 Nikki Shipman |
What Camera to Buy
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Jeff S. Kennedy |
Well, the indoor/outdoor part of your equation shouldn't matter much unless you are planning on shooting in rain. In which case you should look for a camera with a sealed body. I don't know much about the Tamron lens (or the Canon for that matter - I suspect you are talking about the cheap commercial lens). All I can tell you when buying camera gear is that the lens is the most important component and you should spend more on lenses than cameras. If you are going to get serious about photography the main thing to look for on a camera is whether it will let you shoot in a manual mode. The rest is just bells and whistles - mostly. There are some nice features to have but when its all said and done the camera is just a light tight box that holds the film. The quality of your lens is much more directly related to the end shot.
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Jon Close |
One thing to note about the 28-200 lens is that it is quite a bit larger in diameter than the standard 28-80 zoom. Because the built-in flash of the Rebel 2000 is mounted very low, the 28-200 has a tendency to cast a shadow when used with the flash. If you use a seperate attached flash this is not a problem. The Canon EF 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 USM is a much better lens than the 28-80, and it will not interfere with the light from the built-in flash.
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Stephen |
Well before buying a lens you should realize that the longer the lens, the bigger the gap in your optics, which boils down to you will lose some depth of field as you get bigger lens. Since you are a beginner, I would recommend you use a 28-80mm lens, or 28-105mm. I think Tamron makes a good 28-80mm lens, you can also get the substitute for Tamron, which is Promaster, same thing, just different label slapped on. It's cheaper in price, and quality is about the same. As for camera body, there is alot to look into when choosing one, but to make your selection easier, if you want to learn the bare essentials to photography without the aid of various modes, then I would recommend you getting the Pentax ZX-M. If you want auto-focus, and some good exposure modes, etc, definately get a Canon Elan 7. This is a fine camera good for amatuer and professionals, and beginners too. It has 7 point focusing on it, mirror lock-up for close ups, top shutter speed of 4000, and many exposure modes that could come in handy for tricky shots. This camera is easy to master, and is so fun to use. And just using the 7 point focusing system alone rules. THIS CAMERA IS A MUST. Try it, and I bet you will buy it. Email me if you have any questions.
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Stephen |
Well before buying a lens you should realize that the longer the lens, the bigger the gap in your optics, which boils down to you will lose some depth of field as you get bigger lens. Since you are a beginner, I would recommend you use a 28-80mm lens, or 28-105mm. I think Tamron makes a good 28-80mm lens, you can also get the substitute for Tamron, which is Promaster, same thing, just different label slapped on. It's cheaper in price, and quality is about the same. As for camera body, there is alot to look into when choosing one, but to make your selection easier, if you want to learn the bare essentials to photography without the aid of various modes, then I would recommend you getting the Pentax ZX-M. If you want auto-focus, and some good exposure modes, etc, definately get a Canon Elan 7. This is a fine camera good for amatuer and professionals, and beginners too. It has 7 point focusing on it, mirror lock-up for close ups, top shutter speed of 4000, and many exposure modes that could come in handy for tricky shots. This camera is easy to master, and is so fun to use. And just using the 7 point focusing system alone rules. THIS CAMERA IS A MUST. Try it, and I bet you will buy it. Email me if you have any questions.
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Allan |
Jon mentioned about the tamron28-200 lens being somewhat bigger and casting a shadow when the flash is used. I have a canon eos 300 (rebel 2000) and am considering purchasing the latest af28-200 XR super zoom lens and this lens appears to be not that much bigger than than a 28-80 lens
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Stephen |
I bet Jon has never even tried the lens, but read some kind of corky review on it. Tamron aka Promaster lens, have very good optics and I have never had any weird shawdows when flashes were used. If Jon has had the real experience, I don't know what he's doing wrong.
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Jon Close |
Stephen, No doubt I never tried the lens, because it wasn't available at the time I responded to the original question. You are referring to Tamron's new 28-200 f/3.8-5.6 XR Super, which has just been introduced. It has a new design that is much smaller than before, with filter diameter of only 62mm. I was referring to the Tamron 28-200 f/3.8-5.6 LD and 28-200 f/3.8-5.6 Super II which have a 72mm filter diameter and will interfere with the built-in flash.
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Stephen |
Sorry Jon if there was any misunderstanding. All I know is, Tamron is getting some really good lens out, superb optics, and I don't think they should be downed unless really tried out.
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Jon Close |
Cool, Cool. Plus the "standard 28-80" I was dissing was Canon's own EF 28-80 f/3.5-5.6 IV (though the older mk II isn't bad).
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Stephen |
Jon, what kind of photography are you into, portraits, weddings...? How did you get started out....if your professional?
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Nikki Shipman |
I just wanted to say "Thanks" for your input regarding what camera I should buy. The information was most helpful. I am going camera shopping!!!
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Stephen |
Nikki, I have a nice Canon Elan 7 with 2 lenses I am selling. Nothing wrong with everything, practically all new, I just want to get a used Medium Format camera. What do you think. Email me at fly_levi@hotmail.com
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Jon Close |
Hi Stephen, I'm not a professional, just an enthusiastic hobbyist for 20 years. I mostly shoot wildlife, landscape, auto racing, and informal family pictures. I've always been interested in photography, but never had anything but a Kodak Instamatic until I graduated from college and could afford an SLR (Konica TC3 - wish I still had it). I'm most familiar with Canon's system, owning an AE-1 Program, Rebel, Elan IIe and collection of lenses and accessories, but I try to keep abreast of other brands as well.
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Stephen |
Why not invest in trying to sell some photographs, I am sure after 20 years you are pretty good. BTW, what would you recomend for a wide angle fixed focal length lens for Canon EOS??
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Jon Close |
Trying to sell or publish makes it too much like a JOB! I'd rather keep it as a way to relax and just enjoy myself. I have made photos for other people, but I either just give them as gifts or just charge the cost of reprinting. While I haven't got first-hand experience with them, I think the new Sigma 20 f/1.8 EX Asph DG RF and 24 f/1.8 EX Asph DG Macro are very tempting. They are 1 stop faster and closer focusing than the highly-rated Canon EF 20 f/2.8 USM and EF 24 f/2.8 (which would otherwise be my 1st choices). But I haven't seen any test reports for them. One caveat I've heard about these two Sigmas is that the "DG" stands for digital. Since they were specifically designed for digital cameras (Canon D30, Nikon D-1) which have a much smaller image sensor than a 35mm frame, they may not have the corner sharpness of the Canon lenses. That's just conjecture. I personally chose the Canon EF 20-35 f/3.5-4.5 USM wide angle zoom. The Tamron 20-40 f/2.7-3.5 Asph IF rates marginally higher in MTF tests, but I preferred the Canon's lighter weight and silent USM focus motor. If you have money to burn and time to set up your shots Canon offers the TS-E24 f/3.5L for EOS cameras. It's manual focus, but it allows tilt/shift adjustments to control perspective and depth of field like a view camera.
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Nikki Shipman |
Stephen, I tried to email you but it came back undeliverable. Something could be wrong with my computer. Anyway, yes I would be interested in the camera equipment. It may be more than I can afford but I would like a chance at it. Is it still under warranty??? Also, what is the price range?? Thanks Nikki
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Stephen |
Hi Nikki. Sorry I haven't replied, I was in Washington visiting a friend for a week. Yes it's under warrenty. I have all the papers and boxes still. I think you would be really pleased. You can email me at the following: way_2_buff55@hotmail.com Drop me a line. :D
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Stefan Kordos |
Dear Friend! I´m using Pentax PZ1-p camera, it´s very good one, but I have Pentax 28-200 lens, with 72mm diameter, and it makes that shadow when near 28 (to 35 mm) with built in flash, so I can use it with this flash up from cca 35mm. But another thing which I don´t like, is convergence of lines of picture in small zoom modes. I have heard something Your´s sincerely
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Jennifer L. Vandiver |
I am in the throes of learning about the tech side of photography and ready to purchase my first SLR. I've pretty much decided on the Canon EOS Rebel 2000, and I have two questions: First, the website I might purchase the camera from is www.appleelectronics.com. Right now they're advertising the Canon 2000, with 28-80mm lens for approximately $310.00. This is significantly less than I've found elsewhere. Does anyone have any information on this site's credibility? Second of all, after reading everyone's comments, I'm thinking I should aim for a 28-105 mm lens vs. a 28-20 mm. I am VERY interested in photography and would like to become as good as possible. This is my first serious amateur camera and I want to get the most for my money.
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Jennifer L. Vandiver |
Sorry, there is a typo in my last paragraph. I meant which lens would be better, the 28-105 mm or the 28-80 mm? Any advice or guidance would be appreciated, particularly about the website. Thanks!
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BetterPhotoJim.com - Jim Miotke  Contact Jim Miotke Jim Miotke's Gallery |
Hi Jennifer, The camera seller's Web site says nothing at all about warranty. I would be very weary. If you can make sure you get a U.S. warranty, then continue to consider it. I would not want a Canon Rebel without a warranty (of course, I am assuming you live in the States...). Call their telephone number and talk to someone before buying. I am currenly enjoying my 28-105mm much more than I ever enjoyed the 28-80mm that I dropped and broke (even before I broke it...) The range is much more usable to me and fits very nicely with my 100-300mm. Hope this helps.
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Jennifer L. Vandiver |
Thanks, I really appreciate the advice...and the quick response!
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