lens Advice !! What next ?

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cominatcha

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Hi All,

I'm new to DSLR and have caught the bug big time. I absolutely love it and am doing it to develop my creative side and most of all for escapism and to de-stress :D and generally just have fun with it.

I purchased a 450D Body about 3 weeks ago and am learning so much its unreal and most of all IT IS SO MUCH FUN !!

I seperately purchased a Nifty Fifty !! This is one great lens and it has me moving all over the place to get the right shots !! and the quality is superb, the DOF is amazing on the 50mm f/1.8 too.

Now, in terms of what pix I have enjoyed taking will have an influence of what type of lens I purchase next. To name a few Street photography (day/night), portraits, landscapes and anything else I find interesting (I love playing around with DOF alot).

I'm just a little confused to what I should have in my camera bag. I got the 450D + 50mm lens. I know I need a zoom lens next to cover the wide/tele views which I cannot achieve with the 50mm - just dont know where to put my hard earned cash to get the most out of my ££.

Also do I go EF only or EF-S, I'm worried that the next body I get MAY not except EF-S ? or should I not even worry about this?

Just really asking for pointers to what lenses I should look into / consider /read up on (Canon/Sigma etc), what approach could I take?

General Summary of what I need to consider:

- Walkabout Lens
- Street photography (Night and Day)
- Portrait (50 mm does a good job but hard for group shots)
- Landscape
- Speed photography (capturing skateboarders/skiing/snow boarding shots)
- Photography in Low lights now and again.

Thanks in advance (Off out now with me DSLR)

:thumbs:
 
Hmmmm need your budget really?

Assuming your not looking to spend $$$ then from what you have descibed above, either a Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 (about £250 new or £150 2nd hand) or a Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 (more expensive but has F2.8 throughout the range)

If money's not an issue maybe the Canon 24-105mm or 24-70mm
 
noneforit said:
Hmmmm need your budget really?

Assuming your not looking to spend $$$ then from what you have descibed above, either a Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 (about £250 new or £150 2nd hand) or a Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 (more expensive but has F2.8 throughout the range)

If money's not an issue maybe the Canon 24-105mm or 24-70mm
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Wowser - thanks for the quick reply.

Yes, money !! always an issue. I dont want to go over the top because I'm still learning but the reason I paid for just the Canon 450D body was so I could be picky about what lenses I get, this is now helping me to learn about lenses. I will definately look up your suggestions and read the reviews etc.

Money wise I think £150 - £350 - I will be buying 2nd hand, this fits into what you suggested above.

Thankyou
 
Yeah ive got the 450d and im also looking to buy a walkabout lens.

I am leaning towards the Sigma 17-70mm as it goes wide enough for general landscape (17mm) and goes to 70mm. Reviews on this lens are good as well and for £150 2nd hand, its a decent price

The 24-70mm Sigma would likely be better as it has 2.8 throughout the range (also good reviews) but I would prefer not to lose the wider end and its also more expensive (maybe £250 2nd hand)
 
noneforit said:
Yeah ive got the 450d and im also looking to buy a walkabout lens.

I am leaning towards the Sigma 17-70mm as it goes wide enough for general landscape (17mm) and goes to 70mm. Reviews on this lens are good as well and for £150 2nd hand, its a decent price

The 24-70mm Sigma would likely be better as it has 2.8 throughout the range (also good reviews) but I would prefer not to lose the wider end and its also more expensive (maybe £250 2nd hand)
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I was just on the Sigma website just now reading up on these. I'm finding this really interesting :D
The f/2.8 would be seriously cool throughout - I could do alot of experimenting with that, I also saw the 17-70mm which goes f2.8/4.5 which looks rather interesting also !!

Would this be an option, mix it all up a bit with a 10-20mm or 12-24mm lens + the 24-70mm ?? I guess its dependent on the amount of landscape shots you want to take ?
 
Yeah would be an option to get say the 12-24 and the 24-70.....a good option infact :)

Just means quite a bit more money i would think
 
noneforit said:
Yeah would be an option to get say the 12-24 and the 24-70.....a good option infact :)

Just means quite a bit more money i would think
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Ye....the money !! This is going to be a completely staggered approach :) I'm in desperate need for a zoom lens so thats going to be a priority! I wonder if they are much cheaper abroad US/HK, I may have an option of buying from there - ok going off on a tangent !!

Going to suck in the reviews for the above and see what they are all about !! :thinking:

Thanks for the advice :thumbs:
 
Presume you haven't got a kit lens?

18-55IS is better than the older 18-55? This opens up a lot of possibilities and can be picked up for around £ 80 or so. Coupled with something like the 55-250IS the two cover a wide range so you can have a go at a lot of things.

I wouldn't worry about EF-S/EF just yet. EF-S will work on things up to 7D which is a hugely capable camera.
 
I'd look at the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8, it's much sharper than the 18-55mm kit lens and the constant wide aperture is really good to have. I got mine from Onestop-Digital for £250. :)
 
andrewc said:
Presume you haven't got a kit lens?

18-55IS is better than the older 18-55? This opens up a lot of possibilities and can be picked up for around £ 80 or so. Coupled with something like the 55-250IS the two cover a wide range so you can have a go at a lot of things.

I wouldn't worry about EF-S/EF just yet. EF-S will work on things up to 7D which is a hugely capable camera.
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Thankyou,

Noted on the EF-S/EF compatible lenses.

Just looking at reviews of lenses now. I was supposed to head out - may quickly pop out now.
 
OK,

Just a quick update.

So, I've read one review on "Sigma 24-70mm F2.8" and its definately a good lens BUT its not great for portraits and also seperating subjects from the foreground/background (apparently creates halo's and horrible blurs on subjects in the background/foreground looking at the write up and example images)

However its my first read of a review BUT I will reserve judgement until I've read more into it !

:thumbs:
 
For a zoom lens on a budget, as andrewc - the 55-250 IS is a cracker for the price and very well respected. :thumbs:
 
Personally I prefer to stick with Canon lenses.

I would say to take your time and don't go mad especially since you are new to DSLR.

Take time to assess your needs while using the kit you've already got.

I would also say go for EF lenses since they fit all cameras while the EF-S series only fit crop cameras.

One quite good lens is the Canon 28-135 IS USM which sometimes comes up on here at a good price.

I have one and it's an excellent lens for the price.

And yes - Photography is FUN!!
 
I got a second hand sigma 17-70mm off here not long ago, I love it. Nice crisp images and a fairly capable zoom. It doesnt leave my camera anymore when im outdoors unless I need the extra zoom.
 
Just an update.

I'm itching, got the bug and I gotta get something soon :gag: BUT it has to be the right one...so gona take a deep breath and relax like this:

:bang::bonk::cuckoo::suspect:

I have just read a review on the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM and it didnt get a bad write up at all. Not sure if anyone has any comments on that particular lens.

I'm starting to compile a list thrown together and then once I've researched will either delete or keep !! Also if anyone else pitches in I'll obviously consider the lens suggested and see if it fits in with me and what I want it for!

The other lenses I'm reading up on when I get a moment are : Contenders in Red.

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC MACRO - New £250 | Used £Unknown
Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM - New £315/350 | Used £Unknown
Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM - New £230 | Used £Unknown
Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro - New £325 | Used £Unknown
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro - New £380 | Used £Unknown
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG IF HSM - New £650 | Used £Unknown *TOO MUCH*

For comparitive/research purposes going to research Canon lenses:

EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM - New £225 | Used £180-200
EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM - New £550 | Used £500ish *TOO MUCH*
EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM - New £700 | Used £Unknown *TOO MUCH*
EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM - New £350 | Used £230-250
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 - New £100 | Used £80
EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS - New £310 | Used £250


As I go through and research I'll post back so anyone with any opinions can pitch in and make suggestions....once I've decided I'm gona start the hunt and get it !

Thanks All.
 
petersmart said:
Personally I prefer to stick with Canon lenses.

I would say to take your time and don't go mad especially since you are new to DSLR.

Take time to assess your needs while using the kit you've already got.

I would also say go for EF lenses since they fit all cameras while the EF-S series only fit crop cameras.

One quite good lens is the Canon 28-135 IS USM which sometimes comes up on here at a good price.

I have one and it's an excellent lens for the price.

And yes - Photography is FUN!!
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I really dont understand when people say 'ignore EFS lenses' :bang:. I mean why??? You are missing out on some cracking lenses, some of which are near on L quality. Take the efs 17-55 IS or the 10-22 - two of the best lenses Canon make. Nothing other than 4 figure L glass can compete!

And really, how many of us make the progression to a full frame? Only a small percentage I bet, and with, say, a 7D and the two lenses described above, I very much doubt the average enthusiast would need to bother will full frame. Chuck a couple of good telephotos in and your laughing (and you'll get the reach extra advantage of the crop factor). If you really want to go full frame, good efs lenses will almost break even when you sell them anyway.

Just my 2 pence worth, but I'll reitterate, ignore EFS lenses for this silly 'just in case' reason and you'll miss out on some really good lenses.
 
odd jim said:
I really dont understand when people say 'ignore EFS lenses' :bang:. I mean why??? You are missing out on some cracking lenses, some of which are near on L quality. Take the efs 17-55 IS or the 10-22 - two of the best lenses Canon make. Nothing other than 4 figure L glass can compete!

And really, how many of us make the progression to a full frame? Only a small percentage I bet, and with, say, a 7D and the two lenses described above, I very much doubt the average enthusiast would need to bother will full frame. Chuck a couple of good telephotos in and your laughing (and you'll get the reach extra advantage of the crop factor). If you really want to go full frame, good efs lenses will almost break even when you sell them anyway.

Just my 2 pence worth, but I'll reitterate, ignore EFS lenses for this silly 'just in case' reason and you'll miss out on some really good lenses.
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Hi Odd Jim, Noted. I asked the question because I thought "Just in case" - I dont know if something is coming to get me around the corner :). I have to consider all lenses thinking about it !! I'm only a novice so I dont want to splash out and lets be honest I cant see it affecting me right now anyways.....but at the same time you dont want to obviously waste your money right !!

Everyone seems to have different positions some like Canon only, some mix it up with Sigma/Tamron etc....but keep all your opinions coming because it all adds up :)

For me this thread has made me look at several options/ideas of maybe the best kit that can suit me! and its making me learn....so from my point its great.

Thanks All.
 
May I recommend the Tamron 55-200mm F4-5.6 AF Di II Macro. I have a Nikon fit version of this lens and it is a cracker!
Available at College Cameras Canon fit at 106.00 pounds
 
cominatcha said:
Hi Odd Jim, Noted. I asked the question because I thought "Just in case" - I dont know if something is coming to get me around the corner :). I have to consider all lenses thinking about it !! I'm only a novice so I dont want to splash out and lets be honest I cant see it affecting me right now anyways.....but at the same time you dont want to obviously waste your money right !!

Everyone seems to have different positions some like Canon only, some mix it up with Sigma/Tamron etc....but keep all your opinions coming because it all adds up :)

For me this thread has made me look at several options/ideas of maybe the best kit that can suit me! and its making me learn....so from my point its great.

Thanks All.
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Hi cominatcha - although the advice was aimed at you (as the OP!) I have to admit the rest was aimed at those who advise not to go down the EFS route (especially as you seem quite open to it), as its simply not good advice, especially as you may was well take advantage of the fact that your body is compatible, and so will, most likely, your next couple of body upgrades!
 
odd jim said:
Hi cominatcha - although the advice was aimed at you (as the OP!) I have to admit the rest was aimed at those who advise not to go down the EFS route (especially as you seem quite open to it), as its simply not good advice, especially as you may was well take advantage of the fact that your body is compatible, and so will, most likely, your next couple of body upgrades!
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Definately understood. And thanks. Again this actually has made me look at the EF & EF-S argument which is interesting as you have said and so far there is nothing conclusive or anything to be worried about really FOR ME because I cannot see me going all out and buying the top of the range body.... so EF-S lenses are definately on the cards.....I've got alot of reading to do but will take my time.

I am getting there for sure....well am closer anyway......
 
Read this thread with interest as I am in a similar position i.e. don't want to buy the wrong lens! You may find this helpful http://www.digital-slr-guide.com/best-digital-slr-lens.html

It starts off explaining the basics and takes you through a process of elimination where supposedly you arrive at the right lens for the job so to speak.

Edit: You can skip steps 1-6 (quite basic stuff) and go to this end page http://www.digital-slr-guide.com/how-to-pick-a-digital-slr-lens.html and then click the links in there.
 
CJB64 said:
Read this thread with interest as I am in a similar position i.e. don't want to buy the wrong lens! You may find this helpful http://www.digital-slr-guide.com/best-digital-slr-lens.html

It starts off explaining the basics and takes you through a process of elimination where supposedly you arrive at the right lens for the job so to speak.

Edit: You can skip steps 1-6 (quite basic stuff) and go to this end page http://www.digital-slr-guide.com/how-to-pick-a-digital-slr-lens.html and then click the links in there.
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CJB64, thats a superb guide. Thanks for the link up.
 
Hey guys,

Thanks all for your input.

Errrrrrr.........you know I was going to take my time and mull it over.......

Well something just happened.......

(Cough, cough....clear the throat!)

I bought a lens. :thinking:

I read the reviews on this lens previously and did shelve it because it was expensive.....

Anyway, one kinda came up and I kinda offered a price and it was excepted :thumbs:

But then I had this feeling.....is it the right lens? so many in this range !!

Anyway I couldnt wait !!

The lens is "Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM"

I've DONE IT !! no going back now unless the seller backs out !!

I will update you guys of course !! if ya wona know I get it in one piece !!

Comments welcome :D dont beat me up thou !!

Thanks to all for the advice !!
 
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