Advice for First time DSLR T3i owner

[KAYLI'S DAD]

I need some advice on where to begin learning how to use all the cool features of this camera. I thought it was a good deal so I bought it. It came with the 8-55mm + 55-200mm + 50mm 1.8 Lenses.
I think the 50mm is for up close pictures such as flowers and such.
I dont know what lense is used for what or what is best for what use.

thanks in advance.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

The first thing is to read the manual. If that gets confusing then I would purchase the Magic Lantern book for your camera. I found it useful because it was written in a much simpler format without assuming I knew anything about photography. After reading that book the manual made more sense to me. Since I don't shoot Canon, I'm not sure of their manuals.

http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Lantern-Guides-Canon-Rebel/dp/1600596983

The second book I would read is "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. This book is an easy read and will help you understand the photographic triangle of ISO, aperture and shutter speed.

http://www.amazon.com/Understanding...=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316922152&sr=1-1

I will speak generically about your lenses and maybe the Canon shooters can be more specific. The 18-55 is your basic 'kit' walkaround lens. Your 55-200 is your 'kit' zoom lens. The 50mm f1.8 is your basic prime lens that can be used for portraits and low light conditions because of the large aperture of 1.8. These are all good starter lenses to learn on before you go spending money on more pro level/faster lenses. You have an excellent camera to start learning more about the ins and outs of photography. A little studying and practice and you will be able to produce images you never thought you could.

 

[bob100]

I need some advice on where to begin learning how to use all the cool features of this camera. I thought it was a good deal so I bought it. It came with the 8-55mm + 55-200mm + 50mm 1.8 Lenses.
I think the 50mm is for up close pictures such as flowers and such.
I dont know what lense is used for what or what is best for what use.

thanks in advance.

check out your local library ! probably lots of photography books.
The 50mm 1.8 takes great flower photos but it can be used for much more
Take a look at Canon forums and the advice in the T3i (600D) equipment and lens sections, e.g.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

I need some advice on where to begin learning how to use all the cool features of this camera. I thought it was a good deal so I bought it. It came with the 8-55mm + 55-200mm + 50mm 1.8 Lenses.
I think the 50mm is for up close pictures such as flowers and such.
I dont know what lense is used for what or what is best for what use.

thanks in advance.

The 50 1.8 is what's called a "fast prime" ... it cannot zoom (because it's a prime, and "fixed" at 50mm) so you need to use your feet to "zoom."

First off, although it's an inexpensive lens, it's very sharp and has very good IQ. The 1.8 refers to its maximum aperture, meaning it lets in a lot of light which is good for low-light (without flash) pictures.

 

[photo_chick]

I need some advice on where to begin learning how to use all the cool features of this camera. I thought it was a good deal so I bought it. It came with the 8-55mm + 55-200mm + 50mm 1.8 Lenses.
I think the 50mm is for up close pictures such as flowers and such.
I dont know what lense is used for what or what is best for what use.

thanks in advance.

It really depends on how you want to get it.

If you want to get closer to a macro looking shot, use the 55-200. Stand at the minimum focusing distance for the lens then zoom out all the way to 200 and make the aperture as wide as possible. This will give you a shallower depth of field so make sure you really pay attention to where you're focusing.