First day questions...2

[brian222]

Just getting back into cameras and got a very nice old Rebel XT with a 28-90 lens. I'll stick with that one until I learn more but at some point I'd like to get one more lens. Any suggestions? Mainly it will be outdoors..wildlife etc.

And I've heard about a card reader. Do I really need one?

Thanks.

[RobertTheFat]

1. The EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

2. Yes.

[kvbarkley]

Robert's suggestions are good, but you will be duplicating your focal length, albeit with a much better lens.

If you want to shoot wildlife far away, get the EF-S 55 - 250 STM zoom.

If you want wide angle "outdoor shots" get the EF-S 10-18 or the more expensive EF-S 10-22.

I have never had a need for an external card reader. My Macs have worked fine with a USB cable, and they have one built in if necessary - you might already have one.

[RobertTheFat]

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@kvbarkley wrote:

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I have never had a need for an external card reader. My Macs have worked fine with a USB cable, and they have one built in if necessary - you might already have one.

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Brian's computer may well have a built-in card reader, but it will almost certainly read SD cards only, So whether it's useful or not will depend on which side of the Rebel line's CF-to-SD conversion the XT falls on. I don't know the answer off the top of my head, but I do know that the XTi took CF cards.

[kvbarkley]

Rats, I keep forgetting early Rebels used CF cards.

[brian222]

My card says Compact Flash. SanDisk Extreme 111 2.0gb.

[RobertTheFat]

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@brian222 wrote:
My card says Compact Flash. SanDisk Extreme 111 2.0gb.

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That's a CF card. You'll probably need a card reader other than the one that may be built into your Mac. But even good card readers aren't very expensive, and most of them will read any common variety of card.

[brian222]

thanks for that. BTW is 2gb enough or look for something bigger?

[John_SD]

First off, welcome to the forum. I'm also a beginner. I picked up a Rebel T6 kit about a month ago and am really enjoying it. There are quite a few knowledgable posters here and they seem willing and eager to help. I've learned a lot just from reading posts and asking a few questions.

While I can't advise you on lenses, I can tell you this: If you are just getting back into photography, download a PDF version of your camera manual and spend some time studying it -- the more the better. I still read mine nearly every day. There is a lot to learn about photography and so self-study is important, I believe. Also, I'm spending time reading "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. Great stuff, and I'm learning about the "exposure triangle," which for me, right now, is where it's at. I try to apply what I've read by changing aperature and/or shutter speed and seeing what the result is. Anyway, good luck with whatever lens you might choose, and enjoy the hobby. 

[brian222]

did the PDF...about 170 pages. Working on it.Thanks.