Another DSLR question (choosing a lens)
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I've chosen the camera, which will be the Canon EOS 550D. The shop is offering me a deal in which I can replace the Canon 18-55 IS kit lens[^] with a Sigma 18-200 OS[^] lens at a slightly discounted price. I've been told that it is wise to invest money on lenses, but is this deal recommended? I'm saving something like INR 3000 (about 66 USD) if I take the deal now (deal bundled with new camera purchase). I'm sure that I'll take a while to outgrow the kit lens, but I eventually will. What do the in-house experts suggest? Thanks!
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.
A lens like the 18-200 is inevitably a compromise between large zoom range, compactness, maximum aperture, quality etc. As such the Sigma is a good compromise but the end result doesn't do justice to the quality of the camera. I think you would be better to stay with the kit lens until you have learned more and can afford something else, or pay more now (as others have said) to get something like the Canon 17-85.
Phil
The opinions expressed in this post are not necessarily those of the author, especially if you find them impolite, inaccurate or inflammatory.
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I've chosen the camera, which will be the Canon EOS 550D. The shop is offering me a deal in which I can replace the Canon 18-55 IS kit lens[^] with a Sigma 18-200 OS[^] lens at a slightly discounted price. I've been told that it is wise to invest money on lenses, but is this deal recommended? I'm saving something like INR 3000 (about 66 USD) if I take the deal now (deal bundled with new camera purchase). I'm sure that I'll take a while to outgrow the kit lens, but I eventually will. What do the in-house experts suggest? Thanks!
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.
Personally, I would only buy Canon lenses. I've found that the shorter the range in a zoom, the better the quality. So, for me, 18mm to 200mm is a big no-no. As I like to take photos in natural light a large aperture is also important (smaller f number). I like the 50mm f/1.4. But then it all depends on how you intend to use it. My big WANT is the 100mm Macro f/2.8 :sigh:
It’s not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it’s because we do not dare that things are difficult. ~Seneca
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A lens like the 18-200 is inevitably a compromise between large zoom range, compactness, maximum aperture, quality etc. As such the Sigma is a good compromise but the end result doesn't do justice to the quality of the camera. I think you would be better to stay with the kit lens until you have learned more and can afford something else, or pay more now (as others have said) to get something like the Canon 17-85.
Phil
The opinions expressed in this post are not necessarily those of the author, especially if you find them impolite, inaccurate or inflammatory.
You gentlemen are offering very good suggestions. I think I'm simply going to stick with the kit lens and decline on the sigma lens "offer". May be I'll buy something later that will suit my needs. Thanks! :)
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.
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I've chosen the camera, which will be the Canon EOS 550D. The shop is offering me a deal in which I can replace the Canon 18-55 IS kit lens[^] with a Sigma 18-200 OS[^] lens at a slightly discounted price. I've been told that it is wise to invest money on lenses, but is this deal recommended? I'm saving something like INR 3000 (about 66 USD) if I take the deal now (deal bundled with new camera purchase). I'm sure that I'll take a while to outgrow the kit lens, but I eventually will. What do the in-house experts suggest? Thanks!
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.
70-200MM 2.8L II
Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. I also do Android Programming as I find it a refreshing break from the MS. "And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs" -- Robert Frost
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70-200MM 2.8L II
Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. I also do Android Programming as I find it a refreshing break from the MS. "And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs" -- Robert Frost
Thanks. I'd appreciate if you let me know of your reasoning behind your suggestion. I have no idea about DSLR cameras or lenses, so any information you provide will help me make a decision.
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.
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Thanks. I'd appreciate if you let me know of your reasoning behind your suggestion. I have no idea about DSLR cameras or lenses, so any information you provide will help me make a decision.
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.
It was an absurd suggestion, a $2500 lens for an enthusiast? More seriously though, check out dpreview.com they review most lenses and will give you the skinny on what to get.
Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. I also do Android Programming as I find it a refreshing break from the MS. "And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs" -- Robert Frost
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I've chosen the camera, which will be the Canon EOS 550D. The shop is offering me a deal in which I can replace the Canon 18-55 IS kit lens[^] with a Sigma 18-200 OS[^] lens at a slightly discounted price. I've been told that it is wise to invest money on lenses, but is this deal recommended? I'm saving something like INR 3000 (about 66 USD) if I take the deal now (deal bundled with new camera purchase). I'm sure that I'll take a while to outgrow the kit lens, but I eventually will. What do the in-house experts suggest? Thanks!
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.
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70-200MM 2.8L II
Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. I also do Android Programming as I find it a refreshing break from the MS. "And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs" -- Robert Frost
That is a fantastic lens, but it's "as expensive as L", and heavy to boot. If you're just starting out with a DSLR get the 50mm f/1.8 -- it's cheap and fast.
Matt Newby President, Matt Newby Enterprises, Inc. matt@mattnewby.com
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That is a fantastic lens, but it's "as expensive as L", and heavy to boot. If you're just starting out with a DSLR get the 50mm f/1.8 -- it's cheap and fast.
Matt Newby President, Matt Newby Enterprises, Inc. matt@mattnewby.com
I do have that lens and it is good for a lot of scenarios but, well, eh, not so much others. I use it as my primary indoor lens.
Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. I also do Android Programming as I find it a refreshing break from the MS. "And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs" -- Robert Frost
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Sadly, you get a huge reply on camera suggestions, but nobody here has an opinion on camcorders.
"I have a theory that the truth is never told during the nine-to-five hours. " — Hunter S. Thompson
Sadly, you're hijacking the OPs question by making a negative statement that's totally irrelevant...
Matt Newby President, Matt Newby Enterprises, Inc. matt@mattnewby.com
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Sadly, you get a huge reply on camera suggestions, but nobody here has an opinion on camcorders.
"I have a theory that the truth is never told during the nine-to-five hours. " — Hunter S. Thompson
I countered that 1 vote, but I did laugh thinking of how frustrated you must be to say that. :laugh: I take it that you asked for camcorder suggestions and were deserted? :)
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.
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I countered that 1 vote, but I did laugh thinking of how frustrated you must be to say that. :laugh: I take it that you asked for camcorder suggestions and were deserted? :)
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.
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Sadly, you're hijacking the OPs question by making a negative statement that's totally irrelevant...
Matt Newby President, Matt Newby Enterprises, Inc. matt@mattnewby.com
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I did ask for suggestions, I got some advice on getting access to production equipment, the rest was just jokes.
"I have a theory that the truth is never told during the nine-to-five hours. " — Hunter S. Thompson
Yeah, I've seen a large number of "jokes" posted as response to people who ask a serious question. Worse yet, most of the jokes are seriously unfunny. On the camcorder front, I've heard it from a cousin (he's a camcorder enthusiast) that panasonic and canon make some good units. I wonder what's your requirement, if anything specific.
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.
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Yeah, I've seen a large number of "jokes" posted as response to people who ask a serious question. Worse yet, most of the jokes are seriously unfunny. On the camcorder front, I've heard it from a cousin (he's a camcorder enthusiast) that panasonic and canon make some good units. I wonder what's your requirement, if anything specific.
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.
http://www.codeproject.com/Lounge.aspx?msg=3928065#xx3928065xx[^] As you can see the first 2 responses qualify as what you describe. In addition to what I posted, I would use the camera to record live performances of improv, sketch, standup so I can go back and see what worked (sometimes when you perform, you can't clearly see or hear the response you are getting in the moment without breaking character) So integrated mic and decent quality in low light would be great. Almost all filming will be done indoors. I'm leaning towards the 2k price point, the Canon XA10 is looking decent for what I want.
"I have a theory that the truth is never told during the nine-to-five hours. " — Hunter S. Thompson
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Thanks for your suggestion. I think it's then better to go with the kit lens and learn a little bit of photography first. :)
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.
I can recommend the Sigma 17-70mm over the Canon kit lens anyday. I'm kicking myself for not upgrading sooner. FWIW I've also got the Sigma 55-200mm and it's pretty good. I can't help thinking that 18-200mm is a focal length too far, though it's probably better than an 18-250.
Anna :rose: Tech Blog | Visual Lint "Why would anyone prefer to wield a weapon that takes both hands at once, when they could use a lighter (and obviously superior) weapon that allows you to wield multiple ones at a time, and thus supports multi-paradigm carnage?"
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http://www.codeproject.com/Lounge.aspx?msg=3928065#xx3928065xx[^] As you can see the first 2 responses qualify as what you describe. In addition to what I posted, I would use the camera to record live performances of improv, sketch, standup so I can go back and see what worked (sometimes when you perform, you can't clearly see or hear the response you are getting in the moment without breaking character) So integrated mic and decent quality in low light would be great. Almost all filming will be done indoors. I'm leaning towards the 2k price point, the Canon XA10 is looking decent for what I want.
"I have a theory that the truth is never told during the nine-to-five hours. " — Hunter S. Thompson
Those two "jokes" are brutally unfunny, and uncalled for. X| I'll write to my cousin and let you know if he has something to suggest.
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.
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I've chosen the camera, which will be the Canon EOS 550D. The shop is offering me a deal in which I can replace the Canon 18-55 IS kit lens[^] with a Sigma 18-200 OS[^] lens at a slightly discounted price. I've been told that it is wise to invest money on lenses, but is this deal recommended? I'm saving something like INR 3000 (about 66 USD) if I take the deal now (deal bundled with new camera purchase). I'm sure that I'll take a while to outgrow the kit lens, but I eventually will. What do the in-house experts suggest? Thanks!
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.
You too fell into the DSLR trap, did you? Are you buying it from Chickpet? That fellow used to be good long back when I bought my kit. Register yourself with the Canon website and they come up with some very good and free workshops in BLR, and also some paid for photography camps with various themes. I think it's called the Canon lounge or something similar. I'm sure someone would have pointed things out to you. DSLR's are big and bulky to carry around, especially with all their protective "bags". When I used to trek, I used to be the only guy with a ton load to camera equipment on my back, around my neck etc. The shots were great and I could capture stuff which others cannot even focus with their compacts, but it was a pain. No pain, no gain, as they say. If you aren't too conscious of a little money saved, stay away from Sigma's. Consider them as use and throw lenses, use for a while and throw them for better ones. I often had issues with moisture seeping in and fungi when taking out to the western ghats in monsoon. And they are noisy and heavy.
SG Aham Brahmasmi!
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I can recommend the Sigma 17-70mm over the Canon kit lens anyday. I'm kicking myself for not upgrading sooner. FWIW I've also got the Sigma 55-200mm and it's pretty good. I can't help thinking that 18-200mm is a focal length too far, though it's probably better than an 18-250.
Anna :rose: Tech Blog | Visual Lint "Why would anyone prefer to wield a weapon that takes both hands at once, when they could use a lighter (and obviously superior) weapon that allows you to wield multiple ones at a time, and thus supports multi-paradigm carnage?"
Thanks for your suggestions, Anna. I think I'll keep the 17-70mm sigma lens (or better yet the 55-200) in mind while I want to do my first lens upgrade. For now, I think I'm going to stick to the kit lens, because I feel that it would be good if I could learn the basics first before investing additional money.
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.