So uwwmatt sparked my interest in a new camera. The t1i stands out with the HD video and it is time to invest in a camera.

I am a SLR n00b and know pretty much nothing besides that I like the results and I do know my way around manual settings on a P&S canon.

I am looking at purchasing the camera with a lens or just the body. My main question is what lens(es) do I need?

What I am doing with it in order of use

• Tank pictures
• Product photos to put on the website. Average shooting distance is about 12"
• Your every day vacation photos, landscapes, animals, random stuff. See something cool you snap a pic.
• I don't get artistic too much but it comes up from time to time.

Let me know if more info is needed.

being a dSLR noob, here's my first tip: don't buy a dSLR to use as an HD video camera

also, since you claim to know nothing, just get the kit lens. there is nothing wrong with it. true, it isn't the best lens available, but it will allow you to learn on the camera with a minimal investment in the event that you decide that dSLRs suck.

I do take video but it isn't the primary function of the camera. But with everything else high def it would be nice to have. Unless it is a waste of money?

Would the "kit lens" be what comes standard with this camera? 18-55mm

The HD video is a silly "perk" IMO. Some people have been able to shoot some amazing videos using dSLR HD cameras, but they've got pretty fancy rigs aside from the camera itself. I'm not saying "don't buy this camera because it has HD video capabilities", I'm just saying "don't expect cinema-quality videos".

And yeah, the kit lens is what is sold with the camera when it comes as a "kit" (w/lens).

This kit lens is good optically as long as it's the IS model.

We photo buffs like to use this website for reviews and such:

http://www.dpreview.com

good luck!

To satisfy your requirement of shooting at 12", it would be good to add the 100mm macro lens. You'll still need the stock or other lens for the every day stuff. The macro was one that I use the most when shooting tank pix. It's pricey at around $450 but well worth it if you do a lot of close-ups. You can opt for the cheaper Sigma 105mm macro but it's just not quite the same. Another lens I am contemplating is the 50mm/1.8 or 50mm/1.4. They are faster lens for shooting fish or other fast moving objects.

if you have a big tank, go for the 150mm sigma macro lens.

for tank shots i would definitely invest in a macro lens. ox5 could chime in and give you some ideas on which ones you should look into. i believe he said the sigma 150mm is the best

Could it be a tax write off since you will be using it for photographing your inTank stuff?

I've seen some amazing pictures taken with the Tamron 90mm Macro lens. A 50mm prime lens would also be good for everyday shooting.

All taken with the kit 18-55 IS lens (all the pictures in my gallery where taken with the kit lens as well).



You can get pretty close shots with the kit lens. Granted I would love to have a ton of L series lenses, but I just can't afford them. My point is it is not necessary to spend $$$$ to get a great shot. Though it can help.

yes, it is an expense for inTank. Which means about $850 is an expense and I don't receive the income. It is more of a draw since I "lose" that income but gain an asset and do not pay income tax on that amount.

Thanks everyone for the input. I will probably go with the basic setup to start with and invest in a new lens down the road if I need. Unless there is a package that makes sense buying now.

Be wary of the packages that come with lots of stuff (card reader/ bags/ lenses/tripods). Most of the extras are junk.

True and good advice. More referring to one with the body and a 118-55mm lens, should have called it a kit. I do not need the SD card etc, it looks all junk and I have plenty of large ones around. The bag you linked to is perfect. Maybe pick up a spare battery since I have two with my camera now and it comes in handy on a vacation or out of the office.

Look on ebay for the camera grip battery combo. You can get them for like $80 (offbrand) and they usually come with 2 extra batteries. It also allows for using standard AA batteries.

Also get an IR trigger. I use a Chinese brand I got off ebay for $3. It is a must have for aquarium shots, because just the movement of pressing the shutter release with your finger will cause your picture to be blurry.

interesting info on the IR trigger. I know exactly what you mean but never would have thought of a simple solution. Matt you are a HUGE help!

I am 6 hours into a 16 hour shift, these forums are keeping me from going insane.

Break into the pill locker

My friend was considering the Canon T1i and Nikon D5000, he went with the Nikon, but has different shooting needs than you. I like my Canon and it also does HD, but I haven't learned to use it yet.

Nice pictures and great inspiration uwmatt!

The LCD on the Nikon is a true winner. But after having a canon P&S take 11K+ pics in less than 2 years I lean toward that brand. Lean the HD and take some tank vids

HAHAHA! YYES!

Stock lens is pretty good. My family has a 20d, and it has always taken good pictures. T1i looks like a good buy. Same specs as 50d, only different body. Canons have always been good for me, whether it be p and s or slr.

Thanks. I love the Canon line of cameras and my P&S has never failed me. This was after going through three P&S cameras in a year. I am going to start with the kit lens and upgrade down the road.

Time for you to place an order.

In July, I would rather have a birthday pay for this camera than inTank

I keep coming back to this thread to laugh at that picture some more

I am glad you like it. He likes it too.

I miss my painted turtle.

Check this out then. We had some fun with it

http://www.nano-reef.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=44308

Been looking @ this camera also.

hey stevie i would buy now ave 200$ when you buy this package.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?sk...prd110100050002
# Camera: Includes 18-55mm IS lens with optical image stabilization; 3" Live View TFT-LCD monitor; CMOS sensor; DIGIC III image processor; direct-print capability; 14-bit A/D converter
# Extra lens: Canon 55-250mm f/4-5.6 telephoto zoom lens; optical image stabilizer maintains clarity at slow shutter speeds; 12 elements in 10 groups

The amazon price is better. Canon XSI kit (18-55mm) + Canon 55-250 lens for $760.

The discount shows up during CHECKOUT and NOT in the cart.

The xsi is an old model without HD video.

wrong camera

You can get the t1i on tigerdirect now for $765 if you go with the microsoft (bing.com) live cashback, 15% off.

Thank you. Do you know when that expires?

no sure. The bing cashback thing is kinda random.

here is the input i can offer.

if you are getting this for the HD video mode this is the better of the two options on the market (as it does record in 1080P and will autofocus while filming where as the D90 does not which really sucks)
but when compared to HD camcorders it is just not up to par as the video quality just isnt there when compared

i like that this camera has some improved features from its little brother the XSI/450D the bigger megapixel count is a plus (but doesnt really mean much unless you are printing poster sized prints or larger)

the LCD is better on the T1I it is running a newer processor

i think you will find this camera a good all around shooter for your needs and this camera will offer you enough room to grown if you decide later to get more technical with all the settings and what not, but still be user friendly enough to be able to just point and shoot.

as far as lenses go i really like the 18-55 for good closer shots and wide angle stuff (it is a decent lens but a 50mm prime 1.8 would probably fit your needs of the more business type pictures)

also the 55-250mm is a goo lens when you are a out and about on vacation or at the zoo or which i really like that lens (it is what i shot all the in the photo scavenger hunt with) it will give you nice clean crisp shots all the way through the range that it offers

if you are serious about buying this camera i would check out costco or sams club as they usually put together a package with a few lens options (costco should have their package up in a few weeks with a two lens option with a bag and a memory card and a few other extras)

here is a book that will help you greatly no matter what DSLR you pick up
http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposu...3777&sr=1-4

hope what i said helps and made sense

wow, great input Nylaspop, thank you. I never thought about sams club, I will have to compare their price next month when I get more serious about this camera.

Purchasing camera tomorrow. All gift cards rounded up, all reward zone points printed, all coupons gathered. Extra battery purchased and ScanDisk Extreme III 30MB/s 16GB purchased with AMEX points.

Total cost to me on $900 camera about $350.

Send it to me, kthnx.

I send you picture of camera

I've actually been thinking about buying a T1i also. I could get the cam body, grip and second battery, and a big ass SD card for right around $1000..... but I think I might buy a new lens first.

Do it Lalani, buy it! Do it get the camera!

I was thinking about the grip but I will gauge if I need that later down the road. I am not using this thing as much as a pro would and I think two batteries should be enough for now. If I kept using the BB Credit Card for a few more months on business expenses I could cut my cost down even more, but I am impatient and want to play with a new toy.

Hopefully the SD card comes in soon, I hear you need it for best results on HD video.

The thing is... I don't really need a new camera. The XT does well enough....

Steve - If you have big hands, the grip will make holding the camera much more comfortable. Heck, my hands aren't big and the grip makes it easier for me to hold.

I was reading that it also can balance the camera when using a larger lens. I do not have big hands but if it becomes an issue I will look into the grip, they don't look that expensive.

You're not really supposed to take pictures of the camera...

stevieT is doing it wrong...