I just purchased a new 40d and I'm having trouble deciding on what lens to get. I want to shoot my boys at the beach, family, ect. Any help will be appreciated.
I am looking into the canon 85 mm f1.8 or ef 50 mm 1.8.
Assuming you don't have any other lenses, the 17-55mm f2.8 IS and 85mm f1.8 would make a very nice pair for starters. In addition, consider adding a flash like the 430EX or 580EX.
swkowboy wrote:
Thanks. I do not have any lenses yet. I will look into the 17-55
If you don't want to spend such a ridiculous amount of money on a short zoom (without even a lens hood!), also check out the Tamron 17-50, which is optically just as good and a third the price.
Thanks. I have been reading the forum for a while and decided to jump in for advice. Trying to pick a lens or lenses is tough. This is my second dslr so I have a little experience with a digital camera. I am going to look into each response and hopefully find the perfect lens. Ryan
Also take a look at the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8. I've literally shot thousand of photos with this lens (from Marching Bands day/night to new born babies to weddings and High School Band Concerts). You'll like the Tamron warranty; I think it is 5 yrs.
28mm just isn't wide enough on a 40D though. The Canon 17-55 IS or the Tamron 17-50 are both incredibly useful. You could go with the Canon 17-40L, but that's f4... kind of limiting in that focal range (IMO)
Another fine and reasonably priced lens to add to your bag is the Canon 70-200 f4 L either with or without the IS (without runs about $500 used). This would be a spectacular "boys at the beach" lens.
The 50 1.8 is so cheap there's no reason not to get one just to have.
The 50 1.8 is a fine lens, but it's AF speed sucks. Get the 85 1.8, but I'd maybe look into if even just a kit lens, a wider angle lens. 85 would be kind of limiting.
Also, the 24-28 not being wide enough on a crop is subjective. There's only been a few instances where my 24 wasn't wide enough. A guy I work with only uses a Tamron 28-75 and a Canon 70-200 2.8 non IS, and he gets great results, on a 30D.
for starters I'd suggest get the Canon 18-55mm IS Kit... it's cheap and it's sharp... don't buy the old one --- it's crap!
+1
I have the old one (from the original Rebel) and it's pretty bad. The newer (IS) version seems to be pretty decent. It has a nice range and you never know when that IS will save a shot you wouldn't normally get.
Also, the 24-28 not being wide enough on a crop is subjective. There's only been a few instances where my 24 wasn't wide enough. A guy I work with only uses a Tamron 28-75 and a Canon 70-200 2.8 non IS, and he gets great results, on a 30D.
I think there's a lot of sense here as well. My standard lens is an old 28-80, and it's on the camera over 90% of the time. There are times that I grudgingly put the dreaded original 17-55 on the body if I know I'm going to be in tight spaces and need the width, but those are rare. However, I'd much rather suffer with the poor lens quality than miss the shot altogether, so I still keep it around. If I'm starting from scratch, I think I'd consider the wider lens (my 28-80 was a leftover from film days and it's amazingly sharp), but then there are also times when the added reach of the longer end (80mm vs 55mm) can have it's advantages as well.
On the long end, the 70-200 f4 L is an incredible bargain. It can be found used (I'm actually looking to sell mine if you're interested) for less than a 70-300 new and it's as sharp a zoom as you'll ever see. I don't know how old your boys are, but if they get involved with sports, music, or some other performance that you'll be watching you will definately want a mid to long zoom. The 70-300 certainly isn't L quality, but for family photos it may have all the quality you need in a really nice range (and it's pretty light too).
Not really. I purchased the body only because I wanted to get a better lens then what came witht he kit. I am listening to everyone's opinion and checking them out. Thanks for the responses. Ryan
my boys are 2 1/2 and 9 months, so not into sports yet. They are into everything else though. We live in FL near the beach so I like to capture my older son playing and running around.
Here's another vote for the Tamron 17-50 as lens #1. I've used it on a crop body with excellent results. #2, a used 70-200 f/4 (as recommended by TrojanHorse). #3? Something for low light...
While one is looking at the 18-55mm a nice companion to it would bethe EF-S 55-250mm IS. Doesn't cost much at all and provides almost 400mm with a 1.6 crop body. I'm amazed at IQ this lens throws out especially with good sunlight and the IS comes in handy once those kids get moving.
