Is this a good buy need input!

[Mitch529]

Canon Rebel XT SLR Body (great condition, original box, battery charger, etc...)

Lenses:
Tamron 28-200 3.5
Canon 100 macro 2.8
Canon 35-105 3.5
Canon 420ex flash

all for $600

Thanks,
Mitch

[BlueCorn]

Considering that the Canon 100 2.8 is $500 I'd say yes.

I'd also think that it warrants a "be careful" there are a lot of slimy folks in the camera business.

[Mitch529]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12508158#post12508158 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by beerguy
Considering that the Canon 100 2.8 is $500 I'd say yes.

I'd also think that it warrants a "be careful" there are a lot of slimy folks in the camera business.

Thank you for the warning, I will be going to look at/test out tomorrow as the seller is local to me.

Is there anything specific I should look for that is 'slimy'? This will be my first DSLR.

Thanks,
Mitch

[LostOmen]

First of all, it's a great camera, those are great lenses, nice flash, and that is a heck of a deal! It almost sounds as if it's too good of a deal. If there is a way to do it, see if you can test the camera and see the pictures loaded on a computer. That way you can check for dirty/scratched CCD, focusing problems, etc. If you feel like being really thorough, you can use the "Clean" mode in the camera to expose the CCD and check for scratches that way. Just be careful.

Run the camera through its paces using every lens and the flash. Listen for any unusual noises. If the owner hasn't reset the photo count, you can check for the number of actuations by looking at the file name when you load it on the computer. DSLR's have a limited amount of actuations, although it is very high and being the XT model it probably still has plenty of life left.

Other than that, just go with your gut! Hopefully it works out for you. It's good that you have the opportunity to check it out.

[BlueCorn]

Take a friend and meet in a public place.

It's a pretty common scam to list a camera for some ridiculous price on craig's list or the like. You show up, with them knowing that you've got $600 in your pocket. You leave without the $600 or the camera. That seems way to good to be real.

[Mitch529]

Thank you for the information, I was already planning on going with a friend... Unfortunately you cannot trust people to be honest so I always take precautions.

I will let you guys know how it goes, I am going to check it out tomorrow morning.

[TitusvileSurfer]

Yeah that's a great deal but head the others' advice. Its almost...too good of a deal. Assuming everything is legit....yeah definitely.

[Mitch529]

Well I ended up heading over to his place tonight, everything is in great condition!!! Picked it all up for $600 I am reading manuals now and figuring out everything it can do.

[TitusvileSurfer]

And it can do a lot! Canon has good manuals. Read the whole thing front to back...every page. Play with your camera as you read about what your reading. Then look at the glossary and go back over any confusion points. Then come back here with educated questions and we will be more than happy to show you the way to the light...pun intended.

[LostOmen]

Congrats on a good deal! You will definitely be happy with that setup.

[BlueCorn]

Congrats - that was a really good deal. Even if you upgrade at some point you'll get your money back out of that body.

[latazyo]

Mitch, did they say anything about why such a good deal? inheritance, bought a new one...etc?

[Mitch529]

Thanks guys I am really enjoying the camera so far. Been reading the manual and practicing settings, man it can do a lot!

Here are a few shots from last night after toying around with it for a bit, still have a lot to learn but thats the fun part!

Taken with the Tamron 28-200, manual focus and WB set to coffee filter to combat the 14k halides, used AV Mode.
http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/4984/clowniw2.jpg

Our puppy Zero, taken on auto using the speedlite 420EX & Tamron lens again.
http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/6808/img3297ab4.jpg

[Mitch529]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12513155#post12513155 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by latazyo
Mitch, did they say anything about why such a good deal? inheritance, bought a new one...etc?

I just got lucky, he upgraded equipment and this was sitting around collecting dust.

[RevHtree]

That was a sweeeeeet deal!

[Mitch529]

The camera came with some 62mm Merkury Optics UV Filters are these worth using? They seem like they would protect the lens if anything but I wonder if they can affect the pictures?

The Tamron lens also came with the AD03S Lens Hood is that something I should leave on the lens all the time? I know it is to reduce lens flare but does it affect pictures otherwise?

[Mitch529]

Here are some more from today... Messing with settings some more, all taken using Tamron lens

http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/9696/img3464ug1.jpg

http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/100/img3473dx2.jpg

http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/8021/img3485gp1.jpg

http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/7550/img3486pu4.jpg

http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/1706/img3491sa3.jpg

http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/95/img3493qq5.jpg

[TitusvileSurfer]

I just noticed your a fellow Floridian, noticing the native plants. For your white balance, change your quality setting to RAW. While your shooting, don't even worry about it. Once the pictures are loaded onto your computer you can custom white balance it perfectly, easily, and once you are experienced very quickly. It takes me about 3-5 seconds a picture.

Hint: RAW is only available in AV, TV, or M. The automatic modes do not allow this feature.

[latazyo]

test out the UV filters and see what you think

I used them for a little while, but now I dont like them

they gave me glares sometimes and I just didn't like some of the pics with it on, but some people love them

[Mitch529]

http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/7672/pinkzoosra0.jpg

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/9324/acanhb7.jpg

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/1641/faviajw3.jpg

Well I tried out the 100mm macro lens today, it is a bit more difficult to use than I anticipated. I cannot seem to get those crazy up close shots.

[this is me]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12513358#post12513358 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mitch529
The camera came with some 62mm Merkury Optics UV Filters are these worth using? They seem like they would protect the lens if anything but I wonder if they can affect the pictures?


I don't use any UV filter for any of my lenses. Putting a $20 UV filter in front of a lens is a little daff IMO. There are times that a polarizer and ND filters are needed for the scene.
The lens hood that come with the lens offer way more protection without degrading your image quality of your lens.
Nice pick up.
Happy Shooting.

[LostOmen]

I know you just got the camera, but it seems to me that you should be getting clearer, more detailed shots with that macro lens. Are you using a tripod? Have you adjusted the viewfinder to your eye? It might just be the fact you are shooting through a glass tank. The pictures look great regardless!

[latazyo]

Mitch, on the macro, how close are you standing to the subjects?

and as lostomen suggested tripod is key

oh yeah, since you got a good deal on the camera, buy a nice tripod

I bought a cheapy and now I need a nicer one, essentially wasting the $50 on the cheap one, that could have gone somewhere else

[Mitch529]

I have a tripod, nothing special I plan on buying a new one quite soon... But this one works fine and is stable for now.

The camera is pretty close to the subjects, the lens most times is fully extended 1:1 unless I am trying to get something further back in the tank. Should I be letting it auto focus or manually focusing it? It is difficult to focus by moving the camera when it is 1:1, is this how I should be focusing or I am doing something wrong?

These pictures were taking using Av mode, ISO 200, experimenting with the aperture keeping it pretty high to get more of the coral in focus. Imported into lightroom only adjustment was white balance on a few, all shot in RAW mode.

http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/4070/img3603wn1.jpg

http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/4348/img3604ak7.jpg

http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/8211/img3607nu8.jpg

http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/4376/img3610df7.jpg

Looks like I have some sensor dust, guess I need to order a kit to clean it.

[Mitch529]

Some more attempts, I took one of an object not in the tank to see if it turned out any better.

Again all manual focus, similar settings... Maybe I need to try out manual mode and experiment there.

http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/5793/treocu5.jpg

http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/219/img3630eb4.jpg

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/4459/img3631mf3.jpg

[Mitch529]

Here are a few more I felt were pretty good, polyps on these are a bit blurred as the pumps are back on.

http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/1903/img3638lt5.jpg

http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/9866/img3640af1.jpg

Anyone want to critique, maybe some pointers?

[Mitch529]

Ok last pics for a bit I promise! Tried out the macro lens far away I am pretty happy with the results, I am sure they can be improved upon but I am beginning to get the hang of this lens I think.

Sorry for the cut off pics, I can only backup so far where the tanks are so I cannot get the full frame.

http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/5364/img3644bo1.jpg

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/723/img3647ls9.jpg

[LostOmen]

Looking good! Macro shooting is tougher than you would think! Have you adjusted the viewfinder focus as well? It's a must when using manual focus. Your tanks are beautiful btw!

[Mitch529]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12517354#post12517354 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LostOmen
Looking good! Macro shooting is tougher than you would think! Have you adjusted the viewfinder focus as well? It's a must when using manual focus. Your tanks are beautiful btw!

I did adjust it, not sure if its correct or not. I wear glasses and I have been shooting with out them, I set it to auto focus and then adjusted the viewfinder until it was clear and sharp...

I don't remember seeing anything about it in the manual I will have to go back and check, maybe I have it adjusted wrong. It's clear when focused both wearing glasses and without, is that correct? (I am nearsighted if that makes any difference)

[LostOmen]

Yeah, that's the way I always adjusted mine. Sounds like your doing everything right. Keep those pictures coming!

[Mitch529]

Here are a few from this morning, starting to get the hang of this!

http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/3697/eeldf1.jpg

http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/2208/duncanac5.jpg

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/8348/openbrainvn8.jpg

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/4448/zoas2nl1.jpg

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/5894/zoasql5.jpg

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/4892/blastosry3.jpg

http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/5132/aveloporavz6.jpg

http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/6695/featherdusterew5.jpg

[fatrip]

just wondering where you had looked to find this deal? i really cant find anything about used camera stuff in my area.

[Mitch529]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12523122#post12523122 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fatrip
just wondering where you had looked to find this deal? i really cant find anything about used camera stuff in my area.

Found it on craigslist, guy had just listed it. Just check daily, make sure you search for broad terms too... Like say you want a Rebel XT, search for 350D, Rebel, XT, Cannon XT, etc......

If you are patient you can find great deals.

[latazyo]

I'll say you are getting the hang of it

[RevHtree]

Looking great Mitch!

[Mitch529]

Thanks guys!

Here are a few attempts at fish, my flash batteries were dead so these are not great... It was an experience manually focusing the 100mm while tracking the fish!

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/157/lubbocksax3.jpg

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/2615/flasherpz3.jpg

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/6148/conchwe9.jpg