• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 18:56
CEST 00:56
KST 07:56
  • 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
TL.net Map Contest #22 - Voting & Ladder Map Selection1Code S Season 2 (2026) - RO8 Preview4[ASL21] Finals Preview: Two Legacies21Code S Season 2 (2026) - RO12 Preview2herO wins GSL Code S Season 1 (2026)7
Community News
StarCraft II 5.0.16 PTR Patch Notes may 26th103Weekly Cups (May 18-25): MaxPax wins doubles0Crank Gathers Season 4: BW vs SC2 Team League4Weekly Cups (May 11-17): Classic wins double1Code S Season 1 (2026) - RO8 Results2
StarCraft 2
General
The death of cheese, from a professional cheeser. Changing from 12 to 8 is just asking for StarCraft StarCraft II 5.0.16 PTR Patch Notes may 26th TL Poll: How do you feel about the 5.0.16 PTR balance changes? Weekly Cups (May 11-17): Classic wins double
Tourneys
Maestros of The Game 2 announcement and schedule ! RSL Revival: Season 5 - Qualifiers and Main Event GSL Code S Season 2 (2026) Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament Crank Gathers Season 4: BW vs SC2 Team League
Strategy
[G] Having the right mentality to improve
Custom Maps
[D]RTS in all its shapes and glory <3 [A] Nemrods 1/4 players
External Content
The PondCast: SC2 News & Results Mutation # 528 Infection Detected Welcome to the External Content forum Mutation # 527 Hell Train
Brood War
General
FlaShFTW vs A.Alm Grudge Match Event BGH Auto Balance -> http://bghmmr.eu/ VPN experiences Soma's ASL Finals Review OGN to release AI-upscaled StarLeague from Feb 24
Tourneys
[ASL21] Grand Finals [Megathread] Daily Proleagues Escore Tournament StarCraft Season 2 [BSL22] WB Final & LB Semis - Saturday 21:00 CEST
Strategy
Any training maps people recommend? Muta micro map competition [G] Hydra ZvZ: An Introduction Fighting Spirit mining rates
Other Games
General Games
Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread Nintendo Switch Thread ZeroSpace Megathread Path of Exile Dawn of War IV
Dota 2
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 Heroes of StarCraft mini-set
TL Mafia
Vanilla Mini Mafia Mafia Game Mode Feedback/Ideas TL Mafia Community Thread Five o'clock TL Mafia
Community
General
Russo-Ukrainian War Thread Trading/Investing Thread US Politics Mega-thread Things Aren’t Peaceful in Palestine Dating: How's your luck?
Fan Clubs
The herO Fan Club!
Media & Entertainment
[Manga] One Piece Anime Discussion Thread [Req][Books] Good Fantasy/SciFi books
Sports
McBoner: A hockey love story 2024 - 2026 Football Thread TeamLiquid Health and Fitness Initiative For 2023 Formula 1 Discussion
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
Computer Build, Upgrade & Buying Resource Thread Facing Challenges in Mobile App Development
TL Community
The Automated Ban List
Blogs
Esportsmanship: How to NOT B…
TrAiDoS
Why RTS gamers make better f…
gosubay
ramps on octagon
StaticNine
ASL S21 English Commentary…
namkraft
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 3840 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 Kong9176 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 Kong9176 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 1h 5m
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft: Brood War
Artosis 583
NaDa 18
Dota 2
monkeys_forever36
LuMiX1
League of Legends
Doublelift8980
Counter-Strike
taco 601
Super Smash Bros
Mew2King73
Other Games
summit1g14864
Grubby4046
Liquid`RaSZi3807
hungrybox478
KnowMe128
ForJumy 14
fpsfer 2
Organizations
Other Games
gamesdonequick1436
BasetradeTV210
Counter-Strike
PGL125
StarCraft 2
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
[ Show 12 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• Hupsaiya 75
• musti20045 51
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• intothetv
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• LaughNgamezSOOP
• Migwel
• sooper7s
StarCraft: Brood War
• BSLYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
Upcoming Events
OSC
1h 5m
Wardi Open
13h 5m
Monday Night Weeklies
17h 5m
Replay Cast
1d 1h
Sparkling Tuna Cup
1d 11h
WardiTV Spring Champion…
1d 12h
Maestros of the Game
1d 16h
The PondCast
2 days
Kung Fu Cup
2 days
uThermal 2v2 Circuit
2 days
[ Show More ]
Maestros of the Game
2 days
Replay Cast
3 days
Replay Cast
3 days
WardiTV Spring Champion…
3 days
Maestros of the Game
3 days
Replay Cast
4 days
uThermal 2v2 Circuit
4 days
Maestros of the Game
4 days
Replay Cast
5 days
Solar vs Classic
uThermal 2v2 Circuit
5 days
GSL
6 days
uThermal 2v2 Circuit
6 days
BSL
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

Escore Tournament S2: King of Kings
2026 GSL S1
Heroes Pulsing #1

Ongoing

BSL Season 22
IPSL Spring 2026
KCM Race Survival 2026 Season 2
Acropolis #4
CSCL: Masked Kings S4
YSL S3
SCTL 2026 Spring
WardiTV Spring 2026
Maestros of the Game 2
2026 GSL S2
Murky Cup 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 2
CS Asia Championships 2026
Asian Champions League 2026
IEM Atlanta 2026
PGL Astana 2026
BLAST Rivals Spring 2026
IEM Rio 2026
PGL Bucharest 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 1
BLAST Open Spring 2026

Upcoming

BSL 22 Non-Korean Championship
CSLAN 4
Blizzard Classic Cup 2026
Kung Fu Cup 2026 Grand Finals
CranK Gathers Season 4: BW vs SC2 Team League
HSC XXIX
uThermal 2v2 2026 Main Event
Heroes Pulsing #3
Heroes Pulsing #2
Esports World Cup 2026
BLAST Bounty Summer 2026
BLAST Bounty Summer Qual
Stake Ranked Episode 3
XSE Pro League 2026
IEM Cologne Major 2026
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.