Lense Decision and Deals

[Paulielb39]

I want to purchase the Canon Rebel Xti.... I have two options on the lenses....

a) Purchase the body w/the EFS 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens
and the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM Telephoto Zoom Lens all together the cam and both lenses for$900....that is the body and 18-55lens for $730 and 75-300 lens for $170.....so that is one deal....all for $900

b) second deal is the body and 18-55 lens for $730 and get another one(any recommendations?)

The cam comes w/ the 18-55mm lens which i think is good for $730 but should i buy the other lens.....so it can be more zoom?

I want to focus on lanscapes....action and mainly sun and moon shots....that is bright and dark shots then....please help me if u can....i appreciate it so much!!! I think 900 is a good deal but most likely i can be wrong.....

[Photo-John]

What are your expectations about image quality and lens performance? What kind of camera do you have now? The reason I'm asking is that the kit lenses are usually not the best. I think the 18-55 kit lens is actually pretty decent. But a lot of people decide to upgrade it pretty quickly. And telephoto lenses are more likely to disappoint thana "normal" zoom lens like the 18-55mm. On the other hand, the two lens kit will get you up and running and it is a good deal. If you do decide you don't like one or both of the lenses, you won't have invested much in them. And in the meatime, you'll be taking pictures with a pretty flexible setup.

So the question is, what are your expectations? What are you used to as far as camera equipment goes? And have you checked reviews for the two lenses? Those are useful, as are reviews for more expensive lenses that have similar focal lengths. If you read reviews for other lenses you'll learn some of the reasons why people decide to upgrade. Here's a link to member zoom lens reviews:

Read and write zoom lens reviews >>

Welcome to the site! Hope my reply helps. I'll be here if you have more questions

[DEvianT]

The 18-55mm is not so bad as far as kit lenses go and it'll be ok for wide angles that suit landscapes (if you like dramatic stuff!). Photographing the moon and getting decent detail needs something in the region of 400mm minimum. Photographing the sun? Try not to burn out your retina in the process...be careful.

[Paulielb39]

Actually.....this will be my first SLR cam....i have had just pnt and shoot cams....is the xti a good choice? or should i invest in somehing else.? well i do not know alot about lens either and i have been researching although i still have doubts.....

[Photo-John]

Actually.....this will be my first SLR cam....i have had just pnt and shoot cams....is the xti a good choice? or should i invest in somehing else.? well i do not know alot about lens either and i have been researching although i still have doubts.....

The XTi is a great camera. I test all kinds of cameras and have used tons of digital SLRs. It's the third digital SLR that I've owned and I have been surprised by the image quality and performance. I don't see how you would regret buying it unless you have a preference for another manufacturer. I'm just trying to give you more information so you can make the best decision.

When we shot film, lenses were actually more important than the camera because they determined the image quality. Now that the sensor is part of the camera, the camera body is actually more important. But lens quality is still very important and kit lenses are not the best quality. On the other hand, if your budget is tight, they will get you up and running and you can replace them later. But it's important that you be aware that lens quality does make a difference and there's a reason why people pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for lenses. Depending on your expectations, you may want to buy the basic kit and save up for a better telephoto lens. But like I said, if you buy the two lense kit you're looking at, you will be shooting right away. It's your decision. There are benefits to either strategy and ultimately, you're the one who willl decide if the kit lenses are good enough for you. They may be.

Does that make it more clear? If not, let me know

[DEvianT]

If it's any help when I started with a digital SLR (10D) I saved a little longer at first so instead of a kit lens I had a body and one good lens. I then picked up lenses over the years. I still have that first lens though as it's good enough for the 1D and the 5D

[Paulielb39]

The XTi is a great camera. I test all kinds of cameras and have used tons of digital SLRs. It's the third digital SLR that I've owned and I have been surprised by the image quality and performance. I don't see how you would regret buying it unless you have a preference for another manufacturer. I'm just trying to give you more information so you can make the best decision.
...
Does that make it more clear? If not, let me know

Thanks! It does help alot...I have some more q's....yeah i want to start shooting right away...I was going to get the canon s3 is and then i waited...then the 30d....then i waited and like 3 weeks later...present.....I am w/ the xti since i wanted the xti b4 the 30d....If i get the telephoto lens...it will not be a great lens of course but it shoots closer shots that the kit lens right? I want to have both options open thats why...and hurry on the shooting...the close and far shots.....50mm seems short....but yeah and my second question is...what is the ISO for? I have heard so much about ISO 100, 200, even 1600 but each cam can take any ISO status or how does that work? In other words, what is ISO and what does it stand for?