Lens for Xsi - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

04/26/2008 07:43:45 PM · #1

Hi all,

My new level of photographic interest (as well as business) has caused me to upgrade.
I ordered the Canon Rebel Xsi (with 18-55IS kit lens) the other night and I'm wondering what a good choice of lens would be. I know I really love macro, but a nice zoom lens might be more useful.
So basically I'm asking,
1) What's a nice, affordable Macro
2) What's a nice, affordable zoom.

At the moment I'm pretty illiterate when it comes to lens terms and tech, I think I'm starting to understand the numbers and the f-stops, but I'm not entirely sure what they mean, which is why I'm asking you geniuses for help. : )

_Nathanael

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

04/26/2008 07:45:53 PM · #2

What's affordable?

For Macro you basically have three choices:

1) Canon 100mm macro
2) Sigma 105mm macro
3) Tamron 90mm macro

What zoom range? What are you going to be shooting?

04/26/2008 07:51:12 PM · #3

Affordable: Around $400-$500.

I shoot a lot of architecture and often zoom on different parts of the building and the like, also birds and animals that get easily spooked so enough of a zoom to get a nice shot without getting TOO close (like 10-12 feet, something like that, I'm guessing). The camera I have now (till my Canon comes in) is a Panasonic with a 12x zoom, so something around that.

figaro

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

04/26/2008 07:51:59 PM · #4

For a good zoom I'd recommend the inexpensive but sharp and well-built Sigma 70-300mm APO Macro - this isn't a true 1:1 macro like the above lenses (all of which are excellent) but does offer a respectable 1:2, which may be enough for you.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

04/27/2008 06:27:01 PM · #5

That one does look nice, and the price is outstanding! The camera I have now goes down to 1:2 as well, so it's what I'm used to. Thank you figaro!
Still open to suggestions though. Anyone else?

Nullix

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

04/27/2008 07:09:45 PM · #6

Suggestions:

Don't buy anything now. Work with the 18-55 for awhile. When you need it, you'll know.

Such as:
"Ah crap, I could've taken a great picture if I had a longer zoom."
"Darn, I like my wide angle shots, but the distortion is a killer on this kit lens."
"I wish I had a macro."

There isn't really a lens to do it all. It's impossible to have a 10-300 zoom at f1.4 that focus' to 1" and weighs less than a 1lb for $300. (I've looked.)

Nikolai1024

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-85mm f2.8-4.0D

04/27/2008 07:12:36 PM · #7

Originally posted by Nullix:

Suggestions:

Don't buy anything now. Work with the 18-55 for awhile. When you need it, you'll know.

...

Good one. I agree.

Mephisto

Nikon Coolpix A

Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH

04/27/2008 07:29:58 PM · #8

Originally posted by Nullix:

It's impossible to have a 10-300 zoom at f1.4 that focus' to 1" and weighs less than a 1lb for $300. (I've looked.)

you forgot that it also features USM and IS! ;)

tnun

Ricoh GR III

Pentax DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6ED AL [IF] WR DC

04/27/2008 08:17:15 PM · #9

No suggestions, but thinking of the same upgrade, so let us all know how it goes with the kit lens and/or whatever other lens.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

04/27/2008 08:20:49 PM · #10

I bought a 28-300 Tamron for my XT recently (I paid $225 for it used, at a local camera shop). It's a good all around lens, though I do realize it's a jack of all trades master of none sort of thing. It's still a step up from anything I had before and I've already taken some great shots with it.

Message edited by author 2008-04-27 20:21:45.

muz64

Canon EOS-1D X

Canon EF 50mm f1.2L

04/27/2008 08:54:58 PM · #11

I have the 100mm f/2.8 and it's pretty much my favourite lens. But don't forget the EF-S 60mm macro which is also a very fine lens, and a bit cheaper.

Otherwise, I agree with Nullix - find out what lens you need to reach for the most in your day to day shooting, and get that. And don't forget - the 18-55IS is a very good lens in it's own right (so I hear - it's got some very good reviews).