Buying a Digital SLR - Need Advice

[crowl31]

I'm looking to buy either a Cannon XT or XTI. I'm new to the SLR market and don't know much about cameras but I want to learn.

I found this package on EBAY, Can you tell me if its a good deal?

(all items brand new)

• Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT SLR Camera
  Supplied Accessories:
  NB-2LH Battery Pack
  Battery Charger
  Power Cord for Battery Charger
  USB Interface Cable
  Video Cable
  Neck Strap
  Viewfinder & Body Caps
  EOS Digital Solutions CD-ROM:
  -ZoomBrowser EX
  -ImageBrowser
  -ArcSoft PhotoStudio
  Digital Photo Professional 1.6 CD-ROM (for RAW file conversion)
  Instruction Manual CD-ROM
  Owner's Manual
  1-Year Canon U.S.A. Warranty​
• 1GB Compact Flash Memory Card ​
• Tamron 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 Autofocus Lens ​
• Tamron 75-300mm F/4-5.6 LD Macro Autofocus Lens ​
• Wide Angle Converter Lens ​
• Black Stylish Camera & Accessory Case ​
  
  [*]
  Table-Top Tripod ​
  [*]
  Full Size Tripod ​
  [*]
  Deluxe Lens & LCD Cleaning Kit ​
  [*]
  Digital Camera Memory Card Wallet​

TOTAL COST = $660.00

 

[ZIN]

I will comment about 1 thing... Be careful buying on ebay make sure they have great feedback. Alot of packages give lenses that are not to good but those seem pretty nice in my opinion .

 

[TheOtherBob]

Well, you can get the XT and a 18-55mm kit lens (a much better choice for this camera, I feel - the 28-80 is not a great range) at B&H for about $510. Then the Tamron 75-300 (about which I have no opinion - I've never used one) is about $130. A 1 GB CF memory card would run you about $25 -- so you're up to about $665 at B&H. BUT, you know you can trust them...and I think the 18-55 lens is a lot better choice.

The other stuff you'd get in this deal from e-bay is...just in my opinion...junk. A "wide angle converter lens" for a DSLR? Better to get a wider lens - the 28-80 is already slow, and I can't imagine what it's like with a converter lens on it. The free tripods you get are usually worthless, and the cleaning kit is usually a little water and a soft cloth.

My view (and it's just mine) is to skip this one and go with B&H, or Adorama.