Been using a compact digital for some years but am now contemplating buying a digital slr and like the canon except for the negative comments about the kit lens.

I have an old autofocus canon EF 35-70mm zoom from my film eos 650 -- any chance this will work on the digital rebel, or is it just too out of date (and why can't they use a nice number instead of a silly name; eos was bad enough, but rebel?)?

Alas, I can't afford both a new canon dslr and an expensive alternate lens. Am I better off with the Nikon d40x with a kit lens that has gotten reasonably ok reviews?

thx

Dennis

Been using a compact digital for some years but am now contemplating buying a digital slr and like the canon except for the negative comments about the kit lens.

I have an old autofocus canon EF 35-70mm zoom from my film eos 650 -- any chance this will work on the digital rebel, or is it just too out of date (and why can't they use a nice number instead of a silly name; eos was bad enough, but rebel?)?

Alas, I can't afford both a new canon dslr and an expensive alternate lens. Am I better off with the Nikon d40x with a kit lens that has gotten reasonably ok reviews?

thx

Dennis

Yes, you can use any EF AF lens with the XTi. You may also be interested in the Canon 50mm/f1.8 which is $79 at B&H (no tax unless you live in NY). It is a very nice lens - sharp, good color rendition - and it's 1.8 so good for low light. It's a nice all-around lens that many people have.

I have the XTi and absolutely love it. Have you compared prices from different stores and/or online stores? BTW, I've seen some good reviews on the kit lens. I realize some aren't good, but it's a decent walk-around lens. Or you might consider the XT.

Check this out.

http://forums.photographyreview.com/showthread.php?t=28104

Specifications/features

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12142-USA/Canon_2514A002_Normal_EF_50mm_f_1_8.html

The 28-105 is also a very nice lens with good reviews.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/206434-USA/Canon_6469A005_Zoom_Wide_Angle_Telephoto_EF.html

B&H XT and XTi department - bodies only & kits

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/shop/6222/Digital_Cameras_SLR_Digital_Cameras.html

XT with kit lens - Walmart (30 day return period - return at any walmart)
Price $615 plus tax

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3626648

Check out the review section on this forum for reviews on the above and/or other lenses.

Maria

There is the fact to consider that even the kit lens gives better results than a point and shoot.

Dennis, I have the exact same lens from EOS650 days and it works on my 350D and my 5D. I also have the kit lens with my 350D and never saw any problems with IQ. I think that lenses may vary from one production run to another and/or they may vary from being manufactured in different places (?). Do a bit of testing to see what the IQ is from what you get. Best of luck with the new gear.

Cheers,

WesternGuy