kyleesue

Hi, I am a new user and an amature photographer, I shoot mostly landscape. I am looking to buy a Canon Rebel. Money is a bit of an issue but I think the t6i would be the best buy for the money because of the 24.2 megapixels vs 18. Firstly, do you all agree on this? Secondly, what lenses should I buy? The lenses included on Amazon are not high quality but the price is right. Higher quality lenses go out of my price range. I'm looking at the Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM and the Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS STM. Is there something else I should be looking at, used maybe, different brand? Do you folks have any advice for this poor woman who reads to much and is making herself crazy? Thank you all.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

No I don't agree on that. An 18mp should handle what you need just fine. If you feel you need a 24mp that's up to you. Me I'd look for a used lens. Your camera will come with an 18-55 which will serve you for a while. Then you can consider another lens, at the right time.
Just take it easy for now and get the lens you need rather than what you want... and, make the camera the same. Best of luck.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

If the budget is limited the lenses are good lenses. I would have no problem using the kit you are looking at and getting good photos. If you are not a pixel peeper they will look great.
Have fun with the camera. you will have a wonderful focal length range with those 2 lenses.

Jackh

If the rebel t6i is the one you want, buy it new from Amazon. The lenses you can get in a kit will eventually disappoint you, but it may take years. So to simplify matters, you could go with the kit lenses you mentioned. I recently bought a Canon 15-85mm "standard" zoom lens from KEH (Google them; trustworthy company that buys and sells used photo equipment) to get the useful breadth of zoom range for my "crop sensor" canon camera. I anticipate using only this one lens for most of the casual family/travel shooting I do. It's not the brightest, fastest, or sharpest lens in the Canon collection though it's better than the kit lenses. I'm not selling my photos and I think this one will work well for me. Picked it based on advice I got here at UHH.

Good luck. Have fun.

davyboy Loc: Anoka Mn.

welcome to the Hog!! I have had the T6S for about 5 months and love it! this isn't your grandmas entry level camera the t6i has the sensor used in the 80d and the focusing is out of the 70d which was top shelf a couple of years ago. 19 cross focusing points, the focus is fast. I have the 18-135 lens for a walk around lens I like it also 55-250 is a sweet lens , I shoot in mostly good light so it works well I do not have any prime lens but intend to invest in them. I bought my camera directly cannon refurbished with two above lens for $925 verses new $1199. came with 1 year warranty

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The body and lenses are all fine. They're sold as a kit and all appropriate for starting out. The STM lenses are Canon's newest versions of these lenses and represent their best work to-date for EF-S zoom lenses at these focal lengths. You can buy with confidence from Amazon so go and get started.

Jackh

Jimmy A speaks wisely. Given a properly lit, clear, sharp (no camera shake) image, a capable printer can make a lovely large print from a 5 mega pixel image. So 18 mega pixels would be fine, and save you some money.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Yes, the T6i would be a good camera for the money, was the first model to use the 24MP sensor, that's the same as what's used in the the more expensive Rebel T6s and 80D.

There's an valid argument for "full frame" cameras for landscape photography, instead of APS-C crop sensor such as all the Rebel series cameras. However, full frame cameras and their lenses are a lot more expensive, plus bigger and heavier.

The EF-S 18-55mm IS STM kit lens that's usually included in kit with the T6i is pretty good optically, just rather plasticky and lightly built. STM is "stepper motor" focus drive... STM is faster and quieter than "micro motor" (Canon lenses not marked STM or USM, including cheaper versions of 18-55mm and 55-250mm). USM or "ultrasonic motor" is even faster, so can be a better choice for action/sports. However, in general STM is better for video.... a little quieter and smoother. There are a few new "Nano USM" that are ideal for both action and video... but not the lenses you're considering. For more stationary subjects such as landscapes, it really won't matter. Focus speed just isn't a big concern for that or a lot of other things.

The EF-S 55-250mm IS STM is also capable of very nice images and a good value, too... especially when bought in kit where it's discounted. A telephoto such as this is most often used for sports, wildlife and similar. Not typically used for landscape (though I'd never say never). Be careful... sometimes a cheaper EF 75-300mm III (non-IS, non-USM) telezoom is instead bundled with the cameras. This is simply not one of Canon's best efforts.... the EF-S 55-250mm is a superior lens in many ways: better image quality, faster/quieter focusing, image stabilization.

For landscape photography, I'm sure I'd use the 18-55mm a lot more often than the 55-250mm.... However I know for sure I'd also want a wider lens at time. Fortunately, Canon offers one of the very best values in ultrawides.... the EF-S 10-18mm IS STM is similar build to the 18-55mm (a little plasticky) but quite capable and an excellent value. It costs around $280, where most lenses of this type are $450, $500 or more (the least expensive Nikon ultrawide is $900). Besides the price, what's really great about it is that the EF-S 10-18mm also has some of the best image quality in the category, as well as being the smallest, lightest lens of it's type... and presently the only one with image stabilization. In other words, it's a lot of lens for the money! For landscapes in particular, I'd buy the 10-18mm over the 55-250mm, if I had to choose between them.

None of the Canon lenses in this price range come with a lens hood, unfortunately. I highly recommend you buy and use those for every lens you get. A fitted, matched lens hood both protects the lens and can improve images. Canon's matching hoods for each lens cost around $25 apiece. There are also cheaper "clones" such as Vello that typically cost 33% to 50% less and probably do the job pretty similarly.

FYI:
EF-S 18-55mm STM IS lens uses EW-63C hood and 58mm filters.
EF-S 10-18mm STM IS lens uses EW-73C hood and 67mm filters.
EF-S 55-250mm STM IS lens uses ET-63 hood and 58mm filters.

Don't waste your limited funds on "UV/clear protection" filters for the lenses. Those do almost nothing... a thin piece of glass gives very little physical protection (lens hoods and caps do a much better job of protecting lenses).

Still, you may want to get some types of filters for certain purposes. Two that landscape photographers (and others) use frequently are Circular Polarizers and Neutral Density (some also use Graduated Neutral Density, but with digital those are now less necessary). C-Pol, in particular, are very useful to deepen the blue of the sky and make colors more saturated throughout a scene, as well as help reduce/control reflections. ND filters are a little more specialized, used to allow slower shutter speeds to blur water and similar in landscape shots. Of the two, I would think the C-Pol would easily be the most useful.

Don't cheap out on filters.... get only high quality glass and multi-coated, since they will be between you and your image every time the filter is used. I recommend and use B+W MRC and F-Pro Kaesemann HT C-Pols. Those cost between $60 and $70 in 67mm size, a little less in 58mm size. There are similar quality from Hoya, Marumi and others. But most manufacturers also make cheaper filters with lower quality materials and with single or no coatings on the glass. For the difference in price and because filter quality has direct impact on image quality, I would always recommend better multi-coated.

Some might suggest getting just the larger filter and using a step-ring to be able to use it on the smaller diameter lenses, too. That's okay, but be aware that you won't be able to use the lens hood when doing that (and a lens hood becomes even more important when using a filter.... especially one with multiple layers of glass such as a C-Pol). Personally I think it's well worthwhile to buy filters in the correct sizes for lenses (and have them in five or six different sizes). I do use step-rings, but only in the "filter stack" that I use to store my filters safely.

You mention looking on Amazon and that's a good place to shop. Also check out B&H Photo and Adorama in NY. Both are well-established and very reliable retailers (in fact, Adorama often sells on Amazon, I think).

You also might look at Canon's online store, where they sell "refurbished" cameras and lenses at some discount https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/eos-rebel-t6i-ef-s-18-55mm-is-stm-lens-kit-with-ef-s-55-250mm-f-4-56-is-stm-lens-refurbished). The only problem is that stock there comes and goes very quickly. I see that T6i with 18-55mm & 55-250mm is currently out of stock. Often those refurbs are demos or overstock, little difference from new... and they come with the same warranty as new. B&H and Adorama both also have refurbished and used. Might be worth a look. KEH in Atlanta is a very reliable retailer of used gear. There are some other good, reliable sellers (as well as a lot of fly-by-night, bait-and-switch online), but these will make for a good start and often have some of the best deals.

I am sure some other camera manufacturers offer similar quality and price to the T6i, 18-55 & 55-250mm "bundle". Where you'll begin to see differences are in the respective systems beyond the initial purchase. Nikon and Canon have the largest system of lenses and accessories. Third party manufacturers also make more things for Canon and Nikon, than they do for other manufacturers. However, you can put together a very capable, quality kit from any brand. Something that might help with your decision, if possible, would be to go to a store that stocks the brands and models you're considering and compare them hands-on. You might find one or another that just "feel" better to you and is more intuitive making it easier and more fun to use. Look at the ergonomics and external controls, as well as the features that are most relevant to the type of photography you want to do. Also compare the menus, how well organized and useful you find them. Some people have preferences for one brand or another. I use Canon gear and that's what I know best, so it's what I focused upon in my response.

I do agree with some previous responses, that there isn't really all that great a difference between 15 or 16MP, 18MP, 20 or 24MP. Unless you make really big prints (larger than 13x19"), you won't see much difference.
Among Canon APS-C models, the 24MP sensor is the "latest and greatest"... with slightly wider dynamic range and that extra little bit of resolution. The 7D Mark II that I use are a one generation older 20MP sensor and work just fine and are a better choice for me because I shoot more sports/action/wildlife with my APS-C cameras, and use a full frame camera for landscapes, scenics, cityscapes, and architecture. But I've made my share of landscape shots that I'm quite happy with using 18MP, 15MP and even lower resolution cameras.

On the one hand, it may make sense to get the "latest, greatest and best"... but on the other hand, it might be a worthwhile trade-off if buying a Rebel T5i kit instead (18MP and a simpler 9-point autofocus system) leaves some monies for some other things (an ultrawide lens, extra memory cards and batteries, filters, post-processing software such as Adobe Elements 15, extra hard drive storage for images, a good solid tripod, etc., etc., etc.) Only you can say, which is the better choice for you.

Hope this helps!

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Actually the EF-S 15-85mm IS USM has very high image quality and is often cited as one of the sharpest crop-only lenses available from anyone, as well as an excellent and versatile range of focal lengths. It also has fast, accurate USM focus, 3- to 4-stop rated IS as well as "mid-grade" quality build and weather resistance. It's main short-coming is that it's an f3.5-f5.6 variable aperture zoom.... Making it less bright and less able to blur down backgrounds, but that's necessary for it to remain fairly compact with such a wide range of focal lengths (compare to the EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 with slightly greater size/weight and similarly high image quality and price, but much less focal length range due to its f2.8 constant aperture).

Most of the professional reviewers give the EF-S 15-85mm very high marks... "L-series-like" image quality and performance (if not premium build).

Most users also give the EF-S 15-85mm very high marks on Amazon, B&H, Adorama, etc., etc. Pretty much anywhere that users can give feedback you'll find this lens averages about 4.5 out of 5 or better than 9 out of 10 "stars" or whatever. In other words, actual users score it in the top 10% or rate it with an "A" or "A-" grade.

So if you aren't seeing great images out of it, something is wrong. I'd look to your technique and other factors. Maybe the lens needs calibration. Assuming it's a used lens, since that's the case with most of what KEH sells, perhaps it needs servicing. There are moving parts in any lens... and a lot more in any zoom... that can wear and get out of adjustment with use. A hard "bump" to a lens also can cause image problems.

First thing I'd do, if you have a filter on it, remove it and try without. I've seen more than a few "lens issues" come back to the filter being used on it.

If that doesn't improve results noticeably, I'd then do focus tests and do a Micro Focus Adjustment, if your camera has that feature (most other than the Rebel series have MFA).

IF MFA doesn't noticeably improve things or it tests outside the range of what's possible with MFA correction, I'd have the lens looked at by a professional technician. (KEH does repairs, so I might talk with them first, since that's where you bought it.)


Note... Canon L-series are their premium line... but they are all "full frame" EF lenses. There are no EF-S "crop only" lenses. That's because of Canon's own definition of what qualifies for L-series status and will get a red stripe painted on it. The three criteria that Canon says a lens must meet to be an L-series are:

- Must include "exotic" elements. (15-85mm has one UD and three aspherical elements... more than a lot of L-series.)
- Must use "leading edge" design, materials and construction. (This is somewhat arguable, but generally speaking the 15-85mm represents advance design in several ways.)
- Must be compatible with and usable on all EOS cameras past, present and future.

The last is really the only reason that the EF-S 15-85mm doesn't qualify to be an L... and it's why no EF-S lens ever will qualify, no matter how good it is. EF-S are "crop only" by design and cannot be fitted to or used full frame digital/film cameras.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Don't buy into the idea that expensive gear is going to make you a better photographer. Learn all you can about exposure and composition and enjoy your new hobby within a budget that you're comfortable with.

I have been super-happy with my Canon T3i (18 mp) for four years. Two years ago I purchased some higher quality lenses used from B&H in New York City (website: bandh.com) that I love.

Canon T3i pics with used lenses (Canon EF 70-300 mm and Canon EF-S 18-135 mm):

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-437828-1.html

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-432058-1.html

Jackh

I appreciate your extensive comments on the Canon EOS 15-85 lens. When I said that I recently bought it I was trying to be precise to a fault. I bought it. My credit card has been charged. But I don't have the lens yet. It's in transit on FedEx. All my comments about the lens are based on what I've read about the lens and are not based on my use of the lens copy that I bought. Sorry I wasn't clearer about that. I hope, and expect, that I will think the lens is as fine as you do. Your recitation of the probable sources of any problems I might have with the lens are insightful and I'll bear them in mind. I hope I'll never need to consider any of them further. We shall see. Thanks again.

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

Welcome to the forum...

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The Forum page is a guide to using the forum and The Resource Page is loaded with links for learning and some tips & tricks.

On purchasing gear - Alternative buying options are refurbished and used. I buy refurbished/used and have been very pleased with the equipment. Other members buy refurbished/used and the comments have been very positive.

Top recommended sites for photo gear (all authorized dealers):
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Looking forward to seeing some of your photos.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

kyleesue, even though they are "kit lenses" they are still very good quality and will give very good results when used properly. Excellent photos have been taken with much worse equipment. You may want to eventually upgrade them, but, then again, maybe not. No point spending money until you have a better idea of what you want or need. As far as the camera, personally, I would go with the newest model you can comfortably afford. One thing to keep in mind though is that, in general, the more megapixels on a given size sensor the less capable the camera will be in low light.

Orson Burleigh Loc: Annapolis, Maryland, USA

Having decided to wade back into photography again after retiring, eighteen months ago I purchased a Rebel T6s kit which included the EF-S 18-135 STM and the EF-S 55-250 STM lenses. The 18-135 was soon supplanted by Canon's much faster EF-S 17-55 f/2.8, but the 55-250 remains a much used favorite. Considering that, as part of a kit, the 55-250 costs $200 or less, it is very good value for money. The lightweight construction and relatively small size are real advantages for traveling and the image quality is very good for a consumer class lens.

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

I would go to the Canon refurbished site. I have had a Canon T6S and found that camera to be excellent. As far as lenses go, for under $600 you can get a 24-105L Lens, the "L" series of Canon lenses can not be beat. You will never get another lens of that size. Good luck.