Odyssey-Boy
Senior Member
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.