Lense and Filter advice

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For various reasons, I've decided to get the Canon Rebel 2000. Being a pretty novice photographer, I'm looking for an easy to use camera that will give me the most flexibility as my skills increase (hopefully). So, I'm struggling with a few issues.

The first is what lense to get. I'm basically deciding between Canon's 28-105, 28-135 USM with IS, and Sigma's/Tamron's 28-200. Given that I plan on taking a range of pictures (close-ups to landscapes), and that I'm pretty novice, and hoping to carry only one lense, which one of the three makes sense.

The second question, is now that I have the lense, what are the must have filters. Are polarizers important, and in what situations, and is a general UV filter a good idea just to protect the lense.

The last issue is flash. I know the flash is kinda crappy on this camera, and am wondering if there is a good all-purpose flash that would be a good addition.

I'm going on a trip to Nepal very soon, and am looking for any advice I can get on this purchase. Thanks in advance!

(By the way, does anyone have an opinion on whether the Quartz Date function is worth $40)

-- Ki Mun (kimun@eartlink.net), September 28, 2000

Answers

Of the lenses you mention the 28-135 is usually regarded as the sharpest. The 28-105 gives it good competition though. I have the 28-200 Tamron that I use for snapshots and it's a decent lens considering it's focal length range and price, but it's images are in no way comparable to the other two.

Some people prefer to use a UV filter for protection, but I never do. It's just two more glass to air surfaces to cause reflections and glare. If you do get one to leave on your lens full time, make sure it is a multicoated version to reduce the afore mentioned reflections.

The best flash for the Rebel 2000 is the 550EX but it's more expensive than your camera. The 380EX is a good flash as well but lacks a swivelable head. It tilts but if you want to bounce it sideways or off the ceiling while using the camera in vertical mode (for portrats, etc.) you will have to get the Off Camera Shoe Cord 2. The other lacking feature on the 380EX is it has no provision for flash exposure compensation or any manual mode. So you're stuck with whatever Canon thinks you should get unless you want to play with resetting the ISO. Canon is about to release a new 420EX that should be more like the 550EX but a bit smaller an a bunch cheaper.

The QD feature is worth it if you will use it. I can never see any real purpose for it for the pictures I like to take.

-- Jim Strutz (jimstrutz@juno.com), September 29, 2000.


I have been happy with the 28-105, especially when used with tripod. I got the uv filter but would probably buy a warming filter instead next time ( say an 81a or b multicoated). Canon also makes a close up filter that fits the 28-105 (the 2 element 500D is better quality). I use a 500D with step up ring on a 70-200f4 and have been happy with the results (you probably won't have lot of working distance if used on the 28-105). Don't forget to get the lens hood. The qd function was a must for my wife to keep track of dates on snapshots of the kids. However, it's very easy to leave it on by mistake and end up with the date imprint on a picture (my primary interst is landscape/nature).

-- John Perry (jperry@list-clark.com), September 29, 2000.

All the Canon lenses that you mention have good reputations. The extreme zooms (28-200)have some limitations of image quality that come from asking one lens to cover such a wide range, at an economical cost. Still, some people like them for their flexibility.

You might look at Phil Greenspun's article on "building a 35mm system" if you haven't already. It's at:

http://www.photo.net/photo/building-an-slr-system

He also has some comments on the Rebel cameras. He starts off by not liking them that much, but ended up using a Rebel G with a 24-85mm Canon lens quite a bit for a travel camera. If you have the chance to try out lenses at a photo store, you might look at that lens too. I happen to like 24mm, and most of my photos are taken in the range of 24-85mm, though I use primes more often than zooms.

Take extra batteries! You might have a hard time finding the right ones in Nepal.

Have a great time.

-- Paul Harris (pharris@neosoft.com), September 29, 2000.


I forgot to point you to the reviews of the lenses. Here:

http://www.photo.net/photo/canon/canon-reviews

-- Paul Harris (pharris@neosoft.com), September 29, 2000.


From personal experience and many published shots with this combo, I,d highly recommend finding a good used Canon A2 or A2E and a 430EZ flash. The A2 has loads of useful features(including spot metering) and not much more $ than a Rebel. The 430EZ is a pro level flash with swivel head, flash compensation,A-TTL and much cheaper than a 540EZ or 550 EX. The A2 was my prime camera for years and now backs up my EOS 3 but I still use the A2 much of the time as I love its lightness, ease of use and very accurate meter.

-- Jeff Hallett (franjeff@alltel.net), October 05, 2000.


Oops, forgot to mention the lens . The 28-135 IS is sharp and does landscapes as well as macros(although it cannot compare to Canon,s 100 2.8 macro). You would be happy with this lens and the IS is a wonderful feature, especially travelling where you don,t want to bothered with a tripod. I use mine regularly. As far as filters go, a polarizer would be all you need at this time other than a cheap haze filter just to protect the front lens element. Take it off when shooting.

-- Jeff Hallett (franjeff@alltel.net), October 05, 2000.

regarding lenses: get the 28-135 IS!!!

it is sharper then the others, and it has the IS. I have a 28-105 myself, and I'm quite happy with it's performance, but I plan to get a 28-135 instead, mainly because of the IS. I found out that it is very easy happened that the light gets too low for 100 speed film, and since I don't carry a tripod, IS seems to be the way to go. Also polarizers use to be a problem with 100 film.

-- Matei Ciobanu Morogan (matei@dsv.su.se), October 29, 2000.


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