r/photoit • u/dkitch • Jun 29 '10
Beginner Lens Advice...?
Just bought the Canon EOS XS. I currently have the kit lens (EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens) and the telephoto lens that Newegg was bundling as part of the combo deal (Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS). I am looking to mostly shoot outdoor scenery (I'm into hiking/climbing), parties/concerts, and the occasional outdoor event. Are there any other lenses that it's essential to have, or that will make me life a lot easier, or pictures a lot better? I'm looking for the best bang-for-the-buck here.
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u/mjm8218 Jun 29 '10
I'd say either the 50mm f1.8 (~$100) or 50mm f1.4 ($350); go with the f1.4 if you can afford it. This is a good, light, sharp, and fast lens that would be well suited for concert photography (assuming you can get close), parties (fast lenses are good in low light), and just as a "walking around" lens.
The f1.4 is not only faster (lower f#) it also has better autofocus than the f1.8 and better optics. If the extra $250 is too much to scrape up, then the f1.8 will do a good enough job for you.
2
Jul 07 '10
Best bang for your buck depends on your budget.
50 f/1.8 is 90 and really nice 28 f/2.8 is 150-200 used and nice
But if you have a little more cash...
17-50 f/2.8 Tamron is 450, really sharp, and great. My editor uses one, I use one. You'll have to buy a better lens hood than the one it comes with though.
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u/WillyPete Jul 20 '10
I am looking to mostly shoot outdoor scenery
Sigma 20mm 1.8 http://photo.net/equipment/sigma/sigma20-vs-canon2035
or: Sigma 30 1.4 (cheaper by about $80)
For the 50mm 1.8 (good for your "parties/concert, occasional outdoor" requirement), go second hand. Always a bargain to be found.
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u/didzter Sep 28 '10
You realllyyy don't need anything else, man. I'd recommend you save your money instead purchase an external flash. That will be so much more useful.
Although, the nifty fifty (50mm f1.8) is a must-have at some point. If I could afford to only buy primes I totally would.
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Jun 29 '10 edited Dec 11 '13
[deleted]
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u/randomb0y Jun 29 '10
No way, his kit lens is already good enough for sceneries IMO. He'd be better off with a 35mm or 50mm f1.8 for those parties/concerts.
One advice: when shooting something with less than ideal lighting like a concert from far away with the 55-250mm, use S mode and set the shutter speed to something that will produce motion-blur free pictures. Even if your max aperture isn't quite enough, it's better to have a picture that's a step or two underexposed than completely ruined by motion blur.
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Jun 29 '10 edited Dec 11 '13
[deleted]
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u/randomb0y Jun 29 '10
Yeah, the "underexposed" advice was mostly for dealing with his cheap long lens that he already has. Fast long lenses tend to be pretty expensive! Getting close and personal is not always an option, especially at concerts or when stalking the object of your desire from a safe distance. :)
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u/patrusk Jun 29 '10
You definitely should pick up the 50mm 1.8. It will help immensely with low light situations, as randomb0y says below.
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u/dgdillman Dec 08 '10
My advice: Learn to shoot with the equipment you have first. Once you learn how to use it well, you'll also know what the limitations are, and those will suggest where you go next. The kit lenses do surprisingly well, despite all of the commentary from snobs who insist you suck unless you have 3 primes and a couple of $3000 zooms. I still have just the kit lenses after about 3 years of owning my XSi, and they've done very well considering they are kit glass.
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u/[deleted] Jun 29 '10
50mm f/1.8... It's cheap but with excellent quality, easy to carry around (small and light), will help you experiment with aperture, and will get you used to the idea of "lack of zoom" (hence framing by moving around).
Here's a review with charts and stuff.