• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 01:25
CEST 07:25
KST 14:25
  • 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
Team TLMC #5: Winners Announced!0[ASL20] Ro8 Preview Pt2: Holding On9Maestros of the Game: Live Finals Preview (RO4)5TL.net Map Contest #21 - Finalists4Team TLMC #5: Vote to Decide Ladder Maps!0
Community News
Weekly Cups (Sept 29-Oct 5): MaxPax triples up2PartinG joins SteamerZone, returns to SC2 competition245.0.15 Balance Patch Notes (Live version)109$2,500 WardiTV TL Map Contest Tournament 152Stellar Fest: StarCraft II returns to Canada11
StarCraft 2
General
The New Patch Killed Mech! 5.0.15 Balance Patch Notes (Live version) Team TLMC #5: Winners Announced! WoL: how does "advanced construction" work? Weekly Cups (Sept 29-Oct 5): MaxPax triples up
Tourneys
$2,500 WardiTV TL Map Contest Tournament 15 RSL Offline Finals Dates + Ticket Sales! Tenacious Turtle Tussle Stellar Fest Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament
Strategy
Custom Maps
External Content
Mutation # 494 Unstable Environment Mutation # 493 Quick Killers Mutation # 492 Get Out More Mutation # 491 Night Drive
Brood War
General
BW General Discussion [BSL21] - How to Qualify to Each League ? Question regarding recent ASL Bisu vs Larva game RepMastered™: replay sharing and analyzer site BGH Auto Balance -> http://bghmmr.eu/
Tourneys
Small VOD Thread 2.0 [ASL20] Ro8 Day 4 [Megathread] Daily Proleagues [ASL20] Ro8 Day 3
Strategy
Current Meta TvZ Theorycraft - Improving on State of the Art Proposed Glossary of Strategic Uncertainty 9 hatch vs 10 hatch vs 12 hatch
Other Games
General Games
Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread Nintendo Switch Thread ZeroSpace Megathread Dawn of War IV Path of Exile
Dota 2
Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion LiquidDota to reintegrate into TL.net
League of Legends
Heroes of the Storm
Simple Questions, Simple Answers Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Deck construction bug Heroes of StarCraft mini-set
TL Mafia
SPIRED by.ASL Mafia {211640} TL Mafia Community Thread
Community
General
US Politics Mega-thread Russo-Ukrainian War Thread Things Aren’t Peaceful in Palestine UK Politics Mega-thread The Games Industry And ATVI
Fan Clubs
The herO Fan Club! The Happy Fan Club!
Media & Entertainment
Movie Discussion! Anime Discussion Thread [Manga] One Piece
Sports
2024 - 2026 Football Thread Formula 1 Discussion MLB/Baseball 2023 NBA General Discussion TeamLiquid Health and Fitness Initiative For 2023
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
SC2 Client Relocalization [Change SC2 Language] Linksys AE2500 USB WIFI keeps disconnecting Computer Build, Upgrade & Buying Resource Thread
TL Community
Recent Gifted Posts The Automated Ban List BarCraft in Tokyo Japan for ASL Season5 Final
Blogs
[AI] From Comfort Women to …
Peanutsc
Mental Health In Esports: Wo…
TrAiDoS
Try to reverse getting fired …
Garnet
[ASL20] Players bad at pi…
pullarius1
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 1227 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
Netherlands10341 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
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 Kong9157 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 Kong9157 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 5h 36m
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
PiGStarcraft442
StarCraft: Brood War
sorry 167
Shinee 93
Icarus 8
League of Legends
JimRising 780
Counter-Strike
Stewie2K823
m0e_tv452
Coldzera 195
Other Games
summit1g9273
C9.Mang0252
Tasteless95
NeuroSwarm48
Organizations
Other Games
gamesdonequick723
StarCraft 2
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
sctven
[ Show 13 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• practicex 27
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• intothetv
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• LaughNgamezSOOP
• Migwel
• sooper7s
StarCraft: Brood War
• Diggity6
• BSLYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
League of Legends
• Stunt670
Upcoming Events
Map Test Tournament
5h 36m
OSC
10h 36m
MaNa vs Harstem
ByuN vs TBD
HiGhDrA vs NightPhoenix
Iba vs Ziomek
TriGGeR vs MindelVK
Lemon vs TBD
YoungYakov vs PAPI
ArT vs sebesdes
Tenacious Turtle Tussle
17h 36m
The PondCast
1d 4h
Map Test Tournament
1d 5h
OSC
1d 10h
Map Test Tournament
2 days
OSC
2 days
Korean StarCraft League
2 days
CranKy Ducklings
3 days
[ Show More ]
Map Test Tournament
3 days
OSC
3 days
[BSL 2025] Weekly
3 days
Safe House 2
3 days
Sparkling Tuna Cup
4 days
Map Test Tournament
4 days
OSC
4 days
IPSL
4 days
dxtr13 vs Napoleon
Doodle vs OldBoy
IPSL
4 days
Bonyth vs TBD
Razz vs rasowy
Liquipedia Results

Completed

Acropolis #4 - TS2
Maestros of the Game
HCC Europe

Ongoing

BSL 21 Points
ASL Season 20
CSL 2025 AUTUMN (S18)
C-Race Season 1
IPSL Winter 2025-26
WardiTV TLMC #15
EC S1
ESL Pro League S22
Frag Blocktober 2025
Urban Riga Open #1
FERJEE Rush 2025
Birch Cup 2025
DraculaN #2
LanDaLan #3
StarSeries Fall 2025
FISSURE Playground #2
BLAST Open Fall 2025
BLAST Open Fall Qual
Esports World Cup 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall Qual
IEM Cologne 2025

Upcoming

SC4ALL: Brood War
BSL Season 21
BSL 21 Team A
RSL Offline Finals
RSL Revival: Season 3
Stellar Fest
SC4ALL: StarCraft II
eXTREMESLAND 2025
ESL Impact League Season 8
SL Budapest Major 2025
BLAST Rivals Fall 2025
IEM Chengdu 2025
PGL Masters Bucharest 2025
Thunderpick World Champ.
CS Asia Championships 2025
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 © 2025 TLnet. All Rights Reserved.