Need recommendation for good starter lens

[LuckyDucker]

Hi guys,
I'm very new to DSLR's. In fact, I don't even own one yet, but I did pre-order a Canon T2i (with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS kit Lens), so I'm waiting on that. I've been reading like a mad man, while trying to keep from getting overwhelmed, and your forum has been extremely helpful.

Anyway, what do you guys recommend for a good starter prime lens, at a reasonable price? I'm thinking of starting with a 50mm? Is that a good or bad choice?

Thanks in advance.

[Tom]

50mm f/1.8 or 35mm F/2.

/end of thread

[LuckyDucker]

That was fast! Thank you!

[ldelacruz]

What is your budget and subject?

[jfoureyes]

I don't see how you can go wrong with a 50/1.8 or 35/2. Both are fast and very light... either are a great "general" photography prime lens.

[LuckyDucker]

Originally Posted by ldelacruz

What is your budget and subject?

Well, I'd like to keep it under about $200 for now, but could wait and save up if there's something better.

For now, I'm hoping to shoot just about anything, as I'm rather spontaneous with the camera. But, I hope to take more indoor shots, because my current point/shoot and cellphone camera suck indoors.

Thanks again guys.

[Carl Stone]

Originally Posted by LuckyDucker

Well, I'd like to keep it under about $200 for now, but could wait and save up if there's something better.

For now, I'm hoping to shoot just about anything, as I'm rather spontaneous with the camera. But, I hope to take more indoor shots, because my current point/shoot and cellphone camera suck indoors.

Thanks again guys.

Until you know more about what lens, or lenses, suit your particular photo needs, a 50mm or a 35mm is an excellent place to start. There is no one size fits all, but a light weight and very fast prime is always a welcome addition to any camera bag. Thankfully, the 50 & 35, which fulfill the light weight and fast requirements, are both inexpensive to boot.

You can always rent a lens that you might be considering, which is my preferred method of investigation. YMMV

[ggeen]

+1 on the 50mm or 35mm primes. When I got my first SLR in high school, a Yashika FX-2, that was the only lens I had for it for a time. A 50mm prime is a great way to learn to use the camera.

[Jusselin]

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

50mm f/1.8 or 35mm F/2.

/end of thread

i agree with Thomas here, if your camera has already come with the 18-55 and then you step it up to the fifty, well you have plenty enough lens to play with until you conquer your T2i

also if you are shooting indoor the 1.8 will help you with the crappy light situation

[dryicerx]

Another +1 for the nifty fifty 50mm 1.8

[venchka]

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

50mm f/1.8 or 35mm F/2.

/end of thread

Everything else is redundant.
This reply is redundant.

Except to say: Why buy the kit zoom lens? Why don't camera companies offer the 50/1.8 as an option?

[texkam]

50/1.8, and really learn to use it. ...and the camera.

Why buy the kit zoom lens?

The 18-55 kit lens is inexpensive and fine for most people's quick snapshots.

[Jusselin]

Originally Posted by texkam

50/1.8, and really learn to use it. ...and the camera.

The 18-55 kit lens is inexpensive and fine for most people's quick snapshots.

it can come in handy as well

[johnastovall]

A 50/1.8 and shoot nothing but it every day for a year. Then you'll know what you'll need next.

[LuckyDucker]

Thanks all.

My intention is to use the 50mm mostly, so I can "focus" on learning the camera more than the lens. I bought the kit lens with the thought that it would be a decent secondary lens and figured it was worth the $100 more.

Everything thing I've read so far on the 50mm f/1.8 has been great, so I'll be ordering one as soon as I know my camera is on it's way (since it's currently back ordered).

Thanks again!