Help me choose a body and lens', plz.

[Shay]

Hi guys.

I'm in the market for a DSLR.

Looking at either a 500D or a 550D body.
I'd of course prefer the 550, but cost might come into it.
would you guys suggest getting the twin IS lens' that come with it (18-55 and 55-200)
or just get a single 18-200 F3.5-5.6 IS lens?

Also what is the most useful lens you have.

Or suggest anything else, my budget is around 1500.

Thanks guys.

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[poita]

for the extra's that you get with the 550d body, i would stick with the 500d

then throw that extra few hundred towards better lenses.

the only diff worth nothing

500d 15mp, 550d 18mp. tbh though 15mp is enough as it is, and bigger megaxpixel is like saying you have a higher post count /
sensor is exactly the same on the two of them

exposure compensation
500d -2 to +2, 550d -5 to +5

the 550d does movie at 30fps, as opposed to 20fps on the 500d
if your not using the movie mode, then no biggie

[Shay]

550 also videos in full hd, not just 1080p.
im more interesyed in hearing about lens.
as you say, theres not much between the 2 bodys.

[poita]

hence my last point

they both do 1080p, just the 550d does it at 30fps


as for lenses, thats a massive can of worms.

what are you going to be shooting?

some of the lenses with the bigger ranges lack in the middle, so when zoomed right in/out are great.
but lack in the middle.

[Shay]

i would say most of my targets will be 5 to 20m away. with occasional macro and landscape shots.
probably shooting a lot of low light. basically be using it as an extension to the sort of photography i usually do...

[nuggz]

I would go a 24-70 F2.8
or around that range of lense, as the only lens you'll have its the most useful imo

[lee]

i reckon go for the twin lens kit. None of the lenses available to you are particularly great, but they'll allow you to experiment with range. Having two separate lenses will force you to make a decision about what focal range you'll be needing for the particular shoot.

When you get used to composing shots, you'll find yourself snapping the lenses to certain focal lengths (24mm, 50mm, 70mm, 135mm, etc). From this, you'll be able to make a more informed decision when upgrading your lenses.

Also, have a look at B&H. Their prices are way lower than Canon Australia, and I've never heard a bad word about them.

[kabel]

Shay I have a Sigma 24-70 F2.8 and find it quite good.
There are a few other lens I use constantly,one being a 10-20 for architectural photography.
Also a 50mm F1.8 and I bought a Tamron 18-200 to use when/if I travel,it was on special at Camera house.
If I was going to chose one the 24-70 F2.8 would be it.

[Shay]

would you mind bringing some along on friday, so i can see/you can explain their strengths and weaknesses?

[kabel]

Done.