Rebel Lens?

[R.T.]

Hello everyone, this is my first post here and by spending a little time reading through older post I found the answers to a lot of my question.

But I need to clear one thing up. I have an older Canon AE2 35mm with a Canon EF 3.5 - 4.5, 28 to 105 lens. From what I've been reading this lens will work with the Canon Rebel. But will I be giving up anything, and how does it compare in quality to the 18-55mm EF-S lens? Should I keep the one I have or get the EF-S Lens. I understand it only fits the Rebel and thats OK, I figure if I ever upgrade that would be the lens that went with the camera. I don't mind spending the money if it's really a better lens then the one I have. Thanks!

R.T.

[Paul_OH]

RT,
Due to the 1.6x crop factor on the Rebel your 28-105 will become equivalent to a 45-168mm lens. The 18-55 is then equivalent to a 28-90mm lens. I'd recommend getting it otherwise you'd have to spend a lot more $$ to get a true wide angle lens. It's not the best for indoor or low light shots but for landscapes and daylight etc I find it very good. It's probably equivalent to your 28-105 quality wise but will usually need to be stepped down to around f8 to be sharp. I was looking at getting the 17-40L but thought I'd try the 18-55 EF-S first and I am more than happy with it. BUT, it all depends on what type of photography you mostly do.

good luck

Paul

[R.T.]

Thanks Paul, I wasn't aware of the (crop factor) issue, I take it that happens to any lens you use with this type of camera? Glad you brought it up, that would be pretty important when selecting a lens. How do you figure the crop factor for any given lens?

I was all set to buy the camera (body only) from B&H Photo for $779. ($679) after the rebate but then I came across this site selling it for $559. ($459) after rebate. Is this a great deal or is something going on here that a newbie like me doesn't see?

Thanks for your help!link

[Paul_OH]

RT,
The magnification varies depending on what camera it refers to eg 1.6x on Drebel, 10D & 20D, 1.3x on 1Dmk2, 1x on 1Ds, 1.5x (I think?) on Nikons and 2x for Olympus. This factor doesn't change with the lens, so effectively a 300mm becomes 480mm. It's great for telephoto shots but not so good for the wide-angle, thus Canon releasing the cost effective 18-55 EF-S.
I haven't heard of the store you mentioned but if it sounds too good to be true it usually is. I'd recommend having a look at www.resellerratings.com to review the store beforehand but from what I've heard B&H is the best store to deal with especially if you ever have a problem. Common shams from cheaper online sellers is selling things like the battery, charger etc separately to the camera and selling imported models (grey imports) instead of USA warrantied items. If you look at B&H you'll see that they have usually have 2 prices, one for USA model and one for "grey". I'd definitely stick with the USA model.

I hope this helps.

Paul

[R.T.]

Paul, thanks for the info on the crop factor, it's appreciated!

I checked out that web site for the link I posted above and it doesn't find it, so I guess i better shy away from it unless someone here has done business with them and can recommend them? But it sure sounds like a good price.

Oh well, better safe then sorry, thanks again Paul!

R.T.