Canon XSi with or w/o kit lens?

[mannetti]

Hey guys, I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction regarding this decision. I've been wanting to enter the DSRL territory for awhile now, and since I've got a new pup coming home this Thursday, I figured what better time to pick up a new camera to experiment with.

Previously, I've been using a compact Panasonic Lumix FX-7 point and shoot. At the time, it was one of the very few P&S with image stab. It has served me well over the years, but I'm beginning to realize that the image quality simply doesn't have the same "pop" as these DSLR's. I don't have a ton of experience or knowledge regarding photography, but I believe I may have at least the basics.

I'm not sure if I should purchase the XSi kit with 18-55mm IS lens, or just the XSi body and buy a separate lens. And if I would be better off with the latter, what would be a good lens to start with?

Thanks in advance for all the help.


P.S. CaneyCreek, your photos are amazing! Love the creativity, keep up the good work

 

[Caney Creek]

P.S. CaneyCreek, your photos are amazing! Love the creativity, keep up the good work

Thank you so much for the compliment! As far as the lens choice, I don't know if I'm the best person to ask since I am still learning myself, and also because cost is a HUGE factor for me so I don't have much experience with some of the better quality lenses. If cost is not an issue for you, you'd get better performance and image quality going with a "non-kit lens" that has a wide aperture. There is actually another thread on this very topic:
http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/photography/148232-lenses-canon-eos-rebel-xsi-t1i.html

I currently have 3 lenses for my Canon 40D: the 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS which was the "kit lens" that came with the 40D, the 50mm f/1.8 II, and most recently the 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS. I bought the 50mm 1.8 shortly after getting my camera because I wanted something with a wide aperture that I could use indoors without flash, AND it was cheap. More recently I got the 18-55 lens just because I needed a wider lens than my 28-135 because it was difficult to use in tighter spaces where I didn't have the option to back up in order to fit my entire subject in the frame. The Canon 18-55 was not my first choice of lenses for this, but it was the cheapest and since it was a gift I had no choice in the matter but at the least it does it's "job" by being wider at 18mm than my other lens at 28mm.

Of all three lenses, my favorite is definitely the 50mm 1.8. The others take its place when I need something wider (18-55) or a farther zoom (28-135) but when I can get away with it I always use the 50mm 1.8 lens. The large 1.8 aperture creates beautiful pictures indoors and out, and it's very handy for use indoors without having to use a flash.

 

[gmacleod]

If the cost of the body + kit lens isn't that much greater than body alone, then you could do a lot worse than taking the 18-55 IS Kit lenses don't have the greatest of reputations, and a few years ago that was for good reason (the earlier, non-IS version of that lens was horrible). However, this one does get some pretty good reviews, and IMO wouldn't be a bad lens to have in your kit. Here is a review, in case that's useful to help you decide: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS - Review / Test Report

No lens will do everything, of course So you're bound to be looking for other lenses to add to your kit. Which ones really depend on your budget, and what you want them to do (they're tools, after all - so you need to know what job they're for before you can choose the right tool to perform that job ).

 

[boxmom]

I would definately get the kit lens. It's nice to have a lens like that to put on your camera for times you don't want to lug around a bunch of lenses. I have a 18-200 that came with my D300, and I just love it--just wish it was more durable. Since you are just starting with DSLR, the kit lens will give you good ideas on what kind of specialty lenses you may want to get. If you are like the rest of us you will find yourself "hooked" in no time. Right now I am really wanting to find a good lens for shooting birds and wildlife. Good luck with your new pup and camera--can't wait to see the pics!!