Is there any reason I should NOT buy this camera package?

coin22lover

I'm on the verge of pulling the trigger on this camera package and was wondering if there is any reason I shouldn't buy it? I like the fact that a lens for normal use and a macro lens is included, but is the macro here a good quality lens? I notice that some 180mm are extremely expensive, where this one zooms all the way up to 300mm. Do the zoom lenses degrade image quality when zooming?

CoinZip

For shooting coins?

yosclimber

I don't see a macro lens included. The 75-300mm is a telephoto lens.
For macro you will need an extension tube or real macro lens, and a larger tripod or copy stand.
The camera body itself would be fine; just need the right lens or adapter and a way to hold it steady and do the focusing.

Broadstruck

Beyond the Camera body there's nothing else that's useful for coin photography.

mgoodm3

The camera and lenses will likely be just fine for most purposes, but will be limited for macro. The additional macro lens is not likely worth your time/money. An add-on macro lens can make these lenses work much better for macro work, but you will be better off getting a nice one such as the Canon 500D (will work best with the longer focal length zoom) in the right filter size for the zoom. These will cost you more, but will do the job much better.

this setup will not be as good as a dedicated macro lens, but will probably do OK with coins (I don't have it to play with to be sure).

You will tend to lose a little quality as the zoom is increased, zooms just don't work as well as a fixed focal length lens for macro (or distance).

Broadstruck

<< <i>Do the zoom lenses degrade image quality when zooming? >>



You want a fixed focal length and from having played with portrait lenses with extension tubes there's usually not enough focus range on the ring for fine macro photography.

Wabbit2313

The stock lens will take good enough coin pictures for most. The package is a good deal since I am sure you are not going to waste your whole life away taking pictures of coins right! I took this picture on the older version of that camera using the stock lens. Go for it!

coin22lover

Ouch, not a real macro lens. Thanks for saving me. I want to take the very best photos, so I will probably nix that particular buy.

Wabbit2313

You are much better off learning to change the settings manually and using the correct light. You can throw that macro lense away if you have part one figured out. Ther is no reason to zoom so far in on a coin that you can count the atoms.

coin22lover

<< <i>You are much better off learning to change the settings manually and using the correct light. You can throw that macro lense away if you have part one figured out. Ther is no reason to zoom so far in on a coin that you can count the atoms. >>




I had heard that zooming a long way was better for light distribution.

mgoodm3

With macro, zoom will not get you a closer picture but it will get the camera farther away from the coin allowing better lighting.

AUandAG

I bought that set for my daughter (exact one) and it does great for family pics, etc.

It does not do coins well at all....I still use my canon point and shoot for that.

bob
PS: if I was better at lighting I might change my mind.
Here are two shots just taken with the standard lens that comes with (no long or micro).

BStrauss3

That package plus the 100mm macro lens (550$) is an awesome combo, however...

LucyBop

I can't stand Canon anymore......



Sony....


But If you must go Canon, get the T5i instead just the t5.

I swear Canon has used that same tired 18mp sensor since I joined this forum....

OldIndianNutKase

Great deal on the camera. But for coins you should also acquire a " macro" lens, which will give the ability to focus on the coin without the camera being a long distance from the camera. Lot's of other advice already posted. Lighting may be an even bigger issue than lenses.

OINK

Davideo

<< <i>But If you must go Canon, get the T5i instead just the t5.

I swear Canon has used that same tired 18mp sensor since I joined this forum.... >>



True, that sensor has been around for about 5 years. But you need to consider that it the lowest level DSLR Canon sells and you can purchase it for just over $300. I would agree that most folks would probably be better off paying for more camera, but if you don't have the budget, it's not bad for the price.

LucyBop

<< <i>

<< <i>But If you must go Canon, get the T5i instead just the t5.

I swear Canon has used that same tired 18mp sensor since I joined this forum.... >>



True, that sensor has been around for about 5 years. But you need to consider that it the lowest level DSLR Canon sells and you can purchase it for just over $300. I would agree that most folks would probably be better off paying for more camera, but if you don't have the budget, it's not bad for the price. >>





Yes it all depends on ones budget, and for a DSLR it doesn't get cheaper.

I still can't recommend this body to anybody, but most if not all modern cameras can take a capable photo, including this unit.

rmpsrpms

Used stuff is cheaper. You can buy a DSLR with decent macro lens for less than that kit! Here is the camera body:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-EOS-Rebel-XS-1000D-10-1-MP-DIGITAL-CAMERA-BODY-AND-EXTRAS-/181764437777?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a52013711

Add perhaps this lens:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tamron-AF-90mm-f-2-8-SP-Di-Macro-lens-w-hood-for-Canon-EOS-USED-/321774469522?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aeb40c192

or maybe this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Excellent-Canon-EF-100-mm-F-2-8-Lens-Macro-from-Japan-Fastest-shipping-90-/191592992648?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c9bd50f88

I know, it's only 10MP. But what does that mean? To publish on this forum, you need to reduce your images to at most 800x800. With the 18MP camera, this means downsizing by 4x. With the 10MP camera, it means downsizing by 3x. That's what it means.