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Archive 2007 · I’m looking for a substantial improve in image quality

jvarszegi
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p.2 #1 · p.2 #1 · I’m looking for a substantial improve in image quality

I think the 50mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.8 and 100mm f/2 offer pretty good quality for portraits. You could then squeak by with a cheap solution for the landscapes. From the 50:

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/180846515-O.jpg

[Un-embedded link to oversized image]

Aug 18, 2007 at 04:25 PM

seattlesteve
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p.2 #2 · p.2 #2 · I’m looking for a substantial improve in image quality

There's a lot of good advice offered above.

Like Navyblue mentioned, knowing your post processing can add a lot of 'pop' to your images.

Start making a move toward prime lenses. The 17-85 is not going to satisfy you if IQ is your ultimate concern. There are several prime lenses that are available at a decent price that will give you much better results than you 17-85. Like some of the lenses that have already been mentioned: 50 f1.4, 85 f1.8, 100 f2, or the 135 f2 L. The Sigma 30mm f1.4 is somewhat controversial, but I've had great luck with mine.

Your XT is a very capable body, just put better glass in front of it, shoot raw, learn about exposure and read more about post processing your images.

Aug 19, 2007 at 02:28 AM

Tad Killian
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p.2 #3 · p.2 #3 · I’m looking for a substantial improve in image quality

Can we see some examples?

Tad

Aug 19, 2007 at 02:43 AM

andrew_rs
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p.2 #4 · p.2 #4 · I’m looking for a substantial improve in image quality

For a substantial improvement in image resolution, you'll need to get a 5D at the very least.

If you really want a big boost, you could investigate getting a MF or LF system.

Aug 19, 2007 at 06:35 AM

nathanlake
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p.2 #5 · p.2 #5 · I’m looking for a substantial improve in image quality

You have three upgrade choices: lens, body, or yourself. Consider upgrading yourself with move practice and maybe a course of two. That is an upgrade that will improve your pictures no matter what body or lens you happen to use.

Aug 19, 2007 at 09:17 AM

Chris Fawkes
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p.2 #6 · p.2 #6 · I’m looking for a substantial improve in image quality

the 17-85 should be fine. I've enlarged to 20x30 from that lens and unless told no one would know.
Perhaps you have a dud copy. Also check for fingerprints on the back of the lens which can happen while the lens is in the store.
The wedding at www.chrisfawkes.net/lianda2/index.html was taken almost exclusively with that lens.

Aug 19, 2007 at 09:47 AM

therock
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p.2 #7 · p.2 #7 · I’m looking for a substantial improve in image quality

Like they say in real-estate. Location, Location, Location. I believe Good Glass, Good Glass, Good Glass is the word here.
Then we have the human factor. Heh!

I'm a new-bee also. Stick with the XT and go for the glass and hone your skills.
Below is a passing test fire shot after changing lenses.

20D, 1/125- f/5 ISO-400, 70-200 f/2.8 IS @ 165mm .


	http://users.adelphia.net/~allen22/Audrey_Resized.jpg

Aug 19, 2007 at 10:21 AM

Richard Nye
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p.2 #8 · p.2 #8 · I’m looking for a substantial improve in image quality

I used to do a lot of bike racing, and everyone was spending tons of $$ trying to shave grams off the weight of the bike. Then I heard a quote from Greg Lemond who said "the most important part of the bike is the motor".

I think the same thinking applies to photography.

Aug 19, 2007 at 10:40 AM

Chris Fawkes
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p.2 #9 · p.2 #9 · I’m looking for a substantial improve in image quality

Heres a link to a shot of a face done with the 28-135, the 17-85 should be just as sharp.
http://photo.xanga.com/photo.aspx?user=chrisfawkes&pic=13bef135803119&

Aug 19, 2007 at 11:25 AM

Tad Killian
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p.2 #10 · p.2 #10 · I’m looking for a substantial improve in image quality

I wish the OP would post some images to give us some real context here.

Tad

Aug 19, 2007 at 01:01 PM

Laurita Karam
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p.2 #11 · p.2 #11 · I’m looking for a substantial improve in image quality

Thank you very much for your reply!

What do you think of a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 as an upgrade for my Canon 17-85mm to use as a walk around lens?

Is Tamron a good lens? Is the Canon 17-55mm a much better lens?

I like the price and mostly the light weight of the Tamron 17-50mm...

Thanks again for your help!!!

Aug 22, 2007 at 04:08 PM

Laurita Karam
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p.2 #12 · p.2 #12 · I’m looking for a substantial improve in image quality

Thank you very much for your reply!

What do you think of a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 as an upgrade for my Canon 17-85mm to use as an walk around lens?

Is Tamron a good lens? Is the Canon 17-55mm a much better lens?

I like the price and mostly the light weight of this Tamron 17-500mm...

Thanks again for your help!!!

By the way, I love your alligator picture!!! Awesome!!!

Aug 22, 2007 at 04:11 PM

stanj
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p.2 #13 · p.2 #13 · I’m looking for a substantial improve in image quality

Rubber Soul wrote:
The EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS is easily the best lens for your camera right now. But keep in mind that lens is HUGE, LONG, and HEAVY, which seems to go against your stated desire for smaller lenses.

I wouldn't call ~100g to be a huge difference over the 17-85, while the IQ difference is indeed huge.

Aug 22, 2007 at 04:14 PM

Laurita Karam
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p.2 #14 · p.2 #14 · I’m looking for a substantial improve in image quality

Waht about the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 vs. the Canon 17-55mm? Can they produce similar image quality?

Aug 22, 2007 at 04:45 PM

brad_s
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p.2 #15 · p.2 #15 · I’m looking for a substantial improve in image quality

I think this has been only briefly mentioned, but if you're not already doing this, only shoot in RAW.

Aug 22, 2007 at 04:48 PM

fintax
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p.2 #16 · p.2 #16 · I’m looking for a substantial improve in image quality

I had the XT for a year, and was never happy with it, so I upgraded to the 30D - wow, what a difference!!! There was an immediate, substantial improvement in the quality of my photos.

I say - go for a body change - there should be a slew of good used 20D/30D/XTi's on the market soon as the 40D is now officially launched.

I'm sticking with my 30D, which I love with a 35 f/2, 17-55 and 70-200 f/4 IS.

All other posters recommending better glass, improving your skills etc are indeed correct, but I bet many of them never owned an XT....

Aug 22, 2007 at 05:38 PM

Canon 10D
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p.2 #17 · p.2 #17 · I’m looking for a substantial improve in image quality

I can hear 1Ds Mark III calling your name already

If you don't mind leaving Canon behind, go for the Hasselblad H3D-39.
I am loving mine. Absolutely stunning camera

Laurita Karam wrote:
Hi!

I am an amateur photographer that one year ago purchased a Canon Digital Rebel XT with a Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens. This is my first SLR camera!

I’m not a professional photographer but I’m very demanding with picture quality. I have very perceptive eyes that can detect very subtle differences in image quality.

From a point and shoot camera to the Canon Rebel XT I could noticed tremendous improve in image quality even when shooting with automatic setting. Even though, I’m not totally happy. I want to take perfect pictures with even higher image quality! I want my...Show more →

Aug 22, 2007 at 06:04 PM

RGS65
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p.2 #18 · p.2 #18 · I’m looking for a substantial improve in image quality

I agree that the XT is fine and that lenses may be a better investment. That said, you can get great shots with even the kit lens IF it is the right lens for the type of shot. In the case of the kit, or your 17-85, they both work reasonably well for landscapes. For potraits - not so good.

From your post it sounds like you still use the "automatic" settings. My advice is to learn how to use manual settings with your current set up. If you can do that I suspect you will see better images.

What do you mean by image quality? It sounds like you are assuming the creative aspects of your shots are adequate (composition, exposure, etc...) If that is true, the XT should be getting you nice results. I can't stand when people recommend amateurs simply upgrade gear as the answer.

The type of questions you are asking don't lead me to believe a body upgrade will improve your results - I suspect it will do the opposite.

Lets see some of your pics where the IQ is not adequate.

Edited by RGS65 on Aug 22, 2007 at 06:15 PM GMT

Aug 22, 2007 at 06:13 PM

Tad Killian
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p.2 #19 · p.2 #19 · I’m looking for a substantial improve in image quality

XT, XTi, 10/20/30D...................same IQ. That's been my experience at iso400 and lower. For travel and portrait, they will all do the same thing. Invest in some glass, books, and maybe some post-processing education.

Tad

Oh, and by the way, I have used an XT. I still use it when I don't have to go above iso800.

Aug 22, 2007 at 06:15 PM

RGS65
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p.2 #20 · p.2 #20 · I’m looking for a substantial improve in image quality

Tad is correct.

Here is the XT with the kit 18-55 lens:

I have $1700 lenses too, but for the right application you can get excellent results with "amateur" gear too.

Don't get me wrong, I yearn for a 5D or a 40D too, but because I want better high ISO performance for low light, and better AF/FPS for sports. I have been working with my XT for 2 years and with 40K+ images through it I see substantial improvement in "image quality" from when I started by properly controlling the technical aspects (exposure, tripod, RAW and post-processing with proper sharpening). If you aren't getting proper exposure, using RAW and doing proper post-processing you aren't getting the most from your XT and you will NOT get the most from a new body either.

Aug 22, 2007 at 07:19 PM

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