Canon T3i

[origami]

We're considering this camera for the holidays. We're on a limited budget but we'd like to get the most for our money. I've read some earlier threads in which some of you recommend skipping the kit lens in favor of a different lens, so please talk to me about that.
Also, what accessories are must have? This will be our first dSLR. We do have a much older Canon from back in the days when you actually had to use film. LOL!

[glumirk]

I shot with the kit lens at first but was really limited in low light because of the aperture. Outside or with really good light it was fine.

I love my 50mm f/1.8 (it's around $100, so really inexpensive for a lens). Now that my kids are always running, I got the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 zoom lens and it's perfect for me. I was able to get it used for a really good price.

I just got the T2i at the beginning of the year and I love it. :)

[navaja77]

I would recommend the 50mm as well. It's a good lens. I have the Mark I version (older model) and it's almost always on my camera.

[kelley]

I don't have experience with that camera (I shoot with a Nikon D90), but almost always the kits lens is not worth getting IMO because of the variable aperture. I also have a 50 mm lens (1.4), and I love, love, love it. The only thing is I wish I had a zoom for the few times when I want to be able to get more people in the picture or not have to move wayyy back to get my subjects and their surroundings in the frame.

[farrijc]

It really depends on what kind of pictures you will be taking. I bought the camera body separately and went with a 18-135 mm lens. It's great in terms of versatility. On the other hand, I put a 50 mm lens on my Xmas list because I want a lens with a lower aperture. But there is no way I could only use the 50 mm because the only zoom you can do is with your feet. That's not practical for me considering my kids play sports and I want to take pictures of them on the soccer field, baseball field, etc.

[origami]

We will likely go with the kit lens and I hope add the 50 mm fixed lens. We are purchasing from a camera shop so we will likely talk to the staff before we decide exactly what to get. But we are on a budget and figure that we can add more accessories later. No matter what, we'll be better off than we are now as far as cameras go. Fortunately, DH knows what he's doing and will teach me.

[jessica31876]

I bought the 60D but debated between it and the T3I. I keep my 18-135 on my camera like 90% of the time because I need the zoom for a lot of photos. I also have another zoom I use occasionally 55-300 I think? Something like that. I used the zoom at a concert where we were in the very very back row and when people saw the pictures they were all like wow you much have been really close. When I showed them the unzoomed photos and how far away we actually were they were really surprised.

[AmberK]

Jill and Jessica- which 18-135 lens do you have? Canon or Tamron?

[jessica31876]

I have Canon. It came with the bundle I bought when I got my camera along with the other zoom I mentioned. I personally love it simply because I love being able to stand in one place and take a photo and then if I want something more zoomed in I can still stay in that spot and just zoom with the lens.

[farrijc]

I also have the canon.

[AmberK]

I *think* I had this lens when I had my Xsi but it was the Tamron and I didn't care for it. Seemed like the focus was always off. Maybe I need to just get Canon lenses instead? or maybe ive lost my mind and I didnt have this lens.

[luckyme]

Re: Lenses: On my Canon 40D (crop sensor), I loved the 50mm f/1.8 -- outside and for still object photography. It was just too long in my small house to be useful for taking photos of my kids. I could get one kid tightly in the frame and that was it -- no context, no breathing room. I ended up getting the 24-70mm and I LOVED to shoot at the wider end -- around 24-35mm. That's a pricey lens though -- I wonder what the camera shop would say about the 35mm f/2.0 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12119-GREY/Canon_2507A002_Wide_Angle_EF_35mm.html)? It's around $300. As a very simplified rule, prime lenses are sharper than zooms, but your 'feet' become your zoom.

[navaja77]

Given what i know now, I would opt for a 50mm over my kit lens. I found that I got used to zooming with my feet. I also have a 75-300mm zoom lens for sports such as soccer and baseball. If you go with a zoom lens, definitely get one that you can get lower aperture (2.8) such as the Tamron 24-75 or Canon version. Tamron is typically cheaper so I would go that route. For crop sensor cameras (Rebel is crop), a 35mm is nice but is more expensive than the 50mm. If you need something without spending too much, the 50mm would be the way to go. It is tight sometimes indoors but you will get used to it. I have a full frame camera now (Canon 5d) so the 50mm is perfect :)

[origami]

Pretty convinced we want the 50mm.

Trying to decide between the kit lenses now. (18-55 or 18-135, the difference is $200, basically.)

[clearskies]

Do the 18-135...

You'll never regret having more versatility!

[origami]

I was thinking that we would have to do that and wait on the 50 mm.

My DH is really happy about this.

[Nettio]

I think it really depends on the types of photos you take. If you aren't sure, I'd recommend starting with a zoom lens that has a good range, like the 18-135 others mentioned. Then you can see what kind of situations you're in where that lens isn't working for you (like if you need more zoom, lower light ability, etc) and make purchase decisions based on that. Nothing worse than spending money on a lens that doesn't work for your needs.

When I first bought my camera several years ago, I skipped the kit lens and started out with a Canon 17-85 lens and the 50mm. I still use the 17-85 regularly when we travel because the focal range is perfect for that but I never use the 50mm. I realized after about a month of having my camera that it just didn't work for the types of photos I took - WAY too much zoom for me. I ended up buying the Sigma 30 1.4 lens instead and it's still the lens I use 90% of the time now. But I never would have made that decision had I not known I liked wider photos from using my other lens. HTH!

[origami]

Thanks Nettio! I am pretty much going to trust my DH's judgement as he's got experience with SLR cameras, but I wanted to get all of the opinions here. He's really happy because this is a gift that we'll both use. He will likely use it manually from the beginning and I'll gradually learn. The price difference between the 18-135 and the 18-55 is about $200, but if we go for the 18-135 and wait on the 50 mm, it will likely be do-able. He's just happy that I like cameras and technology more than jewelry!

[origami]

He also tells me that it's the perfect gift because now he knows what to buy for future Christmas gifts. (Ie. Lenses!)

[NeverendingJen]

FYI, Adorama has a sale going on today with the T31, 18-55, and 75-300 for $649.

[marnel]

I got mine on Black Friday "early christmas present" w/the kit lens and an sdcard. It's a huge step up from my XTI.

You'll really love it, still getting use to the buttons & stuff. If I may suggest get a filter for your lens, Its so important to jeep it protected.

I also have the 50mm & I love it for the low light situations in my home and tight crops on my lil ones

[joelsgirl]

I think you're making a great choice! I skipped teh kit lens, but for the photos I take, I really wish I'd gotten it. There are lots and lots of times I need to zoom, I've found. I have a 35 mm lens, and I like it, but if I had to do it all again, I would have gotten the lens you are getting.

[origami]

Final decision. 18-55 and 55-250 mm. DH decided that the 18-135 was awesome, but wanted a longer zoom.