buying a decent lens for a cheap body

David T T · May 26, 2017

I normally shoot my RB67, or for street photography, my Olympus XA. However, I have an old Rebel Ti that I took out the other day, and I was loving the auto-focus and aperture priority shooting. It's like an anti-RB! It has the kit lens (28-90 4.5-5.6), however, which isn't that sexy.

So I'm thinking about picking up a used Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM. That should be a decent improvement for about $150US. Not bad!

Which lead me to a question. Since the image quality depends on the lens and the sensor (i.e. the film), what besides reliability and style would be the advantage of a "better" 35mm body? It seems that for a total cost of less than $200US I would have a very nice, versatile walkaround camera!

carlostaiwan · May 26, 2017

The first thing to consider, independently of the price, is if you are looking for a zoom or a fixed lens. What style of street photo you like the most?

David T T · May 26, 2017

I want a zoom for this camera. I shoot stealth with the XA, and landscape and fashion with the RB67. So, this would be more of a walkaround/architecture camera.

That lens, though not the best, seems like the best value for this kind of photography.

carlostaiwan · May 26, 2017

Then it seems that the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is a really good option. I usually shoot f5.6-8 onwards, therefore I would stay with the 28-90 4.5-5.6 and maybe spending something in a 35mm f2 or 50mm f1.8 for night time.

Have you consider something like a Tamron 17-35? Cheap and fun to use if you like wide angles or a Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM If you prefer to use the long end?

David T T · May 26, 2017

Thanks for your thoughts!

David

Paul Howell · May 26, 2017

In terms of what you get with an upscale body, more features, like auto bracket, better meter, mirror lock up, faster film advance. Not sure what features the rebel comes with, so make a list of the features the Rebel has and what you may need or want. I shoot Minolta A mounts, I have a 5Si, but usually pass for a 600or 800 if not a Minolta 9, not just the features, I like the size and weight of a larger body.

MattKing · May 26, 2017

I have two different Canon EOS bodies that feature eye controlled auto-focus. That is an additional feature that, if it works for you, is worth having. My caution would be that it doesn't work for everyone.
Other than that, I would concentrate on things like size, weight, battery options and the quality of the viewing system - some viewfinders are much nicer than others.
As for an additional lens, I'd suggest something really different. The tiny, 40mm f/2.8 STM lens makes for a very compact package, especially with one of the smaller bodies, like a Rebel 2000.

Ko.Fe. · May 26, 2017

Correct me if I'm wrong, but none of the Canon EOS bodies have reached cult status to become overpriced on-ebay. I purchased EOS3 from Japan around 200$ few years ago and used it with bunch of L lenses.
I ditched it quick, because same L lenses performed exactly the same and gave me same pictures on EOS 300.

Cholentpot · May 26, 2017

filmconquistador said:
Then it seems that the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is a really good option. I usually shoot f5.6-8 onwards, therefore I would stay with the 28-90 4.5-5.6 and maybe spending something in a 35mm f2 or 50mm f1.8 for night time.

Have you consider something like a Tamron 17-35? Cheap and fun to use if you like wide angles or a Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM If you prefer to use the long end?

I got the 35-135 etc etc...it's a bit of a dog. I know better now and should have got the 28-ect...

Leigh B · May 26, 2017

David T T said:
Since the image quality depends on the lens and the sensor (i.e. the film), what besides reliability and style would be the advantage of a "better" 35mm body?

Light only sees the optics before expiring on the film/sensor.
It could not care less what body those optics sit on.

If the shutter speeds are accurate and the body controls the lens aperture properly, you're good.

- Leigh

Cholentpot · May 26, 2017

Leigh B said:
Light only sees the optics before expiring on the film/sensor.
It could not care less what body those optics sit on.

If the shutter speeds are accurate and the body controls the lens aperture properly, you're good.

- Leigh

I agree with this for film cameras. My Promaster 2500PK Super is a plastic mechanical joke. A good Pentax lens on it though and it takes photos as nice as an F3.

John Koehrer · May 26, 2017

I'd agree with the two posts above. Use it 'til it dies and get another. The step ups
have more features and tend to gain weight along with more reliabiity

David T T · May 27, 2017

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I have been reading reviews online as well, which has been informative as well as, frankly, terrifying. My XAs are single lens cameras, and I have all the C lenses I want for my RB67. Upgrade my zoom you say? Impossible! There's only one!
This quest has put me in G.A.S. country!

cooltouch · May 27, 2017

The 28-135 EF sounds like a good choice.

As for a better camera, about all I would add would be the matter of convenience and expense -- in terms of batteries. I have an Elan IIe and I bought a battery extension for it, so now I can power my camera with "AA" batteries instead of whatever that other one was that costs like $12 or so. Various EOS cameras take various battery packs, so this is something you'd have to check into. Incidentally, the Elan II and IIe both are often found on eBay and the like for ridiculously small sums of money. It's actually a decent, quite full-featured camera, so I wouldn't hesitate recommending it.

Patrick Robert James · May 27, 2017

The 28-135 is kind of big compared to the body. One lens you might look at is the 28-105 3.5. I used one of those for years and it is decent as well as being smaller. I always thought it was a sweet spot in the lineup for size/performance.

Larry the sailor · May 27, 2017

It's hard to beat a good piece of glass.

David T T · Jul 18, 2017

So, quick update...I ended up buying the EF 40mm f2.8 STM, and the EF 85mm f1.8 USM. I read extensively on Canon lenses, particularly the ones that are good value AND good performers, and got good deals on used ones. These will be great lenses!

This week I get to test them. Can't wait!

MattKing · Jul 18, 2017

Good choices!
As a heads up, the "focus by wire" system in the STM lenses requires a bit of a mental adjustment at first, but once you get used to having to have the cameras electrical system turned on before you can use any type of focusing (auto or manual), they are easy to use.

Ko.Fe. · Jul 18, 2017

I have no idea what Canon Ti is. I have EOS 300. It came with 30-80 plastic zoom, which was actually very decent lens (tested it on digital EOS as well).
For very short time I went with EOS 3 for eye focus and fast AF, but ditched this brick after couple of months and went back to EOS 300. The kit zoom was sold long time ago, so I used some "leftovers".
It was Canon 50L USM f1.2. And I find it perfect match.

EOS 300, 50L and Fuji X-TRA 400:

buying a decent lens for a cheap body

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