40d or Rebel XTI? Considering price and best bang for the buck what would you recommend? I plan on taking photos of friends, nature and car racing? Suggestions? Also I am considering the 28-135mm lens. 40d or Rebel XTI? Considering price and best bang for the buck what would you recommend? I plan on taking photos of friends, nature and car racing? Suggestions? Also I am considering the 28-135mm... » Read More 40d or Rebel XTI? Considering price and best bang for the buck what would you recommend? I plan on taking photos of friends, nature and car racing? Suggestions? Also I am considering the 28-135mm lens. « Show Less
462698
In general, the lens will make a much bigger difference in the quality of your photos than the camera body. So, if money is an issue, its always better to go for the cheaper body and spend the money you saved on better lenses.
462699
Get the 40D kit. The 28-135 is an excellent lens; I used it for years. The 40D is an outstanding camera; we sold the XTi after owning the 40D a week. Worth every penny-you will love it. By the way, I paid considerably more than what it is selling for now and I don't regret buying it when I did as I got that much extra use out of it.
462700
I agree with this wholeheartedly. The difference could pay for the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS - A quick lens is very versatile.
462701
The 50D should be better at high ISOs so, considering your interest in shooting in low light, it might be worth serious consideration. If you can get away with longer exposures at lower ISOs (less noise/better picture quality), the 40D should be fine. If you need a faster ISO and shutter speed to avoid motion blur,the 50D would be a very good choice.BTW, do you have a link to the sort of photos you're interested in? Just curious.
462702
In a nutshell, the 40D is a bit more rugged and has a faster 6.5 frames per second burst rate compared to the Xsi's 3.5 fps. The Xsi's construction and burst rate are still quite respectable and may be quite adequate for your applications. Spending a bit more on a lens such as a fast f2.8 telephoto lens (necessary for freezing action in bad light) vs. the camera body will probably make a much bigger difference in your results.
462703
You get more bang for the buck with the XTi, however, that wasn't the reason I went with the 40d (originally purchased a 20d a few years ago). The size of a Rebel is a bit too small for my hands and it felt really uncomfortable when I held it. Also, after using a 20d/40d, I couldn't give up the two wheel selectors for speed of adjustments without going through menus. But as with any item like this, it all goes back to what you are comfortable with and what works for you.
462704
More bang for your buck will be the XTi, since it is cheaper and you honestly won't get much better photos from the 40D. However, if you can swing the money, I wholeheartedly recommend the 40D. I recently upgraded from the XT to the 40D. The additional controls make it so much easier to change settings, the larger size feels more balanced, etc etc. However, the XTi is a great camera, and don't feel bad about buying that either! It's a nice upgrade from my XT, which I loved for 2 years. You honestly can't go wrong with either one. Go to a store and handle each and see if one feels better in your hands than the other. More bang for your buck will be the XTi, since it is cheaper and you honestly won't get much better photos from the 40D. However, if you can swing the money, I wholeheartedly recommend the 40D. I recently upgraded from the XT to the 40D. The additional controls make it so much easier to change settings, the larger size feels more balanced, etc etc. However, the XTi is a great camera, and don't feel bad about buying that either! It's a nice upgrade from my XT, which I loved for 2 years. You honestly can't go wrong with either one. Go to a store and handle each and see if one feels better in... » Read More More bang for your buck will be the XTi, since it is cheaper and you honestly won't get much better photos from the 40D. However, if you can swing the money, I wholeheartedly recommend the 40D. I recently upgraded from the XT to the 40D. The additional controls make it so much easier to change settings, the larger size feels more balanced, etc etc. However, the XTi is a great camera, and don't feel bad about buying that either! It's a nice upgrade from my XT, which I loved for 2 years. You honestly can't go wrong with either one. Go to a store and handle each and see if one feels better in your hands than the other. « Show Less
405
Thanks everyone for your help. You've explained a lot and it really helps. After your explanations, I looked at my past photos. I'm thinking that maybe the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 will fill my needs. Thanks again.
26494
Dust is an issue if you plan to change lense often. I have a XTi, despite the dust cleaning system I don't plan to remove the lens much. Dust is a real problem for digital as the camera back never gets replaced unlike film.Also, D80 is $200 more than XTi. Nikon lenses are usually more expensive. Quality wise, i think, they are fairly equivalent. Your skills will probably make more difference than the equipment.
956489
I would go with the 18/135 lense . Have had both , 18 is newer , better technology , wider and lighter . Pictures are outstanding
241544
I have the 85 f1.8D and 35 f2D and they are fantastic. The two lenses you mention should be even better. The 35 is such a versatile focal length, I have been using as my all purpose lens.
52953
I need help deciding on a new lens for my Canon XSi. I have the 18-55mm that came with it and also a Sigma 100-300. I use the camera for high school sports and need something that gets good close up pictures when I'm not close.ThanksCR
347546
I bought the Xsi and then took it back and got the D90. All I can say is that, although I liked the Xsi, i am super happy with my decision to get the D90. I can't think of a better balance of quality and price. I shot my first wedding this weekend and the pictures were phenomenal. Good luck.
578411
What camera bodies do you currently own and for what type of shooting?? For portrait, people love the 85, some even say they prefer the 100mm. I own the 50L, the only thing I can say is that shooting at f1.2 takes practice, and the auto focus is a bit slower than most other modern day lens with AF.
501122
Thanks for the feedback. I ended up getting the Canon 17-55/2.8IS. It was more expensive, but I had come across some extra money. I've had that lens for several month now and it's awesome. The zoom range is excellent, it's great having f2.8 through the whole range, and the IS adds probably at least 3 stops. It's very sharp when I do my part, especially when it's stopped down a couple clicks. I would still love to get a lens like I described in my OP, but I'm looking at a wide angle zoom and a better telephoto lens before that one.
1848271
I think I was misunderstood? When I bought my 50D, it was a toss up between the 5D and the new (at that time) 50D with a couple of kit lenses. I chose the 50D (newer tech wise and more stuff) and I'm satisfied for now. If and when I upgrade, it would be the latest (tech wise) full frame Canon like the 5DMkII. I was just thanking John M. and ED F for validating my non-researched decision to go 50D instead of older 5D at the time.Bob
122905
I just bought a 40D and I think it is a great camera. As posted, there is not best choice but I am sure if the extra (few) bucks is not an issue, we should go for the 40D. It is also the latest sensor and I found it to be really good. Took some shots and it is great.
646696
DEFINITELY go with the T5i. I was thinking the same, but the extra features, newer & better tech, MANUAL video mode (light settings) and such were a great addition. This camera is great for the starting shooter or amateur. I went from little knowledge to taking masterpieces. Go for the T5i. You won't regret it.
1275273
Let me start with a few obligatory questions: how much experience do you have with photography, what do you want to photograph, and how much are you willing to spend?? The Rebel XT is a great camera. You can start learning on it, and continue with it for a long time. I currently use one. The biggest limitations this camera has are: Slow fps (3) Extremely small buffer if one shoots RAW (I shoot RAW exclusively, and the buffer only holds 4 shots) Small(ish) screen - the 2.5 on the 30d makes me drool... Rear wheel on higher canon models seems more efficient than four buttons Smallish, and plastic construction. Don't let these turn you away - I am a sports shooter, and that is very demanding on the equipment. You said you want to do a little semi-pro; for that reason, I would reccommend the canon 30d for you if you can afford it. The higher fps, bigger screen, larger buffer, better build quality, and rear wheel would all be of benefit. But if you don't want to splurge on the 30d, the rebel makes a fine choice. Don't forget that the newer 400d has come out - it is an upgraded version of this camera. And most of all, remember that the camera can only capture what a lens sees. Invest in some good glass.
2170939
I own both lenses for the last three months. Initially had the 17-40mm on my XSi but after a couple weeks of frequent use of my camera i switched to the 10-22mm. Found the lense according to pics i was taking to be of more use to me than the 17-40mm. I guess what Bauista said is right, it all depends if you will go full frame in the future or not!!! Also the type of pictures you are taking is an important factor!! Both lenses are great but i think that 10-22mm is a bit ahead of the 17-40mm especially when you have a 1.6crop camera.Their prices vary, i bought through time both my lenses around $650!!! I own both lenses for the last three months. Initially had the 17-40mm on my XSi but after a couple weeks of frequent use of my camera i switched to the 10-22mm. Found the lense according to pics i was taking to be of more use to me than the 17-40mm. I guess what Bauista said is right, it all depends if you will go full frame in the future or not!!! Also the type of pictures you are taking is an important factor!! Both lenses are great but i think that 10-22mm is a bit ahead of the 17-40mm especially when you have a 1.6crop camera.Their prices vary, i bought through time both my... » Read More I own both lenses for the last three months. Initially had the 17-40mm on my XSi but after a couple weeks of frequent use of my camera i switched to the 10-22mm. Found the lense according to pics i was taking to be of more use to me than the 17-40mm. I guess what Bauista said is right, it all depends if you will go full frame in the future or not!!! Also the type of pictures you are taking is an important factor!! Both lenses are great but i think that 10-22mm is a bit ahead of the 17-40mm especially when you have a 1.6crop camera.Their prices vary, i bought through time both my lenses around $650!!! « Show Less
648861
The answer really depends on your budget. I have the 18-135STM-which is also an amazing lens , but because of it's size and weight-I have the 40mm on my t5i all the time. I don't find the focal length to be a problem at all. The only thing shorter that I would consider is the new 35mm f2.0 IS which is a lot of money. The older none IS 35mm isn't as amazing as the 40mm. I tried them all out at the local camera shop. The combination of optical quality, construction, price, and size make this lens hard to walk away from. BTW, on the t5i, the f2.8 is plenty for doing hand held-no flash is terrible lighting.Hope this helps. The answer really depends on your budget. I have the 18-135STM-which is also an amazing lens , but because of it's size and weight-I have the 40mm on my t5i all the time. I don't find the focal length to be a problem at all. The only thing shorter that I would consider is the new 35mm f2.0 IS which is a lot of money. The older none IS 35mm isn't as amazing as the 40mm. I tried them all out at the local camera shop. The combination of optical quality, construction, price, and size make this lens hard to walk away from. BTW, on the t5i, the f2.8 is plenty for doing hand held-no flash is... » Read More The answer really depends on your budget. I have the 18-135STM-which is also an amazing lens , but because of it's size and weight-I have the 40mm on my t5i all the time. I don't find the focal length to be a problem at all. The only thing shorter that I would consider is the new 35mm f2.0 IS which is a lot of money. The older none IS 35mm isn't as amazing as the 40mm. I tried them all out at the local camera shop. The combination of optical quality, construction, price, and size make this lens hard to walk away from. BTW, on the t5i, the f2.8 is plenty for doing hand held-no flash is terrible lighting.Hope this helps. « Show Less
180261
I have a new 6D, and I have always used fixed fast lens. I think the 28mm f 1.8 USM is a better buy, its much faster and easier to get, and can find for 50 to 75 bucks less. the 35 and 50 are great, and a sleeper that easy to get is a 100mm f 2.0 it has taken some of my best photos, a great price too. Good Luck
794475
I too am a novice, however, I did do some research before purchasing my Canon Rebel T4i with the 18-135mm lens. I found that for doing video, which is more of a priority for me, the auto focus with this lens is quiet, unlike the 18-55mm. That was enough to sell me on it.