It's final....now for the decision

[Cinbride]

Dh said we could sell a few things to get a dslr. Many know I was debating which one. I've narrowed it down to Canon t1i & t2i. I have my sx10 and I use the zoom frequently. While I love that camera; I've out grown it. I'm tired of missing shots. I also take pictures of my kids in low light/inside. I take flowers, landscape, portraits, out at amusement parks; a little of everything. I would like to have a lens I keep on most of the time. I enlarge pictures 8x10 to 24x36(at times) I can't spend a lot on glass though. Something good quality that will give me nice results. I know that there is a 55-250 lens, I'm debating on.

so body only and a lens
or kit and buy a 55-250 lens
or what would you do?

[LPZ_Stitch!]

so body only and a lens
or kit and buy a 55-250 lens
or what would you do?

Considering that I did just do it ... I bought the T2i (I think the $150 difference is WELL worth it!); body and kit lens and the 75-300 zoom (as a package from a big box retailer). And, I'm planning to get the nifty-fifty (50mm/1.8), too.

The high MP of the sensor means you can make all sorts of crops and enlargements; you've got plenty of pixels to work with! And, you don't have pay for the high MP with terrible noise like a P&S (even at ISO3200 or higher!) ... the T2i has the same sensor as the 7D (one of the best in it's class).

The kit lens is very good; Canon fixed basically everything people used to complain about their kit lenses.

If I had it to do over, again, I'd skip the 75-300 and get the 55-250IS, instead. The loss of a little reach would be more than made up for by the improved IQ of the other lens. You *can* get good pictures from the 75-300, but it's not an easy lens to work with. Luckily, the T2i's awesome high ISO does make it quite usable. I just wish I'd done as much research on the lenses as I'd done on the bodies....

I don't think any DSLR beginner could go wrong with the T2i, kit lens, EF-S 55-250IS and nifty-fifty. That's got you covered on just about anything. After you've used them for a while, you'll know what you want (if anything), next.

Are you going to be getting pro basketball pictures published in SI with that setup? Of course not, but I doubt that's what you had in mind when stepping up from your SX10.... :)

[dpmfloyd]

i picked up the t1i before our january trip. first 'big' camera i've ever owned. i went from a point and shoot to that. and after figuring out some basics, i'll never go back to a point and shoot. i got the lens kit - best investment. just recently i picked up the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens off of amazon for $100 -- for a prime lense, its AMAZING. you cant zoom in and out, but it teaches you to use your legs more (or so the reviews told me)

get the t2i with lens kit! :)
then pay for a membership on flickr
www.flickr.com/dpmfloyd

[pgowder]

Spend less on your body and buy the best glass you can buy! You'll keep your lenses alot longer than you'll keep the body.

[SrisonS]

I'd go with the latest and greatest, and get the T2i. And since you're new to the dslr world, definitely get the kit. The kit lens is pretty good. And disregard what 'super' users (on certain review sites) might suggest about skipping the kit lens. They probably already have experience with dslr's, and already have a good lens assortment to work with. Also, the $150 you might save from the T1i to the T2i might not propel your budget into the L-series of lenses (the top type of Canon lenses), to where you'll see a big difference in lens quality. So seriously consider getting the better camera.

[WilsonFlyer]

I've owned an XT, an XTi, and XSi and now the T2i. No comparison and no question; the T2i wins hands-down and all the rest were great cameras. If you've done your due diligence as you've said you have, you have already learned that the differences between the T1i and the T2i are far greater than the ~$150 difference in price.

I almost opted for the 7D this time. I'm glad I saved my extra $$ for better glass.

Buy the T2i.

[bob100]

Dh said we could sell a few things to get a dslr. Many know I was debating which one. I've narrowed it down to Canon t1i & t2i. I have my sx10 and I use the zoom frequently. While I love that camera; I've out grown it. I'm tired of missing shots. I also take pictures of my kids in low light/inside. I take flowers, landscape, portraits, out at amusement parks; a little of everything. I would like to have a lens I keep on most of the time. I enlarge pictures 8x10 to 24x36(at times) I can't spend a lot on glass though. Something good quality that will give me nice results. I know that there is a 55-250 lens, I'm debating on.

so body only and a lens
or kit and buy a 55-250 lens
or what would you do?

I'll vote - T2i (550D) and Canon 18-55IS and 55-250IS

[Frantasmic]

If you need the camera now, buy the T2i. If you can wait about 6 weeks, the 60D (and it's Rebel equivalent) are rumored to be out (of course this camera has been "rumored" to be released for over a year).

I'm not suggesting purchasing either of the new cameras; but the T2i may be reduced in price if a new Rebel is on the horizon.

Otherwise, all the posters here suggest a T2i and I would too. The box stores do frequently offer a good package deal with two lenses for a really good price. I have the XSi, but I also have a milestone birthday in 2011. I have requested a new camera for that event. I hope the 60D is out by then.

[photo_chick]

If I were shopping for a Rebel I'd get the T2i with the 18-55 IS kit lens to start with. Then if I had enough cash left after getting the other extras, like memory cards and an second battery, I'd look at another lens. I'd probably go for the 55-250 if I were looking for new entry level glass. Used glass is also a great way to save some cash.

[Luv2Scrap]

I just bought the T2i/18-55 kit about a month ago. I also bought the 55-250 lens because if you bought it at the same time as the camera it was $100 off. Oh, and I also bought the 50mm f/1.8 for $100 from Amazon.

I first bought the T1i and ended up returning it for the T2i instead.

This is my first DSLR and I couldn't be happier with my choice!

[PrincessInOz]

I got the T2i in April this year and took it to WDW in May. I originally purchased it as the body plus 18 - 55 IS kit. I am totally happy with the camera but as I learned from this forum, it is something that you need to go try out to make sure it fits your hands.
This camera was a complete step up for me as I had previously been a snappy happy P&S gal. My DH used to have a SLR; so he was fine with the camera.

We were very happy with our shots in May and since coming back, I've been playing more with the camera and using the Scavenger Hunt as an incentive to get out and about.
The scavenger hunt has been the best thing for me to learn to use the camera and it's now MY camera; and no longer a share camera with DH.

I've also subsequently picked up the 55 - 250 IS and wish that I had purchased both lenses together in the kit.

I'm now eyeing the 50/f1.4 (saving my pennies) as I'm now wanting to play with low light photography (and have the prospect of another WDW trip in October). Perhaps this is yet something else I should have bundled up in my initial purchase! :rotfl2:

[Cinbride]

thanks, yeah I think I've had my mind made up on the t2i. How is the kit lens and the 55-250 in low light? esp indoor w/ just some daylight and ceiling lights? I've been watching the t2i since it came out and I swear the price went up on them. I'm hoping to snag a deal on it.

Also, should I get any filters and then do I leave them on all the time, even indoors? thanks

[photo_chick]

The T2i with the 18-55 kit will get normal indoor shots with no flash at higher ISO's. The 55-250 will have a bit more trouble there with it's longer length. Neither will do really low light shots easily.

[Cinbride]

The T2i with the 18-55 kit will get normal indoor shots with no flash at higher ISO's. The 55-250 will have a bit more trouble there with it's longer length. Neither will do really low light shots easily.

just for reference is there one that had a decent zoom and does good in low light?

ALSO, I am going through all the lenses I have. I have a soligor lens, how can I tell if it would fit a T2i and does anyone have anything good/bad to say about them? thanks

[mom2rtk]

just for reference is there one that had a decent zoom and does good in low light?

ALSO, I am going through all the lenses I have. I have a soligor lens, how can I tell if it would fit a T2i and does anyone have anything good/bad to say about them? thanks

The problem with most zooms is that as you zoom in, the maximum aperture available to you gets smaller and smaller.

To achieve good low light zoom typically requires a more expensive constant f2.8 lens.

For now, you have a great start by having decent high ISO available to you in the T2i. Try letting your feet do your zooming, and keep the lens as wide as possible allowing for the widest possible aperture.

[ChiSoxKeith]

If you get the 75-300 make sure you get the IS version of the 75-300. I have a 300D (one of the original DSLRs from canon) and the non-IS version of the 75-300. It's low light performance isn't very good at all.

If you are looking at getting some other glass beside the kit lens, try looking at calumet photography or borrowlenses.com. They'll rent you lenses (and ship them to you) at very reasonable rates.

I rented a 400mm fixed lens last fall to shoot my stepson's HS football games and had a blast.

At the moment I'm debating updating my camera body to the 7D or getting the 100-400 f/4-5.6 IS lens.

[photo_chick]

The Canon 75-300 IS was short lived and hard to find used. Now the 70-300 IS is easier to find, though a bit more expensive. The 70-300 is also a step up in quality over the 75-300.

[ChiSoxKeith]

My mistake. You are correct, the 70-300 IS.

[Cinbride]

what does everyone think of the Canon EF 28-135mm f3.5? I could get the body that lense and then a nifty fifty?

[photo_chick]

what does everyone think of the Canon EF 28-135mm f3.5? I could get the body that lense and then a nifty fifty?

The 28-135 is a great lens. But a lot of people find it's not wide enough on a crop body. It would be a great addition to the 18-55 kit lens though. Or if you just want a step up from the 18-55 kit, look at the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8. It's comes in at the same price range as the Canon 28-135 and it's faster with great image quality.

[Cinbride]

thanks, I was really hoping to find a good all around lens. So beside portraits I don't need to switch much.

[atsolomon]

I'm shooting with a T1i and a kit lens right now. I could not be happier with the camera and lens. I'm planning on getting the 50mm 1.8 later this year, but the kit really is a good place to start. If your budget allows you to get additional lenses, go for it, but don't feel like you'll be hampered with the kit gear.


Below I'm including a photo I shot with the kit in challenging light -- maybe not exactly low light, but it was tough enough. ;-)

I was very satisfied with the resulting shot.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/atsolo/4786651561/http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4786651561_6889616768_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/atsolo/4786651561/)

[ChiSoxKeith]

great work!

[Cinbride]

great picture. Okay. Maybe I'll get the kit and THEN if I want something else, I'll ask for it for Christmas. lol

[SrisonS]

what does everyone think of the Canon EF 28-135mm f3.5? I could get the body that lense and then a nifty fifty?

Have you looked into the Canon EFs 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6???? That lens stays on my camera (my only other lens is the 18-55 though). There is some slight vignetting sometimes at the longer focal lengths, but it's not too serious. It actually looks pretty good sometimes. But most of my Flickr shots were taken with that lens; if you wanna see how it handles.

[Cinbride]

Have you looked into the Canon EFs 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6???? That lens stays on my camera (my only other lens is the 18-55 though). There is some slight vignetting sometimes at the longer focal lengths, but it's not too serious. It actually looks pretty good sometimes. But most of my Flickr shots were taken with that lens; if you wanna see how it handles.

great pictures. I look into that lens also.