GrayGhost

Swapped one of my radios for this. Trying to understand all the "language" related to the lens which I am not doing so well at. Realize this is the basic lens for this camera and for some of my shooting I need a telephoto to reach out to acquire the target. Mainly shoot trains, planes, landscapes. Open to suggestion and advice (operating under the K I S S principle, cause I am not the brightest light bulb when it comes to cameras. Have been researching on-site, but overwhelmed by information and not sure of the right questions to ask for clarification.
TKs
GG

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Are you asking for recommendations for a telephoto lens? Do you plan in the not-too-distant future to upgrade the camera? If not, you could look for a used or refurbished 55-250 mm or a better 70-300 mm lens.

For shooting moving targets, best to get a lens with image stabilization. Designation: IS

Canon lenses of two types fit the Rebel, the ones called EF-S and the ones labeled EF. There are other companies' lenses that will fit (e.g. Tamron).

I have purchased used and refurbished gear from B&H in New York City. Others here have recommended Adorama or KEH.

Here are a few on B&H right now:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=used%2055-250%20mm&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=&usedSearch=1

A lens with longer reach than 300 mm is going to cost quite a bit more, but if you plan to upgrade the camera in the not-too-distant future, might be a good investment.

Are you near a camera store? Ask to look through a 250 mm or 300 mm lens on a crop sensor camera, which also is called APS-C. This designation differentiates the camera's sensor size, which is smaller than "pro" (full frame). Without getting into a lot of discussion, the view through a 300 mm lens of your Rebel is different from a 300 mm on a camera with larger sensor. Actually, to lessen confusion on all sides, take your camera with you and see if they'll mount a telephoto lens on it

rickster

What you have is a wide to mid-range variable lens. It is good for landscapes, buildings and groups of people fairly close up. To capture birds, animals planes in the sky, you will need either a 75-250 lens, or a 75-300 lens which are very available for your camera. To confuse things even more, I use an 18 - 135 lens, which I call my walking around lens. That way I don't have to change lenses as often for most shooting, and if you want to cut down the amount of gear you wish to carry. Have fun. Remember that it is the eye of the shooter much more than the camera that takes great shots!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I don't want to dampen your enthusiasm, but I write to confirm you know the EOS XT dates to 2005. These 8MP bodies sell for about $100 used, where I hope that's around the value of your "radio" being traded.

Given the low value of the camera, it might seem like going cheap on lenses makes sense too. But, if you envision maintaining a DSLR style camera for your expressed photography interests (landscapes to trains / planes), investing a reasonable amount for a lens that works on the XT, and any future EOS body, would make sense. Used lenses always maximize your purchasing power. There are several different versions and "grades" of Canon 70-300 models. Their most recent model (Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM) sells new for $450 and is so new, finding used copies will be difficult. But, this is a lens to consider as it could be the only one you need to add and is designed for the XT as well as any future EOS models you might consider.

The EFS 18-135 also is a good and useful idea, great for general purposes, but a bit short for the "planes" aspect of your stated interests. There are many models of this lens too, where even the newest model has been out for quite a while, and used copies are readily available around $200.

Finally, go to the Canon USA site and download a PDF copy of your camera model. Just scroll the list of EOS cameras at this link and select your XT model and save the file locally: https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/support/camera-user-manual

GrayGhost

Thanks Linda,
Probably not going for an upgrade in the immediate future. Got to figure out what I am doing before going too much further. Only camera shop in the area only deals in new items. Would have to go Wichita or Topeka for "full-scale" shop.

73
GG

GrayGhost

Thanks CHG_CANON,
Yep, radio satisfied the recipient & I am content with the camera so all parties are happy which is best types of trades. All knowledge is useful and I appreciate it.

73
GG

GrayGhost

Thanks Rickster,
Hmmm, decisions, decisions. Maybe I should go with the 18 - 135. Gotta process all this information and attempt to make an educated choice.
Thanks to all
73
GG

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I had the 18-135 and loved it for the flexibility. It is not for distant birds, however.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

The Canon 75-300 lens is not a great lens, the 70-300 II is much better. I own a Sigma 18-300 which, for $399 new, is quite a deal.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1082147-REG/sigma_18_300mm_f_3_5_6_3_dc_macro.html
It covers wide angle through a 300 tele all in one lens. No changing lenses in the fiels.
Used for $239: https://www.adorama.com/us%20%20%201115997.html

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

As I understand it, you swapped for a Rebel XT with an EF-S 18-55mm "kit" lens. There have been several versions of that lens... somewhat plasticky but generally with fairly good image quality. The "STM" or "stepper motor" focus drive version of that lens auto focuses faster, smoother and quieter than the "micro motor" version (Canon's micro motor lenses simply have no "STM" or "USM" designation.) It also uses some optical improvements that make for a little better image quality.

If I recall correctly, all versions of EF-S 18-55mm have "IS" or "image stabilization". This helps make for sharper shots when using slower shutter speeds hand held. IS helps correct "camera shake". It can't do anything about "subject motion blur", which is caused by using a slow shutter speed with a moving subject. If your goal is to freeze subject movement, you will still need a fast enough shutter speed.

You mention photographing trains, planes and landscapes. The EF-S 18-55mm serves as a "standard" zoom.... with a moderately wide to normal to short telephoto range of focal lengths. It can be used for those purposes, but may not be wide enough or long enough for some situations.

One of the most affordable wider lenses (often wanted for landscapes) is Canon's EF-S 10-18mm IS STM. This type of lens is referred to as an "ultrawide" zoom and is designed specifically for use on cameras like your XT. It's also one of the most compact and lightweight lenses of this type, as well as one of only a few that have image stabilization. It's a bit plasticky, but has surprisingly good image quality and sells for under $300 new.

For planes and trains, and possibly some other things, you are likely going to want a telephoto. I STRONGLY recommend you AVOID a lens that often appears to be a bargain... sometimes sells used for under $100... the Canon EF 75-300mm "III". Frankly, it's the one of the worst lenses Canon makes. The Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS STM costs more, but is a MUCH better lens in all respects. The 55-250mm is closer focusing, has faster/quieter STM focus drive, and has image stabilization, which the 75-300mm lacks. The image quality of the 55-250mm is also MUCH better... especially at the longer end of the focal length range. The EF-S 55-250mm IS STM typically costs $300 new, under $200 used. (There are two earlier versions without STM... the "II" is optically the same, should cost less, but will be slower/noisier focusing.)

All these lenses are sold without lens hoods. Look up the matching hood for the specific lens you get, buy it (if not included, such as with a used lens) and USE IT. That's the best form of physical protection, plus can improve images. Canon's hoods are a little pricey... usually around $25. There are often cheaper third party "clones" available for around half the price, if you prefer. They probably work just as well... I mean, it's just a LENS HOOD.

For the landscape photography, in particular, you might want a quality circular polarizing filter. Don't cheap out on this. The size you need will be dictated by the particular lens you get. For example, the EF-S 10-18mm lens mentioned above uses a 67mm diameter filter. I'd recommend a "slim" filter for that lens, such as the top-of-the-line B+W XS-Pro Kaesemann Circular Polarizer that sells for $72 in that size. You might also want to use the 18-55mm for landscape photography at times. I am pretty sure the EF-S 18-55mm and EF-S 55-250mm lenses all use 58mm diameter filters. These probably don't need a "slim" filter, like the ultrawide lens does... The B+W F-Pro Kaesemann C-Pol is a high quality filter that sells for $58 in that size. If preferred, the XS-Pro (easier to clean and more scratch/water resistant) in 58mm size isn't a whole lot more, $65. These B+W filters tend to be 33% to 50% less than other brands of similar quality.

There really aren't any other filters necessary for digital photography. A Circular Polarizer is the most "important" one to have, is one of the few filters that can do things for images that can't easily be replicated in post-processing software.

There are many other lenses possible.... Canon themselves makes a number of them. The couple I mentioned above are fairly affordable and relatively "entry level". Canon has more mid-grade... such as the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM, EF-S 10-22mm USM, and EF 70-300mm IS USM II..... Not to mention their premium grade "L-series". These lenses have larger lens apertures, even faster "USM" (ultrasonic motor) focus drive, more robust build quality and, in some cases, sealing for weather resistance, as well as other more advanced features. But, of course, they also tend to be a little to a lot more expensive.

FYI, the Rebel XT can be used with both Canon EF and EF-S lenses (cannot be used with EF-M and RF lenses, which are designed for the Canon mirrorless cameras).

The Rebel XT is an "APS-C" or "crop sensor" camera, meaning that it uses a sensor that's a little smaller than "full frame" (which is defined as the 24x36mm image area used with most 35mm film cameras). EF-S lenses are "crop only" and specifically designed for this type of camera. But it also can utilize EF full frame-capable lenses. (A full frame camera requires the latter... cannot use EF-S lenses.)

Some previous responses are correct... the Rebel XT is a fairly old model now and a bit limited by today's standards. HOWEVER, so long as it's working there is nothing at all wrong with it. It's fairly simple and easy to use, may be very good "starter" DSLR to learn with. And, if you eventually upgrade to a newer camera, the lenses you acquire now may well be usable on it.

You MIGHT have problems with software, if you shoot RAW files with the camera. Canon's current free software may not be able to handle those files. Some of the latest they've provide no longer supports some of the older camera models. There was a big stink about this a year or two ago and Canon made some revisions... However, their s'ware still may not support the XT with it's 8MP, 12 bit CR2 files.

Fear not! So long as you set the camera to save JPEGs, those are universally usable. One catch with JPEGs is you have to get them pretty close to "right" in the camera... they have less latitude to adjust them later in post processing. RAW/CR2 files are better for adjustments and tweaks in post-processing. If you want to work with RAW/CR2, simply pick up a copy of Adobe Elements 2019 and it will be able to handle them. Elements will be more convenient (all in one), too... It costs about $100 (goes on sale occasionally for a bit less).

Hope this helps!

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Do you have a budget? I am guessing from what you have written that it might be tight.

Petesfixit Loc: Houston Texas

Rather than Elements, try Zoner 17. Jpeg only is completely free, while the paid version does RAW conversion, perspective controls etc. I use it semi professionally- no complaints . Only about $30 for full version. If you catch it on sale $17
Cannon 55 -250 is not sharp, you won't be happy for long. 18- 135 is very good, razor sharp . 18 -55 is mediocre - ok to start with.

GrayGhost

Many THANKS to all for the information. Now is time to set down and digest it all. Yes, I realized that this camera was / is OLD, but is rather simple (sometimes you can not teach a old dog new tricks.) Have "tried" to push what is with the camera to its extremes and quickly realized that was exceeding its capabilities. Staying within its limits am so far quite satisfied but realize that 1 lens does not do everything. Again my THANKS to all & will be digesting all this information.
tight lines, sharp hooks & 73s
GG

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Don't worry about the camera being old.
I was out Sunday with my even older 10D at 6.5 mp and it still takes great shots.

Petesfixit Loc: Houston Texas

Good light is most important,
Then technique,
Then lens quality,
Finally the camera.

My$15, 6mp Nikon D70 takes great photos with 18-55 kit lens. The key ingredient is me 🌞