Recommend me a lens

downs523

downs523

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Chris
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Hi I am new so do not have much knowledge about lenses. I have a canon 600D which came with the 18-55 ef-s lens. I would like to get another lens in the Next couple of months and it will be used for further distances, formula 1 at silver stone in July ;) and would like it to be used for some macro work too. Not asking much honest LOL. What is a decent lens that would do this but won't break the bank. Looking to spend under £300. Any help and recommendations would be great thanks. Also would I need image stabilisation if not using a tripod?
 
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Lens* It's Lens, not lens.


You might get some replies now :lol:

70-300 IS is within your budget. I had a super one, but sold it earlier this year. Not sure it's much good for macro! I'm sure someone who has drunk less than me tonight will be along shortly.

Welcome to the friendliest forum on the net. Ho ho ho...
 
Yes I mean Lens** oops
 
Unfortunately you're going to struggle with the macro requirement there in that budget. Do you actually need true macro? (1:1)
If not, you might be better off with one of the third party lenses that offers 1:2.5 (or similar) magnification at the 300mm end. Otherwise I suppose there's always extension tubes, but I've not used them so can't really comment.
 
Not really a lens recommendation but as Im new to motorsport photography as well and know a fair bit about motorsport lol I have to say before you go to the F1 try and go to an event with some F3 cars or something similar to practice panning and shutter speeds. Nothing more annoying than going to an event like that to learn how to shoot them.

I did this when I went to Rally GB, spent all morning taking pictures of the lower groups ready for the big boys in the afternoon ;)

edit: also would have to say when panning I turn off image stabilisation to get great effect.
 
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Thanks andy for the lens recommendation seems a good price. Do you have this?
 
Yeah I have the 55-250 Mark I, that link is for the cosmetically updated Mark II there is apparently no optical difference. The earlier MarkI is still available, so its really your choice if you went for that particular lens. I believe its Canon's best value lens when compared to other typical beginner lenses, the 18-55is kit and 50mm f1.8. Those three lenses are superb value IMO.

My only concern is might not have the focal length or aperture required for Silverstone, but that is a budget constraint more than a failure of the lens.

I have never shot motorsport either but have a couple wildlife pics. Squirrel is compressed, focal length 135mm. The bird is at 250mm f5.6, 100% cropped and compressed.

squirrel-1.jpg


coaltit.jpg
 
I have the 500 twin lens kit and the lens I have been told to get is the 55-250 is as it seems to offer the best option at a lower price and out performs many more expensive lens I will know after tomorrow as my Mrs has got me one for Christmas. As for macro I will be interested in peoples input as its something I would like to try but don't want to spend a fortune as I might not take to it lol
 
Hi Chris & Welcome :wave:

The 55-250IS is a cracker of a lens for the price and certainly one to consider. As Tori mentions the Canon 70-300IS is a belter and the one I would recommend for you, new it is slightly over budget, but you should be able to pick up a very good 2nd hand one for your budget.

Even at 300mm, you will struggle some at Silverstone for the F1, but I used the 70-300 last year there for the F1 and managed where we were nicely, getting some great shots with it.

The IS is not essential for motorsport, but certainly can be a help and I would def recommend having it.


Andy - loving the squirel shot, what a brilliant capture, looking straight at you :clap:


Happy Christmas to everyone
 
smurf123 said:
I have the 500 twin lens kit and the lens I have been told to get is the 55-250 is as it seems to offer the best option at a lower price and out performs many more expensive lens I will know after tomorrow as my Mrs has got me one for Christmas. As for macro I will be interested in peoples input as its something I would like to try but don't want to spend a fortune as I might not take to it lol
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Hi Rob

The 55-250IS is a cracker of a lens you'll certainly enjoy it


Chris / Rob

For Macro wok there are various differnt options available - a lens, reversing lens adaptors, close up lenses etc - if you do a search, you'll find threads with lots of information on them.

My daughter likes the Macro work - mainly flowers etc, so length isn't overly important, we have the Sigma 50mm 2.8 Macro (which is a true 1:1 Macro) and love it, get some very nice shots, weighs a bit ! and can double as a general 50mm prime (focusing is a little slow due to the Macro nature of the lens) - it's certainly a lens I'd recommend looking at as they aren't that expensive, gives you the start in Macro, and easy to move on should you feel Macro isn't for you.

If you are interested in bugs and thngs that move, then I'd be looking at 100mm minimum
 
AndyB1976 said:
squirrel-1.jpg
Click to expand...

Sorry to chip in but (show off) Damn nice shot, hate you


Try the Sigma 120-400, you won't do macro and sport with one lens.

Sigma 120-400, totally grab shot (my pics are sharper, but never when inserted via photobucket :bang:)

Img_3722.jpg
 
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I can't comment on the Tamron but I'll add another vote for the Canon 55-250 from a very satisfied owner. :cool:
 
Is there much difference in the zoom length with a 250 and 300?
 
The reviews are very mixed but most say between 200 and 300mm is where the Tamron gives problems with both image quality and inability to auto focus.
50mm gives a fair bit extra reach but it's no good having the extra length if the image quality suffers or you can't get a focus lock quickly.
Both those lenses are very cheap, the Tamron can be bought used for under £100 and the 55-250 used for just over £100.
I think I'll still suggest the 55-250, search for it on here and you'll hardly find a bad word about it, it really is superb! ;)
 
IMHO, for Silverstone you will need more than 300mm in most places!

As a media Tog, I use a 70-200 + 1.4x converter or 300mm + 1.4x converter track side! A few places you can use a really wide angle lens but Silverstone is terrible for Photography. Most other tracks like Donington and Oulton Park are fine for 300mm's.
 
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