Just bought a 300D!

[Sair33]

Eeek... my first DSLR and I'm really quite excited even though it's an old camera compared to others on the market, but at £160 incl p&p, didn't think I could go wrong!

I'll have a play with it before I go spending any money on lenses etc (it comes with the original 18-55mm)... but even then, I have to admit, I really don't know what I'm looking for when it comes to lenses (what do the numbers mean? Something to do with focal length I guess...?)

Bearing in mind I probably will only get one, and be taking portraits / close up.... can anyone recommend a lens that would do both those relatively well?

(I've seen a Tamron 28-200 for £80 delivered - is that good value?!)

Thanks! Look forward to posting a few pics soon!!

[merdat]

First of all i'll say' congrats' on the dslr , i'm sure that you will get a lot of enjoyment out of it. I would not consider it 'old' . I've a 350d and have not really scratched the surface of it yet. As for the Tamron 28-200 I would tend to think that it would be good value at that price but will leave it to more informed people such as 'bobster' to advise you on whether it would fit your requirements. Enjoy the camera

[IBM]

Sair .... how much do you want to spend?

[Sair33]

Well... I'm not sure really as I don't really know what the price range / possibilities are.
I guess I wouldn't really want to spend more than £150, but then again I don't want to miss out on the capabilities of the camera just because I'm trying to stick to a low budget if that makes sense!
(I know I'd need to spend more than that to get a really decent lens, but at the moment as I haven't even played with it, it seems wrong to spend too much!)

[rastamanblues]

Have a play around with the camera as it is (with the standard lens) just go crazy, have a go with all the settings etc, give it a few weeks to get used to it/work out what sort of lens/pictures ul be taking.

[dave87]

I was going to say something similar to Rasta - I'd learn to get the best out of the kit lens, then try experimenting with differing ones. Otherwise I know I'll end up keep changing lenses and struggling to learn the benefits of either.

[Bobster]

i used to own a 28-200mm Tamron, did me proud for the year that i owned it

28-200 with my 300D (used to be my walk about lens)

[Sair33]

That is a beautiful photo
I think you're right, I will have a good old play around with it first and see how I get on, and then as you say, I will have more idea what I am likely to need.
Seems as though the 28-200 may do the job though so I will definitely bear that in mind
Thanks people... keep you posted!!