Canon question...

[j2k4]

...I might pick-up a good deal on a Canon EOS Rebel XS, and was wondering about a decent, servicable telephoto lens, like you might use at ballgames or similar spectator events.

Poking around Amazon, I found this:

Amazon.com: Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens + Lens Accessory Kit For Canon EOS Rebel XS(1000D), XSI(450D) DSLR Camera: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-75-300mm-Telephoto-Accessory-Camera/dp/B0057PTLIU/ref=sr_1_18?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1337084919&sr=1-18)

Good/bad?

The price is nice, but I am a total camera noob, so.

[Valhallaz]

Looks like a decent lens for the price. 75 to 300 gives a decent magnification range, the f-stop being 4-5.6 may limit low light shooting and depth of field a bit, but a lower f-stop in a big magnification lens like that would prolly cost dearly.
I'd say it's a good choice for a knocking around versitile lens.

[j2k4]

Thanks, Glenn. :)

My assumption is that I'm not going to get super-serious about photography at this point in my life.

Cutting-edge stuff just makes me bleed.....money. :)

[stealthify]

After doing my own research on telephoto/zoom lenses awhile back, I found that the 75-300mm f/4-5.6 really drew some ire from those that used it. It seemed the 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/543923-USA/Canon_2044B002AA_EF_S_55_250mm_f_4_5_6_IS.html) is really a more popular choice for that same price range.

However, you do mention wanting to do sports photography. In the day, the above lens will probably be fine, but at night you'd probably be much happier with a faster lens (f/2.8). But the price increases significantly.

[KZNSKY14]

Agreed the 55-250 is much better than the 75-300. If you want to spend about $500 you should be able to get a 70-200 f4L, which will be a significant improvement over either of these lenses. After those the prices increase quickly.

[j2k4]

Thanks for all the info, guys - I have been informed, however, as our vacation looms, that I will be on a short-leash, spending-wise.

Apparently I have been speaking a bit too enthusiastically about my prospective purchases...:lol:

[Alan92RTTT]

wait.... So you can go on vacation but can't go to the NG?

Where are your priorities!!!!!!

[j2k4]

wait.... So you can go on vacation but can't go to the NG?

Where are your priorities!!!!!!

I explained in chat, Alan - thought you were there...

[Jimvr4]

Saw an ad for a Rebel T3i kit with 18-55mm and 55-250mm lenses and a bag for $899 with no sales tax. Good deal??

[stealthify]

Saw an ad for a Rebel T3i kit with 18-55mm and 55-250mm lenses and a bag for $899 with no sales tax. Good deal??

That's about what they're going for, if not less, at Costco. If you can find it all below $800, that'd be a pretty sweet deal.

[j2k4]

I think I did pretty good on mine - got it for $100. :)

[Jimvr4]

That's about what they're going for, if not less, at Costco. If you can find it all below $800, that'd be a pretty sweet deal.

Pulled the trigger on Saturday. I got the T3i with the 18-55mm IS and the 55-250mm IS lenses for $899 with no sales tax and local pickup. All I can say is WOW. I can't believe I didn't do this sooner. The IS lenses are awesome - completely takes away the shaking hand / blurry focus problem. I have much to learn but it's awesome to have every shot turn out CLEAR. I think the AV-C imager size provides the best price advantage as the full frame imagers are MUCH more expensive.

[NickS VR4]

A little late, but have you looked at the canon loyalty program? send in a broken canon, can be found on eBay for $10, and they give you a great deal on refurbished cameras.