• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 01:07
CEST 07:07
KST 14:07
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Calendar
  • Streams
  • Liquipedia
  • Features
  • Store
  • EPT
  • TL+
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Smash
  • Heroes
  • Counter-Strike
  • Overwatch
  • Liquibet
  • Fantasy StarCraft
  • TLPD
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Blogs
Forum Sidebar
Events/Features
News
Featured News
Serral wins HomeStory Cup 2914Serral wins Maestros of the Game 243ByuL, and the Limitations of Standard Play3Team Liquid Map Contest #22: Results and Winners7Code S Season 2 (2026): RO4 and Finals Preview12
Community News
Reynor: GSL Loss Wasn't About Preparation Format12[IPSL] Spring 2026 Grand Finals - This Weekend!1Weekly Cups (July 6 - 12): Protoss strike back12BSL Season 22 Full Overview & Conclusion8BSL Season 22 Full Overview & Conclusion8
StarCraft 2
General
Is the larve respawn broken? Weekly Cups (July 6 - 12): Protoss strike back Serral wins HomeStory Cup 29 Yamato Cup Series Interview with an American 16 Year Old Grandmaster
Tourneys
WardiTV Summer Cup 2026 GSL CK #5 Race War RSL Revival: Season 6 - Qualifiers and Main Event HomeStory Cup 29 Vespene Cup #1 — $300+ USD, July 10
Strategy
[G] Having the right mentality to improve
Custom Maps
New Map Maker - Looking for Advice - Love or Hate Work In Progress Melee Maps [D]RTS in all its shapes and glory <3
External Content
The PondCast: SC2 News & Results Mutation # 534 Burning Evacuation Mutation # 533 Die Together Mutation # 532 Nuclear Family
Brood War
General
Etiquete rules in Asl? Pros Debate: Zerg Unfairly Nerfed? (ASL S22 map) screpdb: new Starcraft reporting tool ASL 22 Proposed Map Pool BSL Season 22 Full Overview & Conclusion
Tourneys
[Megathread] Daily Proleagues [ASL22] Wildcard Qualifier [IPSL] Spring 2026 Grand Finals - This Weekend! IPSL Spring 2026 Top 4!
Strategy
Fighting Spirit mining rates Simple Questions, Simple Answers Creating a full chart of Zerg builds Relatively freeroll strategies
Other Games
General Games
Path of Exile Nintendo Switch Thread General RTS Discussion Thread Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread Summer Games Done Quick 2026!
Dota 2
Looking for a Dota Mentor Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
Heroes of the Storm
Simple Questions, Simple Answers Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Deck construction bug
TL Mafia
TL Mafia Power Rank NeO.D_StephenKing vs This Guy From 1 Million Dance TL Mafia Community Thread Vanilla Mini Mafia
Community
General
US Politics Mega-thread UK Politics Mega-thread Russo-Ukrainian War Thread YouTube Thread Canadian Politics Mega-thread
Fan Clubs
The IdrA Fan Club The HerO Fan Club!
Media & Entertainment
Anime Discussion Thread [Req][Books] Good Fantasy/SciFi books Movie Discussion! Series you have seen recently...
Sports
2024 - 2026 Football Thread McBoner: A hockey love story Tennis[sport] Formula 1 Discussion TeamLiquid Health and Fitness Initiative For 2023
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
Simple Questions Simple Answers FPS when play League Of Legend on laptop How to clean a TTe Thermaltake keyboard?
TL Community
Northern Ireland Global Starcraft The Automated Ban List
Blogs
Poker (part 2)
Nebuchad
The Experiences We Want and …
TrAiDoS
An Exploration of th…
waywardstrategy
Gauntlet SC2: A Retrospectiv…
Ctone23
ramps on octagon
StaticNine
Funny Nicknames
LUCKY_NOOB
Evil Gacha Games and the…
ffswowsucks
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 6518 users

Photography advice!

Blogs > Josh-FiveO
Post a Reply
Josh-FiveO
Profile Blog Joined September 2011
Denmark174 Posts
March 13 2012 16:22 GMT
#1
Hey guys!

I have been saving up and in a weeks time I am going to buy my very first DSLR. My question:

Should I go for Canon EOS 1100d and get some good lenses instead of kit lens OR Canon EOS 550d with kit lens?

If buying the 1100d, I will probably also buy a lens for 400´$, probably a 50mm prime lens, or a 55-250 zoom lens. Dunno what aperature, but that depends how much it will cost me. And with the 550d I won't buy any lenses but the kit lens.

Thanks.

A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.
Rannasha
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
Netherlands2398 Posts
March 13 2012 16:30 GMT
#2
I would go for the 1100D with the kit lens and the 50mm f/1.8 prime and/or a 55-250 zoom. This gives you the most flexible setup to work with.

The kit lens has the most commonly used range for everyday shooting. You don't really want to do without that unless you shoot very specific scenes only. It's obviously not top-notch quality, but it will provide good results.

The 50/1.8 is really cheap (around 100 euros over here, can't imagine it being much different in Denmark) and will give you the ability to play around with shallow depth of field. It's quite nice as a low-budget portrait lens.

If you're into zooming in on stuff, you can get a tele-lens like the 55-250 (there are plenty of other options with similar ranges).

I'd pick the 1100D over the 550D because even though it's a lower end model, it is a year newer and it should leave you more room in your budget for lenses. Lenses are more important than the camera-body.
Such flammable little insects!
R1CH
Profile Blog Joined May 2007
Netherlands10342 Posts
March 13 2012 16:34 GMT
#3
It depends a lot on what you're going to be shooting. If you think you're going to need a fast lens (indoors, low light) then skip the kit lens and get a nice fast lens. The 50mm f/1.8 prime is a bargain at $100 but the flexibility of a zoom lens is also a factor to consider. Also consider the 600D instead of the 550D, the price difference should be negligible.

I use a 400D with an awesome lens and get results that I'm happy with. Unless you really need a better sensor, I'd go with the cheaper body and a nicer lens, especially if you can get the body 2nd hand for a good deal.
AdministratorTwitter: @R1CH_TL
TL+ Member
shiroiusagi
Profile Blog Joined September 2011
SoCal, USA3955 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-03-13 16:36:07
March 13 2012 16:35 GMT
#4
I am no camera expert but I got a Canon Rebel XTi. TT I would go for the one with the better qualities (Haha of course XD). Maybe the one that would win me over is the best high ISO with the most minimal amount of noise in the dark indoors as well (if you are gonna be taking a lot of photos with uncontrolled light.) But that just me. Hope someone with more experience can answer this question!

EDIT: Lamo people answered before I finished my post. XD
Graphics@shiroiusagi_ | shiroiusagi.net
itsjustatank
Profile Blog Joined November 2010
Hong Kong9179 Posts
March 13 2012 18:16 GMT
#5
I'd say go with the option that lets you pick up lenses other than just the kit zoom. The kit zoom has a versatile focal length range for the casual user, but lacks in image quality and speed for many uses.

In general, go with acquiring better lenses over acquiring marginally better camera bodies; if you stay within your camera system, you can always take those lenses with you when a body upgrade finally makes sense.

Might I suggest looking into a 35mm prime though? On a crop sensor camera, a 35mm prime is closer to what a 50mm lens would provide on 35mm format. 50mm on crop sensor, for me at least, seemed a tad bit too long for my uses.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crop_factor
Photographer"nosotros estamos backamos" - setsuko
nakam
Profile Joined April 2010
Sweden245 Posts
March 13 2012 18:22 GMT
#6
I second these opinions. Go for the 1100D with the 50/1,8 which is an awesome lens for the price. An alternative as R1CH says is 600D that has a vari-angle LCD screen (something I really wished I had sometimes for macro photography in impossible angles).

So 1100D or 600D is my opinion.
TL Local Timezone Script - http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=277156
nakam
Profile Joined April 2010
Sweden245 Posts
March 13 2012 18:24 GMT
#7
On March 14 2012 03:16 itsjustatank wrote:
I'd say go with the option that lets you pick up lenses other than just the kit zoom. The kit zoom has a versatile focal length range for the casual user, but lacks in image quality and speed for many uses.

In general, go with acquiring better lenses over acquiring marginally better camera bodies; if you stay within your camera system, you can always take those lenses with you when a body upgrade finally makes sense.

Might I suggest looking into a 35mm prime though? On a crop sensor camera, a 35mm prime is closer to what a 50mm lens would provide on 35mm format. 50mm on crop sensor, for me at least, seemed a tad bit too long for my uses.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crop_factor

The problem is that Canon 35 mm lens is more than twice as expensive as the 50 mm.
TL Local Timezone Script - http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=277156
itsjustatank
Profile Blog Joined November 2010
Hong Kong9179 Posts
March 13 2012 18:26 GMT
#8
On March 14 2012 03:24 nakam wrote:
Show nested quote +
On March 14 2012 03:16 itsjustatank wrote:
I'd say go with the option that lets you pick up lenses other than just the kit zoom. The kit zoom has a versatile focal length range for the casual user, but lacks in image quality and speed for many uses.

In general, go with acquiring better lenses over acquiring marginally better camera bodies; if you stay within your camera system, you can always take those lenses with you when a body upgrade finally makes sense.

Might I suggest looking into a 35mm prime though? On a crop sensor camera, a 35mm prime is closer to what a 50mm lens would provide on 35mm format. 50mm on crop sensor, for me at least, seemed a tad bit too long for my uses.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crop_factor

The problem is that Canon 35 mm lens is more than twice as expensive as the 50 mm.


And that makes it less worth it? It was just a suggestion.
Photographer"nosotros estamos backamos" - setsuko
nakam
Profile Joined April 2010
Sweden245 Posts
March 13 2012 19:07 GMT
#9
On March 14 2012 03:26 itsjustatank wrote:
Show nested quote +
On March 14 2012 03:24 nakam wrote:
On March 14 2012 03:16 itsjustatank wrote:
I'd say go with the option that lets you pick up lenses other than just the kit zoom. The kit zoom has a versatile focal length range for the casual user, but lacks in image quality and speed for many uses.

In general, go with acquiring better lenses over acquiring marginally better camera bodies; if you stay within your camera system, you can always take those lenses with you when a body upgrade finally makes sense.

Might I suggest looking into a 35mm prime though? On a crop sensor camera, a 35mm prime is closer to what a 50mm lens would provide on 35mm format. 50mm on crop sensor, for me at least, seemed a tad bit too long for my uses.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crop_factor

The problem is that Canon 35 mm lens is more than twice as expensive as the 50 mm.


And that makes it less worth it? It was just a suggestion.

Not at all! I'm sure it's worth it, but since the OP has a limited budget I said it was a problem. I myself love 50 mm on my crop camera (450D) so much that I upgraded from 50/1,8 to the 50/1,4.
TL Local Timezone Script - http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=277156
Josh-FiveO
Profile Blog Joined September 2011
Denmark174 Posts
March 13 2012 19:25 GMT
#10
Okay, I have pretty much just made my decision (and made a shopping basket ^^)

This is how it is gonna look like:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tamron-55-200mm-4-5-6-MACRO-Canon/dp/B000CE8IVM/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1331666471&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004MPQXSM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00005K47X/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=A3PYDFBFNB02FY

This will give me somewhat good range in what I like taking photos of, and also give me way clearer images than the kit lens (from what I have read, 1st DSLR as said, so dont know 1st hand, but I have read alot).

Thanks for help guys
A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.
Josh-FiveO
Profile Blog Joined September 2011
Denmark174 Posts
March 13 2012 19:27 GMT
#11
Also, it hits the budjet of the 550d almost spot on. And as many of u said, the lens covers just as much, if not more, when talking DSLR's.
A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.
nakam
Profile Joined April 2010
Sweden245 Posts
March 13 2012 21:39 GMT
#12
On March 14 2012 04:25 Josh-FiveO wrote:
Okay, I have pretty much just made my decision (and made a shopping basket ^^)

This is how it is gonna look like:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tamron-55-200mm-4-5-6-MACRO-Canon/dp/B000CE8IVM/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1331666471&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004MPQXSM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00005K47X/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=A3PYDFBFNB02FY

This will give me somewhat good range in what I like taking photos of, and also give me way clearer images than the kit lens (from what I have read, 1st DSLR as said, so dont know 1st hand, but I have read alot).

Thanks for help guys

Haven't tried the Tamron lens but I'm sure it's fine. I'm a bit worried though that you leave out the kit lens 18-55 IS as it's so cheap. I do believe you will want a wider lens than 50 at some point. It's quite good compared to many other kit lenses and also worth the price.
TL Local Timezone Script - http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=277156
Chef
Profile Blog Joined August 2005
10810 Posts
March 13 2012 21:59 GMT
#13
I am no expert, but if you're deciding between a good body and a kit lens vs a not as good body and a better lens, I'd say go for the good body. Starting out, a kit lens will give you the flexibility to find out what you really want to do with your photography, what you're interested in shooting, and what's 'missing' from the kit lens. Some kit lenses are very good. Later, when you have something specific that you really want a super quality lens for, then you can buy it, and have to good body too.

I have a Nikon D50 and access to a lot of lenses (my father owns a Nikon and has a lot of lenses), and I still find myself using the kit lens most of the time. Specialty lenses have less situations they are useful in. Do some research and find out if people were really disappointed in the quality of the kit lens for the camera you're interested in. In researching mine, I found it was actually ranked pretty high in what I'll call 'some guy's list of great lenses' mixed amid pricy lenses.
LEGEND!! LEGEND!!
Eben
Profile Blog Joined September 2008
United States769 Posts
March 14 2012 00:11 GMT
#14
Personally, I would get a little bit cheaper body and an extra lens instead of a better body with just the kit lens.

I am not an expert, just my 2cents
opterown *
Profile Blog Joined August 2011
Australia54784 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-03-14 01:27:42
March 14 2012 01:27 GMT
#15
I would suggest you get a Canon EOS 550D (body only) and also a Tamron 17-50 f2.8 (without VC). Some of the best gear money can buy, amazing value and you will learn a lot from it.
ModeratorRetired LR Bonjwa
TL+ Member
Rannasha
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
Netherlands2398 Posts
March 14 2012 10:20 GMT
#16
On March 14 2012 04:25 Josh-FiveO wrote:
Okay, I have pretty much just made my decision (and made a shopping basket ^^)

This is how it is gonna look like:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tamron-55-200mm-4-5-6-MACRO-Canon/dp/B000CE8IVM/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1331666471&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004MPQXSM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00005K47X/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=A3PYDFBFNB02FY

This will give me somewhat good range in what I like taking photos of, and also give me way clearer images than the kit lens (from what I have read, 1st DSLR as said, so dont know 1st hand, but I have read alot).

Thanks for help guys


This selection will mean that you can only make tele ("zoomed in" is the well-known term, though it's technically not entirely correct) pictures. For a lot of every day shots, this'll be an issue. So make sure that you absolutely don't need the focal length range that the kit lens provides. There's a reason why it's so often bundled with these bodies.

Take a look at this applet on the Tamron website that allows you to see the effects of different focal lengths. The kit lens starts at 14mm, your current selection starts at 50mm.
http://www.tamron.eu/en/lenses/focal-length-comparison.html
Such flammable little insects!
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
Next event in 3h 53m
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
WinterStarcraft661
RuFF_SC2 162
ProTech121
Nina 119
StarCraft: Brood War
GuemChi 4207
Snow 114
Noble 52
Bale 28
ZergMaN 16
Icarus 8
Dota 2
NeuroSwarm194
League of Legends
JimRising 691
Counter-Strike
summit1g9132
Coldzera 1153
minikerr23
Other Games
C9.Mang0212
Maynarde211
ViBE182
XaKoH 132
Organizations
Other Games
gamesdonequick2827
StarCraft 2
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
[ Show 17 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• Berry_CruncH309
• mYiSmile132
• practicex 30
• Kozan
• Migwel
• sooper7s
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• intothetv
• IndyKCrew
• LaughNgamezSOOP
StarCraft: Brood War
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
• BSLYoutube
Dota 2
• lizZardDota230
League of Legends
• Lourlo1354
• Rush1011
• Stunt312
Upcoming Events
Replay Cast
3h 53m
CrankTV Team League
5h 53m
Replay Cast
1d 3h
CrankTV Team League
1d 5h
Replay Cast
1d 18h
RSL Revival
2 days
Clem vs Lambo
Scarlett vs Cure
CranKy Ducklings
2 days
IPSL
2 days
Dragon vs Hawk
RSL Revival
3 days
Classic vs Trap
herO vs SHIN
Sparkling Tuna Cup
3 days
[ Show More ]
IPSL
3 days
Bonyth vs Ret
WardiTV Weekly
4 days
Monday Night Weeklies
4 days
PiGosaur Cup
5 days
The PondCast
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

Proleague 2026-07-13
HSC XXIX
Eternal Conflict S2 E2

Ongoing

IPSL Spring 2026
Acropolis #4
CSL 2026 Summer (S21)
KCM Race Survival 2026 Season 3
RSL Revival: Season 6
CranK Gathers Season 4: BW vs SC2 Team League
SCTL 2026 Spring
Stake Ranked Episode 3
XSE Pro League 2026
IEM Cologne Major 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 2
CS Asia Championships 2026
Asian Champions League 2026
IEM Atlanta 2026
PGL Astana 2026
BLAST Rivals Spring 2026

Upcoming

Escore Tournament S3: W3
ASL S22 SEASON OPEN Day 1
Escore Tournament S3: W4
ASL S22 SEASON OPEN Day 2
Escore Tournament S3: W5
CSLAN 4
Blizzard Classic Cup 2026
HSC XXX
SC4ALL II: StarCraft II
Kung Fu Cup 2026 Grand Finals
Light Tournament 2026
Eternal Conflict S2 Finale
Eternal Conflict S2 E3
Logitech G Connect 2026
StarSeries Fall 2026
FISSURE Playground #5
BLAST Open Fall 2026
Esports World Cup 2026
BLAST Bounty Summer 2026
BLAST Bounty Summer Qual
TLPD

1. ByuN
2. TY
3. Dark
4. Solar
5. Stats
6. Nerchio
7. sOs
8. soO
9. INnoVation
10. Elazer
1. Rain
2. Flash
3. EffOrt
4. Last
5. Bisu
6. Soulkey
7. Mini
8. Sharp
Sidebar Settings...

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate marketing links that support TLnet.

Advertising | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Contact Us

Original banner artwork: Jim Warren
The contents of this webpage are copyright © 2026 TLnet. All Rights Reserved.