Used from 2011 to 2018

I purchased this Canon EOS Rebel T2i DSLR in early February 2011. Along with the kit lens, I also purchased a Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens. Just like that, I was hooked. I had absolutely zero idea how to work this, or any DSLR camera.

Sure, I took a photo class in college, and I could work an old film 35mm SLR camera that we had, but I had no real understanding of photography beyond the world of point and shoot cameras, whether film or digital. I read everything I could. I took photos of everything. I figured out the balance of f-stops v. ISO v. speed. I soon learned about depth of field, lighting, and before long, I also understood the limits of the camera.

This little Rebel was awesome. I was amazed how much better images it produced versus my pocket point and shoot. Night and day. I slowly added lenses. First came the nifty-fifty Canon 50mm f/1.8 USM, then a used 24-105L f/4... and soon thereafter I fell into the rabbit hole. Somehow, my photography habit, er, I mean hobby, has not bankrupted our family. But it all started with this camera. 

I still have this camera, well kinda. I "loaned" it to my oldest. It survived Rutgers University, concerts, and camping trips. The camera's sensor is dirty, but it still somehow works. In fact, the camera survived a 2018 road trip to California with my two oldest, capturing wonderful photos along the way. I includedthe first and last photo I took with this camera.  Canon makes solid gear, no doubt. To date, this camera has logged over 5,600 keepers. Thats a lot.