Canon Lens Options

[StevenB]

Long time watcher / first time poster...

I recently joined the DSLR world with the purchase of a used Canon 30D that came with an EF-S 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens. I sold my Canon SX10IS which had image stabilization to get the 30D, and I now miss this feature with the above mentioned lens. So, I see a new lens purchase in the future, but it’ll be a while before I can save up some money to do so. My budget will be $300-$500 for each lens that fits my needs.

The following (in order of importance) is the type of photography I do:
• Landscape
• Close-up’s / macro’s of flowers
• Portraits – mostly outdoor, don’t have a good lighting setup for indoor portraits
• Kids on the go (indoor and outdoor)

I reviewed the SLR lens sample galleries and came away with a few options after checking the prices. They are:

• EF 50 1.8
• EF 28-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

There were a couple wide angle lenses that look good, but will cost more than my budget will allow. I also don’t foresee the need for a super long telephoto lens either.

Ok, so now for the questions, is the EF 50 1.8 and EF 28-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lenses a right fit for my photography needs? Do I need a wide angle lens, and if so, are there any lower cost options out there?

I will admit that for me it’s starting to get real confusing as to what lens or lenses to go with since there is a variety to choose from along with a variety of opinions to go with them as well. I know this post might add to my confusion, but I thought I’d ask the experts

Thanks for reading this long post!

[toverman]

What you might already know, or what could confuse you further, is that the size of a digital sensor affects field of view on lenses. For example, a 50 mm lens has an effective field of view of an 80mm lens on your 30D because your sensor is smaller (by 1.6x) than a 35 mm film frame. You've got what amounts to a low-cost "wide" lens in the 18-55, except that it will render scenes similar to a 28-88 lens. Note that the difference merely affects field of view and does not actually add magnification. You might try finding some of these from fellow TPF members here. Used lenses can save you a ton of lenses.

Here are my suggestions:
• Landscape, Canon 10-22 ($500)
• Closeups/macro, Canon 100 f/2.8 ($400)
• Portraits, 85 f/1.8 ($400)

For kids on the go, you might have better luck with a zoom. I don't know your shooting style, so can't really help you out there. Getting an accessory flash and knowing how to use it effectively will help you get the indoor shots. For fast kids, I mount a flash to the camera's hotshoe but point it toward the ceiling or a back wall (preferably white or light-colored) to diffuse the flash. Makes for a more natural look and adds some nice catchlights to eyes. For flashes, consider basic models like Canon 420 EX, 430 EX, 430 EX II. For the most Canon bang for your buck, the current top flash is the 580 EX II. There are also third-party flashes, but for simplicity I recommend a branded one at first.

Your lens choices are OK to start with. The 28-135 isn't bad, isn't terrific, but could serve as an interim lens until you figure out for sure what you prefer. The optics on the 50 f/1.8 are terrific for the price, but I can't stand that lens. It is easily breakable, but its focus also isn't the most accurate (even manually, the focus ring is small). The 50 has the potential to teach you a lot about photography, though. The bokeh is chunky and not always pleasing when shot at or near wide open (f/1.8 is a thin depth and takes practice to master). I've broken two of them and won't own another one ... I take really good care of my gear as a professional and won't settle for crap anymore, though.

[High_Boost]

only you can know if you need a wide angle lens- I thought I needed one, so I bought one and rarely use it - in fact it is my least used lens

if your main "walk around" lens is the 28-135, you will probably want something else for indoors. Shooting the kids opening presents at xmas and birthday parties, etc may be a little tough with a 28mm lens

thew best cheap wideangle seems to be buying an older tokina 12-24 f4.0 used for $300-$350. It is built like a tank and pretty sharp. It will be hard to find a wide angle any cheaper than that

if you wanted to save money on your walk around for your wide angle, you could always get the 18-55IS for ~$100, but the 28-135 is a lot more versitile, and it only costs ~$125 more (used)

[mmuhlenkamp]

This was one of the most helpful things I found when trying to understand lens selection (specifically for Canon) EF Lens Work III. This chapter is particularly helpful in understanding how focal length changes the look of a photo and what the crop sensor really means.

I would also look into a 17-40L, it's a lens that will hold its value, fairly wide for lanscape use, but also a decent range for everyday shooting. Hope this helps.

[SCone]

Might consider the 50mm f1.4 over the f1.8.... I like the full-time manual focus. The bad side is the 1.4 weighs TWICE as much & will cost more money... but I think it's money well spent.