rebel xt plus 50mm 1.8 lens instead of kit lens?

[optimist2]

I've read so many reviews pointing out how bad (soft, etc) the kit lens (18-50mm) that comes with the rebel XT is that I'm looking into other possible lenses that won't be too expensive

There's always a trade-off and in this case, I think that an upgrade in sharpness comes at the cost of switching to a fixed lens, more specifically the Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens, highly recommended by many as a budget quality lens.

has anytone tried this combination? Would it work as your only lens for starting out with the rebel XT?

Thank you

optimist2

[Rhys]

I would advise a different lens. 50mm is good if all you want to do is portraits.

I suggest a 28mm as being the digital equivalent of a 50mm lens.

I would also suggest a 20mm lens if you're interested in landscapes.

Decent zoom lenses are the Tokina 12-24, Tamron 17-35

[Clyde]

While the 50 f/1.8 would be workable, it is little long for your only lens. Check out the 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 (http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=206&sort=7&cat=27&page=3). It has a nice reputation, and is still pretty cheap (http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=375183/search=canon+28+105/ut=47e5923d3a806a4d). Be sure to avoid the confusingly similar 28-105 f/4-5.6 (http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=9&sort=7&cat=27&page=1) which wouldn't be an improvement on the kit lens, except in length.

Good luck,

Clyde

[aparmley]

I agree with clyde - the 28-105 3.5-4.5 USM II is a nice step up from the kit lens for very little money.

I bought the XT + 50 1.8. Thats how I started. Id say go with the 28-105. ;)