Official Canon 550D User Thread Part IV


Hi,

I'm considering getting a Canon 550D as my first DSLR to start out with but am unsure about which kit/lens I should go for.

I was initially considering Kit I with the 18-55mm lens, but after checking out some of the recommended shops, I'm now considering Kit II instead since it has a longer reach.
But I've also been recommended to get the body with a Tamron 18-200mm lens instead.
Another possibility is the Kit I + EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS but I'm not sure if the wider aperture size would make a big difference? This last kit was suggested by a friend who is in Japan, but I'm not sure if the Canon DSLRs in Japan are any different from those sold in SG as they are under different names (KISS X4 in Japan vs EOS 550D in SG)?

Thanks in advance!

Hi,

First of all, Kit Lens do not have constant aperture.

Kit Lens

- Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-4.5
- Canon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6
- Canon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6

Based on my shooting experience, I would advise you not to get the Kit Lens.

Why,? Cos Variable Aperture makes it tough to shoot under low light. Image Quality isn't great.

So, for walkabout lens alternative to the Kit Lens:

- Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 Non VC - SGD 600 including GST
- Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 OS HSM - SGD 1100
- Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 HSM - SGD 600 ?

For zoom, a Canon 55-250 IS would suffice, especially with the help of the IS -- Image Stabilizer

But I would get the alternative like the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 at around SGD 380, which is a sharper lens.

Bottom Line, my suggestion ?

Get just the 550D Body alone with or without the Battery Grip,

Purchase a 17 to 50mm lens range depending on your budget,

And a zoom like 55-250mm or 70-300mm for long range.
 

Hi,
I'm considering getting a Canon 550D as my first DSLR to start out with but am unsure about which kit/lens I should go for.

I was initially considering Kit I with the 18-55mm lens, but after checking out some of the recommended shops, I'm now considering Kit II instead since it has a longer reach.
But I've also been recommended to get the body with a Tamron 18-200mm lens instead.
Another possibility is the Kit I + EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS but I'm not sure if the wider aperture size would make a big difference? This last kit was suggested by a friend who is in Japan, but I'm not sure if the Canon DSLRs in Japan are any different from those sold in SG as they are under different names (KISS X4 in Japan vs EOS 550D in SG)?

Thanks in advance!
Why not get Kit I first. From here, as you start to use it, you will realise if you need a smaller (wider) or a longer (narrower) focal length.



by the way, the shop sign of SLR Revolution @ Funan is now changed to Bally Photo... (not sure what this means). I went there last Saturday.
were you at the 4th floor, unit 18? They have shifted to a bigger shop on the same floor.
 

I want to trade in my d3000 with an eos 550d. contact me at jluzar93@gmail.com for offers. d3000 is in mint condition.
 

Hi,

I'm considering getting a Canon 550D as my first DSLR to start out with but am unsure about which kit/lens I should go for.

I was initially considering Kit I with the 18-55mm lens, but after checking out some of the recommended shops, I'm now considering Kit II instead since it has a longer reach.
But I've also been recommended to get the body with a Tamron 18-200mm lens instead.
Another possibility is the Kit I + EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS but I'm not sure if the wider aperture size would make a big difference? This last kit was suggested by a friend who is in Japan, but I'm not sure if the Canon DSLRs in Japan are any different from those sold in SG as they are under different names (KISS X4 in Japan vs EOS 550D in SG)?

Thanks in advance!

There are many names for the 550d, but they all refer to the same camera. (some names are kiss x4, t2i, 550d, etc.)

As for your decision, i would advise u to go with the kit I + 55-250 cos it gives a little longer reach overall and it is also cheaper. that's what i started with and i never regretted it, but i eventually upgraded to 15-85. the 18-55 is optically sharper than the kit II lens which is the 18-135, it is also sharper than the tamron 18-200 which does not have IS, if i am not wrong.

Good luck with your dslr purchase!
 

were you at the 4th floor, unit 18? They have shifted to a bigger shop on the same floor.

can't remember... i think it was opposite J316. okay, next time will look for it.
 

Thanks for the suggestions! I guess there's no direct answer...

Since I'm just starting out, I suppose kit lenses would be more budget-friendly?

What I'm unsure about taking 18-55mm + 55-250mm is the hassle with changing lens when I require more zoom?
But if I purchase it in SG, I'll most likely take up the 50mm f/1.8 prime lens offer by Canon as well, which should make more sense to be paired with the 18-135mm than the 18-55mm lens?
 

What I'm unsure about taking 18-55mm + 55-250mm is the hassle with changing lens when I require more zoom?
personally, i don't find it a hassle. i guess that depends on you (rent/borrow a lens with that range to try it out).

by the way, many people shoot with primes (e.g. Sigma 30/1.4), as well as the wide angle zooms (e.g. Tamron 17-50, Canon 18-55, 17-55, etc.) & they can live with that range.
 

can't remember... i think it was opposite J316. okay, next time will look for it.
if it's opposite J316, then it's e old unit already.
They have moved to #04-18
:)
 

Had a great time !

Now waiting for jonathan to organise one end of DEC !

I'll make good my word :) Was so looking forward to meeting up.

Currently using a temporary desktop.

On a side note, my photo assignment is looking awesome :bsmilie: currently @ 2gb after cropping.
 

I'll make good my word :) Was so looking forward to meeting up.

Currently using a temporary desktop.

On a side note, my photo assignment is looking awesome :bsmilie: currently @ 2gb after cropping.

Will wait for your 550D Part 3 Outing this time.

I suggest a portrait session ? I can collaborate with sgcamerastore for using his studio.

Last 2 550D outing was mainly street, so I am thinking we have to move on.
 

Thanks for all the advice so far!

Just wondering, would fairs like tomorrow's SITEX offer better prices than the recommended shops?
 

Will wait for your 550D Part 3 Outing this time.

I suggest a portrait session ? I can collaborate with sgcamerastore for using his studio.

Last 2 550D outing was mainly street, so I am thinking we have to move on.

Well we can always invite francis if you're keen on portrait, but we shall see the general 550D users preference. Do we need to pay for his studio or are you buddybuddy? Else.. I don't think most of us 550D users have any decent lighting equipment based on user sigs , though all we need is like, 2 more 580EX II and a few remotes, a couple of light modifiers and we're good to go for 3 point lighting.
 

Gonna get my 550d tpday! ;D
Anyone know whr can get best price? Now thinking of msc 1199
 

Well we can always invite francis if you're keen on portrait, but we shall see the general 550D users preference. Do we need to pay for his studio or are you buddybuddy? Else.. I don't think most of us 550D users have any decent lighting equipment based on user sigs , though all we need is like, 2 more 580EX II and a few remotes, a couple of light modifiers and we're good to go for 3 point lighting.

here's my plan. This time round, we make it big.

Canon 550D User Gathering Part 3
- Divide into 2 parts

Canon 550D User Gathering Part 3 No.1
Canon 550D User Gathering Part 3 No.2

Canon 550D User Gathering Part 3 No.1
Woodlands Waterfront Sunset

Canon 550D User Gathering Part 3 No.2
Fort Canning Park, Model Shoot. TFCD
Free Of Charge
2 lightstands
1 Nissin Di622
1 580EXii

OR
Sgcamerastore Studio
Free Of Charge
Provides equipements
Model included
TFCD
 

here's my plan. This time round, we make it big.

Canon 550D User Gathering Part 3
- Divide into 2 parts

Canon 550D User Gathering Part 3 No.1
Canon 550D User Gathering Part 3 No.2

Canon 550D User Gathering Part 3 No.1
Woodlands Waterfront Sunset

Canon 550D User Gathering Part 3 No.2
Fort Canning Park, Model Shoot. TFCD
Free Of Charge
2 lightstands
1 Nissin Di622
1 580EXii

OR
Sgcamerastore Studio
Free Of Charge
Provides equipements
Model included
TFCD

Hi 550D users,
Please count me in.:). im a 550D user too.
I haven't attend any 550D gathering yet, hopefully soon. As what Odyssey-Boy is planning, I think that's a good idea, atleast users can choose & be more flexible.
If time permits ( going this end of nov. to taiwan and be back only on the 19 dec. ) i would like to attend on:
Canon 550D User Gathering Part 3 No.2
Free Of Charge
2 lightstands
1 Nissin Di622
1 580EXii ( I have one to lend for the purpose of this event ;))
 

Last edited:
me VERY NEW amateur user too. With a 550d and a 50-250 lens. Can join in this gathering? Will I be lost since some of you here are kinda intermediate/ advanced? :embrass:
 

Looking forward to the gathering too! Any dates in mind yet??
 

Back
Top