 | Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Black)
Buy new: $899.95 / Used from: $399.00 I bought this kit in December 2006. The kit lens was good for starting out. Right now I've grown beyond it, but it can still serve as a backup in case something happens.
If I had to do it over again, I would get the 50D or 7D due to it being bigger and more comfortable for my hands.
When getting filters, go with either B&W or Hoya.
|
 | Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
Buy new: $144.99 / Used from: $110.00 I also got this lens when I first got my camera. It had a nice range to complement my kit lens. I learned what I could from this lens, but it is slow. If you want a basic lens to distance shots, this is nice and cheap. However, I found it frustrating after I got use to my 17-85mm IS USM lens. I've now sold this lens.
|
 | Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip for Digital Rebel XT & XTi Digital SLR Camera + (2) Spare NB-2LH Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
Buy new: $129.95 This grip is great for adapting my camera so it is more comfortable in my hands. I also like the options for shooting in portrait mode. This package is almost as much as just the grip, but comes with 2 spare batteries.
|
 | Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 Image Stabilized USM SLR Lens for EOS Digital SLR's
Buy new: $429.00 / Used from: $345.00 I got this lens to replace my kit lens. I love this lens. It is slightly wider than the kit, and has a longer zoom. The most important thing is that it is fast auto-focusing due to the USM. I also am a firm believer of IS after this lens. If you have the money and want something faster, but not as far, get the 17-55mm IS 2.8.
Warning: Both lenses mentioned do not work on Full Frame cameras.
|
 | Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Standard & Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
Buy new: $379.84 / Used from: $340.00 This is my portrait lens. I love this lens. However, when fully wide open, keeping exactly what you want in focus can be learning curve.
|
 | Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens for Canon EOS Cameras
Buy new: $1,248.48 / Used from: $899.00 I love this lens, but there are some cons to it. There is a significant creep factor so you will have to have one hand on the zoom at all times to make sure it stays at the length you want. If you are in low light, you will have to manually focus to somewhere close in order for the auto-focus to not take a while hunting.
If range or compactness is not an issue, go with an L 70-200 with IS.
|
 | Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
Buy new: Too low to display This is the flash I got in order to improve control over lighting. I wanted a solid flash, but I didn't see a reason to ge the most expensive one.
|
 | SBM Supreme Light Diffuser for the Canon 430EX Flash
Buy new: $14.95 Bounce for the flash. Useful for allowing the flash to give more light, without blinding a person or giving them a faded look.
|
 | Canon Professional Gadget Bag 1EG
Buy new: $72.26 / Used from: $60.00 I got this bag to hold my equipment safely and still get on a plane. If you prefer a backpack, get a Kata. I could not find one that would accommodate my 17" widescreen, computer and camera equipment for less than $200. It was a little too bulky though. I was worried I might have to gate check it. I do not want that much equipment out of my sight.
|
 | Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi/400D Digital Field Guide by Charlotte K. Lowrie
Buy new: $12.99 / Used from: $5.77 A nice introductory book about my specific camera. A quick, easy read, that has been helpful.
|
 | Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition) by Bryan Peterson
Buy new: $16.83 / Used from: $16.49 This is a nice, general purpose book about exposure. It has given me a lot of ideas on how to take a better picture. I've enjoyed what he did with the Canon EF-S 10-22 zoom on some portraits that now I'm thinking of getting that lens.
|
Listmania!
