should a first time DSLR user stick with the kit lens or get some better alternative?

[Aharami]

the 17-85 vs 18-55 kit thread got me thinking whether I should get the kit lens with my new camera purchase or get the body only and get some better alternative (like the Tamron 17-50 or Sigma 18-50) to the kit lens.

I'm looking to spend about 1500 in all (including body, lenses, and bag + accessories) for now. I havent really decided on T1i vs XSi but leaning toward the T1i since I often find myself taking quick video clips while on vacation.

But the XSi + 18-55 + 50-200 combo for ~$850 (after canon rebate) seems very nice. Although, once again, Im not sure if I should get the kit equivalent of the telephoto or spend more and get some better alternative...

too many damn options. how the hell do you guys pick which lens to get?

 

[Aharami]

bah I dont know how i missed the giant stickied thread on canon lenses. Mods, do with this thread as you wish

 

[shocksyde]

Picking a lens is hard stuff. What do you like to shoot?

 

[Aharami]

well while on vacation, i shoot landscape a lot. other than that, portraits at family/friend gatherings. sometimes macro as well.

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: Aharami
well while on vacation, i shoot landscape a lot. other than that, portraits at family/friend gatherings. sometimes macro as well.

Tamron 17-50 would be a great starter lens for you then. Great for landscapes, great for portraits, great for low light, and 1:4 magnification at close focus makes it a pretty decent macro lens as well.

This is the lens I use 90% of the time, and it's a very sharp lens. Just make sure you check the AF on your copy since some of them are soft due to AF errors.

Check my thread "shots from yesterday" for a few shots taken with the Tamron. Most of the shots in that post were taken with the 17-50.

 

[Aharami]

thanks. nice shots. the bokeh on the 2nd pic is buttery smooth!
i should mention that I will most likely get the 50mm f1.8 with my purchase and a 10-22mm equiv later this year (i like the dramatic effect a super wide provides). That said, would you still recommend stepping from the kit lens? I mean how does the kit lens stack up against the tamron?

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: Aharami
thanks. nice shots. the bokeh on the 2nd pic is buttery smooth!
i should mention that I will most likely get the 50mm f1.8 with my purchase and a 10-22mm equiv later this year (i like the dramatic effect a super wide provides). That said, would you still recommend stepping from the kit lens? I mean how does the kit lens stack up against the tamron?

I would recommend getting the body only and getting the Tamron (or its Sigma equivalent). I've owned both and both are great general purpose lenses. I had a Tokina 12-24mm ultrawide and it went well with the Tamron 17-50. The reason is that you won't really be using an ultrawide as a walkaround lens, since it's not exactly the most useful lens for portraits and other uses. The Tamron, on the other hand, is a good compromise and gives you a fast f/2.8 aperture, a great range, and moderately light weight.

I would get the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 first and hold off on the 50mm f/1.8. Lots of people recommend it without hesitation, but I can say that after owning and using one the AF really isn't so good (especially in low light). Bokeh on the 50mm is also very distracting due to the crude 5-bladed aperture. The Tamron might be a bit over 1 stop slower, but I think you'll find that it does most of the things the 50mm does just fine.

A great 3 lens kit would be an ultrawide (e.g. 10-22), fast normal zoom (e.g. 17-50 f/2.8), and tele (55-250 IS or 70-200mm f/4L).

 

[Munky]

You do realize that movie mode on all modern DSLR's requires manual focusing? If you want to zoom in, or your subject is moving, it's by no means a replacement for a real video camera.

 

[Aharami]

yea fully aware of the limitations in video mode. looking at it from a convenience standpoint, carrying around one dslr is easier than carrying around a dslr and a video cam. For quick clips here and there, I dont need a separate camcorder. If I get the XSi, I probably wont get a separate camcorder.

Also people are making some pretty cool videos with the T1i
http://forums.dpreview.com/for...m=1031&thread=31933167
http://forums.dpreview.com/for...m=1031&thread=31954527