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04/23/2006 10:49:21 AM · #1 |
| I'm obviously not going to buy yet because I don't have my 30D yet. But, I'm looking at Canon lenses on EBay, and I'm wondering how you can tell what's a good lens? I noticed some lenses say EF or AF, is that a quality specification? |
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04/23/2006 11:12:53 AM · #2 |
EF just refers to the mount type. An EF lens will mount and work on any EOS camera. You'll also see EF-S, which is a variant that only mounts and works on (most) 1.6-crop DSLRs; EF-S will work on the 30D, BTW. AF just refers to the fact that the lens has aurofocus capability.
FWIW, ebay lens prices tend to run high. You can do just as well at very well-respected e-tailers like B&H, 17th street photo, onecall, etcetera.
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04/23/2006 11:23:22 AM · #3 |
I believe the camera comes with the 15-55mm lens. What are some other basic lenses that you'd recommend?
Does Sigma make a Bigma for Canon? ::::covets brother's Bigma:::: |
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04/23/2006 11:35:15 AM · #4 |
Originally posted by ragamuffingirl:
I believe the camera comes with the 15-55mm lens. What are some other basic lenses that you'd recommend?
Does Sigma make a Bigma for Canon? ::::covets brother's Bigma:::: |
The 18-55 is the kit Canon lens. You can buy the body either with or without the kit lens. The kit lens is an OK performer. It's something you'll eventually upgrade from, but in the near term, if cash is limited, it's a good place to start.
I'd highly recommend the Canon 50/1.8 (less than $100). It's a great performer and the price is certainly right. You'll want a fast lens for low-light work, and the 50/1.8 is that, plus it's very sharp.
Eventually, you'll want a 70-x00 range lens. In that range, the best performance *and* best value is the Canon 70-200 f/4L. Stunning performance, reasonable price, great build quality. Well, it *is* an L.
Sigma does make a version of the "Bigma" for Canon, it goes for $1k. It's a decent long lens, but unless you really really need something that long, you're better off not going there.
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04/23/2006 12:38:55 PM · #5 |
I have had good luck saving 20% on new lenses on ebay. Used ones are priced all over the place - both good and bad.
if you know what you want, check the buy and sell forum on //www.fredmiranda.com - you can look for FS items or list a WTB. I have gotten some very good deals there. Most sellers take paypal and they have a feedback thread (no negs allowed though).
If you know what kind of photography you want to do, then you can pick lenses for that in particular.
the best long lens is a 70-200 2.8 (sigma or canon) Great for portarits, sports and more. Second choice would be the canon 70-200 f4 or if you have a tighter budget the sigma 70-300 4-5.6 apo super macro (must be the APO version). this lens is $180, perhaps less on ebay. very sharp and light, not great in low light.
I second the canon 50 1.8.
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04/23/2006 01:52:10 PM · #6 |
I would say get the camera and just use it with the kit lens. Try to play around with settings and techniques and get a good idea of what you *can't* do with that lens. If you really miss being able to get tight crops and long shots, I'd say buy a telephoto first.
If you really feel like it should focus closer and perform better up close, get a macro first.
If you feel like the wide end isn't wide enough, get a wide angle.
If even wide open, you can't get shallow enough DOF for portraits and the like, get a 50 1.8 or 1.4.
Try some night photography with it, and you'll realize the focus is pretty darned hard to set without a distance guide. Also, 3.5-5.6 is not really fast enough for most indoor type of things, so you'll want a faster lens with a regular range - like the Tamron 28-75 2.8, which does have a distance guide and works quite well for night photography (with a tripod), as well as moderately lit indoor situations.
What I did was, got the camera with kit lens, got the 50mm 1.8, got the Tamron 28-75, got a used Tamron 70-210 2.8 (by the way, a 2.8 telephoto might be bulky but it is absolutely worth it if you shoot in the evening with fading light :) ).
Next I'd like a fisheye, and maybe a nice fairly wide zoom (I'm thinking 17-40 4.0L since it'll work, and be a superwide, when I get a film camera too) |
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04/23/2006 01:59:51 PM · #7 |
I went the eBay route and got three good used lenses for what a single new one would have cost. The trick it to be patient and keep looking. And if there are any doubts about the listing, skip it and move on.
As far as "good lenses" go, that's sorta' subjective and depends on the kind of shooting you do. A lot of people like the really fast F1.8 and F2.8 lenses, but if you don't shoot in low light, then that's not so important to you. Don't just restrict yourself to Canon glass, either. Both Tamron and Sigma make some good stuff. If you're looking for reviews, check FredMiranda Reviews to see what people think.
IMO, the lenses to look at are the 50mm F1.8 (of course - it's cheap, sharp, and a solid performer), the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 (sharp, fast, good walk-around coverage - and half the price of the Canon version), and some kind of wide angle or telephoto, depending on what you like to shoot. I got a Canon 70-300mm, and while it's not fast, it does a good job and is fun to play with.
Hope this helps :-)
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04/24/2006 06:55:20 AM · #8 |
| I think I'd want the really fast lenses because I never know what kind of light I'll be shooting in. |
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04/24/2006 07:19:47 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by ragamuffingirl:
I think I'd want the really fast lenses because I never know what kind of light I'll be shooting in. |
You'll get more accurate AF using a lens of f/2.8 or faster on a 30D, too.
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04/24/2006 08:09:50 AM · #10 |
What's wrong with your Evolt?
Originally posted by ragamuffingirl:
I'm obviously not going to buy yet because I don't have my 30D yet. But, I'm looking at Canon lenses on EBay, and I'm wondering how you can tell what's a good lens? I noticed some lenses say EF or AF, is that a quality specification? |
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