Lens options when buying Canon EOS 400D?

Question

Hi there,

I've pretty much settled on the Canon EOS 400D as my first DSLR camera. I currently have a Canon EOS 3000N and I have 2 lenses - and EF 28-90mm and an EF 100-200 lens which I believe are compatible with the 400D.

I've noted various package option from chassis only to those that include a Canon EFS 18-55mm USM lens and some that also include a Canon EF 75-300mm III lens.

My question is - are my current EF lenses comparable to the package lenses(will I be happy with just my old lenses) and therefore just buy the chassis or will I get better value by if I pick up the lens kit(s) with the camera now? The extra dollars aren't really the issue - I just don't want to get 1 or 2 new lenses if I'm not going to get a significant benefit out of having them.

Any advice or assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Answer 1

I'd start with only the camera body especially since you have two lenses you're happy with.



When you buy a lens that is being pushed with a camera body, you're usually given a "kit" lens. What that means is that the lens works ok but it's not necessarily the best of quality. You might be happy with it but then you might not be either. Personally, I've never liked the kit lenses that came with SLRs.



In terms of the range you have, for most things that sounds ideal. I'd opt for a really wide angle and also for a longer telephoto but which comes first depends on what you do. If you're after wildlife and stuff like that, a long telephoto is the answer and in this case you want one with a buit in image stabilizor so you don't have to constantly use a tripod.



If you're into landscapes, group shots, archetecture, stull like that, I'd go for a wider angle lens. In this case you also don't need an image stabilizor.



The other thought you might consider is a macro lens. If you like doing closeups, flowers, bugs, fungii ... there's nothing like a dedicated macro lens for that kind of photography.



Another tip, buying another lens later on usually costs you more. So if you do decide what you'd like as an ideal third lens, see it you can get a deal with the camera body and the lens at the same time. There's no rule that says you have to buy a lens that's being offered with the camera body. Often retailers will give you a break when you buy both together. Just don't fall for the kit lens that's being offered unless you're sure that it's a quality you want and need.



Finally, remember too that you don't have to buy a Canon lens. There are other lens designers like Tamron and Sigma who make incredibly fine lenses often at lower cost and/or with ranges that Canon don't carry. Personally I don't like these but many do. I spent thirty years shooting with a Canon professional SLR and all my lenses were Canon. I've also spent ten years now shooting with a Nikon digital SLR and all the lenses for that are Nikon. However I've known many people who have been very happy with the third party lenses and they've saved a lot of money in the process.



I hope this helps a little. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Certainly, start out with what you have. I don't know if you are a wide-angle or tele kind of person, but your lenses fall in the middle of the ones you've mentioned.



If you like shooting at that 28 mm end of your wide, be aware that it will only give you the equivalent image of a 45 mm lens once you put it on the 400D. If you LIKE the 28 mm image, the 18 mm lens will give you almost the exact equivalent view.



Ditto for the tele end. Your 100-200 will become a 160-320, which will be quite a jump for you anyway. If you put a 75-300 lens on a 400D, it will "become" a 120-480! For that kind of tele, I would really want to have image stabilization. Don't buy a lens that doesn't have it unless you are going to use a tripod for all of your long shots. Save your money until you can afford the "IS" lens.



Run what you have and decide after a couple of weeks or so.

Answer 3

Think about what you like to photograph, and how far away the things are you want to shoot. As the other answerer said, the Canon EF 28-135 IS USM lens is an excellent choice for an all around lens, I have one, and it is rarely off my camera. If you want to shoot wildlife, then I'd suggest something a bit longer like the Canon EF 70-300 IS USM, it will give you more reach on the long end of things. I mention the lenses with IS (Image Stability) because it will help you in lower light situations, and times you're not using a tripod. Another rather inexpensive choice of lenses is the Canon EF 50mm f1.8, it's about $85.00 and a must have for your kit. It's sharp as a tack, and being that it is a prime lens, you'll learn more about what goes into making a good photograph. It's great for portraits and closeups... with the "normal" view it's a good all around lens.

Answer 4

i think you would enjoy the 75-300,



my idea: get the body only, play abit then decide if you need more wide or tele, theres no real advantage getting in buying with the kit lens they sell for nothing on ebay anyway, as long as it hasnt been droped/mold they last forever



go hard