28-200 lens?

[jybubba]

From browsing through the forum, I realised most of u don't invest in 28-200 lens, is there a reason why?
After all the talk on 20D, I am tempted as well. I like 28-200 lens as it gives me the flexibility to zoom onto faraway objects and yet provide a reasonable wide angle view.
What about the lens kit that came with 20D, 18-55mm (equiv to 29-88mm rite?) Is it good for beginners?
Most of the pple buy cameras from CP, AP, TCW etc. What about Harvery Norman, Courts, Best Denki? They have those extended warranties that will cover the camera beyond the local 1 yr warranty? Isn't it good since repairing a dslr is not going to be cheap?

Sorry for the many questions at one go just curious n hoping to know more before i committed myself to a dslr.

[nickmak]

Originally Posted by jybubba From browsing through the forum, I realised most of u don't invest in 28-200 lens, is there a reason why? After all the talk on 20D, I am tempted as well. I like 28-200 lens as it gives me the flexibility to zoom onto faraway objects and yet provide a reasonable wide angle view. What about the lens kit that came with 20D, 18-55mm (equiv to 29-88mm rite?) Is it good for beginners? Most of the pple buy cameras from CP, AP, TCW etc. What about Harvery Norman, Courts, Best Denki? They have those extended warranties that will cover the camera beyond the local 1 yr warranty? Isn't it good since repairing a dslr is not going to be cheap? Sorry for the many questions at one go just curious n hoping to know more before i committed myself to a dslr.

I started off with a 28-200 lens... I thought it was good... Until I blew it up to sizes I usually print... then YIKES! Because the lens will only be sharp usually at f8 or smaller and you don't buy the lens to use it at f8 only...

Right now I try primes for the big focal lengths and at most 3x zooms for the more normal focal lengths. I think try the 20D with either the EF-S lenses because they start off great. But heed this advice: Don't jump into the L loop yet other wise it'll suck you in like a black hole!

Most people buy from CP, AP and TCW because they basically are specialist shops and they sell specialist items. You don't find L lenses in Best Denki do you? As for warranty, one year is usually the norm, and the extended warranties I somehow don't trust.

If you just into the dslr bandwagon, be prepared to spend more on extras...

Cheers.