Considering the Canon Rebel XTi, what lens to get?

[crashgirl]

I am what some would call a "soccer Mom". I have a four year old that I have taken a ton of pictures of with a point and shoot camera. I decided to move up to the DSLR because I was tired of missing all the cute shots. I would take a variety of family still portrait shots, sports shots, and of course scenery, vacations, etc. I have been reading the reviews, and I am seriously considering the Canon Rebel XTi. The one thing I have read over and over is that you need to get a good image stabalization lens. I can probably only afford to buy one lens at the time I purchase the camera, so what do you suggest for my situation?

[cdifoto]

I am what some would call a "soccer Mom". I have a four year old that I have taken a ton of pictures of with a point and shoot camera. I decided to move up to the DSLR because I was tired of missing all the cute shots. I would take a variety of family still portrait shots, sports shots, and of course scenery, vacations, etc. I have been reading the reviews, and I am seriously considering the Canon Rebel XTi. The one thing I have read over and over is that you need to get a good image stabalization lens. I can probably only afford to buy one lens at the time I purchase the camera, so what do you suggest for my situation?

For sports, you don't need image stabilization. It's only useful for reducing camera shake, not stopping action. Fast shutter speeds stop action, and image stabilization plays absolutely no role in that.

If you give us a budget we can recommend some lenses.

[crashgirl]

I am thinking of spending around $1200 - $1500 total for the camera and lens. If I have to go a little over to get a better lens that is ok. But, since I am just getting my feet wet, I can't see spending $1200 - $2000 on the lens alone... just yet.

[RichNY]

I decided to move up to the DSLR because I was tired of missing all the cute shots.

Where you missing them because of power on time, shutter lag, lack of image stabilization, or not enough focal length (zoom)?

Why wouldn't a good digicam like the Canon S3IS work for you? (It might very well and give you video also, but your answer will help us provide you with a better recommendation if the DSLR is the right path)

Are you planning on printing larger than 8x10"?

[crashgirl]

Where you missing them because of power on time, shutter lag, lack of image stabilization, or not enough focal length (zoom)?

Why wouldn't a good digicam like the Canon S3IS work for you? (It might very well and give you video also, but your answer will help us provide you with a better recommendation if the DSLR is the right path)

Are you planning on printing larger than 8x10"?

I have a point & shoot that does decent video and a separate higher end camcorder, so video (or lack of) does not really affect my decision. I want a good all-around camera that will give me quality pictures and doesn't have the shutter lag. (I am assuming shutter lag is what causes the delay in the time from when you push the button to when the picture is actually taken?) The missed shots I was talking about were from the shutter lag. By the time I took the picture, the smile was gone or the soccer ball had already been kicked. Although I did have a few blurry shots here and there.

The thing that has scared me is the image stabalization. I am a beginner, and I don't want to invest a ton of money to find out that I have to have perfectly still hands in order to use the camera. And, carrying a tripod everywhere I go isn't feasible. From what I have read, a decent lens makes all the difference. I could be completely wrong though, which is why I am asking you.

I would probably print 8X10, but I don't see printing larger than that except maybe an occasional 11X14.

[Rontech1]

I am thinking of spending around $1200 - $1500 total for the camera and lens. If I have to go a little over to get a better lens that is ok. But, since I am just getting my feet wet, I can't see spending $1200 - $2000 on the lens alone... just yet.

Just went through what you are doing:D
IS does help in certain instances and I think it is worth the cost.
Try here XTi body only 710.00
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=6222&A=details&Q=&sku=457506&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation
A zoom 2x-1xx w IS 400.00-525.00
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=search&Q=
Have a little left over for CF cards,etc.

However, RichNY makes a good point. The S3is is a wonderful camera and the video option is really outstanding. IS built in the camera.
Just my .02.
Ron

[cdifoto]

Despite what some others might think and try to tell you, IS does NOT help you with those "soccer mom" shots. It cannot stop movement of the subject (your son) no matter what anyone else might say. It simply does not.

Since you have a $1200 budget, I will recommend something that's pricey but quality. The 70-200mm f/4L. It doesn't have IS, and you do not need IS for your son's sports. It doesn't go wide, but you have a digicam for that wider/everyday stuff for now. If you get the XTi with kit lens, you can have your wide lens too, albeit less stellar than the long zoom. The 70-200mm f/4L is about $580 but you will be more than happy with it. It's also not heavy relative to other similiar lenses. I am assuming your son does not play in stadiums with poor lighting...most 4 youngsters play in the daytime. If he DOES play in a lowlight stadium, that changes things a bit and the Sigma mentioned next would be better.

If you can spring a few extra dollars, you can get the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX. It's another great lens and that f/2.8 will let you shoot in dimmer conditions than the f/4 will, all other camera settings being equal. In other words, it lets in 2x as much light. However, the Sigma is rather heavy so you'd either want to get used to holding it, or invest in a monopod - which aren't really expensive. I paid about $30 for mine.

I do believe either choice would be within budget. Just remember you need to add a few fast memory cards (not the slow standard speed), maybe a spare battery, etc. to the kit as well. They are essentials. One battery comes with the camera but it does NOT include a memory card like most digicams do.

[Scott6]

I agree, for sports, a lens less than 70mm is no enough. Even if your on the sidelines. 70-200 f4 FTW! that will leave jsut a tad bit of money left for a CF and what not.

I recoument you get the Xti with kit lens and the 70-200. Your going to want wider, even if you have to use flash with it, once you use that camera you pocket digicam is going to collect dust.

XTi+18-55 kit len > any point and shoot anyday IMO

[adam75south]

also the 80 dollar 50mm f/1.8 for indoor shots without flash.

[aparmley]

I am what some would call a "soccer Mom". I have a four year old that I have taken a ton of pictures of with a point and shoot camera. I decided to move up to the DSLR because I was tired of missing all the cute shots. I would take a variety of family still portrait shots, sports shots, and of course scenery, vacations, etc. I have been reading the reviews, and I am seriously considering the Canon Rebel XTi. The one thing I have read over and over is that you need to get a good image stabalization lens. I can probably only afford to buy one lens at the time I purchase the camera, so what do you suggest for my situation?

Forewarning - bluntness has been known to save time and lives, thats why I adhere to a strict policy, bluntness is best. . .

Canon has marketed aggressively to your niche Crashgirl. I haven't seen any XTi commercials but the only XT commercials I saw was the one with the soccer mom. Reality check, the XT can successfully capture soccer images with the help of a $1k lens. True, the 30D will perform better with that very same $1k lens ( Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L) but, as a whole the 30D is a far superiour "Action" capturing camera and beats the XT in all around functionality as well. . .

The usefulness of IS (Image stabilization) is really very dependent on ones needs and shooting environment. True, on a basic level, IS will remove camera shake, but it won't help you freeze action. IS can be used with flash to freeze action - think wedding photography. IS, on a simple level, is really useful when you are shooting still objects in lower light - it simulates a tripod more or less. True, there are other uses like panning. But, the way you worded the need for IS is simply not true.

DSLR/SLR is an expensive hobby. Look to spend 2-10 times the cost of your body in lenses and accessories. Just to say I've got the common focal lengths covered I'd say on the cheap end your looking at $1500 just for lenses and the skys the limit on the high end, but for a solid lens collection I'd think $2500-3000 should do it.

Thats it - thats my no BS assessment. maybe it helps, maybe it doesn't. :cool:

[D Thompson]

What about the XTi with the kit ($809), the 50 f1.8 ($80), and the ef 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS ($560)? Total $1450 and add extra battery & cf card and it's not too much over budget or drop the 50 f1.8 to lower. This will give a little longer range than the 70-200, still f4, and has IS when she needs it. See http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=294&sort=7&cat=27&page=2 for reviews of this lens and http://www.pbase.com/cameras/canon/ef_70-300_4-56_is_usm for some shots from this lens. Just might be something to consider.

[cdifoto]

What about the XTi with the kit ($809), the 50 f1.8 ($80), and the ef 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS ($560)? Total $1450 and add extra battery & cf card and it's not too much over budget or drop the 50 f1.8 to lower. This will give a little longer range than the 70-200, still f4, and has IS when she needs it. See http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=294&sort=7&cat=27&page=2 for reviews of this lens and http://www.pbase.com/cameras/canon/ef_70-300_4-56_is_usm for some shots from this lens. Just might be something to consider.

The 70-300 would be ok but remember it's not still f/4. It's f/5.6 at the long end. It may or may not let the light in that she needs. Most likely will, but might not. Good option to try though.

[crashgirl]

Thanks for your bluntness, but there is no turning back now. I purchased the XTi yesterday. I was planning to get just the body but I was able to get the body and EF-S 18-55 kit lens for $685. It was a good deal and I couldn't pass it up. I haven't made any decisions on the lenses yet.. I am still doing research and I appreciate your help in the right direction.

Just to clarify, the soccer/gymnastics pics are not all that I will be taking. As I mentioned, I have a 4 year old (daughter, not son... sorry for not clarifying) that is always on the go and I take a ton of pictures of her. Not all are sports... I live with a camera around my neck. My main reason for moving up to the XTi is that I can now take pictures without the delay (shutter lag) and not miss those special moments. I regret I didn't do this earlier. There are so many pictures that would have been better if I had a better camera and lens at the time.

I'll try to attach a few pics that I have taken with my point and shoot and you can see what I mean. I take a variety of pics. (I am embarrassed to show these after looking at some of your photos, but I hope to give you an idea of my use for the camera)

[crashgirl]

OOps, I didn't upload the pics right. Let me try again.

But as you can see, not all the pics I take are soccer pics. I know I have a lot of room for improvement, but I am a beginner and just want to catch some special moments on film. Maybe these examples will give a better idea of the variety of pics I take... and the type of lens/lenses I should get?

[crashgirl]

Sorry for double post

[Rontech1]

What about the XTi with the kit ($809), the 50 f1.8 ($80), and the ef 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS ($560)? Total $1450 and add extra battery & cf card and it's not too much over budget or drop the 50 f1.8 to lower. This will give a little longer range than the 70-200, still f4, and has IS when she needs it. See http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=294&sort=7&cat=27&page=2 for reviews of this lens and http://www.pbase.com/cameras/canon/ef_70-300_4-56_is_usm for some shots from this lens. Just might be something to consider.

First, good for you on the deal on the XTi. You got the body and kit lens at a great price.
Second, DThompson has some good advice there, especially on the 70-300 IS USM, IMHO. I have one and like it quite well.
This setup would cover MOST of what you want to use the camera for.
AND you are somewhat under budget. Leaves a little left over for extra batteries and CF cards. Oh and I might suggest a good cf card reader to transfer pics also.
Meanwhile, play with the camera and kit lens-take lots of pics-get used to it.
Again, congrats on the new camera. I am sure you will enjoy it.
Ron

[Rontech1]

By the way, here is an interesting thread about the kit lens with a lot of pics made using it.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=185522
Hope this helps.
Ron

[D Thompson]

By the way, here is an interesting thread about the kit lens with a lot of pics made using it.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=185522
Hope this helps.
Ron

Ron - thanks for the link, I enjoyed looking at some of the shots you can get from the kit lens. While my copy doesn't get much use anymore, it captured a lot of good shots. I think some people's opinion have changed about this lens, especially when it's on a 20D. It does have limitations and the build quality could be better, but for the money it serves a lot of people's needs well.

[24Peter]

First, good for you on the deal on the XTi. You got the body and kit lens at a great price.
Second, DThompson has some good advice there, especially on the 70-300 IS USM, IMHO. I have one and like it quite well.
This setup would cover MOST of what you want to use the camera for.
AND you are somewhat under budget. Leaves a little left over for extra batteries and CF cards. Oh and I might suggest a good cf card reader to transfer pics also.
Meanwhile, play with the camera and kit lens-take lots of pics-get used to it.
Again, congrats on the new camera. I am sure you will enjoy it.
Ron
Yeah, Dennis and Ron are right on this: since you've already got the kit lens, pick up a 50 1.8 and the new 70-300 IS. You'll fee like a real pro. ;)

[crashgirl]

Wow, I was impressed by the shots taken with the kit lens. I appreciate the advice. I have a lot to learn... I think I will get my feet wet with the kit lens for awhile and then probably go with your suggestions.

THANK YOU again for your help!

[aparmley]

Thanks for your bluntness, but there is no turning back now. I purchased the XTi yesterday. I was planning to get just the body but I was able to get the body and EF-S 18-55 kit lens for $685. It was a good deal and I couldn't pass it up. I haven't made any decisions on the lenses yet.. I am still doing research and I appreciate your help in the right direction.

Just to clarify, the soccer/gymnastics pics are not all that I will be taking. As I mentioned, I have a 4 year old (daughter, not son... sorry for not clarifying) that is always on the go and I take a ton of pictures of her. Not all are sports... I live with a camera around my neck. My main reason for moving up to the XTi is that I can now take pictures without the delay (shutter lag) and not miss those special moments. I regret I didn't do this earlier. There are so many pictures that would have been better if I had a better camera and lens at the time.

I'll try to attach a few pics that I have taken with my point and shoot and you can see what I mean. I take a variety of pics. (I am embarrassed to show these after looking at some of your photos, but I hope to give you an idea of my use for the camera)

And so it begins. . . . :D

Please, crashgirl, and all members, don't mistake my bluntness for ___?___ . . . just pure honesty.

when I began I figured the XT body only($900) + the 50 1.8 ($79) + spend $200-400 more and I'd be set. Here I am, what $3,000+ into it all and I'm no where close to having the lenses I want/need (emphasis on want, no on need LOL!:p )

So you see my post is really just a primer - you don't know it yet but if you get hooked like a lot of us . . . your budget will grow and grow and grow and before you know it . . . .you've spent $2k, $3k, $5k+ and you want/need more.

A few more tips:

Don't pixel peep - ever!
Don't get obsessed over testing gear - ever.
Try your best at avoiding online forums - these people will spend your money so quick (this statement might make sense in a few months if it doesn't already)
Have fun learning . . .its ok to take 500 + images in one day - everyone did it when they were new too!
The most important thing - develope a solid back up routine and never hesitate to invest in more HDD storage. . . have at least 2 copies of every image. I'm getting ready to drop $1400+ on building a custom PC devoted to just storage for digital media - mostly images (220GB and growing) and my little music library. BTW - 220GB is complete storage - 110 GB worth of images backed up = roughly 220GB of storage being used.

Did I say have fun?