New photographer after advice

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stockwell

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Dave
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Hi,

I'm new to all this, and have been researching hard.

I've settled on getting a Canon 500D to get started, and am trying to decide what lens(s) to get with it.

got a few options and wondered if people could comment and help me decide?

I basically want to be able to take some telephoto stuff (motor sport etc), but also use the camera as a day to day one, of friends, family and landscape.

I'm considering two first up.

1) Canon EF-S 18-200mm, f3.5-5.6 Image Stabiliser lens

This seems to get good reviews, and seems to do quite a lot. I'm a little lost in whats important and whats not though.

the other I've seen is veyr much cheaper
2)Tamron AF 70-300mm, F4-5.6, Di LD MACRO 1:2 for Canon

I know you get what you pay for really, and im concerned that while the zoom is slightly greater on this, nothing mentions image stabilisation, and I would also then have to use this solely as the zoom lens rather than enjoying the flexibility of the 1)

A couple of quick q's

Am I likely to find a 18-200 suits nearly all my needs, and is this a realistic lens to just have one lens to start with, or should I also get the standard 18-55 when I buy the camera if I do this.

What are the pros.cons to the Tamron lens.

What are my options

What general advice would you offer me?

Is Jessups a good place to buy from - they seem reasonably competitve on price and I can get to the store if I have any problems with it.

Thanks in avdance
 
Personally I would buy the 18-55 IS kit lens and the Canon EF-S 55-250IS lens. The two lenses give you a pretty good chance of getting some pleasing results without breaking the bank too much.

Check www.camerapricebuster.com for latest prices.

Jessops may be competitive, but check prices of memory cards, bags and things before you buy.
 
The bigger the range you try to cover, the more compromises you will make in image quality, but you've got to start somewhere.

I'd maybe go for the 18-55 IS Kit Lens and the Canon 50-250 IS , covers more range with slightly better quaility than the single 18-200 lens.

You can get much better than these two, but it really depends on how much you want to spend.

What sort of things do you shoot ? If it's more people than wildlife/events, then a 50mm 1.8 is also a great addition and will teach you a lot about depth of field, and at @£70 it's great value.

For Prices I'd also have a look at Ian kerso (Trader on these forums) I've never used him, but he seems to come highly recommended. Jessops will only send the stuff back to the manufacturer anyway.

EDIT: Beat me to it andrewC ! :)
 
i don't know if you're dead set on buying everything brand new or not? i bought my first camera (350d) brand new, but since then everything i've got is used off ebay.

the thing with most of the camera gear on ebay is that you can generally buy it... use it... keep it for a year or so and then sell it on again for similar money that you paid for it. i've done that with sigma 105mm macro lens, canon 18-55mm, canon 24-85mm (i think)... and also acquired some great lenses at brill VFM.

having said all that... my favourite lens is still my canon 50mm lens which stood me at about £80 brand new.
 
If you go Here you can compare the 2 lenses mentioned (NOT the Tamron).

From this it appears that the Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is definitely better than the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens.

Also as recommended the 50mm f1.8 is an excellent lens and probably the greatest value Canon lens available (and yes, I have one myself).

In addition to Ebay you can also look on here for some great bargains - I've saved a great deal of money by buying S/H on here.
 
Im not fussed about buying brand new really, but i'm very new to this, so think for my first DSLR new might be safer to help avoid the potential potfalls of buying second hand
 
yes. the motorsports isnt a deal breaker, but I would like to be able to take some good ones when I go to these.

Sounds like I shuold be leaning towards a 18-55 and a 55-250 rather than the 18-200 on its own.
 
The big focal length lenses such as 18-200 and 28-300 lenses have always been regarded as a bit of jack of all trades, master of none, with a big focal length often offering compromises, such as slow focussing, or image distortion at either end. Maybe they've ironed out most of the problems.

A superzoom does win in convenience though!
 
For a starter setup, I think the 18-55 IS and 55-250 IS are about as good a combo as you can get without spending the big bucks! And to be honest, if you're looking at getting a 500D new, another option to consider would be the 40D (secondhand now).

I started life with the 450D (model before the 500D), and I'm now in the process of selling it and upgrading to a 50D. Definitely try handling the next range up, as the xxxD range is quite small and may or may not fit your hands properly (I have big hands and find the 50D verrryyy nice to hold, and the 40D is the same). Something to consider anyway!

Chris
 
really appreciate all the advice here guys. I don;t know many people really into it, so having some sound advice is really helpful
 
Well we're all into photography here and we range from total newbies to pro photogs with a huge range of experience (and opinions - lol).

Glad to be of some help - it's our way of putting something back into such a great hobby.
 
For family shots, definately worth getting your hands on a 50mm 1.8 'nifty fifty'. I got mine brand new from Kerso, for around £70ish. Fantastically sharp, although the build feels so plasticky and cheap, it's surprisingly good and gets very wide open so you can get shots at a decent ISO in lowish light albeit with a very fine DOF. I also have the Canon EF-S 18-55 IS which is also impressive, although slightly less sharp than the 50mm prime lens. From doing my homework on here, it's definately worth getting your hands on the IS version of the lens rather than the non-IS.
 
Next question then, is what do I need to be looking for in terms of add-ons.

Filters, Lens Hoods, Bags and Memory Cards.

What am i looking for here please chaps?
 
stockwell said:
Next question then, is what do I need to be looking for in terms of add-ons.

Filters, Lens Hoods, Bags and Memory Cards.

What am i looking for here please chaps?
Click to expand...

(Don't forget the chap-esses, they'll start getting vocal if you don't include them :D )

Personally, I wouldn't worry about filters yet. UV filters (clear glass) are the subject of several threads every week (:bang:) about whether or not they should be used, and you should probably get used to your kit before looking into the creative ones to see what you'll need. To cut a long story short, some people think you shouldn't put cheap glass in front of an expensive lens, others think it's stupid not to. Some buy very expensive filters to minimise any effects, others refuse to. And there will never be an agreement between the two parties!!!

Personally I like lens hoods, they reduce flare and offer protection.

Memory cards are another bone for contention, some people prefer to use lots of small-ish cards, so if one fails, you lose a minimal number of photos. Others prefer to use fewer, larger cards as this means less card-switching, and less likely to break/damage a card because of it. Again, it's your choice!

Bags.....hmmmm, buy big. Whatever kit you think you'll be getting, you'll be getting more ;) :D. If you buy a bag that will just about fit what you've got now, you'll soon outgrow it, so make sure there's a bit of spare space!

Chris
 
i was in your shoes a couple of months back and purchased the same camera
i then took the advice and got the 55-250mm lens
after a trip abroad i craved a single walk about lens so got the 18-200mm lens on return
the 55-250 lens is excellent for the cost
reviews on the 18-200mm suggest that it really only reaches about 175mm so may be a little short in range for you
might be worth putting your location and maybe somebody close by could show you there kit
 
I'm in Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Really kicking myself at not getting this sorted sooner, as Im sure im missing some great shots with the weather as it is!!!!
 
I know you like the idea of buying new, but my advice would be to buy second hand if you are looking at not spending much and getting as much for your cash as possible.

350D for £170
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=192390

Sigma 17-70 for £180 (I have one for my 30D)
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=192714

450D for £330 and the Canon 17-85 IS for £170
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=190091

So it might be an idea to shop on here, from fellow togs who sell good quality gear :)

EDIT:
Canon 75-300 for £120
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=192427
 
thanks for the comment. most of the things ive looked at dont seem to depreciate all that much from the best shop deals though - unless im looking at the wrong things.

Do the better cameras drop more than the budget end? looking to spend up to £500 or so on the body, and maybe 300-400 more on the lens at the most really.

All in, best i thinik ive found is a Canon 500D with a 18-55 Kit for £579, then with a £50 cash back from canon (why do they do this?????)

I could then add the 55-250 either new or second hand (although I cant post on the wanted yet!!!!). New I can get it for about 200, but posssibly a better deal if buying together I suppose in the shop.

Then I would need Filters, bag, memory and hoods, so maybe about hundred there, so all in about £850-900 I think

Sound expensive to you?
 
thats a very similar price - how does the 40D stack up against the 500D?

I notice the MP is lower, what are the major differences?
 
The 40D might be SLIGHTLY older technology but its a massive leap up in quality.
The body is better built, and slightly larger. Seperate LCD screen for the settings information, 6 frames per second (fps) instead of the lower fps on the 500d (Better for motorsport).
Dont worry about the MP count, 10mp is more then you will need i reckon and other guys here will vouch for that too.

And the 17-85 IS is a nice lens, not sure how it compares to the 18-55 IS but it was alot better then the original 18-55 non IS. Its a good lens for a walk about lens as its got a nice range on it, and it still comes with the IS (Image stabilser)

Personally, the 40D wins hands down for me, i used to own one before the 1DmkII and i still own the earlier model (30D) and i do love the cameras from the xxD range.

Go with the 40D, you wont regret it, especially at that price
 
Thanks for the link. loooking around that looks like a really good deal.

How reliable is this vender? used yourself? looks like some dodgy argos rip off at first glance?
 
stockwell said:
Thanks for the link. loooking around that looks like a really good deal.

How reliable is this vender? used yourself? looks like some dodgy argos rip off at first glance?
Click to expand...

The vendor is Argos, you can't really get a better name to buy from on ebay :)

I ordered a lens from them a few days ago which turned up in perfect condition, and of course the 12 month guarantee is worth a lot.

Camera is in transit, delivered by DHL, shouldn't be any problems. Check the feedback :)
 
Stockwell, alot of companies use ebay to get rid of either refurbished items or really old stock they have that they want to clear. Now that the 50d is out, argos will just want to get rid of the remaining stocks of the 40d and ebay is the best place to do it.
And it has a 12 month guarentee which means alot.
Canon have an outlet store on ebay for refurbished goods too, but stuff on there goes for nearly new prices for some reason. I think people get the ebay bug
 
Oh and don't forget quidco, I think mine tracked at £5.85 ;)
 
quidco?
 
b****r, in the decision making process I finally decided to go for the 40d and the auction has blooming ended

what a prat i am
 
Chin up, its all about finding the right kit:

40D without a lens here:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Canon-EOS-40D...Cameras_DigitalCameras_JN?hash=item3efbc17811

One here with a cheap lens (gets you started)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CANON-EOS-40D...Cameras_DigitalCameras_JN?hash=item2c528b05f0

Or if you are still thinking about getting a 500D, why not consider a 450D refurbished with a 1 year warrenty from the Canon Outlet:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Canon-Outlet-...Cameras_DigitalCameras_JN?hash=item5ad61c201f
 
I know it seems counter intuative..

Get the camera, and something like a 18-70 zoom. At the moment the details dont matter that much

then...

Go and learn how to use just that... inside out, backwards, forwards, upside down. Take photo's, keep taking them untill you are getting superb results

Eventually you will be consistently hitting a lens related barrier.. "not long enough", not "not fast enough" - then buy another bot of kit

Dont get too fixated on equipment, photography is 90% about you, and what is in front of you.... your imagination, skill etc..
 
55-250 IS works well - you want more that 200mm for motorsport unless you're in the press pit! I'd also recommend checking out the 50mm f/1.8 from Canon for shots of friends & family - superb lens for well under £100
 
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