.

www.the-digital-picture.com
www.fredmiranda.com
www.photographyreview.com
or just plain google the lens model to see other sites.

[Myles]

bokeh - its that out of focus background (or foreground) you see on photos (can be seen mostly on shots made with aperture wide open or telephoto lens) good bokeh is when edges are undefined (blur talaga, you won't see lines)

[carlodl]

Hey PowerPeews, i'm also planning to buy a 300D soon. Where did you get yours and how much? Also, are the new 300Ds all in black now?

[Kenneth]

Originally posted by ditoy_eagle

For indoor shots though, better to get a faster lens f/2.8 at least. The Tamron 28-75 Di and Sigma 24-70 is good. Both around P24-26T brand new.

I can personally attest that this is a really good lens. Only problem is its prone to lens flare from direct sunlight. Incidentally, there's someone selling his package for a really good price.

For Sale: Sigma Lens for Canon
24-70mm f2.8 DG EX Aspherical

DG series are compatible with Digital Camera
Constant aperture of 2.8, very ideal for wedding and low light situations.
Complete with box and sigma lens case. Almost new.
82mm filter size
Price: 17k

jr_eris@yahoo.com