Lenses for a beginner with a 400D

[widdyst]

Hi
I have just bought the wife a second hand 400D with a Canon 17-85mm F4-5.6 IS USM lens on it.
This is her first DSLR and she is keen to learn, But I dont know if this one lens will do her for now or not.
She will mainly be photographing the kids indoors and out, But also likes to photograph flowers, insects etc and maybe some landscape.
I understand these are 3 totally different things so some lens advice would be great.
I dont have a huge budget so reccomendations need to be cheap
thanks in advance

 

[craig.walton2]

I don't think its a bad lens to start off with. Certainly better than the 18-55mm is kit lens. I soon found both limiting after a while and therefore replaced them with a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8. It hasn't got the same reach but it makes up for that with the fixed larger aperture.

 

[odd jim]

The Canon 50mm f/1.8 is a cracker for the price. Always worth having in the camera bag and a great low light lens.

 

[Raj_p]

The Canon 50mm f/1.8 is a cracker for the price. Always worth having in the camera bag and a great low light lens.

+1

nice and sharp

 

[widdyst]

Ok great thanks for that i have been reading and this little lens keeps cropping up with a lot of praise ao i shall add one to the shopping list.
Anything else she could need over this and the lens she has already ?

 

[Raj_p]

If she is new to photography then i would also reccomend 2 good books from Amazon ..........

"Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson

"Creative Nature and Outdoor Photography" (Paperback)
by Brenda Tharp

These were both recomended to me when i first joined, and they have helped my in a huge way and still i use them.