Beginner bargains

[magicaxeman]

I've started this so those of us with a little more experience can point those starting out at bargain equipment we have come across.

Please bear in mind that items mentioned here must be available to purchase now for under £100.

Please state:
the item,
its use,
what it is like to use,
where available and at what price.

I'll start the ball rolling.


Canon 50mm F1.8
Camera world
£89

If you own a canon and don't have a 50mm prime lens in your bag then grab one,though ultra light and plastic in construction this is a seriously good lens, fast, sharp and with good autofocus.
There are so many uses for this lens from landscapes, street photography, portraits to just general use.
Since getting mine it's spent more time on the camera than my more expensive lenses.

If you don't have a prime lens this size then its the best £90 any canon owner can spend.



Tamron 55-200 F4-5.6
Dixons, curry's, PC world
£99.99

Another real bargain for the beginner.

If you want more reach than the kit zoom that came with your camera and your on a tight budget this is a gem of a lens to extend your reach.
Once again plastic in construction, but this means light to carry, ideal for those wanting to try out wildlife,bird, air show etc photography.
I bought this as my disability means I cannot hand hold a heavier lens, I will admit I came across it purely by chance and whilst its not up to the standard of more expensive lenses it does a damn good job and belies its bargain basement price, even more so when on opening the box you find it comes with a free Kenko digital UV filter!
This lens also has macro capabilities and good ones at that.
You could do far worse than this lens and have paid more for the privilege.

[Gina]

I have had the Canon 50mm F1.8 for about 9 months and it's my main portrait lens. Well worth the money and reliability, not to mention the pin sharp results. I agree that this is an essential lens for portrait work and lightweight. 10/10

[StuartR]

My experience of the 50mm f/1.8 is that it's a pretty good lens (especially for the price) but not that good wide-open which is a shame as the fast maximum aperture is probably the main reason for buying it. Perhaps I got a Friday afternoon model...

I also bought the (optional extra) lens hood (a weird 2-piece affair) but I don't think it's really necessary as the front element of the lens is well recessed.

It does feel slightly odd, but somehow liberating, being restricted to a fixed focal length. Reminds me of going out with my old Zenit with its 52 (or was it 58?) mm f/2. Took some good shots with that combination back in the day - although on an APS-C body the 50mm is circa 80mm in 35mm equivalent terms so it's slightly more restrictive for standard shots (if there is such a thing!).

[ash]

Hi there, I can see where you were coming from with this thread but judging by the response not sure others did:\
I think its because you were requesting to much specific information, thread was good idea though.
A little confusing was the fact that you said that the so called bargain had to be available now for less than 100 quid, most bargains are just that and mostly are only available for a short period or purchases of sites like ebay which are one off's!
If i might make a sugestion in saying that it could be better for the beginners to read what essential equipment they need and don't need if they are starting out and leave the price point out of it as bargains very rarely stay around for long.

As for the 50mili, absolutely, if i was on a budget it would be the only lens Ide have honestly, as a beginner it might not seem it because it does not ZOOM!
Lets let the beginners into a secret, use your feet to zoom, its free*LOL

So for my input, forget the dslr body kits, just get the body & a 50mili, the quality and sharpness of your shotts will be shed loads better than any kit lens.
A second battery, uv filter, good quality memory card and a good quality case, what more do you need:D
Now what are you waiting for, get out there and take some shots!
Ash.

[Pops]

Good points Ash and your certainly fighting the corner of the 50mm but however good the lens is it would be totally useless for wildlife photography.
Using your feet to zoom is a smashing tip for some shots but it won't help with wildlife shots.
I would say that for wildlife an absolute minimum of 200mm would be required.

[ash]

I here what ya saying pop's but I would not expect a beginner to be diving into taking wildlife shots:\

[Pops]

I here what ya saying pop's but I would not expect a beginner to be diving into taking wildlife shots:\

Fair comment but.......
it could easily be the motivation for taking up photography ... :)