AboutDavid Barry Expertise I have a lot of experience in most traditional forms of photography, so I`m quite knowledgeable about things like camera types and formats, techniques, exposure, film types, colour, filters, lighting, standard colour and black and white developing and printing.
I do not make recommendations about brands or models, and I am not a camera technician so I may not be able to tell you what is wrong with your equipment if it`s not working .
I also know a little about digital photography and imaging with scanners and digital cameras, so ask me and I will answer if I can.
Experience Experience in the area
I have been seriously involved in photography for over 25 years, including about 4 years as a professional, as well as 2 years providing administrative service to government photographers, requiring interpreting photographers' requirements and trade technicalities for those unfamiliar with such.
I have successfully trained several beginners in photography, helping them to become competent in basic techniques.
Organizations belong to:
None at present, but have been in about 4 camera clubs, having won or had placings in 2 club competitions.
Publications:
A lot of my photos have been in educational / training manuals, books and some photography magazines, as well as 2-3 dozen images been on the Web so far.
Education/Credentials:
Completed 4-year diploma in professional photography technique at Sydney's Technical College
Awards and Honors:
3 placings and / or merits in camera club competitions.
Expert: David Barry Date: 9/13/2006 Subject: Question regarding lenses for my new Canon EOS Rebel XTi
Question Based on your experience, I was hoping that you could provide some guidance for me!
Background: I am a 'serious amateur'! Most of my pictures are scenery, landscapes, buildings, construction sites, agriculture/farming, sunsets, and events. Also, sometimes indoor (holiday events, etc)
1) First of all, would you recommend buying the Body only OR the camera with 18-55mm lens?
2) I would like to have Zoom capabilities and Wide Angle - can this effectively be purchased in one lens (i.e. 18-200mm) or is it best to purchase 2 different lenses? Do you have recommendations on what specs to look for?
3) Would you recommend Tamron or other lenses over Canon? I see Tamron has a 18-200mm that is a wide - zoom. Or would it be better to purchase a Canon Wide AND Canon Telephoto (and again, would I want body only or still need the 18-55)?
Just trying to find the best solution to minimize costs and get the most bang for my buck with quality equipment. I would rather have 2 useful lenses than 3 at this point.
Any recommendation, suggestions, or resources to check out would be GREATLY appreciated! Thank you!
Answer Body only OR the camera with 18-55mm lens?
Well, unless you already have other lenses to fit on your camera you will need to buy the lens. You won't be able to take any pics without a lens.
can this effectively be purchased in one lens (i.e. 18-200mm) or is it best to purchase 2 different lenses?
For deeply technical reasons, it would be better to buy 2 lenses, say, the 18-55 with your camera, and a 50-200 lens.
I say this because, even with all the improvments that optical engineering has made to the zoom lens in recent years, a zoom lens is still only jack-of-all-trades, master of none.
What I'm getting at, no matter how good lens makers claim their zoom lenses are these days, trying to squeeze too much range out of a zoom lens still compromises image quality, at each of the zoom settings. In summary, for best quality it's recommended to keep the zoom range moderate.
Do you have recommendations on what specs to look for?
No.
Would you recommend Tamron or other lenses over Canon?
I DO NOT MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS OR CRITICISMS OF ONE BRAND OR MODEL OVER ANOTHER.
resources to check out
Not sure if www.dpreview.com covers lenses, but you might try that site.
Also, have you looked at Canon's products site which I think has downloadable products data sheets and brochures, and maybe Tamron has a similar facility.
