Just purchased a Canon T1i

[blockburner28]

Can someone point me in the right direction (websites or books and learning info)? What software should I use? The ones it came with or Iphoto for now? Yes I know the T2I is coming out, but I didn't want to spend that much since this will be my first SLR camera. What are some good lenses I can get. I also need a good zoom lens. What do yall think of this one "Canon - 55-250mm f/4-5.6 Telephoto Zoom Lens". Thanks in advance guys!

 

[jbg232]

The kit lens is very good for learning how to use a DSLR and won't limit you. If you really want to go with higher image quality you will ultimately want a 17-55mm f/2.8. A very good beginner lens that has excellent quality for the price is the 50mm f/1.8 prime lens. You can use it in low light and to stop action and will help you learn the basics. Your next purchases should be a tripod and a flash as those will improve your skills more than any other lens at this point.

 

[blockburner28]

The kit lens is very good for learning how to use a DSLR and won't limit you. If you really want to go with higher image quality you will ultimately want a 17-55mm f/2.8. A very good beginner lens that has excellent quality for the price is the 50mm f/1.8 prime lens. You can use it in low light and to stop action and will help you learn the basics. Your next purchases should be a tripod and a flash as those will improve your skills more than any other lens at this point.

Thanks for the info. Do you know any good books I can buy to master this camera?

 

[Phrasikleia]

Thanks for the info. Do you know any good books I can buy to master this camera?

I highly recommend Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. It's a very good place to start.

 

[VirtualRain]

I recently acquired a T1i myself and purchased a couple of higher-end lenses, but the kit lenses are great for learning with and are super portable.

Here are a couple of threads of mine related to the lens choices and other topics... Some great insights from the pros on this forum...

My first impressions with the camera:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/845611/

Walk around lens selection:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/844072/

Telephoto lens selection:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/848275/

 

[Ish]

Congratulations on your purchase!

For reading I'd recommend the Canon EOS Digital Rebel T1i/500D for Dummies.

I hate the name of this series! I'm currently working through one of these and must say I'm finding it very helpful. Most Dummies books are printed on really low quality paper but the paper quality on these is good. The photographs showing the difference in results from using some of the different settings are useful if you're new to DSLR as are the explanations of the various features. It's got very good reviews on Amazon.

Phrasikleia's suggestion is also a very good book for whichever camera you have.

 

[kyzen]

Understanding Exposure should pretty much be a mandatory read for anybody buying a DSLR

I wouldn't worry too much about any books tailored towards your camera itself; you'll learn by using, and if you hear of something (either via a book, a friend, the internet, etc) you don't know how to do with it, the manual has a solid explanation on pretty much all of the cameras functions.

Worry more about learning to take photographs in general; photography techniques and best practices change slowly (if at all), hardware changes fast. You can guess which skill is more important.

 

[blockburner28]

Understanding Exposure should pretty much be a mandatory read for anybody buying a DSLR

I wouldn't worry too much about any books tailored towards your camera itself; you'll learn by using, and if you hear of something (either via a book, a friend, the internet, etc) you don't know how to do with it, the manual has a solid explanation on pretty much all of the cameras functions.

Worry more about learning to take photographs in general; photography techniques and best practices change slowly (if at all), hardware changes fast. You can guess which skill is more important.

yeah I had that in the back of my head today when I was in Barnes and Nobles lol. I might try to get the exposure book from walmart if I can find it.

 

[HBOC]

only website that i really pay attention to is http://www.fredmiranda.com . There are many professionals on that site (SI shooters, pro wedding photographers, landscape pros), so the info on there is great!

A book that i bought some years ago was called "Photography" by Jon Freeman. http://www.amazon.com/Photography-C...=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266518058&sr=8-2. really some high quality photos in there (well all of them are).

 

[maddagascar]

i know exactly where your coming from, as i've only been through this a few weeks ago. the book that got me started was DSLR FOR DUMMIES, you can get it at any best buy..it teaches you everything, from what the aperture and all the little numbers on the screen. different types of lenses and what they do..things like that.

obviously, the internet is another great source..especially this forum!!

go to my website at the bottom, all my contact info is there, or just PM me for any questions.

 

[mtbdudex]

From one T1i owner to another, welcome to DSLR!

This is a great forum. Great people, great advice.
Lots of talent here. I learn just by reading/looking at their shots.

I'd say this forum is "right sized". Sure, I go to POTN at times for specific astronomy Q's, but I like this forums scope and appeal.
I've participated in picture of the day, photo contest, etc.
Been busy but will become "active" again soon.

I have same kit lens, you can take great shots with them and learn before you buy upgrade gear.

Some of mt T1i shots:
http://picasaweb.google.com/mtbdudex/CanonEOS_Rebel_T1i?feat=directlink

I currently use iPhoto for photo management and PSE8 for PP/editing, but am looking at Aperture 3.

Books that "worked for me". ymmv.
http://www.amazon.com/Scott-Kelbys-Digital-Photography-Volumes/dp/0321678737/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

http://www.amazon.com/David-Busch’s...=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266543968&sr=8-2

 

[blockburner28]

From one T1i owner to another, welcome to DSLR!

This is a great forum. Great people, great advice.
Lots of talent here. I learn just by reading/looking at their shots.

I'd say this forum is "right sized". Sure, I go to POTN at times for specific astronomy Q's, but I like this forums scope and appeal.
I've participated in picture of the day, photo contest, etc.
Been busy but will become "active" again soon.

I have same kit lens, you can take great shots with them and learn before you buy upgrade gear.

Some of mt T1i shots:
http://picasaweb.google.com/mtbdudex/CanonEOS_Rebel_T1i?feat=directlink

I currently use iPhoto for photo management and PSE8 for PP/editing, but am looking at Aperture 3.

Books that "worked for me". ymmv.
http://www.amazon.com/Scott-Kelbys-Digital-Photography-Volumes/dp/0321678737/ref=dp_ob_title_bk
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images...ow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA240_SH20_OU01_.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/David-Busch’s...=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266543968&sr=8-2
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images...ow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA240_SH20_OU01_.jpg

Thanks for the info !

i know exactly where your coming from, as i've only been through this a few weeks ago. the book that got me started was DSLR FOR DUMMIES, you can get it at any best buy..it teaches you everything, from what the aperture and all the little numbers on the screen. different types of lenses and what they do..things like that.

obviously, the internet is another great source..especially this forum!!

go to my website at the bottom, all my contact info is there, or just PM me for any questions.

Thanks man

 

[blockburner28]

I'm thinking about going to bestbuy and get the extra lens to complete the bundle for 979. I can get another 46 dollars knock off the camera also. So with tax it would come up to $1015.

Canon - 55-250mm f/4-5.6 Telephoto Zoom Lens this lens also has image stabilization. Do yall think its worth it or no?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Canon+-...45979459&skuId=8758114&st=2044B002 &cp=1&lp=6

Thanks in advance guys!

 

[Abyssgh0st]

I'm thinking about going to bestbuy and get the extra lens to complete the bundle for 979. I can get another 46 dollars knock off the camera also. So with tax it would come up to $1015.

Canon - 55-250mm f/4-5.6 Telephoto Zoom Lens this lens also has image stabilization. Do yall think its worth it or no?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Canon+-...45979459&skuId=8758114&st=2044B002 &cp=1&lp=6

Thanks in advance guys!

@Blockburner28- The 55-250 IS is a good lens. I own the same one myself. It would fit your lack of a zoom niche quite nicely, and it'd be very affordable as well. Personally I will be getting the 70-200 f2.8 (eventually), but that's a nearly $2,000 lens

But from personal experience I feel you will be quite satisfied with this lens and your kit lens, meaning that with the zoom lens you'll have 18-250mm covered!

 

[mtbdudex]

Watch Costco, last fall I got T1i + 18-55/55-250 IS kit lens +2GB card for $900 total shipped to my door with 90 day return no hassle.

 

[raz32]

delete!

 

[dinaluvsApple]

return the t1i and wait 2 weeks for the t2i

18mp
1080p at 24fps.......

 

[AlaskaMoose]

return the t1i and wait 2 weeks for the t2i

18mp
1080p at 24fps.......

Or just keep the T1, and don't buy the lens mentioned above. Save enough cash, and buy a non-IS 70-700mm f/4L USM (costs around $600.00).
This one at B&H, but with free shipping from Amazon:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/183198-USA/Canon_2578A002_EF_70_200mm_f_4L_USM.html

 

[blockburner28]

I'm a premier silver member@ bestbuy so I can keep this camera for 45 days then return it with no restocking fee. Same with the 55-250mm lens I bought. I plan on bring the lens back after tomorrow, but I will see whats up with the T2i before I switch it out. pending a major price drop for the t1i.