Canon Rebel T2 35mm SLR Camera with the EF 28-90mm f/4-5.6 III Zoom Lens film camera Reviews

Canon Rebel T2 35mm SLR Camera with the EF 28-90mm f/4-5.6 III Zoom Lens

Easy to use for techno-impaired 2007-08-07

I bought this camera just before a trip to the Galapagos, where i knew i would take hundreds of photos, and did not have time to test it by shooting a roll before leaving. After reading the instructions in my typical cursory manner, i shot 8 rolls of film, and the photos were excellent. I found it lightweight, easy to set up and adjust, and the results are just wonderful. A great camera for 'lightweights' who are used to the old SLR unautomated heavy bodied cameras none of us carries around anymore.
Bought it with the case. THe only complaint i have is that the lens cap does not securely clip on, and kept falling up, to be retrieved by my colleagues behind me on the trails.... I need to get an attacher ring so that when it unclips, it does not fall off..

Great camera for the price! 2007-07-12

I've used this camera for about five rolls of film in the first couple of weeks I've had it. It makes beautiful photos and is very versatile, not to mention easy to use. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the lens. Not to say it is bad, because it isn't. It's actually great in normal circumstances. I just wanted a tighter zoom for wildlife shots. That's why they make different lenses, and I'm waiting on my 300mm to get here.

Digital can NOT compare 2007-04-13

I tried digital. I really did. But I could never get the really gorgeous shots I got from my old Yashica SLR which gave up the ghost several years back. I also could not really "focus" on what I was shooting...just pointed and shot because there was no film to run out of. The result? Pointless pics that weren't even that good looking. Digital just didn't feel "right." So about 8 months ago I decided to go back to film. What to get? After much research, I finally decided on the Canon T2. Absolutely brilliant camera. My favorite feature? I can let the camera handle focus, etc. OR I can go COMPLETELY MANUAL. May not seem like a big deal, but it feels so good being in control of what the camera does when you want to be. And of course, that means letting your imagination go...something sorely lacking in digital. Couldn't be happier and no more pointless pics. Okay, maybe a few, but they still look good. And isn't that the point?

Outstanding SLR 2007-01-10

Having just gone back to using a film camera from digital (my wife still uses digital) I have found this to be an excellant camera so far. I have taken 6 rolls of film and everyone one has came out perfect. I would recommend it.

Works as advertised 2006-07-29

I recently purchased the Rebel T2 camera body only after my Canon EOS Rebel 2000 gave its "last gasp". I had been a Canon user since 1979 with an AE-1 (that I still have).

I liked the fact that the T2 body plugged immediately into the two EF lenses that I owned (28-80mm and 75-300mm), which protected my previous investments. I was taking pictures within seconds of opening the package and loading batteries. And although I have my sights set on a Digital Rebel at some point soon, you just can't beat the quality of traditional 35-mm film and photoprocessing.

As an upgrade over EOS Rebel 2000, the LCD located on the camera back is easier to read. Also, the T2 seems more "solid" to me, but lighter in weight. I took the older EOS Rebel 2000 with me on a couple 75-mile backpacks (which probably led to its early demise), and so I now have a new-found respect for the lighter design.

As a final note, I also appreciated the ease of ordering via amazon.com. There are plenty of web sites offering the same Canon T2 camera back, including those which would have saved me a few dollars. But none had the long-standing relationship I have had with amazon over the past several years.

Excellent Camera, beautiful pictures. 2006-03-29

I got this after switching from a digital camera. The digital cameras didn't offer the depth I wanted and not having proofs was a big drawback.

I am by no means an expert on photography, but I do know a great photograph when I see one, and this camera takes beautiful shots.

This is a beautiful camera. Elegant in design; the grey body with black accents is definately an attention grabber. People will look at your camera.

It definately has brains to back up it's beauty. Loading film is easy and quick. It has about 8 or so presets. There is the automatic "point and shoot" mode which you'll probably use the most. It automatically compensates for light, adjusting shutter speed and aperture for the perfect shot. The quick autofocus allows you to grab your shot quickly, without waiting for the camera to decide to take the picture.

It also has settings for portrait shots, close ups, night, landscape, no flash, and many others. Those are settings that maximize the camera's features for those particular shot. It also has a program setting where you can program shutter speed, aperture, flash and film advance. Though with the comprehensive presets, I don't think you'll ever need to use it.

The 28-90 lens that comes with the kit is nice, and has a selector for autofocus or manual focus. It also, of course, can be removed so you can add other lenses. The zoom is powerful and leads to beautiful shots.

Overall this is an unbelievable camera. Great price, features, and pictures will be the best you've ever seen. They are very crisp, clear and have almost a 3D lifelike quality to them, something I've never seen outside of a professionally taken photograph. This camera is awesome.

More than good enough 2006-02-19

After researching several cameras in this price range, I bought the Rebel T2 last month. It has met my expectations and perhaps then some. After recently trying out a friends camera in the 150.-ish range, I partially regret spending what I did. It all comes down to what you need, want, and how many bells and whistles you like. For the money though, compared to the competitors, I still think I made a good purchase. After all, if I use it for ten years, which I most likely will, I will have surely got my moneys worth. Bottom line: no complaints with it.

A Wonderful Camera 2006-01-28

Some years ago I bought a Canon Rebel, one of the earlier ones, it was not so great, kept if for a while and then sold it.

I have been into digital for some time now, but, its great, but it is not film, not by any chance.
I have a very old point and shoot, I started taking pictures with either Kodak of Fuji film, I then brought it into my one hour developer and had the negs developed and digitized onto a CD.
The results were gorgeous, at that point it was time for a new SLR, there are not so many left right now.
I saw The Eos Rebel T2 with the 28-90 Mark III zoom lens, it was impressive, light, but with just a touch of heft, great grip,viewfinder, very fast autofocus, it even looks great.
So forgetting my previous experience with a Rebel a long time ago I bought.
This is a superb camera, this is just no way to praise it, I love this camera.
Since getting it I,ve shot 10 rolls of film, all were digitized onto a disc, touched up where I felt they needed it, (a simple procedure.
I shot a roll in a hanger at a former Naval Aviation Base here, all kinds of aircraft were in different stages of reconstruction,it was a photographers paradise.
The results I am getting are better than a very expensive digital camera.
I cannot recommend the T2 even more, if you want one get it now, I think these cameras will be gone soon.
Canon you did great job.

I LOVE IT 2005-12-08

YO! This camera is just perfect for those getting into photogrophy! Although im only 14 years old, I know what i'm talking about. I have had this camera for 3 weeks now and it is just inspirational. I got into photogrophy from Transworld Skateboarding Magazine. The photogrophers have amazing pics! Truly inspirational! I'm leaving for christmas to go to England next week and can't wait to shoot some nice pics. I tend to favor fast action pics. With Al Servo (funtion automatically set in sports mode) i can just point and shoot and the camera automatically adjusts the focus of the object during the pictures. I love to customize. The easiest customization setting that i always use for outdoor action pics is the Tv mode. This mode allows you to customize the shutter speed. First make sure you are in a bright lighted area to ensure fast shutter speed. The brighter the area is the faster the shutter speed you can set. I like to hold down the shutter button for a rapid fire of 3 frames per second. Awesome! I love the sound of instant photos. I cannot even descride what it is like. Try it out! The T2 is a great camera for begginers at a great price. Remember this review is only a "guideline". It would be good to make a decision on your own. If you try hard and can't come to a decision, that is when you can rely on other peoples opinions.
If you want to see some cool pics from the magazine
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Nice! 2005-11-23

I looked at digital cameras for months - literally - before I just decided to lug around a 35 mm SLR. As everyone probably already knows, megapixels matter a whole lot when you're talking about blowing a picture up to a larger size. What's great about film is that unless the picture was taken out of focus, or in bad light, you can use a negative to blow something up and the quality really doesn't start to go down until you're making HUGE prints. (How huge exactly I don't know, but the biggest I've blown up was around 4x4 feet, and still no trouble.) The prints I've gotten out of this camera so far have been stellar. ( I use fuji film -- I think it's better than Kodak, even though Kodak has better commercials. Give it a try!)

The camera itself is not too heavy, granted, it's not the convenience of a tiny digital camera, but it's not as bad as I'd expected to carry it around all day. The neck strap is nice, the manual is actually easy to comprehend. I like a camera that has buttons for a lot of it's features on the body -- it seems complicated at first, but once you know how to use the features, they're much easier to access than they would be if you were scrolling through a menu. The T2 seems worth the hundred or so more dollars than you would pay for the very similar Rebel K2 by Canon.

One thing - make sure you take the batteries out if you're not going to be using it for a week or more. It seems like they go dead if they're in the camera, even if it is off.

Great Camera for the money. 2005-09-26

I recently started a small photography business doing Black and White shots of kids in their natural environment. I wanted a camera that took quality shots, but was still cost effective. I most definitely found it. My cannon takes great shots and allows me the mobility needed to chase kids around. Very pleased.

You're gonna love it! 2005-09-03

I recently purchased this camera and I'm loving it. As a whole it's very easy to use and carry. I'm a college student going into photograpy and this is a great starter camera. I have a feeling this one is going to be with me for a very long time.

Artygirl 2005-08-03

This camera takes great pictures!!!! I'm just a novice, but I am thrilled with ease and quality of the Rebel. Finally I have a camera that takes great close ups! I also like the Auto & manual focus feature.

Impressed So Far - Excellent Camera! 2005-06-02

I purchased this camera recently as a replacement/upgrade from my EOS Rebel G, which is aging although it still works well. This camera has a few more features than my old Rebel G. Like all EOS gear, my other lenses and my speedlite work with it and have no problems.

The Rebel T2 is apparently available in two different models, the T2, and the T2 Date. I opted for the T2. While reading the manual (which covers both) I learned that the T2 Date has feature that is supposed to be specific to it, the compatibility with the Canon Wireless Remote RC-5. When I checked the web site for available accessories, the RC-5 came up as one for my model. I'm not certain if the manual is accurate or not. The manual also specifies that the wireless remote may be subject to unwanted shooting when in areas of fluorescent lighting. The camera does definitely support a wired remote (my personal preference).

The Rebel T2 came with the 28-90 mm lens as described here. This lens is super quick and does take very clear photos, though I've not tried to enlarge any thus far to examine for aberrations. My prints thus far did not show any problems. The auto-focus, as I mentioned, is very quick and very accurate. It seems to take me longer than I'd like to change the focusing points when the camera is focusing on the wrong object, but I believe that I'll get better as I practice it. The process is not complicated.

The camera has several modes that are fairly intuitive and well explained by the manual. The basic modes include night portrait, sports, close-up, portrait, landscape, and no-flash. The manual clearly explains all the different modes of operation in detail including tips such as using the flash for a portrait at night while not underexposing the background.

The biggest change on this camera that I'm having to adjust to is the aperture-preview button, which basically will frame the shot and adjust the aperture to show me what I can expect my picture to look like in the end. I've always had a good feel for this because I've been taking pictures for the last 15 years with SLR's, but with some work I may find it useful. I've heard students in photography classes gripe about owning a camera that didn't have one.

The camera is fairly light as SLR's go, and to me seems ergonomically well designed, though you may not think so if you are left-handed (all the controls are designed for right-handed manipulation - either thumb or forefinger). The large LCD display on the rear (as opposed to the tiny LCD screen on the top) is heaven compared to my previous Rebel G. It displays a wealth of information and is easy to read.

An added feature of this camera is a lock that prevent the user from trying to take a picture with no film in the camera or if the subject is moving too much. Personally, I don't like this feature but doubtlessly many people will love it. It is a selectable option for those who are not interested in it.

The only thing that I really don't like about this camera is the film cover release. On other cameras (including my Rebel G), the release was on the side next to the cover, on the non-hinged side of the body. On the Rebel T2, it's on the cover itself. So now I have to use my thumb to release it and simultaneously use my index finger to open it, as opposed to letting it pop open like on most cameras. Not really a big deal, but I hope they don't do it again.

The biggest advantage of this camera that I love over my other cameras is that the Rebel T2 will take 3 pictures per second through the whole roll (my Rebel G managed one picture every 1.5 seconds, I think). This makes a big difference for photographing sporting events. Despite what others may say, I've tested it, and I really do get 3 frames per second.

My biggest suggestion for anyone who purchases this camera is simply to sit down and take the 20 minutes to read the manual prior to doing any shooting with it, even if you have significant experience with other Canon models. There is a wealth of information in this manual and it's easy enough for everyone to understand, without being too boring even for the experienced photographers.

Also if you're interested in this camera, try to find a store that will let you rent one, or a fiend that will let you borrow one. Try to use all the features and see if it will do what you need.

Excellent value in an SLR camera 2005-03-21

I am still being dragged kicking and screaming into the digital age so my most recent SLR camera was a film one. For the money, I don't think it gets any better than the Rebel T2. It has most if not all of the features of similar cameras by Nikon or Konica/Minolta but at a much better value. The camera takes excellent pictures and the focus is very fast. If I had to pick something to complain about, I would say the FPS is not quite the 3 frames/second that is advertised, but it is still faster then any similarly priced camera. For those looking for a simple yet powerful film SLR for less money than even an average digital camera, this is a great choice.

I like it a lot! 2005-02-17

I bought this camera just before Christmas and was anxious to take it on a trip to Vancouver Island the first week in January. It performed beyond my expectations. I went through a lot of film and found it very easy to load and get on with snapping more pictures of the beautiful scenery. Our last camera was an Olympus APS...nice and small and much more portable, so I kind of worried about the portability of the Canon...once we got into the sightseeing however, we never gave it a second thought...just got it out and slung it here and there with no ill effects. The pictures we got back are the real selling point. I am very pleased with the 12 rolls from that trip! All in all, I would recommend this camera. It's a lot of fun to use and does the job admirably.

Awesome...and a metal lens mount. 2005-01-03

I bought this camera recently and i love it. its lightweight fits comfortably in my hands and best of all has a metal lens mount, not plastic like many of the other rebels.

Beware - lens may not be as described 2004-12-15

The description of the 28-105mm lens says 'II USM or III', but beware many retailers, including the one on the amazon website as of 12/04, sell a lower quality lens (still EF 28-105mm, but with the MM class autofocus (slow and noisy and based around an electric motor driving a geartrain). The older lens is no longer sold separately by Canon, but is still in their "beginner" package as of 12/04. I have talked directly with the Amazon retailer, and their verbal claims are different than those on the amazon website. Beware! Also, this lens has plastic lens mounts.

Awesome camera. 2004-10-11

Many different settings that are easy to use. Easy to handle. Lightweight. Viewfinder is awesome and the shutter speed is great. I suggest it to anyone who wants to learn how to be a proffessional or already is taking great and needs a souped up camera.