Buying a camera for Digital Photography class...

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

07/04/2009 12:28:01 PM · #1

I am taking a digital photo class at my local college and am looking at buying a camera. The camera I'm looking to buy is the Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2mp. I'm looking at EBay at the different kits as going to Wal-mart and just getting the camera and one lens for the same price as some of these kits doesn't make sense to me.

What I'm questioning is that the kits seem to only come with Tamron lenses. Are these lenses any good? Has anyone purchased a camera kit from Ebay with satisfactory results? I'm spending over $700 on a camera I want to make sure that I'm doing the right thing.

I guess the other reason I am looking at the kits is that while I may not need the extra lenses for class, once class is done I know that I would liek to have a side business of photography and will need the extra stuff.

MattO

Nikon D4

07/04/2009 12:38:12 PM · #2

I would recommend buying a used one from a reputable seller on Fredmiranda and save yourself alot of money in the process. Here is one that you could add a kit lens to and spend less then $500 search around and buy one and save yourself alot of money.

Matt

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

07/04/2009 12:42:54 PM · #3

I would prefer to stay with a brand new one. I appreciate the money saving tip, but I would still be looking at a lot of money since I would like the higher mm lenses.

Can you comment on the quality of a Tamron lens?

MattO

Nikon D4

07/04/2009 12:50:23 PM · #4

Originally posted by LoneGreyWolf20:

Any lens that you get with a "kit" that is going to come with a new camera for less then $700 is going to be slow both in AF and F stop. I've had Tamron, Sigma, and other lens in the past. But now don't own any based on the performance for the type of shooting that I do. The demands I put on equipment may not be the same you do.

Matt

faidoi

Pentax K10D

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

07/04/2009 12:51:21 PM · #5

What the Canon Digital Rebel XSi?

Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 II

07/04/2009 12:56:11 PM · #6

Originally posted by faidoi:

What the Canon Digital Rebel XSi?

Not exactly sure what it is you're asking.

dtremain

Canon EOS 80D

07/04/2009 01:00:34 PM · #7

If you have the extra bucks, I'd suggest you go with the Canon T1i ($900). Its kit lens is a bit limited on zoom, but it would definitely get you started. It also has the newer sensor, 15 Mpx, a 3" LCD display, HD video mode. Neither Canon nor Nikon produce barkers (bad cameras) very often. The XSi has been out long enough to have some discounts on-line, and it is a decent enough camera. One thing I suggest you do is take a look at the camera pages here on dpchallenge - yes, some of the quality of those pictures are due to the lens, but if the camera doesn't back it up, the best lens won't help you. The Rebel XSi is also known as the 450D elsewhere in the world, and the T1i is AKA the 500D.
The advantage of buying at a local store is if something is wrong, you pack up the camera and go for a little visit. If you order it over the internet, you're looking at packing, shipping, and waiting - not good if you're on a schedule (like a class).
The only Tamron lens I had was back in the film days. The quality was quite good, and I was happy with it. Tamron has a decent reputation, but you do get what you pay for (more or less).
Good luck!

faidoi

Pentax K10D

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

07/04/2009 01:01:03 PM · #8

Originally posted by LoneGreyWolf20:

Originally posted by faidoi:
What the Canon Digital Rebel XSi?

Not exactly sure what it is you're asking.

Why the Canon Digital Rebel XSi?

Leo

Apple iPhone Xr

07/04/2009 01:04:24 PM · #9

If you're set on that camera, check out the reputable online stores like B&H link or Adorama link.

Whichever camera you settle on, those are reputable online stores.

Buy what you need for the class (camera and the standard camera brand kit lens). Once you've finish class and you've figured out your shooting style, you'll figure out what meets you needs at that time. As far as Tamron; depends on the lens.

Message edited by author 2009-07-04 17:09:41.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

07/04/2009 01:21:35 PM · #10

Originally posted by faidoi:

Originally posted by LoneGreyWolf20:

Originally posted by faidoi:
What the Canon Digital Rebel XSi?

Not exactly sure what it is you're asking.

Why the Canon Digital Rebel XSi?

It's an extremely nice camera and I have used it before. My ex-girlfriend has one, and I liked it very much.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

07/04/2009 01:24:17 PM · #11

I don't know why they would be selling a kit with a Tamron lens, that's not the way they come. Unless the seller got a discount deal on bodies and is putting them together this way as a package deal.

I have the Canon kit lens and a Tamron 28-300 zoom. For the price, you can't complain about either one, but they are certainly not up to the level of more expensive lenses. You just need to learn to work within or around the limitations of the lenses you own. I can't speak for the model you are being offered, however.

MAK

Leica M Monochrom

Voigtlander Ultron 21mm f1.8

07/04/2009 01:25:43 PM · #12

Camera bodies come and go, grab a used one as suggested and spend the extra bucks on some nice glass. lenses last years after the body has long died..

dont be tempted by the KIT OFFERS, Matt gave the best advice IMO

to answer your requested question, I would say there are good and bad in all lenses but the ones they try to give away in kits (with some exceptions) are usually pretty poor.

ErikV

Nikon D7000

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED

07/04/2009 01:30:32 PM · #13

A friend of mine just bought a kit from Best Buy consisting of the Xsi and two lenses which was ~$200 cheaper than the total if priced separately. And these were Canon lenses. You might look into that as well if you are inclined to buy locally.

If you buy on the internet, I would second the suggestion to go with a reputable camera store like B&H, as they will treat you with respect if there are any problems with the camera or lens.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

07/04/2009 01:36:32 PM · #14

Originally posted by MAK:

the ones they try to give away in kits (with some exceptions) are usually pretty poor.

It's a relative thing. You own a nice selection of L lenses.

He's not getting anywhere near what you possess for his $700. If that's his budget, I think the 18-55 kit lens will do for his present need. He can always invest in a better lens when he can afford it, but it should not be an obstacle right now.

tonyar109

07/06/2009 12:46:08 AM · #15

I recommend this Canon SLR with print. I just got today and my friends said it's awsome.

Message edited by author 2009-09-07 01:37:09.

dtremain

Canon EOS 80D

Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 II

07/06/2009 04:27:53 PM · #16

Originally posted by tonyar109:

I recommend this Canon SLR with printer. I just got today and my friends said it's awsome.

I don't know anything about the vendor, but that is a great deal. I paid $899 for my T1i w/18-55mm lens kit, but that was when they first came out.

Anti-Martyr

Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

07/06/2009 08:59:32 PM · #17

Originally posted by dtremain:

Originally posted by tonyar109:
I recommend this Canon SLR with printer. I just got today and my friends said it's awsome.

I don't know anything about the vendor, but that is a great deal. I paid $899 for my T1i w/18-55mm lens kit, but that was when they first came out.

If you read the bottom, it says that both items have to be purchased from Amazon for the rebate to be valid.

Amazon is definitely trustworthy.