Bundle or body & different lens?

Clseeper

Finally convinced myself to splash out and take the plunge into the DSLR scene from my point & shoot.

Decided on the 350d, there is a bundle at the moment [camera 2 lenses (18-55 &55-200) + bat pack]. Question being would it be better to buy body only and then get a half decent lense, Canon EF 28-200 USM? Something that takes in the whole range.

Any help would be appreciated, hoping to order today.

FreeAnd..

Hey Clseeper, I would definitely recommend getting the body onyl and putting the difference towards a lens. I didnt but i should have. The kit lens with the 350 (18-55mm) is useless. I'm not too sure about the other lens. How much is the combo deal? I think the battery grip is at least 100+ so if you were saving money then it might be worth it..

Clseeper

Bundle is ~€1050 whereas the body only is ~€650. Its just i havn't got my head around all the different lenses and jargon yet so i wouldn't be sure of what to buy.

antifuse

It really depends. Keep in mind that with the 28-200 you lose 10mm (well, 15 or 16mm in 35mm terms) on the wide end. However, you *do* get a much better lens, and you only have to carry around one lens to get the full range. I guess the question is, will you notice the difference of losing out on the wide angle? What would it cost you to get the body + 28-200 lens?

FreeAnd..

There are some good reviews online:

Check out

http://www.photographyreview.com/sf-6/befid-96323/nm-20/pgnum-1/keyword-Canon/productlistcrx.aspx

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/index.php?cat=45

http://www.dcviews.com/lenses/Canon-lenses.htm

They should give you a comprehensive overview of the best canon lenses\prices\comparisons etc.

Clseeper

€450 for the 28-200 so it basicly

Bundle camera 18-55 kit + 55-200 usm + batt pack €1050
-OR-
Camera + 28-200 canon usm €1116

masteroftherealm

I would reccomed getting the battery grip, youll find the camera feels very small in your hands otherwise.

Fionn

Heya
I'd agree with most of whats said above, I got the kit lens and you'll find that they don't give as sharp a picture as you'd expect see reviews here EF - S18 -55 and EF 55 - 200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM (i've tried to sell my kit lens without success)the booster battery pack thing gives a little bit extra grip/weight so if you could source that separate that'd be good.
If i had known when i was buying my camera i would have opted for body only and one of the following lens which i think are good general purpose walk about lens for starters:
EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 USM IS - €444 + shipping from Germany
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-28-135mm-f-3.5-5.6-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx


Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM - €555 + shipping from Germany
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-17-85mm-f-4-5.6-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

best of luck whatever you go for and post up pics

Clseeper

Thanks for all the advice gang.

Went for the body & the 28-200, i decided that the wider range within the one lense was more suited to what i wanted.

Battery grip sounds like a good idea, mate has ordered one so i'll check out his when is arrives.