Canon EOS 500D - Help with decision

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goffski

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Hi Guys, still pretty new to the forum, been reading for a few weeks now but only made a few posts so far.

I currently have a Panasonic FZ50 and after lots of reading and research have finally decided on the Canon 500D as my upgrade to the world of DSLR. The only thing i'm undecided about is which kit to go for. Should i go for EOS 500D Lens Kit (EF-S 18-55 IS) or pay the extra money and go for the EOS 500D Lens Kit 2 (EF-S 18-200 IS)?

At the minute there's not one particular subject i want to photograph so im thinking the 18-200 is ideal. I do like landscapes but plan to buy a wide lens around Xmas time or early next year for this.

Any input would be much appreciated.

Cheers.
 
I *think* the 18-55mm is quite highly regarded, but the 18-200 certainly offers more flexibility when you're first starting. Do you have local shop that you can go to to try them out?
 
I'd put money towards a better lens like tamron 17-50mm f/2.8.
Canon 70-200mm f/4L is a nice tele. For the price of 18-200 you could afford either one or both.


f/3.5-5.6 zooms do not offer the best image quality nor versatility so AVOID THEM
 
goffski said:
Hi Guys, still pretty new to the forum, been reading for a few weeks now but only made a few posts so far.

I currently have a Panasonic FZ50 and after lots of reading and research have finally decided on the Canon 500D as my upgrade to the world of DSLR. The only thing i'm undecided about is which kit to go for. Should i go for EOS 500D Lens Kit (EF-S 18-55 IS) or pay the extra money and go for the EOS 500D Lens Kit 2 (EF-S 18-200 IS)?

At the minute there's not one particular subject i want to photograph so im thinking the 18-200 is ideal. I do like landscapes but plan to buy a wide lens around Xmas time or early next year for this.

Any input would be much appreciated.

Cheers.
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The kit lenses will get you started, but they're not the best on the block. It really depends on your budget, but when I started out, I bought the body only and separate lenses.

Not a big fan of the hyperzooms like the 18-200mm, but this lens has some good reviews as a travel lens because of its size and compactness, although this lens loses sharpness when you start to stop down and seems to work better wide open. Also have a look at the canon 28-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS lens, or 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS which are in the similar ball park costs to the 18-200mm.

Peter

Peter
 
Thanks for the comments guys, i'm edging towards Body only option along with the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8. (unless there other recommendations for a lens to replace the kit lens).

The FZ50 has a pretty big zoom which i hardly ever use, the odd moons shots and a few other things. I'm in not rush to sell the FZ50 so i'll still have this as an option if i do need more zoom for now.
 
Sorry mate, not quite sure what you mean, are you saying i'll like the 17-85 IS more?
 
goffski said:
Sorry mate, not quite sure what you mean, are you saying i'll like the 17-85 IS more?
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The Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 a better lens than the 17-85mm, though 50mm might be abit limiting, the 17-55mm f2.8 . The 17-85mm has a great range, but is let down by standard optics, only slightly better than the kit lenses. The 18-135mm or 28-135mm lenses I highlighted also give you a good starting point.
 
Thanks Pete, been check those two out, looking at the prices the 18-135mm is stretching my budget a little to far at the minute. Can find it for about the £500 mark but that taking me over £1k which i can't really afford at the minute.
 
I bought the 18-200mm IS when I first bought my 40D. I have bought many lenses since then, but my 18-200mm spends more time on the camera than any of the others. The reason for this is that I always carry my camera around with me even if I'm not going out to take specific shots. It is a very convenient lens having such a big range and is not to big or heavy to carry around for a few hours. Of course the IQ and range can be bettered by carrying around a collection of L lenses, but this is not the purpose of the lens. It was built as general purpose walkabout lens and providing you don't expect L series quality it serves it's purpose well. I wouldn't be without it.

I should also mention that the IS works a treat!
 
The 17-85IS is the kit lens with the 40D. It is actually very good-I am just upgrading to a 24-105L and my daughter will have the 17-85 to replace her 18-55.

You can pick up "White Box" for about £280 or I am sure less if you do a deal for one when you purchase the 500D body!
 
Hummm, still not decided yet. I'll read a bit more tomorrow and try and make my mind up.

Cheers for the input.
 
After looking at all the options, i ended up going for the 18-55 kit just to get me going. I was a little impatient as i wanted it for my birthday tomorrow and to be able to test it out tomorrow and over the weekend. So i'm pleased to say after ordering it at 4.30 yesterday it arrived this morning.

I also got the nifty 50 with it too, but plan on more lens very soon.
 
Sounds like sensible choices :) Don't rush in to more lenses, very easy to buy something you don't really end up using in my experience.

Older lenses bought second-hand can also be a cheap way of trialling different lengths at no cost (just sell on again afterwards) i.e. 135mm F2.8, 70-210mm F4.
 
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