Canon 35-80, 4-5.6 vs 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 IS

[Cicada]

I'm hoping to scratch enough money together to get a Rebel XSI. I have the 35-80 from my 35mm film Rebel. The reason I'm thinking about getting a body only is that I can use this lens and already have several filters and a lens hood to fit the 35-80. It takes a 52mm filter. The 18-55 takes a 58mm filter and I have none of those. Can this be done? Would there be any major disadvantages to doing it?

[Steve Foss]

Cicada, unless you want to do wider angle photography, there shouldn't be any issue with using the old Film Rebel 35-80 on the XSi.

Because of the size of the digital sensor (smaller than a frame of 35mm film), you'll get a real-world focal length of 56-128mm from your 35-80.

I can't be positive all the lens functions will work just right on the XSi. My step-daughter bolted that same lens on her XT and it worked perfectly though, so I'd bet it would work fine on the much newer XSi.

[Cicada]

Is the digital sensor still smaller on the XSi than 35mm?

[Steve Foss]

Yes.

[Dbl]

What would the price difference be on the XSi body only compared to coming with the 18-55? I can't imagine it would be much. You would likely be happier with the the kit lens than using a lens that was older auto focus technology (belt drive auto focus) and image quality that was fair. For the very little difference in price I might be tempted to stick with the kit lens, a little better quality, faster focus, and slightly larger aperture. JMHO

[Cicada]

Thank you gentlemen.