hello everyone,

i am a beginner on slr cameras. i'd like to buy the rebel2k with the ef 28-80 lens. i am going to take a photo lesson soon.

now the question. on the handout of this lesson, they suggested equipments with aperture range of f/2.8 to f/11, however the ef lens shows only f/4.0 to f/5.6... am i out of luck or this is not the same thing...

appreciate any help! chen

-- d. y. chen (lchen@monroe.lib.mi.us), June 22, 2001

Answers

The range that you described, 4.0-5.6, indicates only the MAXIMUM aperture along the 28-80 zoom range. That is, at 28mm the max aperture is f/4.0, somewhere in the middle it's f/4.5 or 5.0 or so, and at 80mm it's f/5.6. The minimum aperture is not included in that description, and i think is f/22 at all lengths. So, your lens will certainly go down to f/11, but it won't go as large as f/2.8. A good idea in my opinion is the rebel 2000 body and a canon ef 50mm f/1.8 lens, which will satisfy those suggestions, having a max of f/1.8 (and will shoot sharper pictures too).

-- peter bg (pbg333@hotmail.com), June 22, 2001.

4.0 and 5.6 are the maximum aperatures at your available focal lengths; 28 and 80 respectively. I am certain that lens has a minimum aperature at all focal lengths of 22, so the f11 is no problem for you. Remember the larger the number, the smaller the aperature.

I don't think you will find a Canon zoom lens with a 2.8 aperature that won't break your budget (unless you find a great deal on a used one). Canon's 28-70 f2.8 and 70-200 f2.8, for example are both over $1K. If you want a prime (fixed focal length) lens with a wide aperature, Canon offers some excellent lenses (50mm, 85mm, 100mm) at 2.8 and wider in the $90 - $500 range; the 50mm f1.8 would be a great lens to start with at about $90. I like the 50mm f1.4 for the wider f-stop and better glass (about $350).

My opinion is that you should stick with what you have. As a beginner the gear you have is a fine choice and should be perfectly suitable for your lesson (don't let the camera do all the work!). If you contine with your hobby you will likely seek a better quality lens long before you grow out of the Rebel 2K.

Good luck to you!

-- Derrick L. Morin (morin@fttr.navy.mil), June 22, 2001.

Chen,

I have just re-read your post, and realize that you have not yet purchased a lense. In this case I strongly agree with Peter. The lens that comes with the Rebel 2K kit is probably their poorest quality lense. However, the 50mm 1.8 is very good; better build and very clear. It may cost a FEW more dollars to purchase the body and lense seperately, but you get a big upgrade in quality and the aperature you were looking for.

Again, good luck!

-- Derrick L. Morin (morin@fttr.navy.mil), June 22, 2001.

many thanks to peter and derrick! my questions are perfectly answered. this board is really helpful with many kind people like you ;)

thanks again!

chen

-- d. y. chen (lchen@monroe.lib.mi.us), June 25, 2001.