Written on May 27, 2010 at 3:27 am by acce

Canon Digital Rebel Kit with Case, 58mm UV Filter and LP-E5 Li-ion Battery for Canon XS, XSi and T1i Digital SLR Cameras

Filed under Camera & Photo Accessories 5 comments 5 Comments Post a Comment

1. B. Rodgers says:

   May 27, 2010 at 4:41 am

   This kit is a good deal simply because the battery on its own is priced so outrageously. You can get the battery for $50-60, or you can get this kit for $80-100 (price fluctuates). Given that 3rd party battery options are limited (as of this writing…I’m sure it will change), you’re getting a good deal here.

   The case is solid. Build quality is great, and it’s got plenty of room for the camera, at least 4 extra lenses (or 3 + a flash), accessories, and even a P&S in the side pocket if you want. The tripod straps along the front are very useful too. I actually like this case better than the very similar one I saw from Canon at Best Buy separately (Canon 200DG Digital Camera Gadget Bag (Black)). That one didn’t have a zipper around the top — just velcro to keep the flaps tight against the bag. This one doesn’t have velcro, so it’s quieter opening it, and it has a zipper for better rain protection. When it’s not raining, you can just use the clip if you find that easier. I have not seen this exact bag sold separately — the 200DG I linked to above is close, but as I described, a little different.

   The battery is what it is — a genuine Canon battery. I don’t have a problem with 3rd party batteries — I’ve used ones from Lenmar on other cameras with no problem, but they don’t have one for this camera yet. Power 2000 has one, but it’s not all that much cheaper and I don’t know if their quality is as good from reviews on their other batteries. So, for now, I wanted the genuine Canon battery.

   The filter is so-so. I thought at first that people were being filter snobs when they said you should spend a lot on a filter, but I did my own tests. The issue is that cheaper filters without good multi-layer coatings (like this one) will increase flare when there’s a light source pointing in or near the lens (like a picture taken towards the sun, either in frame or out of frame). I used a flashlight to simulate this (both in frame and out of frame), and felt that indeed, the filter added unpleasant flare to the picture. I haven’t picked one up yet, but apparently the Hoya HMC or (better yet) SMC filters are much better. They can be found for around $20 for the HMC or $32 for the SMC. If you want to protect your lens with a filter, I’d probably go that route.

   But, even throwing out the filter, you’re getting a battery that currently goes for $50-65 and a case that stacks up well against bags from Lowepro with similar capacities for $65 (such as Lowepro Rezo 190 AW Camera Bag). If good 3rd party batteries come around at attractive prices, the equation may change. But for now, this is a good deal.
   Rating: 4 / 5
2. Leonard Eng says:

   May 27, 2010 at 6:34 am

   So I have the XSI and now the next step to protect the baby is to get a good bag. Requirements
   
   1) That it is Tough (able to take the weather, bumps and scratches)
   
   2) Big (but the right size to hold some extra gear and not overwhelm the bag)
   
   3) OEM is always nice
   
   4) Affordable
   
   5) Comparable to other top notch bags in terms of design and function.

   The bag is just darn nice. XSI sits in the middle protected with lens on, extra lens and battery are there, even got the wife’s point and shoot Canon along for the ride. There is room for the flash later and bonus tripod straps for serious work. Heck for this price and a free battery! One word… DEAL! Thanks
   
   Rating: 5 / 5
3. FatOrangeTabby says:

   May 27, 2010 at 9:15 am

   I bought this bag to store, carry, and protect my Rebel XSi. The extra battery and filter were just icing on the cake, since the bag was really what I was after. I love that the sections are all removable and you can customize how you want the dividers set up. I have my camera body, two lenses, all the instruction manuals, lens pen, extra battery and chargers, usb cables, usb card reader, photo tips book, and all my extra memory cards in it. There is still room for my P&S and two more lenses or one lens and a flash. The bag is perfect and will grow with me as I add more accessories next Christmas! I also like the fact that there are tripod straps on the front for when I get a tripod, and the bag zips so nothing will accidently fall out. Padding seems adequate and I know my precious camera is safe. It took several weeks to arrive since it was out of stock, but it was totally worth the wait!
   Rating: 5 / 5
4. Z. Wang says:

   May 27, 2010 at 11:44 am

   The bag is very good.
   
   The filter is good.
   
   But the battery, which accounts for the majority of the price, is bad. After taking less than 50 photoes, the batter indicator in my XSi turns red. Yes, I mean 50. Not 500. Because this is ‘kit’, the original shipping box was big. I didn’t bother to keep it. Given this is shipped from Amazon.com LLC itself. I didn’t expect any hassle.
   
   Given so many good reviews, I think my item was simply a defective one. But you should be aware of such possibility and keep your receipt and box until you are sure the battery is good.
   Rating: 1 / 5
5. J. Mayle says:

   May 27, 2010 at 1:08 pm

   I actually paid $99 for mine yesterday at Office Depot. First let me state that if you’re looking for a compact bag this IS NOT the one for you. We bought a Rebel XS and also the longer zoom lens. We needed a case that could hold the camera with that zoom lens on plus have a place to store it when not using it. Holsters were out of the question due to the extra lens. Most of the bags I found (that didnt cost a fortune) wouldnt fit the bill, there was always something about them that wouldnt work…beit size, way the camera sat inside, openings, etc. I came across this Canon Rebel bag and thought I’d try it since it was named after the camera I bought. I got it home and found it VERY spacious with a really nice default layout of the dividers inside (which are removable and changeable via their velcro). After fitting the two flapped dividers in the middle for my SLR I then realized I had four other areas left. I stuck in the extra lens, perfect fit. I then stuck my Sony HD Video camera lens-up in one of the other areas. Then I put my Sony Point-And-Shoot in one of the nice size side pockets. Added my batteries and memory cards and found that all my photographic devices all fit in this one bag and STILL had one area left that would be perfect for another lens ( but I used this one to stuff my strap down in which was convenient). I lifted the bag and it was not heavy at all which suprised me. The pad on the shoulder strap is REALLY nice and thick. The top closes via dual zipper or you can leave it unzipped and just use the plastic clasp for quick access. It has the waist strap ties but I doubt I’ll never use them. The bottom has a hardened rubber part so you won’t trash your bag no matter where you set it. OH and let me also say the extra battery it came with was a REAL plus, as was the UV lens filter which screwed on the end of my lens and perfectly accomodated my lens cap.
   Rating: 4 / 5