I have a Canon Digital Rebel XT that I bought last year with the kit lens (18-55mm).  I have taken alot of good photos (mainly on auto), but I want to be able to take ALOT of REALLY GREAT photos!!!  I have been reading as much as I can about the settings, aperture, shutter speed, etc. I have also looked for classes that are nearby. I love photography and I want to be better at it.  I get complements on the photos that I have taken, but I am "picky".  I am also learning photoshop.  I use graphic programs on a daily basis, so I have figured out some things on photoshop to enhance my pictures.  Here are some of the questions I have.  What type of lens do I need to get?  I also have a 75-300mm zoom. I was told I needed something better but what? There are so many !!! And I know so little ! I mainly shoot close ups, groups and sports (inside and out).  My inside shots (basketball) are from a distance and are not very clear (usually dark too).  My close ups are usually pretty good, but I would like for them to be sharper (without photoshop).  The group pictures were outside in the evening and turned out pretty good too but I'd like for them to be sharper also.  I know most of this will come with experience but from what I've read, having the right equipment is a must too.  I also would like to know what type of flash that I would need for the type of things I shoot.  Now here is my down fall.  I have limited funds and I want to spend my money wisely.  If you have any suggestions or advice, please let me know.  If there are any web sites or books for beginners that will be helpful let me know that too. 

I wanted to post a couple of my photos but I'm not sure how to get them on here.  When I tried, it just put a small thumbnail photo.   Here's another question.  My photos on my monitor look dark but print the right colors.  I have tried to set the monitor to match the print out but I'm obviously not doing it right. Help there too.

As you can see,  I FEEL CLUELESS !!!!!

Thanks for any help !

Hi... I have the Rebel XT as well.  Some people say they get great shots from the kit lens, but I upgraded to a Canon 28-105 USM and haven't used the kit lens since!  I felt I got much better results from the new lens.  It was about $350 I think.  There was a version with image stabilization which could be useful, but it was closer to $500 and I couldn't afford it.  I have done almost every photo in my gallery and website with this one & find it to be a perfect all purpose lens. (weddings indoors & out, portraits in studio & outdoors, flowers, landscapes, pets, etc) Inside sports photography I haven't done though, so maybe someone else can comment on that. 

I chose this lens because it was in my price range, and I thought it would cover the most situations, since I also was limited on funds & couldn't afford multiple lenses.  I feel it has done that.

For flashes, I have the 420EX (which now is replaced by the 430EX I believe) and the 580EX.  I got the 580 only because I needed a back up for weddings and figured I might as well get the upgrade, but I have no complaints about the 420!!  It was about $250 I think.  Having an external flash helps with the indoor stuff, as well as fill flash outdoors.  The on-camera flash is mostly useless in my opinion.

When I got my first SLR (the Rebel G 35mm, which is why I upgraded to the Rebel XT, they function the same & use the same lenses) I could only use it in auto too of course... I took 2 classes on www.betterphoto.com and they really taught me some basics that were crucial to my learning.  By the 2nd class I was shooting in full Manual and not scared of it :)  The classes are not cheap (about $300 for an 8 week course), and on-line learning isn't for everyone, but it's an option.  It worked for me.  I can't learn from a book, and with working full time and running a household, I didn't have time to go to school.  The on-line class was a good middle ground.  Plus now I have the lessons printed out in a book & still refer back to them from time to time.

Sooo, those are just my thoughts from my experience.  As far as the monitor situation, you might need it to be calibrated. 

Thanks for the info! I can use all the help I can get.

I am the same when it comes from learning from a book. I learn alot more with hands on training.  I will check out the better photo classes.

I never realized there were so many different lens'.  I just didn't know where to start.  You have been very helpful.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's hard to wrong with the L lenses. The faster they are the better too. Try to find lenses with  maximum apertures of 4.0 or below. 2.8 is even better. The 50 mm 1.8 at about $80 is a perennial favorite too. Bobadkins.com has some nice info on lenses for the Canons.

Dave

I would recommend reading The Photography Bible as it was recommended to me. You can pick it up at the book store for about $20-$25. I have had it about a week and i am learning lots.

BBurrell

p.s. Thanks Tom Steele!!

Dave W:

It's hard to wrong with the L lenses. The faster they are the better too. Try to find lenses with  maximum apertures of 4.0 or below. 2.8 is even better. The 50 mm 1.8 at about $80 is a perennial favorite too. Bobadkins.com has some nice info on lenses for the Canons.

 

Dave

 

Who can afford L glass though   Maybe someday!!  The 28-105 I have is 3.5-4.5.  Something faster would be good, but it was affordable at the time & has served me well.  Really, the 50mm prime was only $80?????  That seems too good to be true!  Canon brand?

Yes, the 50mm f/1.8 is only $70-80.  It is a good lens for the price to be sure, but it is made of plastic and is bested by Canon's 50mm f/1.4 which retails for about $350.  The "L" version of the 50mm is the f/1.2 and runs well over $1K.  Pick your poison/tool.  With good technique, the f/1.8 is a very good performer.

Jim

P.S.  For reviews and excellent head-to-head Canon lens and body comparisons, check out this site. 

If you want to see what a 50mm f/1.8 can do (okay, it's mounted on a 1D body and has flawless lighting), check out most of the headshots on this site.  At least you'll know that anything less that comes out is not the lens...

I have seen this book mentioned before.  I'll check it out too.

Thanks!