Ok, first I want to apologize in advance for asking questions that evryone is probably tired of answering and adding yet another thread about digital cameras.
Now on to my questions.
I am looking at buying a digital rebel XT or XTI (at this point I am leaning towards the XT because money is an issue) and I was wondering which is better specifically for railroad photography. I am also wondering what lense would be best. I am not sure what to get because I know that digital lenses are different than regular SLR lenses. I am looking to buy a setup that will allow me to take high quality digital photos. I have had a lot of experience with film slr cameras, but the expense of film and processing is getting to me. I do have some experience with an old nikon coolpix digital camera, but i was continually disapointed with the quality of the photos and its poor auto-focus (it was almost impossible to get a clear picture of a moving subject). Now that and the rest of the railfan world seems to have gone digital and what can I say Erik and Mike have made me jealous, I think its time that I get myself a good digital camera.
While not any sort of photography expert, I can share my experience:
I had used a Canon EOS Rebel 35mm film camera and recognized (as you have) that it was time to change to digital. I went with the Canon EOS digital Rebel XTi, as many of the key controls are set up just the same as my film camera. The first couple shots were around the house, and the resolution was amazing - I photographed a grasshopper that was sitting within a hibiscus blossom, and in the photo one can see the individual grains of pollen sticking to the beasties’ leg.
My first use of the new camera with trains was with CSX and Amtrak over in Florence, SC. I discovered that the zoom lens that I had for the film Rebel (an “AF” for Automatic Focus) would NOT work with the digital Rebel (which needs an “EF” or Electronic Focus lens). There went another couple hundred dollars. Also recognize that the memory card or “flash card” is not included in the camera purchase price, and you must select one or more separately.
Although I was not close to fully familiar with the new camera, I figured that the camera was a whole lot smarter than I and would help make up for my deficiencies, and I went on a dream train photography trip in late October. I went to the BNSF transcon (3 nights in Flagstaff) and rode the Silverton train on it’s last regular operating weekend of the season. I caught a couple short lines as well, including the Black Mesa and Lake Powell. I was EXTREMELY pleased with the ability to take multiple images without worrying about replacing film. I have a 2 gig card, which allows something like 216 images to be preserved - the freedom that creates is wonderful. Photo quality is again excellent. I only “messed up” on two shots of an on-coming train, and figured out that with my eye pressed against the viewfinder, my nose was pushing my right thumb off of the thumbrest over onto the "AE Lock/FE Lock button&
I’m no longer in the Canon camp, having switched to Pentax about a year ago, but here are some thoughts about Canon cameras and lenses.
I’ve only shot with an XTi a couple times, and there are some niceties that make it preferable to the XT. However, if I was getting into Canon and on a budget I would have no reservations about getting an XT. They’re wonderfully capable little cameras and you won’t be upset about your decision. As an added bonus because of the physics of imaging sensors, the XT is slightly cleaner than the XTi at higher ISOs (ISO 800+ I would say).
Both cameras have enough resolution to demand a lot out your lenses and your techniques. Be sure to use the best glass you can afford and work on your technique (use a tripod when possible, and use good hand-holding techniques when not possible, etc.).
Since it’s a system, you can get some lenses that will get you by for now and improve as time goes by.
The kit lenses aren’t bad (especially the 55-200mm Mk. II which is really a decent performer for it’s price), but they do involve some compromises. Be sure to stop them down a little bit if possible.
There are some good Canon primes that are comparitively cheap that are fantastically good. Best in this class has to be the 50mm f1.8. At around $70, it’s a really cheap way to get a really good lens.
If you can afford it eventually, you can’t go wrong with most of the “L” glass. Two exceptional lenses (and comparitively affordable as such things go) that I owned were the 70-200mm f4L (the IS version is nice, but overpriced, IMHO) and the 400mm f5.6L. I had a hard time giving up both of them when I switched to Pentax (though I’ve since found some gems in Pentaxia that have made up for the loss of those two).
Since Canon is such a huge brand, there are a lot of places to rent Canon glass. If you want to experience something exotic from time to time (say a 600mm f
As to choice of lenses for the Rebel, it will accept any 35mm Canon EF lens, but there are some zoom lenses made specifically for the smaller sensor (the 1.6x). That means if a 35mm lens is used on the Rebel, it will have the equivalent field of view of 56mm. This is useful in telephoto shots, as a 100 mm lens setting will equate to 160mm. It also captures the “sweet spot” center portion of the incoming image without distortions at the edges.
The downside is at wide-angle settings, where the field of view is much less than on a full-frame sensor.
At any rate, for most railfanning shots, a good range would be a zoom lens that covers the typical field of view that you shoot most. A decent lens from a third-party manufacturer would be something like a 24mm-105mm, which would be the equivalent of about 38mm to 168mm. For most 3/4 shots, this gives you the ability to start at the telephoto setting, then zoom to a wide angle as the train approaches. With AutoFocus on, the Rebel will track whatever you have your ‘target’ in the viewfinder pointed at, provided you have the shutter half depressed.
I’ve had good luck with my XTi so far, and I’ve far from “stressed” it in terms of what it’s capable of.
I got not one, but two memory cards for it, along with a USB card reader that I carry in the bag along with the camera. If I take pictures of someone or something and want to share, all I need is a USB port on their computer and away they go. I also stocked up with two extra batteries - I’m good for around 500 shots.
I haven’t gotten any other glass for it - but a longer lens is on the wish list.
Like Chris, I recommend the Canon 70-200mm f4 since you are on a budget. As a second lens, I suggest you consider the Canon 17-40mm. Both of these lenses will satisfy 75% of your requirements for railfanning or general photography. When your budget allows, buy Canon’s 300mm f4 L IS. It is a superb lens.
One good reason to go for the XTi is that it has the automatic sensor cleaning. Presumably you’ll be outdoors doing most of your shooting and annoying things like dust can sneak inside the camera. Every time you swtch the XTi on or off the sensor cleaning is activated. BTW any Canon film AF lens will work on the digital Rebels, just remember the 1.6x factor.
If you want to go with the cameras that are yout at this very moment, get the XTi It most likely will never do you wrong. As for a biger lens, the 70-200 Is great. When I bought mine 2 years ago, it was only about $200 at Wal-Mart of all places. And to be honest, I use it more often that I use my 200-500, Which Is great for longdistance shots (Thanks again Chris, I have gotten much better iwth it. Take A look. I manged to pull off a cool camera trick with it on my first try.) But if you want to spend more money and go with the newer ones, keep an eye on Canon, they are expected to possibly release some new models this month, and most likely this week at the Consumer Electorics Show. They released a sweet 16GB Dual Flash Camcorder yesterday…
I have the xti and prefer to use my older EF lenses that I use to use with my Canon AF film cameras, especially the 35-135 lens as well as several others. I also use Nikon digital. Have you considered the d40x model ? It’s quite good and the kit lensa, 18-55 is somewhat better than Canon’s 18-55 kit lens.
I shoot Nikon, but this comment applies to any brand. My primary lens is an 18 - 135 zoom, and typically I use the whole range, shooting as the train approaches and passes. Most of my shots of still trains are around the 70 mm range. The point is if you get two lenses, say the 18 - 55 and the 70 - 200, you will find yourself needing to change lenses as the train approaches. That means you will miss a lot of shots because neither lens will do the whole job. Better to have just one with an adequate zoom range. Another point: you might consider the cheaper XT and put the money saved into the best lens you can afford. Either body will give you good photos, but all lenses are not equal. Go for the best in lenses and you can always upgrade your body later. Bodies get old, but lenses are forever (almost, anyway).
I absolutely agree with that advice on getting the best lens. Digital bodies are changing so fast that they do not hold their value the way good film cameras once did but lenses hold their value very well. On my Nikons I use the 35-70- 2.8d lens. It was a fabulous lens twelve years ago on my N90s and it still great on my d80. The same with my canon xti. I find the older EF lenses still perform superbly. Get a used Nikon d50 or d70s or a Canon xt and get a top quality lens.
Maybe I’m becoming a bit of a prime snob, but I avoid lenses with big zoom ranges like the plague. Actually, I’m kind of avoiding all zooms more and more. Maybe I’ve been pixel-peeping a bit too much, but I really like the look from shots taken with my prime lenses a lot more than my zooms.
Additionally, my primes are faster so I can use them in lower light, and some of them are ridiculously small and light (DA21mm and DA40mm pancakes for example).
A lot will depend on shooting style, though. I’m not sure how the OP shoots. She may want to get a big zoom for multiple shots. However, I think there’s something to be gained with some nice primes, too.
All Canon EF lenses should work with the Rebel XTi and most third party lenses should also work. There are a couple exceptions (older Sigma lenses sometimes will not function with the newer bodies), but for the most part, even non Canon lenses should work (provided they are for the EF mount and not the FD mount).
The only difference is that because the XTi’s sensor is smaller than a 35mm film exposure, the focal lengths of your lenses will seem longer by a factor of 1.6. So if you have a 50mm lens, it will feel like you’re using an 80mm lens. A 200mm telephoto will feel like 320mm. While it’s nice on the telephoto side, you’ll probably have to pick up a new wide angle lens, since a 28mm will feel like a 45mm. There is a kit lens available with the XTi (an 18-55mm, now also available as an IS lens I believe). It’s not great, but if you stop it down a bit, it isn’t too bad. There are a lot of options for wide angle lenses now (unlike when I started with my D60 years ago), so if you want some more options, let me know.
…Thanks for the response Chris. I’m just thinking ahead a bit, just in case the XTi might drag me into having to have one…
Guess it depends if the “Market” doesn’t fall into the “dumper” completely, this year as to whether I should spend the money to go that route…Appreciate your comments. Boy…320mm…hummm. Yes, I am aware of the 1.6 ratio. But you’re correct about the other end of it…Must have the ability to reach 28mm.