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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> New camera body, need starter lens suggestions
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 08/04/2004 07:40:05 PM · #1
I bought a Cannon D-60 today. I need a good starter lens. Looking for recommendations please.
 08/04/2004 07:46:16 PM · #2
Do you want the built-in flash to fit over the lens?
 08/04/2004 07:49:03 PM · #3
Canon 28-135 IS and 50/1.8... oops, that's two, but that's my recommendation, unless you'd rather start with "L" quality.
 08/04/2004 07:51:01 PM · #4
Originally posted by kirbic:
Canon 28-135 IS and 50/1.8... oops, that's two, but that's my recommendation, unless you'd rather start with "L" quality.


Ditto that
 08/04/2004 08:24:15 PM · #5
No "L" quality yet. I was loooking for a starter lens somewhat like the built in lens on my Sony CD 400 which could handle macros and telephoto shots to begin with. The 28-135 IS looks like my best bet.
Thanks.
 08/04/2004 08:36:53 PM · #6
EF 50 mm f/1.8
 08/04/2004 08:38:45 PM · #7
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
Originally posted by kirbic:
Canon 28-135 IS and 50/1.8... oops, that's two, but that's my recommendation, unless you'd rather start with "L" quality.


Ditto that


I have to agree with you both there - not a bad starter combo at all.
 08/04/2004 08:42:59 PM · #8
Originally posted by zeuszen:
EF 50 mm f/1.8


Zueszen is absolutele correct and supported by years of photography teachers recommending...in fact requiring this as the beginning point. When you can no longer move forward or backward fast enough to get the photo...THEN consider a zoom. But please start with the 50mm. Your photography will thank you for years to come.
 08/04/2004 08:49:30 PM · #9
Originally posted by Flash:
Originally posted by zeuszen:
EF 50 mm f/1.8


Zueszen is absolutele correct and supported by years of photography teachers recommending...in fact requiring this as the beginning point. When you can no longer move forward or backward fast enough to get the photo...THEN consider a zoom. But please start with the 50mm. Your photography will thank you for years to come.


Years of teaching photography where 50mm actually meant 50mm. But I would think that with the 1.6 crop, if you really want to adhere to that concept, you'd be apt to get a fixed 28mm, which is about as close as you can get to 50mm effective.
08/04/2004 09:13:53 PM · #10
Originally posted by richterrell:
Years of teaching photography where 50mm actually meant 50mm. But I would think that with the 1.6 crop, if you really want to adhere to that concept, you'd be apt to get a fixed 28mm, which is about as close as you can get to 50mm effective.


I have wresteled with this for about a year now and understand the conclusion to approximate the 50mm focal length in regards to a particular systems crop factor (1.6 or 1.5 etc.). The reason I still recommend the 50mm 1.8 even with the change in focal length due to the crop, is the affordability and speed of the 50mm. Very few f/1.8's can be had for the cost of a 50mm.

For teaching framing and composition, whether it is a true 50 or a 75/80, the principle is the same. Zoom in = feet forward. Zoom out = feet back. Concentrating on the subject, lighting, and frame composition. An f/1.8 gives great lattitude to the fotog.
 08/04/2004 09:17:29 PM · #11
the EF 50mm f/1.8 is wonderful in my opinion. its become my favorite walk around lens.
 08/04/2004 09:19:45 PM · #12
if you decide you want a longer range zoom, the sigma 70-300 APO super II is a pretty good lense, pretty cheap. not sure if you're looking at 'bargain price' or not, but for the money the sigma is a decent buy.
08/04/2004 09:20:18 PM · #13
Originally posted by Flash:
Originally posted by richterrell:
Years of teaching photography where 50mm actually meant 50mm. But I would think that with the 1.6 crop, if you really want to adhere to that concept, you'd be apt to get a fixed 28mm, which is about as close as you can get to 50mm effective.


I have wresteled with this for about a year now and understand the conclusion to approximate the 50mm focal length in regards to a particular systems crop factor (1.6 or 1.5 etc.). The reason I still recommend the 50mm 1.8 even with the change in focal length due to the crop, is the affordability and speed of the 50mm. Very few f/1.8's can be had for the cost of a 50mm.

For teaching framing and composition, whether it is a true 50 or a 75/80, the principle is the same. Zoom in = feet forward. Zoom out = feet back. Concentrating on the subject, lighting, and frame composition. An f/1.8 gives great lattitude to the fotog.


I won't disagree that this lens is very versatile in it's own right, but I do not think that a 80mm effective lens should be the only lens anyone ever carries.

I own one as an _additional_ lens because it is such a great (and cheap) lens. Who wouldn't want one for $70 or so? But one thing that makes no sense to me is buying a $900 digital body or higher and then only having one inexpensive lens for it.

I for one think walking around with nothing but 80mm effective is very limiting, especially in a city. When you keep backing up to get the shot and your butt hits the building behind you, options get limited.

All I am saying is that I do not think that a 50mm F/1.8 should be the _only_ lens in your kit. But I do think it should be one of them - I would only trade mine for a f/1.4 if there were not other things I would like first.
08/04/2004 09:35:23 PM · #14
Rich,

I certainly see your points. The original post was for a "starter" lense and in my first reply I indicated that after you can no longer move forward or backward fast enough, then get a zoom. I find that if a SLR owner gets into zooms too quickly, then they have a tendency to become lazy and not understand the purpose of a zoom. It beocmes a cropping tool instead of a "zoom" lense.

BTW your Audobon Magazine shot of the "Downy" is quite good.
 08/04/2004 09:43:52 PM · #15
Originally posted by Flash:
Rich,

I certainly see your points. The original post was for a "starter" lense and in my first reply I indicated that after you can no longer move forward or backward fast enough, then get a zoom. I find that if a SLR owner gets into zooms too quickly, then they have a tendency to become lazy and not understand the purpose of a zoom. It beocmes a cropping tool instead of a "zoom" lense.

BTW your Audobon Magazine shot of the "Downy" is quite good.


Kind words on my woodpecker, I appreciate that. And I certainly do not want to jump on anyone - I think the 50mm would be a great starter lens as well, one ot learn the ins and outs of the camera while you decide what lens would best fit your future needs - you will never regret plunking down $70 for a 50mm F/1.8.
08/04/2004 10:14:37 PM · #16
You also might consider the Canon 28-105 as a walkaround lens. Half the price of the 28-135, nearly the same reach, but without IS. Still, that and a 50mm 1.8 would be my recommendations for starting out. You could put the money saved on the 28-135 and invest in a tripod or bag.
08/05/2004 11:52:00 AM · #17
Originally posted by richterrell:
[quote=Flash] I think the 50mm would be a great starter lens as well, one ot learn the ins and outs of the camera while you decide what lens would best fit your future needs - you will never regret plunking down $70 for a 50mm F/1.8.


i agree, for the money you can't go wrong, and it's a pretty versatile lense.
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