Helping a friend move away from a Fugi point and shoot to an SLR, I was tempted to suggest the T5i with either the 18-55 or 13-135 given her $1100 budget. These are newer products, so I was interested in any impressions the local FM community might offer. There is also a 55-250, if I'm right, so I welcome any comments you have there. Is it the case that Canon does make a battery grip that truly fits these small bodies correctly? I was concerned the BG used on this T generation is designed for the larger body series, but I'm not knowledgable as you can note here.
The situation is one where my recommending used but better hardware doesn't make sense.
if going for the rebel I would choose an earlier one and put the saved money toward the glass .
T5i (700D?) is as far as I can tell basicly the same as the T4i (650D) which in turn is a slight upgrade on the T3i (600D). The T4i did get the better 9 point all cross AF sensor and the Hybrid Live View AF (which plays better with the STM lenses in live view and in Video) .
as for glass ,
The new STM 18-55 gets a very decent write up and the older non STM was still very good. the new SRM 18-135 also gets a good review.
as a set the 18-55 and 50-250 make a very nice little combo , but if budget allows I would say pick up the 15-85 IS . great lens . I dont know what these go for on the used market where you are but here they have come down to sensible money .
Personally Id rather have the front of a lower body (like the T2i) than the latest body with a 18-55 on it
John Caldwell wrote:
. Is it the case that Canon does make a battery grip that truly fits these small bodies correctly? I was concerned the BG used on this T generation is designed for the larger body series, but I'm not knowledgable as you can note here.
,
John Caldwell
No John all the battery grips are designed for for the body . but then I really dont see much point in sticking a battery grip on a rebel (or any body personally)
Frankly, I know some female relatives and/or friends that think even the Rebel too big/bulky and would cringe on the idea of carrying/using that the whole day. I would suggest for her to look into the SL1 for $799 if I were you, John. Here is some more information on it: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1209880. That camera combined with the 40mm f/2.8 pancake would be extremely compact and a joy to use.
Her use will include environmental portraits of people and her dogs. A reasonable autofocus system will be meaningful. She'd have no problem with even a 1-series body in terms of size and weight.
All things being equal, she is a sufficiently capable photographer that yes, better glass is likely a better idea than the latest body. I had never heard of the 15-85, but I see we can get that lens with a T4i for about $1000 is we go with used gear.
The decisions are complex at this level of gear because there are so darn many choices!
So lets say she has $550 left for lenses. Here's some random options.
1) Sigma 17-50 OS
2) 40 pancake + Tamron 17-50 non-vc
3) 40 pancake + 85 1.8?
4) Old Sigma 30 + Canon 50 1.4 or 85 1.8?
If she can get by with only one cross point in the center then I would even consider a refurb T3i or a T2i with noted discounts above. That could leave her with $700 give or take left for lenses.
John Caldwell wrote:
Helping a friend move away from a Fugi point and shoot to an SLR, I was tempted to suggest the T5i with either the 18-55 or 13-135 given her $1100 budget. These are newer products, so I was interested in any impressions the local FM community might offer. There is also a 55-250, if I'm right, so I welcome any comments you have there. Is it the case that Canon does make a battery grip that truly fits these small bodies correctly? I was concerned the BG used on this T generation is designed for the larger body series, but I'm not knowledgable as you can note here....Show more →
Having helped a few people down virtually this same path, I'll share some ideas.
The "Rebel" style Canons (currently the t1i-t5i bodies) are fine cameras that work well and and produce excellent results. For most people making a first move to a DSLR, one of those paired with the fine EFS 18-55 IS kit lens is a great place to start. Unless the shooter already has very strongly held opinions to the contrary based on extensive experience with other cameras, I urge them to not get more than this one lens when they get the camera. Once they shoot a bit with it they'll start to figure out what other lenses they might (or might not!) need and make smarter decisions about additional lenses.
It is not necessary to get the very newest of the Txi series bodies unless the specific new features that they supply make sense. After the t3i was introduced, the t2i was arguably a better choice for many folks like this.
Another option that such folks really ought to consider is one of the new "rangefinder style" mirror-less cameras. Although I'm primarily a DSLR shooter who uses a full-frame body for landscape and other serious work, I recently picked up a Fujifilm X-E1 for certain types of work. It is really a great camera - it has a smaller body, smaller lenses, and produces really excellent images. I can vouch for the Fuji, but I know others who are equally impressed by offerings from Olympus, Nikon, and others.
I used to have a Canon 17-55mm f2.8 and absolutely loved it. It has USM, IS, and amazing IQ. However, it's probably too pricey for her budget.
That being said, I hear good things about the similar lenses from the 3rd party makers. There's a Sigma 17-55mm f2.8 and a Tamron (?) 17-70mm f2.8-something. They're both very affordable ($500-$700 range) and get great reviews. I think those would be good to look into.
They have a good focal length range for a 1.6 cf. The 17-70mm especially should work out well as both a walking-around lens and a tighter zoom lens.
Pick up a 5D Classic for $600-$700. There is a diamond in the rough lens, the 28-135, that can be had for $220. Buy a Nifty 50 for $100. Spend the rest for off camera flash equipment.
John -- I love the 15-85 IS. It's a great all-around lens when you have plenty of light or a good flash, like the 580 EX II. This lens, or the 18-135 STM IS would be great for taking professional shots of dogs (at rest and in action) and owners.
I recommend the T4i. It has swivel touch screen and improved Digic over the T3i. All Rebel series will accept a grip, making it a better hold and additional battery life for longer assignments. I once had a T2i with grip and loved it for a crop camera. I now have a 60D. Given the choice, today I'd get the T4i over the 60D.
gdanmitchell wrote:
Having helped a few people down virtually this same path, I'll share some ideas.
The "Rebel" style Canons (currently the t1i-t5i bodies) are fine cameras that work well and and produce excellent results. For most people making a first move to a DSLR, one of those paired with the fine EFS 18-55 IS kit lens is a great place to start. Unless the shooter already has very strongly held opinions to the contrary based on extensive experience with other cameras, I urge them to not get more than this one lens when they get the camera. Once they shoot a bit with it they'll start to figure out what other lenses they might (or might not!) need and make smarter decisions about additional lenses.
It is not necessary to get the very newest of the Txi series bodies unless the specific new features that they supply make sense. After the t3i was introduced, the t2i was arguably a better choice for many folks like this.
Another option that such folks really ought to consider is one of the new "rangefinder style" mirror-less cameras. Although I'm primarily a DSLR shooter who uses a full-frame body for landscape and other serious work, I recently picked up a Fujifilm X-E1 for certain types of work. It is really a great camera - it has a smaller body, smaller lenses, and produces really excellent images. I can vouch for the Fuji, but I know others who are equally impressed by offerings from Olympus, Nikon, and others.
I agree on this one. I'd recommend following refurb t3i for $415 and save the rest of money for now. She will later figure out which (if ever) lenses she needs.
Wobble wrote:
Pick up a 5D Classic for $600-$700. There is a diamond in the rough lens, the 28-135, that can be had for $220. Buy a Nifty 50 for $100. Spend the rest for off camera flash equipment.
These will hold their value for 6 months. After a lot of use she can trade/sell locally with no loss of money and will be informed on the use of good gear.
