Shutterstock Photographer Forum :: View topic - Jessops Price Match? Also, uber cheap lens for Canon?

Tim · Joined: 10 Mar 2005 Posts: 458 Location: UK

Excited!

I'm looking at getting a Camera for my dad (His old slr packed up, timings all off, so I've got to get him a new camera, nice old fashioned... maybe an Oly 10... Not bothered about lenses since I'll sell his old ones afterwards anyway)

But also I'm going to have a look at the 20D. It'll have to partly be on credit and the budget is tight :-(

I'm REALLY pushing it for the 20d, so it'll be with the kit lens until I've graduated and got myself a job. I really want the 20d, so the camera is settled. I was tempted by the D70 but in the end I've decided is 20D or wait for a while (D70s not a big enough step up.)

I might be able to stretch to the 50mm 1.8 but if you have any suggestions (CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP) for a replacement for the 18-55, please get in touch asap. I tend to by on a whim so I may well end up with one by monday!

Anyway. The other point of this message is:- Will Jessops price match 7dayshop.com in the UK? Does anyone know anywhere cheaper for the 20d?

StuartE · Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 8:12 pm

Cheapest sources for 20D - Hong Kong, or Canada, via Ebay - you should be able to get the camera, kit lens, a second lens, tripod, extra battery, memory card, cleaning kit, AND a three year Mack warranty (repairs done by Canon under warranty by Mack) for the same sort of price you'll pay for the kit alone in a store... if you just want the kit, and a warranty, it'll be cheaper...

The 50mm F/1.8 is both a superior quality lens, and the cheapest Canon lens... don't fall into the trap of buying a cheap Qantaray or Tamron lens - you'll just be getting even less quality than the 18-55... The 18-55 isn't a 'bad' lens, either - it's just not a good or great lens... you can have my 75-300mm MKIII for say eighty quid - plus postage (which might not be too much as we frequently send stuff over to the UK for birthdays, etc... it could ride along with that and then just need sending UK->UK...) if you're looking for some extra length...

We have had 'import' 20D's selling here for anywhere from AUD$1300 - five hundred pounds+ - they're from Hong Kong, but without the warranty from Mack...

Cheers,
Stuart

Tim · Joined: 10 Mar 2005 Posts: 458 Location: UK

You know how I said I was an easy target for sales?

I went in and had a play with the 10D and the D70. I also had a look at the 350xt. THe 350 looks like a toy and doesn't interest me. It's just too small. The D70 tempted me again. It's a fair bit cheaper and feels on par with the 10D. They didn't have any 20D's into the store... I ordered a 20d (18-55 kit) into the store. I'm under no obligation to buy it, but to be honest it's likely that I will.

I like the idea of being able to take the camera back to the store if it's broken. There is a "no quibble- refund or replace" policy in Jessops which I've used before. It's nice because It's a UK wide chain and I'm moving down to England this summer. (Better get some good highland landscapes before I go!)

They offer a pretty good credit deal too :-) (9-12 months I think)

Guess I need to try and find some UK camera companies to price match.

Stuart - the 70-300 MKIII - It was on my wish list (Along with the 10-22 and the 28-135IS), very tempting... but it'd have to wait for a couple of months to be honest. I need to buy a suit (Job interviews) and it's my girlfriends birthday on Monday :-)

If you haven't sold/got rid of your 75-300 when I've got a bit of spare cash (Hopefully I won't end up unemployed after graduation), and the offer still stands I'd take you up on that, but don't hold back if you're wanting to sell it elsewhere.

StuartE · Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 6:43 am

I think it has sold - I got an order for a 20D kit today, and I mentioned it to them... when it comes in I think they'll take both...

Cheers,
Stuart

Clivia · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 405 Location: UK

Tim, take the 20D you won't regret it! I got mine about a month back, and I an so delighted with it.
A good camera makes a huge difference. My rejection rates across all the sites have plummeted, no noise on any shots for ages! It is also so fast to power up and shoot from cold I was astounded. I have never used a film camera, and took it for granted you had to wait for the camera get up to speed before you took your shot. Not any more! I like to take animal shots, and speed can be of the essence to capture the moment.
The quality of the pictures is great. I bought 2 lenses, both Canon, and 18-55 and a 55-200. Both are excellent, and getting plenty of use. I am saving for a macro lenses, and would appreciate advice from anyone on the best type to get. I have never had a macro lens so it is new territory for me.
I am still learning where to find everything on the menus. They are a bit fiddly to use until you get used to them.
I bought mine from a local independent shop. I like to support independent traders whenever I can, and they put a good package together for me. I could have got it cheaper I know, but the after sales service is important to me, and I know I can drop into the shop for advice or help anytime I want.
Go for it Tim! You will be glad you did!

Tim · Joined: 10 Mar 2005 Posts: 458 Location: UK

Why not start with a set of close up filters or an adapter? I've had reasonable success on film with an adapter lens that sits on the end of my other lenses.

Mine cost about �50-70, and gives satisfactory results. They suffer from mild amounts of distortion in the corners but it is tolerable in my opinion.

However, going that route is like me and the 20d. I had a film SLR, thought "pah, digital, I'll just get an alright one to save some cash on film processing", then 8 months later I'm shelling out again. On the upside my walkaround/snaps/out for a laugh/Drinking and therefore not sensible idea/lend to girlfriend/toy camera will be the s7000 which takes a fine picture :-) I can see me having to stick with the kit lens for a LOOONG time though, that and the 50mm 1.8.

I really want the 20d - Playing with the 10 pretty much cemented that. I could afford a d70 without credit which makes it that little bit less tempting though, but the 20d's shots are so much better.

StuartE · Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 7:54 am

My recommendation for macro is either the Canon EF 100mm, or the Sigma 105mm macro... if you add the lifesize adaptor to the 50mm compact macro, you're paying the same as the 100mm, but not getting as good a lens... and the 185mm is a lot more expensive...

Cheers,
Stuart

Clivia · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 405 Location: UK

Thanks Stuart,

I phoned the shop where I got the camera today, and they recommended the same as you. :-)

They also said that Canon are bringing out a new macro lens in the very near future, and it could be a good 'un. I might hang on a bit longer and see what develops.

chitema · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 257 Location: Spain

Take a look at prodigital2000 (Canada) on ebay for the camera body, I bought my 300d off them and it was a good �100 cheaper than the best price I could find in UK. There is no duty on digital cameras but you will have to add 17.5% VAT and don't forget to factor in shipping/insurance.

StuartE · Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 1:45 am

There is a new EF-S macro lens out, I'm told, but it's nothing to write home about according to the state rep here... I'd need to borrow a body to trial it, but I can if you want an unbiased review (unbiased as in I know I won't get the sale even if you want one... lol)

Cheers,
Stuart

Clivia · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 405 Location: UK

That's a kind offer Stuart. I would love it if you would do that. Getting a review from somone with nothing to gain or loose is invaluable.

Thanks a lot.
:-)

Forgiss · Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 3:41 pm

yep, count me in... I am also looking at a nice macro lens, but the focus shift I've seen on some of the cheaper lenses is terrible, so I will first have a look at this new boy coming out!

Tim... Welcome to the Canon Community... don't take no nonsense from those Nikon guys ;-D

Tim · Joined: 10 Mar 2005 Posts: 458 Location: UK

Okay guys, Biting the bullet. I'm "think" I'm buying a 20d tommorrow, subject to some of my own terms and conditions... Wish me luck!

Now I've just got to figure how to pay for it!

Forgiss · Posted: Thu May 19, 2005 2:29 am

Great... I promise you, you won't be dissappointed!!!!

Do us a favour and post the very first picture you take here!!!!

Riger · Joined: 15 Apr 2005 Posts: 524 Location: Dubai