Canon Digital Photography Accessories

What kind of lenses should I use for my Canon SLR camera?

I have a Canon Rebel Ti which is a 35mm camera not a digital. It takes EF lenses. I am not much of an expert when it comes to photography. But I do understand a lot about it. I found these three lenses that I was considering buying and wanted to know what you think. If you have other suggestions, please post a link to the lens that you think is better. Also, who do you think makes the best cameras? Canon, Nikon, etc….. I also understand what aperture is but I don’t know which aperture I should get for any of these. Keep in mind I take photos for all occassions like parties, well lit places, concerts where it is dark, etc….

The 70-300mm EF f/4-5.6 IS USM is a solid choice. It’s also a very good lens for the price, and even better value for money at B&H – they’re $100 cheaper: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=397663&is=USA&addedTroughType=search

The 17-40 mm f/4 L USM EF is a great lens for landscapes, etc. This lens is $140 cheaper at B&H:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=279582&is=USA&addedTroughType=search

I trust you already have a standard zoom to bridge the 40-70mm gap. The 17-40 and the 70-300 are great additional lenses but neither one works very well as a walk around lens.

The Canon 15mm EF f/2.8 fisheye is a specialty item – if you need it, you need it. Only you can be the judge of that. You can save another $200 at B&H: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=12069&is=USA&addedTroughType=search

I also compared prices at BeachCamera, but B&H has the best price on all three items. I don’t want to sound like a sales rep for these guys, but they are 100% reliable, as I’m sure you already know (or can easily verify for yourself).

I refuse to go into the Canon vs. Nikon debate. Suffice it to say that both brands are very good. The Canon 17-40 and the 70-300 are both great mid-range lenses and if you ever want to go all out, Canon has the 16-35mm f/2.8 and the 70-200mm f/2.8. Nikon has similar mid-range and pro lenses.

The one thing that you should look out for, is that 17-40mm and the 70-300mm are not particularly suited for low light photography. Then again, you don’t have a lot of options in the same price bracket, so there’s not much to suggest. Even the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 costs about $900. Perhaps you could add a prime lens later on, if the need arises for something fast in a specific focal length.

Canon Digital Camera Accessories – The Vertical Grip

RC-1 REMOTE Wireless Shutter Release for Canon EOS, Rebel $0.01 Taking pictures remotely is even easier with a wireless shutter release, with a range of approximately 16 feet (4.8 meters). Mount your camera and choose “delayed remote” or “quick response remote” from your camera’s control panel display. Aim the remote toward the infrared receiver on the camera, and press the shutter release button on the remote. Focus & shooting modes can be adjusted in your c…

Opteka SB-1 Mini Universal Studio Soft Box Flash Diffuser for Canon EOS, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Sony, Sigma, & Other External Flash Units $9.95 A dramatic, eye catching photo can mean dramatic profits. Getting a well exposed photo is extremely important. Photographers often turn to a flash to help light the scene. The problem is that flash can cause harsh reflections or glare spots or create deep shadows that distract viewers. This little, portable universal external flash diffuser will prevent those problems when using a flash. Simply pu…

Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG for Canon EOS SLR Cameras (Black with Green Accent) $38.98 Made of rugged nylon, the Canon Deluxe Backpack 200EG holds up to 2 camera bodies, 4 lenses, plus accessories. With its lightweight construction, it also features a well-arranged divider system for a secure storage and an easy access, padded shoulder straps and a comfortable back padding. You can also add tripod carrying straps, and a front webbing ideal for lashing light jacket, sweater, etc. Fe…

STK’s USB SD Card Reader – for Canon EOS Rebel T2i, XS, T1i, T3i, T3, Canon EOS 60D, 50D, 30D, Canon Digital Rebel XT, XTi, XSi $14.99 The USB SD Card Reader – for Canon EOS Rebel T2i, XS, T1i, T3i, T3, Canon EOS 60D, 50D, 30D, Canon Digital Rebel XT, XTi, XSi will speed up your download time! No more messing around with connecting your camera up to your computer every time you want to download your pictures. The Travel Secure digital Card Reader/Writer is just what you need! 1 Year Warranty: from the date your order is processe…

Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (MC531ZM/A) $4.99 The iPad Camera Connection Kit gives you two ways to import photos and videos from a digital camera: using your camera’s USB cable or directly from an SD card. iPad and the Camera Connection Kit support standard photo formats, including JPEG and RAW. With the iPad Camera Connection Kit, it’s incredibly easy to download photos from your digital camera to your iPad so you can view them on the gorgeo…

Lowepro Fastpack 250 Camera/Laptop Backpack $68.99 On streets or trails, you can shoot all day when you wear the lightweight, comfortable Fastpack 250 backpack by Lowepro. It protects a digital SLR with an 18-55mm or 17-85mm kit lens attached, plus 15.4″ Widescreen notebook, and extra storage for 2-3 additional 105mm f/2.8, 18-200mm f/3.5, or 70-300mm f/4.5 lenses, flash, and other personal accessories. You won’t miss a shot, because side-entry co…

Pedco UltraPod II Lightweight Camera Tripod $15.99 The UltraPod II is a larger version of the popular UltraPod I and is an excellent platform for camcorders, spotting scopes, medium format cameras, and 35 mm cameras with larger lenses. The UltraPod II is made of high quality glass-filled Nylon and aluminum threaded components ready to provide years of support for the most demanding photographer. The system can stand on fold-out, no-slip feet, or …

Pedco UltraClamp Assembly $21.53 The UltraClamp Assembly allows a camera to be solidly attached to a car window, bicycle handlebar, picnic table, or other similar object. Strong enough for any camera or camcorder, the UltraClamp Assembly attaches to round or flat objects up to 1.5 inches thick. The UltraClamp Assembly utilizes the same ball and socket mount found on UltraPods to allow the camera maximum flexibility in framing the…

Sunpak PF30XN Digital SLR Camera Dedicated i-TTL Flash for Nikon $64.95 Sunpak’s Digital SLR Camera Dedicated TTL Flash Bounce head tilts 90- Degree vertically has i-TTL flash control and an illumination range up to 16 1/2′. Sunpak is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of electronic flash equipment. It has earned a reputation for advanced technical achievement and superior quality. Sunpak electronic flashes are produced for professionals, advanced amateurs, enth…

Canon EOS 7D Digital Field Guide $4.19 No-fail formulas for getting great digital photos with the Canon EOS 7DIf you want to polish your photography skills, keep your camera bag stocked with the best equipment, like Canon’s new EOS 7D camera and this practical, full-color Canon EOS 7DDigital Field Guide. Portable and packed with information, this handy guide helps you get the very most out of the EOS 7D’s powerful new features. Discove…

David Buschs Canon Eos Rebel T1i/500d Guide to Digital Slr Photography (Paperback) $50.68 Busch is a best-selling writer and expert on digital photography and imaging technologies, and he has written this guide for the Canon EOS Rebel T1i/500D digital SLR camera for users who want to explore features such as its real-time preview system, HD movie-making capabilities and 15 megapixel resolution. The author provides easy-to-follow chapters on set-up, exposures, advanced shooting techniques, lenses, lighting and troubleshooting tips before explaining the best approaches to downloading and editing images. This manual also recommends accessories, lenses, flash units and software that work well with the Canon. Annotation )2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Digital SLR Cameras and Photography For Dummies $23.99 The ideal guide for beginning DSLR camera users, with full-color examples of what you can achieve Make the most of your Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, or Olympus digital SLR camera! This guide explains the different lenses, the many settings and how to use them, the results you can get from using different controls, how to use lighting and exposure, and much more. If you haven’t purchased your camera yet, you’ll also find tips on choosing a camera and accessories. And you’ll find out how to make your pictures even better with Photoshop. Updated for all the newest camera models Introduces you to all the features common to DSLR cameras Illustrated with more than 300 full-color photos and screen shots Shares tips on composition, lighting and exposure controls, and file formats Explains Adobe Photoshop and how to create fine prints from your photos Offers advice on improving your photos and where to find help If you’re new to digital SLR photography, here’s just what you need to have fun and success with your camera!