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Turns out that I just wrote a short article at my blog about lens choices for beginners getting a first DSLR: http://www.gdanmitchell.com/2012/07/20/new-dlsr-you-do-not-need-a-50mm-prime
General recommendations:
1. Do not get a 50mm prime at first. (Oops. You already did that. Oh, well. ;-)
2. Do get the fine EFS 18-55mm IS (image-stabilized) kit lens. It covers the core focal length range, it produces fine image quality, the IS feature is like to be useful. (It also covers the 50mm focal length range. Oh, wait, already mentioned that...) Shoot a lot with this lens before buying more lenses. You will learn a lot about how your camera operates, about the functionality of various lens attributes (focal length, aperture, IS, etc.), and about your own developing photographic interests and preferences. Learning all of these things before investing in a lot of gear is critical!
3. Hold off on buying any other lenses for now. Lens selection is largely a function of your photographic preferences and what you are trying to accomplish. You cannot actually know what lenses you will want until you do a bit of photography and begin to figure this out. I have not read the rest of this thread yet, but if it is typical you will get a wide range of specific recommendations - buy this or that prime, get (or don't get) L lenses, get a wide zoom, get a telephoto, get large aperture lenses, don't' get large aperture lenses, and more. All of these may be true - for the photographers who suggested them. But they are not necessarily true for you. Any of their recommendations (or mine) could turn out to match up with your needs. Or not. There is no way to know until you get some shooting under your belt.
The EFS 18-55mm IS kit lens is a perfect starting point for a person in your position. It is inexpensive, covers a useful focal length range, has a somewhat enhanced low-light capability via IS, and produces quite decent image quality. But even more, it is a useful and low-cost way to acquire enough experience to begin to recognize your needs and preferences, which will allow you to begin to make much more intelligent decisions about future purchases.
Take care,
Dan
WannaTakePix wrote:
Hi Togs,
Confused N00b here...
I've just acquired a Canon 40D.
I have also just bought a 50mm 1.8 Prime that was too good to refuse - £57.60 delivered.
I'm probably going to go for the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II Lens
But, am confused with regards to which short Zoom I should go for, for Beginners money.
The Canon EF-S Zoom Lens 18 mm - 55 mm - f/3.5-5.6 IS MK II
or
The Sigma 18-50mm f2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM
Confused?
Because I've been told/read that the Canon is a good lens even for a kit.
That the Sigma is better build quality, comes with a Hood & the end element doesn't rotate like the Canon & thus allows the simple use of a Polarising Filter.
Then, someone else says, go for a Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR VC Di II LD Aspherical (IF)
But it's double the price and a bit more.
Times are hard and I'm only starting my Image Capturing journey..
WHAT DO I DO ?
Thanks in advance for any learned advice,
WTP...Show more →
Edited on Jul 22, 2012 at 11:28 AM · View previous versions
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