[watcher]

i was wondering if canon lenses, in general, are better overall than nikon lenses.
i think this will greatly help determine whether i get the d50/d70 or the rebel xt later this year.
also, is getting the 20D worth the price jump from the rebel xt?
i dont intend on going pro, but i would like to have a nice camera to take clear shots.
im tired of point and shoot...

[BabyBoy]

I'll be honest, I don't think I could make a comparison with Nikon and Canon lenses. But personally, from the images I've seen, I think the D70S definitely has better quality. No, the 20D is definitely not worth jumping over the Rebel XT, with little difference in them, I would not pay that other half just for slight features. I currently have a rebel XT, and I just love it, along with a 75-300 USM lens. Arggg, the image stabilzation version is just too priceyyy.

[Tepper]

Umm I'm a Nikon guy, and the D80 is coming out.. at some point, which might push the price of the glorious D70's down .. but ya, Canon has a wider selection of lenses which may or may not be good depending on their prices, but Nikon lenses are generally all superb, even the cheapo lenses like I have are pretty good.

I just use my Kit 18-70mm AF-S DX, 50mm f/1.8 D, and a 70-300mm G, though on 300mm the image can get a little softer.. but that might be because I can't keep my hands very steady with a huge zoom.

[felinewong]

both nikon and canon have some EXCELLENT lens, can't really go wrong with either

atm i'd say go for the D80 thats coming out, the price is a steal!

and for me, its worth it for sure getting a 20D over an XT, the click wheel alone is worth it

[msmoore]

how much are D.SLR's? I'm thinking about making the switch, considering I don't have access to a darkroom anymore >__<

ooh and either camera with the original lens should be the same. Unless you are willing to spend more, I feel that the lenses are all the same. Should have same F stops on them. actually i know nothing about digital lenses. so sorry if they're any different. I think you should upgrade and get a 55mm lens, cuz it's as close to normal eye sight.

[joonage]

Get the Rebel XTi/EOS 400D if you have the money.

It's the newer version of the Rebel XT.

Introduced today too.

10.1 megapixels ... *drool* ...

But it's priced at 800-900 dolloars.

The Rebel XT is still a nice camera though. Isn't priced around 500-600?

[Tepper]

Once again.. Megapixel's are irrelevant at this point. So don't buy things based on mp ratings.

[felinewong]

i gotta say i'm much more interested by the 50mm 1.2L than the 400D LOL

[shiwi]

the nikons and canons are pretty much neck-and-neck.

although canons are generally said to have better color/picture quality.

if price is an issue, wait for the Rebel XTi to come out, and get the Rebel XT.. expecting a price slash there. *crosses fingers*

[BabyBoy]

Tepper, I've seen your pictures and they were fantastic. At what price ranges are your lenses?

[Tepper]

Tepper, I've seen your pictures and they were fantastic. At what price ranges are your lenses?

Like only $100 each for the non-kit lenses. Awesome yes?

And I'd have to say Nikons are known better fro great image quality.

[watcher]

Once again.. Megapixel's are irrelevant at this point. So don't buy things based on mp ratings.

i heard the 400D has the sensor dust cleaning that comes in real handy

[BabyBoy]

Like only $100 each for the non-kit lenses. Awesome yes?

And I'd have to say Nikons are known better fro great image quality.

Very awesome. Canon image stabilization lens are a wallet killer. Do you have any night pictures?

[wangta]

d80 has sd memory, booo!

[shiwi]

what would you guys suggest for a nice canon lens thats great for up close and personal portraits?

[wangta]

what would you guys suggest for a nice canon lens thats great for up close and personal portraits?

100mm f2.8 macro is an awesome macro lens that can also double as a potrait lens. but if you're on a budget you can go for the 60mm f2.8 macro which can also be used as potrait lens. keep in mind that the 60mm is an ef-s mount and the 100mm is an ef mount, but i think that you're probably on an ef-s mount so either of the lens should work fine.

60mm is about $380
100mm is about $470

[watcher]

what would you guys suggest for a nice canon lens thats great for up close and personal portraits?

the cheapest i could suggest would be the 50mm f1.8 prime (nifty fifty as they call it). at $80, it's probably one of the cheapest lenses that can take some nice portrait pictures.

my personal favorite is the 85mm f1.8 USM... it's silent, fast and BEAUTIFUL!! costs about $320~$350, but worth every penny if you want to take the next step.

if you want a zoom, i'd suggest the canon 24-70mm f2.8 L, but that costs a whole lotta $$$ ($1000+). the 2nd best option IMO is the tamron 28~75mm f2.8. costs around $360 (after rebates) and the image quality is almost as good as the L lens.

if all else fails, the kit lens is ok too (or whatever other lens you currently have). with the kit lens, you have to take your shots a little closer to your subject, but hey, you do with what you have, right?

my advice would be to try to take portrait shots using the lenses you have, and then decide which focal range is best for you for taking portrait shots. if you find yourself adjust position more often than you like, look for a zoom in the 24~85mm range. if you need longer than the kit lens, the 85 might fit your needs. if the long end of the kit lens is fine, adding the 50mm/1.8 to your lens collection would make a great investment.