You are not logged in. [Log In] ClubSi » Forums » Other » Photography & Photoshop » New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations?
Register User       Forum List       Calendar       FAQ      
Page 1 of 1 1
Topic Options
#4942460 - 08/05/10 08:11 AM New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations?
LNXGUY Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 08/06/00
Posts: 108530
Loc: Barrie, Ont,
Hey guys,

Pulled the trigger on a Canon Rebel XS the other day and have been having a shitload of fun with it. I'm no pro photographer but I'll try my best to make the most of it.. After a few days I've figured out the 18-55mm kit lens is a bit limited as to what I can do with it, so I'm looking for a 55-250mm for some additional zoom. Can anyone make some suggestions? I was looking at the EF 75-300mm but the reviews were pretty much shit.
_________________________
-Bill
The GN would OWN you, your children and your children's children.
Left foot, right foot, just keep moving!!! -Jeffrey P. Murphy


Top
Visit Sponsors! Help CSi !
#4942476 - 08/05/10 08:32 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: LNXGUY]
GB Offline
Sharesies!
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 03/22/04
Posts: 37351
Loc: Craigslist
Canon 70-200 F4 buddy.
_________________________
Ay yo girl, when you gonna let me tap that?

Top
#4942482 - 08/05/10 08:36 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: GB]
LNXGUY Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 08/06/00
Posts: 108530
Loc: Barrie, Ont,
Thanks dude \:\) I'll look into it.

:EDIT: I'm not baller enough to afford a 'L' Series lens, lol...
_________________________
-Bill
The GN would OWN you, your children and your children's children.
Left foot, right foot, just keep moving!!! -Jeffrey P. Murphy


Top
#4942502 - 08/05/10 08:55 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: LNXGUY]
PA2KFBPSI Offline
Post Master


Registered: 08/09/01
Posts: 2893
I am not a Canon guy but I seem to remember that the forum feedback on this lens was not hot.

Why not try a 70-300? They seem more well liked.
Top
#4942507 - 08/05/10 08:58 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: PA2KFBPSI]
LNXGUY Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 08/06/00
Posts: 108530
Loc: Barrie, Ont,
I'm all ears man, I'm a rube when it comes to this shit.
_________________________
-Bill
The GN would OWN you, your children and your children's children.
Left foot, right foot, just keep moving!!! -Jeffrey P. Murphy


Top
#4942518 - 08/05/10 09:04 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: LNXGUY]
PA2KFBPSI Offline
Post Master


Registered: 08/09/01
Posts: 2893
I looked up the 70-300 on Amazon and it is 300 more than the 55-250.
Top
#4942535 - 08/05/10 09:13 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: LNXGUY]
flyEX #1 Offline
Man in the Box
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 01/05/00
Posts: 26631
Loc: Down in a Hole
Congrats! Thought you might have fun with a DSLR.


I have the 70-200mm F4 and it's probably the best deal on canon lenses right now. Something to consider is where you will be shooting. Big white lenses aren't allowed in a lot of places, and they make most people uneasy. Lots of "can you see _____ from here?" comments.

The 55-250mm or "nifty two-fifty" is also a great value that can produce great images with the IS. It's not as fast or sturdy as the 70-200, but has a greater focal range. The price is very attractive.


Here is a photo archive for the 70-200:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=142739&page=193


Here is a photo archive for the 55-250:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=459569&page=185


I've found the forums on potn to be the absolute best asset for choosing canon lenses. No banter from fanboys who haven't used one, much less posted the results. There's a dedicated thread to almost anything canon related on that site.


Here's the XS thread:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=717910&page=298
Top
#4942537 - 08/05/10 09:14 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: PA2KFBPSI]
GB Offline
Sharesies!
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 03/22/04
Posts: 37351
Loc: Craigslist
I'd say also for your up close fish needs, get yourself a nifty fifty. You can pick em up for $85 or so if you keep an eye out and what a great, TACK sharp lens. They will make your fishes look beautiful.

Unfortunately on the long side, if you cheap out, you're going to KNOW you cheaped out.
_________________________
Ay yo girl, when you gonna let me tap that?

Top
#4942541 - 08/05/10 09:16 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: GB]
LNXGUY Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 08/06/00
Posts: 108530
Loc: Barrie, Ont,
You guys rock..

Kyle, I've been reading that.. Cheap out on the lens and I'll just fuck myself in the end. I am going to be shooting a lot of fish with this camera, wtf is a nifty fifty? lol Like a macro lens of some sort?
_________________________
-Bill
The GN would OWN you, your children and your children's children.
Left foot, right foot, just keep moving!!! -Jeffrey P. Murphy


Top
#4942543 - 08/05/10 09:17 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: GB]
GB Offline
Sharesies!
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 03/22/04
Posts: 37351
Loc: Craigslist
Great info Mike!

Also:


_________________________
Ay yo girl, when you gonna let me tap that?

Top
#4942555 - 08/05/10 09:21 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: LNXGUY]
GB Offline
Sharesies!
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 03/22/04
Posts: 37351
Loc: Craigslist
 Originally Posted By: LNXGUY
You guys rock..

Kyle, I've been reading that.. Cheap out on the lens and I'll just fuck myself in the end. I am going to be shooting a lot of fish with this camera, wtf is a nifty fifty? lol Like a macro lens of some sort?


The nifty fifty is a sharp, fast, prime lens. It's real name is the Canon 50mm f/1.8 II.

It's a 50mm focal length, fixed lens, which stops wide open to an aperture of f/1.8.

Basically, it's a lens that stays at 50mm all the time. Non-adjustable. Meaning your kit lens, zoomed nearly as far in as it will go, thats the nifty fifty all the time. It's very sharp, and because it goes wide open @ 1.8, you have the ability to shoot in very low light, and also to capture a very small area of your subject in focus. \:\)


here are a couple of nifty fifty pictures that I took, with the same camera as you \:\)


http://photos.clubsi.com/clubsi/sexyzach.jpg

http://photos.clubsi.com/clubsi/zachisspecial.jpg

http://photos.clubsi.com/clubsi/weddingcaek.jpg

http://photos.clubsi.com/clubsi/caseywrx.jpg

http://photos.clubsi.com/clubsi/caseywrx-2.jpg


Just a small sample. I am a big fan of this lens

Edited by Gb (08/05/10 09:24 AM)
Edit Reason: sample images added
_________________________
Ay yo girl, when you gonna let me tap that?

Top
#4942580 - 08/05/10 09:35 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: GB]
LNXGUY Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 08/06/00
Posts: 108530
Loc: Barrie, Ont,
Here are 2 of the better pics I've taken so far (I know I know, close ups of slow moving lizards aren't impressive, lol)

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii307/mthor3/IMG_0049.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii307/mthor3/IMG_0061.jpg

I really like the flash on this camera, it doesn't seem to make things bland (if that makes sense).


Mike: Thanks for the links man, I appreciate it!

Edited by LNXGUY (08/05/10 09:37 AM)
_________________________
-Bill
The GN would OWN you, your children and your children's children.
Left foot, right foot, just keep moving!!! -Jeffrey P. Murphy


Top
#4942600 - 08/05/10 09:42 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: LNXGUY]
GB Offline
Sharesies!
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 03/22/04
Posts: 37351
Loc: Craigslist
I like the second picture a lot! Working on holding the cam properly, and make sure IS is on when you're shooting that close up.

Is there something on your lens? I'm noticing spots, especially on the first one.

http://digital-photography-school.com/digital-photography-tips-for-beginners

These have helped me IMMENSELY when I first started shooting, and I've since recommended it to many others.

Read-read-read. Learn how to steadily hold the camera, and def learn about the exposure triangle. I'd guarantee nearly every article on that page could help you out in some manner.

Take a bunch of pics, then read the hell out of all the stuff on that page (really shouldn't take long) and then take more pictures and you will be amazed at the improvement.

I'd also recommend using lightroom3 right from the start (since I know you have it ;\) ) and use it to catalog, edit, and resize your images. Shoot in RAW, and DONT BE AFRAID TO VENTURE OUT OF THE AUTO MODES!!!! Definitely try Av (aperture priority) and Tv (exposure Priority) modes, and don't be afraid to eff around in manual! It will only help you!
_________________________
Ay yo girl, when you gonna let me tap that?

Top
#4942609 - 08/05/10 09:45 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: GB]
LNXGUY Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 08/06/00
Posts: 108530
Loc: Barrie, Ont,
Kyle, I took the pics through the aquarium glass, that's where the spotting and shit came from...

I've heard the manual that comes with the camera is very informative as well, I've read it once already but I'll go back through it later today.. Going to go outside to shoot some flowers and other easy shit \:\)
_________________________
-Bill
The GN would OWN you, your children and your children's children.
Left foot, right foot, just keep moving!!! -Jeffrey P. Murphy


Top
#4942613 - 08/05/10 09:48 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: LNXGUY]
GB Offline
Sharesies!
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 03/22/04
Posts: 37351
Loc: Craigslist
Have fun buddy, that's the most important part! \:\)

/Jealous.

I'm stuck in a goddamned office helping out a dept. I hate all day \:\(
_________________________
Ay yo girl, when you gonna let me tap that?

Top
#4942639 - 08/05/10 09:59 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: GB]
Eddie_82 Offline
miataist
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 01/09/03
Posts: 38085
Loc: Ca�ada
70-300 is a far better choice IMHO, especially for the outdoorsy type like yourself. The extra reach is going to be worth it.

Skip the primes (aka fixed-focal length) stuff for now, until you decide if you want to be more artsy. Then depending on your budget you can get the 50 1.8, 85 1.8, 50 1.4, 28 2.8 or many other lenses for a couple-hundred bucks.
Top
#4942649 - 08/05/10 10:01 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: LNXGUY]
flyEX #1 Offline
Man in the Box
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 01/05/00
Posts: 26631
Loc: Down in a Hole
No problem. I was in the same boat 2 months ago.

The second pic is funny. Shooting through glass can be tricky. Smudges and nicks that you can't see show up once you upload them. It's almost like having the stuff on your lens.

Those shots are good candidates for the nifty 50. It is fast enough to not *need* a flash there, and would focus more on the lizard than the background.

Increase the overall lighting (esp for the terrarium) and your pic quality will follow.

Top
#4942667 - 08/05/10 10:04 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: Eddie_82]
GB Offline
Sharesies!
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 03/22/04
Posts: 37351
Loc: Craigslist
 Originally Posted By: eddie_82
70-300 is a far better choice IMHO, especially for the outdoorsy type like yourself. The extra reach is going to be worth it.

Skip the primes (aka fixed-focal length) stuff for now, until you decide if you want to be more artsy. Then depending on your budget you can get the 50 1.8, 85 1.8, 50 1.4, 28 2.8 or many other lenses for a couple-hundred bucks.


While I don't disagree, I think a nifty fifty would be a great first purchase for him. He takes a LOT of "look at this guy holding the fish!" shots. A 50mm would SHINE for those.

Also, in the realm of the 70-300... SKIP THE TAMRON 75-300, it SUCKS.
_________________________
Ay yo girl, when you gonna let me tap that?

Top
#4942720 - 08/05/10 10:20 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: GB]
LNXGUY Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 08/06/00
Posts: 108530
Loc: Barrie, Ont,
I take a shitload of fish pics from 5ft and closer.. I'd say 85% of my fishing shots are like that.
_________________________
-Bill
The GN would OWN you, your children and your children's children.
Left foot, right foot, just keep moving!!! -Jeffrey P. Murphy


Top
#4942739 - 08/05/10 10:32 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: LNXGUY]
flyEX #1 Offline
Man in the Box
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 01/05/00
Posts: 26631
Loc: Down in a Hole
 Originally Posted By: LNXGUY
I take a shitload of fish pics from 5ft and closer.. I'd say 85% of my fishing shots are like that.

I just saw that thread in OT.

The kit 18-55mm lens is probably going to be the best for those shots. Even at 10 feet, the field of view with the 50mm on a rebel body is narrow. Most likely you will be shooting around 24mm or so.

There's plenty of time to browse lenses. Keep taking pics and note what focal length you shoot at the most. It will be in the Exif data if you don't remember. After a while, you will know what you want out of the lens. Then it's time to do comparison shopping like you are with the telephotos.
Top
#4942742 - 08/05/10 10:33 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: LNXGUY]
Eddie_82 Offline
miataist
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 01/09/03
Posts: 38085
Loc: Ca�ada
In that case, maybe you should consider returning the SLR and grab an SD780 off Craigslist.
Top
#4942776 - 08/05/10 10:43 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: Eddie_82]
LNXGUY Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 08/06/00
Posts: 108530
Loc: Barrie, Ont,
 Originally Posted By: eddie_82
In that case, maybe you should consider returning the SLR and grab an SD780 off Craigslist.
_________________________
-Bill
The GN would OWN you, your children and your children's children.
Left foot, right foot, just keep moving!!! -Jeffrey P. Murphy


Top
#4942831 - 08/05/10 10:57 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: LNXGUY]
iParker
Unregistered



 Originally Posted By: LNXGUY
I take a shitload of fish pics from 5ft and closer.. I'd say 85% of my fishing shots are like that.

If that's the case, I believe the 50mm will not get you shots you want. You can use the 18-55 for those shots.

The 70-200 f/4 is not a "baller" lens. The 75-300 or 70-300 aren't bad, but for an extra hundred or two, you get quality glass and a constant aperture. I wish nikon had a selection like this for their zooms.

If you want to replace the 18-55, definitely look into the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8
Top
#4942971 - 08/05/10 11:42 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: ]
LNXGUY Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 08/06/00
Posts: 108530
Loc: Barrie, Ont,
Thanks dude..

I'm learning about the Exposure Triangle right now.
_________________________
-Bill
The GN would OWN you, your children and your children's children.
Left foot, right foot, just keep moving!!! -Jeffrey P. Murphy


Top
#4943018 - 08/05/10 11:57 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: LNXGUY]
Eddie_82 Offline
miataist
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 01/09/03
Posts: 38085
Loc: Ca�ada
ISO
Aperture
Shutter speed.

This was a great read:
http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Expo...81027041&sr=8-1
Top
#4943080 - 08/05/10 12:22 PM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: LNXGUY]
flyEX #1 Offline
Man in the Box
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 01/05/00
Posts: 26631
Loc: Down in a Hole
 Originally Posted By: LNXGUY
Thanks dude..

I'm learning about the Exposure Triangle right now.


It's a lot to take in at once.

Seems like a pain in the ass at first. The next thing you know, everything looks like a picture opportunity. I can't even watch tv without critiquing the camera work anymore.


Top
#4944902 - 08/06/10 09:31 AM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: flyEX #1]
jon! Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 11/10/99
Posts: 37252
Loc: T3X@$
I had great luck with my old sigma 70_300mm w macro. Should be pretty cheap to.
Top
#4949385 - 08/08/10 09:53 PM Re: New Canon Rebel XS owner.. 55-250 lens recommendations? [Re: jon!]
jackedUP_hatch Offline
Jr Member


Registered: 05/21/02
Posts: 635
how about the tamron 18-270 vc.
Top
Page 1 of 1 1


Moderator:  jsmonet, x, 2000SiRacer, The Mad Paki 
Hop to:
Shout Box

CSi Sponsors


ClubSi.com Shirts
ClubSi-Shirts
GameStop
Black-Friday Specials
Big Brake Kits
StopTech.Sale BBK Clearance
Brake Kits
Buy Brake Kits
EBC Brake Kits
EBC Brake Kits
BuyBrakes
Brake Kits-Pads & Rotors Sets
StopTech Brake Kits
StopTech
StopTech NZ
StopTech
StopTech Australia
StopTech
Hawk Brake Pads
Hawk Brake Pads
Samys Camera
GoPros, Cameras, Gear
Brake Specials Near Me
Brake Specials Near Me
Brake Pad Coupons
Coupon Code "hondafetish"
Porsche Brakes
Porsche Brake Upgrades
2-Piece Rotors-Civic Type-R
2-Piece Civic Rotors
Advertisement
My Cookies · Mark all read Powered by DallasColo (Dallas Colocation services) Contact Us · ClubSi · Top

| Brake Pads | | How To Change Brake Pads | | Drilled Slotted Brake Kits Cheap | EBC Brake Kits | Performance Brake Kits | Brake Specials Near Me | How To Replace Brake Pads