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General discussion

Canon Digital Rebel XT Lens Suggestions

Mar 26, 2005 1:26AM PST

Hi

I'm going to be purchasing the Canon Digital Rebel XT very soon. I see that it comes with the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM zoom lens.

I have some questions about the lens itself. Is it a good lens?? Is there a better lens?? I know there are lots of lenses to choose from, depending on what type of photos to shoot. I'm looking for AN EXCELLENT ALL PURPOSE LENS that will take all types of photos. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions??

Thanks for the help.

Discussion is locked

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Kit lens
Mar 26, 2005 7:33AM PST

The people on Digital Rebel forums pretty much agree that you should get the kit lens.

It is a universal lens at a bargain price.

It covers from 28.8 to 88mm (35mm equivalent).
Since 50mm (35mm equivalent) is considered native size, the kit lens takes you from wide angle to a mild zoom.

When fully zoomed, it will serve well for portraits.

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Canon Digital Rebel XT
Mar 26, 2005 11:31AM PST

Just to clarify...your're saying stick with the lens that comes with the camera?? and don't worry about any other lenses??

Thanks

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Lenses
Mar 27, 2005 12:17AM PST

Yes - To start with.
Until you use the camera for a while.
And discover if you need a special lens.

There is no lens that is a "do everything" lens.

That is why you select a camera with removable lenses.

If you want to really get into macro photography and photograph insects and such. You buy a macro lens.

If you want to photograph birds at a distance, you get a long lens zoom or a non-zoom lens with a long focal length.

If you get into low light photography, you may need a bright lens. A lens with a aperture rating of f1.4 or f1.8

The Canon 50mm f1.8 lens if a very popular low light lens and very affordable ($80).

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The closest thing to a "do everything" lens would be a zoom lens with a focal length of 18mm to 300mm and a aperture rating of f1.8 and with macro capabilities.
This would be the equivalent of a 16.7X zoom lens

But that lens does not exist.
If the lens makers could make such a lens, only the very wealthy could afford it.

Even less capable lenses cost thousands of dollars.

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People who buy the Digital Rebel recomment that you get the kit lens. Use that lens for all your photography and see if you have a need for a special lens.

Most Rebel users have not bought another lens.

And some photographers look like this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/randol9p9/PreparedE.jpg

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(NT) (NT) hahaha (nt)
Mar 27, 2005 2:18PM PST
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The question is how willing
Mar 27, 2005 11:05PM PST

you are about to spend more money ? There are many good lenses. But, these lenses serve a different purpose. If you want to become a serious photographer, you will need a variety of lenses, such as wide-angle, telephoto, Macro, or zoom lenses.

There's not quite an all purpose lense. Canon EFS lenses are very good, but for the correct color and sharp image picture. Canon L-series, Macro, and fixed lenses are very good, yet more expensive. So, you have to try them and figure out which one suits your requirements of shooting. Since you will buy the kit of 18-55mm ( 28.8-88 mm for 35mm camera equivalence ), you probably will need the bigger zoom lense ( over 90 mm-for 35mm equivalent, such as 70-200mm F4 ). There are many good comments around here. Good luck.