Which lens to buy?

[SooprmanX]

Ok, so my parents bought me a graduation gift today. They knew I love my new Rebel XT that I just bought but really have no idea what lenses that I want so they just went to Ritz Camera and bought whatever the person behind the counter told them to. They were pretty on with what I was looking to get though...

They got me a 75-300 EF lens and a 430EX lens. Now here is my dilemma...They don't mind me returning the stuff at all, they just wanted to get me something today. I take mostly car photos that are pretty close and people photos at family gatherings, BBQ's, etc. I love my kit lens but it falls just a little bit short. I am thinking that the 75-300 is too much for me, I doubt I would ever use the 300 zoom and even if I did, the lack of image stabilization is going to drive me nuts. And as for the flash unit, it is nice, but I have no real need for it at all. I also don't want to add more bulk to the camera so I don't really care to keep it.

So I am left with about $600 to spend and I am thinking about the Canon 28-135 IS lens. I love the wide angle, I really think I could use it with all the car pictures I take. And, the 135 zoom I think is perfect for me. Furthermore, the IS lens has the image stabilization and I think that is great.

What are you opinions on that lens or a comparable Tamron lens? I have a friend who said that it would be cheaper to get a comparable Tamron lens and I might even be able to get two lenses out of the deal.

So bottom line, how would you use $600 on equipment if you were me, an amateur photographer that only takes pics of cars and of people at family gatherings and such?

[boomerd35]

Are you planning on learning and growing? If so, my advice would be to purchase lenses with an eye for the future. Nothing against the 28-135 IS, I've never had one. And that seems like a lens that meets the needs you described above. But if in a few months, you're going to want something better, you may want to save up for that something "better" now. Also, if you plan on growing, you'll at least want to buy lenses that you can sell later at a good resale value if you no longer use them. Lenses in this category include most Canon L lenses and other fast glass (minimum 2.8). If (when) you get sucked into this photography thing, you'll buy and sell lenses anyway as your needs/wants change. If you still want the 28-135, try this- search to find out what these sell for used, so you can get an idea how much you'll lose later if you decide to sell it. Of course, if you think you'll never get rid of it, nevermind everything I just said.

Just my opinion.

[SooprmanX]

So what lens would you suggest? Also, of course, I plan on keeping this lens for the long run. But like all plans, who knows what will happen and I may end up getting rid of it one day. I don't really know. I am a beginner with this stuff so your advice is very much appreciated.

[loudtiger]

70-200 F4 + 50/1.8

[Roadrnr]

or a Tamron 28-75 2.8 and a 50 1.8 (that's only about $500)

I love that Tamron lens, it's a great mid range zoom lens that fits a lot of needs. With that said, I really wish I had a good quality 70-200.

[L Stegall]

I had the 28-135 IS for several years. It is a good, solid lens for the price. The IS is a nice feature, for sure. I sold mine last year and got most of its original price. I used it as my primary lens for probably 3 or 4 years. Then, I got the 17-40. I really love it, if you don't need a really fast lens. For cars, it could be a really nice lens, as you would have a much wider lens (even with the crop factor). For the price, it is an excellent lens and L quality glass and you could pick it up for around the $600 you have budgeted. Personally, I'd stick with Canon, but I don't have experience with anything else.