Good price? XTI with these two lenses?

[nutsnbolts]

Package $1428
Canon XTI body
Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM / f4
Canon 75-300mm F/4.0-5.6 III Lens

or

Package $1248
Canon XTI body
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens
Canon EF 75-300mm F/4.0-5.6 III Lens

or

Can find better with this combination?

[RichNY]

Price aside those aren't good configurations. The first package would be ok if you substitute the 70-300 IS for the 75-300 which does not have a reputation for quality images.

Just as an aside, any time you are being quoted on a package with cameras you can expect to get a raw deal.

Price the equipment at B&H photo; if you are getting a lower price expect to get screwed.

[RebelRat]

I second that.

[coldrain]

The XTi is a nice camera.

The lens choices you make are a bit less nice, though.

The EF-S 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM has quite some barrel distortion at 17mm. It does not have the best contrast/colour either.

The 75-300 USM III lacks sharpeness and contrast at 300mm.

The 28-135mm IS USM is not very wide at the wide end. That would not be bad if you were to get an ultra wide zoom, but in this combination...

Why go for IS at the short end, but getting no IS at the long end?

b&h prices:
Canon Digital Rebel XTi body : $660
Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM: $550 / $530 (grey import)
Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 EX DC Macro: $420

Total: $1630

Much better optics, wider than your 2nd package, better contrast and less barrel distortion than the wide end of your 1st package.
Much better tele lens with IS, sharper, better colour and contrast.
Semi macro possible with the 18-50 Sigma.

All in all, a LOT better optical performance, with IS in the long end, for a modest amount more.

If this is too much for your budget:
Canon Digital Rebel XTi with 18-55mm kit lens : $730
Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM: $550 / $530 (grey import)
Total: $1280

[nutsnbolts]

The XTi is a nice camera.

The lens choices you make are a bit less nice, though.

The EF-S 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM has quite some barrel distortion at 17mm. It does not have the best contrast/colour either.

The 75-300 USM III lacks sharpeness and contrast at 300mm.

The 28-135mm IS USM is not very wide at the wide end. That would not be bad if you were to get an ultra wide zoom, but in this combination...

Why go for IS at the short end, but getting no IS at the long end?

b&h prices:
Canon Digital Rebel XTi body : $660
Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM: $550 / $530 (grey import)
Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 EX DC Macro: $420

Total: $1630

Much better optics, wider than your 2nd package, better contrast and less barrel distortion than the wide end of your 1st package.
Much better tele lens with IS, sharper, better colour and contrast.
Semi macro possible with the 18-50 Sigma.

All in all, a LOT better optical performance, with IS in the long end, for a modest amount more.

If this is too much for your budget:
Canon Digital Rebel XTi with 18-55mm kit lens : $730
Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM: $550 / $530 (grey import)
Total: $1280

Coldrain:

First off, thank you for your opinion and advise. I'm getting more and more educated in how to think about what lens combinations should work. Price aside that is.

Between the two packages? I have a few questions...

1. I'm willing to spend the $1600 package but is the Sigma lens have IS? I don't know much about Sigma. I thought Canon lens were top of the line then, Sigma/Tokina/Tamron...etc. (that's how noobish I am :confused: )

2. In addition, I heard great things about the stock Kit Lens for the XTI. Are you saying that the Sigma is much better? or is a better replacement.

3. I'm thinking of also getting the Canon 50mm 1.8 lens from Bhphoto. From what I heard, this is a very good lens for indoors/portrait shooting low light, etc. as an addition to my package.

4. If I buy this package, are there any other lens I should consider between it to overlap the gap?

5. Lastly, at this point, I have been toying with different combinations for the past 3 months and I need or would like to make a purchase within the week. Are there any other combinations that you can think of that would be a good buy. Basically, a budget within 1600.

[GaryS]

Coldrain's $1600 package is EXACTLY the kit I put together a couple of months ago, although I did add a 430EX flash in there.... I've been using it for over a month now, and I'm completely happy with the lenses and focal lengths.

I don't think there is any other lens you would need for awhile. Although I did hear a 50mm f1.4 calling my name the other day!

1- The Sigma 18-50 does not have IS. Given its short focal length, its not a huge problem (and the Canon 17-55 IS is A LOT more money).

2 - The kit lens is an OK lens. It can produce good pictures. But the Sigma will make it easier to produce them consistently.

3 - The Canon 50 1.8 is a good lens too, although my suggestion would be to wait to see how it goes with the basics first. Then decide if you would use it.

4 - No other lens...

[Rhys]

Ok.

I use a Canon XT and a 30D.

The XTi has some improvements over the XT mostly in focussing speed.

The lenses:
The 17-85 IS has many negative reviews but quite honestly I think those reviews are a load of cobblers. I have the 17-85 IS and I find it's actually very good. It's a shade dark at f5.6 but nothing problematic. I used the 17-85 IS exclusively for a wedding a few weeks ago and the bride was ecstatic over the photo quality. I was impressed by that lens also.

The 75-300 is a cheapo lens. I would advise not getting this at all. Instead I would suggest either of the following:
70-200 f4 L - this is fast enough and a good lens but not all that long and is about $500.
70-300 f4-5.6 IS - this is longer and has image stabilisation but is a shade dark.

I have the 70-300 IS. While it's an excellent lens, I feel that a 70-200 f4L non-IS would have been a better buy for the same price.

[Mark_48]

nutsnbolts,

You'll get some good advice from the folks in this forum and you can confirm some of the recommendations for lenses that are mentioned at this site:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/

Besides the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 EX DC Macro, also take a look at the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD (about $449 @ B&H) as an alternative to the Canon kit lens. I have the Tamron and have been really pleased with it's performance and image quality.

If this is your first DSLR, you might want to consider delaying the Tele Zoom purchase until you learn the camera a bit and can afford something of better quality. Keep an eye open for Canon rebates when you're ready to buy.

If you can't wait....
The Canon 70-200 f4L non-IS that rhys mentioned is a great lens and with rebate until 7/16, about $529 at B&H.

Crap, now we're probably getting above your budget, but that's how this "hobby" works.

You didn't mention where the original package deals were offered. Check this site to get ratings and opinions of online retailers.

http://www.resellerratings.com/

Mark......

[nutsnbolts]

I will be posting this on the seperate post, but i wanted to repeat this here because (thanks to you guys) you have given me a lot of insight and I wanted to share this here and of course, get a critique here as well.

Now this is going to be crazy. My initial budget of 1200 and slightly pushed to 1600 by Coldrain and others well, guess what!!! I spend 2600 (the way the game is played lol)

Here is what I got and of course I have about 7 days to make my trade/return for something else if it's not a good buy.

Camera
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi (a.k.a. 400D) 10.1 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera Body (Black)

Battery and other
Canon NB-2LH Lithium-Ion Battery (7.4v 720mAh)
Canon BG-E3 Vertical Grip/Battery Holder

Flash
Canon 580EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 190'/58 m at 105mm) for E-TTL II

Lenses
Sigma Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro DF Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS
Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens
Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens

Other stuff
Lowepro SlingShot 300 AW Camera Bag - for Film or Digital SLR 5 Lens Outfit (Black)

Filters
Canon 58mm Haze UV-1 Glass Filter
Canon 52mm UV Haze-1 Glass Filter
Hoya 82mm UV(0) Glass Filter

Tell me now (given the newfound budget), if I should go with something else. I can't believe I spent this much and well, I'm iffy on the Sigma buy? Isn't there any IS midrange lens, other than this sigma? I don't know much about it but essentially it's the last lens that I couldn't decide so for the time being I chose that.

Of course, I'm also open to a totally new package now that I know I can spend about 2600 (including a different camera lol)

[JTL]

24mm is not very wide (38mm equiv.) on a crop camera such as the XTi. The Sigma 24-70 also does NOT have IS as your post implied.

Mid range IS? The Canon 17-85. People here hate it, but, really, that's just a lot of drama...its an "o.k." lens. But if you really want to cover the wide-to-mid telephoto range with a fast lens that has great optical quality and has IS, then there's only one way to go...the Canon 17-55 2.8 IS. It's a little overpriced (IMO), but it's the real deal. And since you have a new higher budget, I'd get the body, the 70-300 IS and the 17-55 and call it a day...

That's around $2,200. USD (at B&H).

Get a battery grip, extra battery and a bag and forget the rest for now. I mean a 580EX to start out with? Way overkill dude...unless you're planning on doing event shooting. I shoot constantly (and make money from photography) and I've used my 430EX only twice in the past year.

That's my 2 cents worth! ;)

[nutsnbolts]

24mm is not very wide (38mm equiv.) on a crop camera such as the XTi. The Sigma 24-70 also does NOT have IS as your post implied.

Mid range IS? The Canon 17-85. People here hate it, but, really, that's just a lot of drama...its an "o.k." lens. But if you really want to cover the wide-to-mid telephoto range with a fast lens that has great optical quality and has IS, then there's only one way to go...the Canon 17-55 2.8 IS. It's a little overpriced (IMO), but it's the real deal. And since you have a new higher budget, I'd get the body, the 70-300 IS and the 17-55 and call it a day...

That's around $2,200. USD (at B&H).

Get a battery grip, extra battery and a bag and forget the rest for now. I mean a 580EX to start out with? Way overkill dude...unless you're planning on doing event shooting. I shoot constantly (and make money from photography) and I've used my 430EX only twice in the past year.

That's my 2 cents worth! ;)

The flash was definately an overkill. My mentality in this was I wasn't going to buy another flash and considering that the 580 was out, I might as well get it. I'm sure I'll find a way to put it to good use. Nevertheless, regarding the lenses, what happened to the 55-70 range?

They initially showed me a Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 what do you think of that? It is definately pricey for the 17-55 IS.

What about this? Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens as a replacement as well?

To summarize:

1. Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens (In my budget)
2. Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS (In my budget)
3. Zoom Super Wide Angle EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Autofocus Lens for Select Digital Cameras (Definately pricey)

Oh yeah, if I do drop more for the 17-55? How about the 55-70 range?

[JTL]

The 28-135 is a pretty good general purpose lens. So, how 'bout this...

Get the body, the previously mentioned Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 EX so that you have the wide end covered and one "fast" lens (believe me, you'll be happy you did), the 28-135 and the 70-300...that's only $2040 for a nice kit. The 28-135 is your general purpose "walk-around" lens and you have the other two for the situations when you need the coverage. And, there's plenty of money left over for other toys. Looks like my work here is done...:D

But...

If it were my money (that you gave me out of the goodness of your heart), I'd swap the 28-135 for the Canon 24-105 IS...which costs more than twice as much! Gee its fun playing with other people's money! :D

[nutsnbolts]

The 28-135 is a pretty good general purpose lens. So, how 'bout this...

Get the body with the kit lens (18-55) so that you have the wide end covered (believe me, you'll be happy you did), the 28-135 and the 70-300...that's only $1690 for a nice kit. The 28-135 is your general purpose "walk-around" lens and you have the other two for the situations when you need the coverage. And, there's plenty of money left over for other toys. But, this option lacks "speed" in any of the glass...so take that into consideration. Maybe you throw your 50mm 1.8 back in the mix so you have one fast lens if/when you need it.

But...

If it were my money (that you gave me out of the goodness of your heart), I'd swap the 28-135 for the Canon 24-105 IS...which costs more than twice as much! Gee its fun playing with other people's money! :D

Ok, 28-135 IS versus 24-105 IS, the 24-105 IS for the everyday lens? Hmmmm?

[JTL]

Ok, 28-135 IS versus 24-105 IS, the 24-105 IS for the everyday lens? Hmmmm?If you'd buy me one, I'd take it! :D

I took the cheap (and convenient) way out and went with the Sigma 18-200 OS. If I upgrade to the forthcoming 5D replacement, the Sigma goes away and the 24-105 becomes my everyday lens. I hate changing lenses more than I hate NYC cab drivers (please, no irate, insulted cab drivers :p)...so the 24-105 doesn't work for me as a one lens solution on my XT...but on a full-frame camera, its a different story...I think the focal range is fine. But, yeah, I see it as pretty much an everyday lens, even on a crop camera...although a little lacking on the wide end...

By the way, I revised my previous post...the one imbedded in your post above is the old one...so please re-read it...(and maybe edit you above post to include the updated "quote" as not to confuse other readers). Thanks! :)

[nutsnbolts]

I think I will be updating my order.

Instead of the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8, i'm switching it to the Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS.

Instead of the Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS, I'm switching it to the Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens.

That should do it for me?

My everyday lens is the 24-105mm f/4L IS and my far end the 70-200mm f/4L IS.

Did I just sacrifice my speed? 2.8 to 4 or ??? That's what I don't understand.

Oh one more thing, do I need filters?

[JTL]

Did I just sacrifice my speed? 2.8 to 4 or ??? That's what I don't understand.

Oh one more thing, do I need filters?Yes, you sacrificed some speed...but the IS should make up for it in average situations. Wait to see if you need the speed, but you may want to get that F1.8 50mm just to have one fast lens...

You don't "need" any filters. You only need what the shooting situation and your desired result calls for, e.g. a circular polarizer comes in handy for a lot of outdoor situations. Also, I find that when shooting outside, I use my graduated neutral density filter all of the time (the rectangular kind so that it can be hand held in any position as required). In addition, when shooting outside in sunlight, I highly recommend using a lens hood...

[nutsnbolts]

Yes, you sacrificed some speed...but the IS should make up for it in average situations. Wait to see if you need the speed, but you may want to get that F1.8 50mm just to have one fast lens...


Out of curiosity, with regards to the speed, Sigma 2.8/Tamron 2.8 versus this Canon, anyone would sacrifice the speed? I mean price isn't always everything. It's more for a reason? I'm trying to make myself feel better to lose the speed.

You don't "need" any filters. You only need what the shooting situation and your desired result calls for, e.g. a circular polarizer comes in handy for a lot of outdoor situations. Also, I find that when shooting outside, I use my graduated neutral density filter all of the time (the rectangular kind so that it can be hand held in any position as required). In addition, when shooting outside in sunlight, I highly recommend using a lens hood...

Lol, you just said I don't need filters? Any suggestions which filters I should get specifically from the order I'm placing above? I want to make sure I put it all in the order, one shot.

[JTL]

Out of curiosity, with regards to the speed, Sigma 2.8/Tamron 2.8 versus this Canon, anyone would sacrifice the speed?I think there are many who would not sacrifice the speed. I would...because of how and what I shoot. And there's no debating that the 24-105 F4 L IS is a very very good lens. But, everyone's needs and priorities are different.

As far as the filters go, I still say wait to see/understand what filters you may need. Don't buy filters just for the sake of buying filters...that doesn't make sense...

Here's a pretty good page that covers most filter types and what they do...

http://dpfwiw.com/filters.htm