mrcando Loc: Tennessee

Hi, my name is Phil and although I have always enjoyed photography, I find that only now that I have retired am I starting to really get the bug to pursue it as a serious hobby.

I bought a Canon Rebel Xt about 8 yrs. ago and now want to upgrade to a new or newer camera. Since I don't have much invested in my current gear, (the only lens I bought with the camera was a Canon 17-85mm EF-S 1:4-5.6 IS USM Ultrasonic). Turns out, this lens is famous for developing a "focus hopping" problem rendering it virtually useless unless you want to keep it as an expensive 17mm prime lens. I'm not crazy about plunking over a couple hundred bucks for a repair that everyone agrees Canon should fix for free in a recall. That said, and realizing all camera makers tend to do this, I am looking at springing for the Nikon DX 3300, in large part because it appears to have a better sensor than the comparable entry level Canon. I also see that Nikon doesn't sell just the body for this camera in the U.S. which means I'll be stuck with the kit lens. I was hoping some of you out there might then recommend a good "walk-around" lens to accompany the kit lens.

All suggestions and comments are much appreciated as I know I've got a lot to learn.

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

I've got a Sigma 18-250 that I use a lot on my D5200. It's pretty sharp except for at the really low and high ends of the zoom range. Nothing that in camera anti-distortion and little bit of Lightroom can't square up. It's a little soft at 250, but pretty good out to about 225mm. And, they're only $349 new. It's very easy to get into $700-$900 for a lens with this range or slightly more. The Nikon 18-300 is at the high end of that scale, there is a new Sigma on the way for $579. Hope this helps.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Welcome!

My first digital SLR was the Rebel XT and I enjoyed just the 18-55 mm for 4 years. Bought a Canon T3i two years ago and now find myself with four lenses :) Newest came today, the one that Mr PC mentioned, but my favorite is the Canon brand ultra-wide angle 10-18 mm that came out this summer. Lightweight, sharp, good price, and a very cool way to compose landscapes...just sayin' in case you decide to stay with Canon :)

Ol' Frank Loc: Orlando,

Hi! I use one of these as my walkaround lens on my D-90 and it works great. Also, I have a Tamron 18-300 that works very well on the D50. You can't go wrong with either of these.

mrcando Loc: Tennessee

That is some much appreciated info. I've never had an after market lens before because I always thought the optical quality would be slightly less than the 'brand' names. I really hope I'm wrong, because the Sigma 18-250 looks like a great buy! Also, from my own observations it seems like Canon users outnumber Nikon 5 to 1. What's your take on that? Just curious.

ralphc4176 Loc: Conyers, GA

I would suggest that you also consider Sony's current crop of cameras, since you will be wanting a new lens, too. They make a tremendous range of cameras, from some relatively basic cameras to a full-frame mirrorless camera with a 35 MP image sensor. They also make mirrorless cameras with APS-C sensors, for which lenses are much less expensive.

mrcando Loc: Tennessee

Thanks Ralph, I will do my homework on the Sony line. I would imagine one slight negative to owning any camera other than a Canon or Nikon would be resale value. However, my top priority of course is the quality of pictures I end up with.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

It would help to know what kind of photography you enjoy. Different cameras and camera systems are better for different applications.

It sounds like you are not interested in starting a lens collection, so I am assuming you would like to get a good body and select a quality "walk around" lens. However, knowing more about what you like and or want to shoot would help.

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

Welcome to the Hog Phil.

romanticf16 Loc: Commerce Twp, MI

Canon and Nikon are a preference issue. Nikon's DX and FX lenses fit both bodies: Canon's DX lenses won't mount on their FX bodies. Difference in design philosophy. Handle both and decide which feels and performs best for your needs.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

CanDo, welcome to the Hog.
I'll give you my take on that. There is a reason that there are more Canon shooters(but it's less than 2:1). Canon is an exciting company, just look at the new 7dll that was just released two weeks ago!
Canon has a lot going for it. I would caution picking a complete system based on the least expensive entry level product put out by any company, unless it's the last camera you ever plan to own.
Going to Canon is to go into a system that is more complete. From cameras to lenses to printers to the paper that will hang on your wall. And it all works seamlessly together.
Pros use Canon for the diversified line of lenses they can use. In the 50mm line alone you can use one of 4 lenses, ranging from f 1.0 to an inexpensive f 1.8. No other company even HAS the first two in an auto-focus lens.
There is a lot to a company beyond the entry level. Don't sell yourself short.
There IS a reason that Canon is the #1 camera company in the world. What do YOU think got them there?
Again, welcome and good luck. :thumbup:
SS

TomV Loc: Annapolis, Maryland

You purchased your last camera 8 yrs ago. Do you plan on churning through cameras often enough that resale value is a critical selection parameter? The Nikon that interests you is a $550 camera. In 4 years that will not have too much value in the used market when compared to what technology upgrades the newer cameras will have for that type of money.

The Sony family has some nice features that are unique and warrant a serious look, especially in the price range you are looking at. Good lick.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

It does not matter what brand you're buying, no one will force you, to buy it with a kit lens, you can always buy the body alone. The Nikon you mentioned is a very fine camera and a good choice, you should be happy with it, but if you're just getting your feet wet, the camera you already own, is no slouch either. If you have a problem with that lens, that can't be solved, maybe just buy another lens.

Carl 383 Loc: Southampton UK

Lol :)
and how much is your Rebel XT worth if you were to sell it?
I went from 300D (Rebel) to Sony A77 last year. I only had the 18-55 kit lens and a 70-300 USM, so like you no major investment in glass. Due to it's age and performance it was donated to a good cause (Hi eospaddy)
If you can afford it and are willing to swap brands, then I would recommend the Sony A77 II with the superb 16-50 f/2.8 "kit" lens. The quality of pictures with most late model cameras is dependent on the quality of the optics used with it. Yes, your resale value would be less than if you bought a 7D Mk II but with the money saved on buying an A77 II over a 7D Mk II you could also purchase a 70-300 G lens for pretty much the same the same outlay, giving you two excellent lenses.
Just a suggestion.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Sony is the future ....