What lenses do you recommend as "basic "for the Eos30D? This is my first post re: EOS30D
2014123
If you can afford it I'd recommend the 17-55mm IS 2.8. This a basically an L quality lens but doesn't carry the L in it's name because it is a EF-S series lens. It is very fast and the sharpness and overall IQ are comparable to the 24-105L IS. The range on the 17-85mm IS is really great and it is about $400 less but the images are softer and the varible aperature starting at 4 will not be nearly as fast. the 17-55mm IS 2.8 is a GREAT walkaround lens and will rarely leave your camera.
2014124
Here's the wikipedia article on the "f-number" (i.e. the second number you see on generic lens description):http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-numberIn (an oversimplified) summary, the lower the number, the less light you need for a good picture, so "better" (quotes, because there are complications with low f-numbers, described better in the article).The lenses with (ultra) low f-numbers also tend to be very expensive, so as a poor student, I usually just ended up using the stock lens and pushing the ISO number either on the film or the digital camera (good thing these were for my school newspaper! :)). Here's the wikipedia article on the "f-number" (i.e. the second number you see on generic lens description):http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-numberIn (an oversimplified) summary, the lower the number, the less light you need for a good picture, so "better" (quotes, because there are complications with low f-numbers, described better in the article).The lenses with (ultra) low f-numbers also tend to be very expensive, so as a poor student, I usually just ended up using the stock lens and pushing the ISO number either on the film or the digital... » Read More Here's the wikipedia article on the "f-number" (i.e. the second number you see on generic lens description):http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-numberIn (an oversimplified) summary, the lower the number, the less light you need for a good picture, so "better" (quotes, because there are complications with low f-numbers, described better in the article).The lenses with (ultra) low f-numbers also tend to be very expensive, so as a poor student, I usually just ended up using the stock lens and pushing the ISO number either on the film or the digital camera (good thing these were for my school newspaper! :)). « Show Less
2014125
You've made an excellent choice for an 'all around' lens; particularly for a 'travel lens', for times when you just want to carrry the camera and one lens instead of a rucksack full of glass. You'll find that you'll get sharper images with the aperture stepped down; that is, with the camera in aperture priority mode, selecting an aperture value of around f/8-f/11 will give you a sharper image in most circumstances.
2014126
As a part-time wedding photographer my bag includes the EF-S 17-85mm IS, the EF 1.8 85mm (awesome portraits), and the EF 70-300mm DO lenses. This combination will give you everything you need to meet almost every challenge and at a reasonable price (around $2000), with excellent quality in your images.
189243
J. ONeill says: Did you make a decision? I am currently debating the same two lenses. I am leaning towards the Canon since it seems there are quite a few quality/AF issues with the Sigma. Any advice is appreciated. If you own a camera with micro focus adjustment like the 50D or 7D, Sigmas front or back focusing is a non-issue. Also, even if you don't own a camera with micro focus adjustment, if you get a Sigma lens that front or back focuses, you can send it to Sigma for calibration.
1884402
I replaced my Canon 60d and smaller Sony A55 with an Olympus E-P3. I've owned several intro/mid-level dSLRs, and I would say the E-P3 was my favorite camera of all time. My pictures were amazing, it was fast, and best of all was that it was truly portable - perfect for my hiking trips. Were you mainly using the camera in auto mode? I always used it in manual, so can't really tell you how good or bad the camera did in 'A' mode - but in manual mode it was nearly perfect. The lenses you use may also play a role. My favorite lens of all time had been (maybe still is) the Canon 24-70mm lens, and I thought I would never find something that worked just as well, but I came across the Panasonic 14-140mm lens, which is super amazing, and became my favorite and main lens for the E-P3. The lack of viewfinder was never an issue for me, since I used the VF-2 view finder by Olympus. Sure, I was never happy using the E-P3 without the viewfinder, so I kept it on most of the time. I did sell the E-P3 on Ebay soon after the OM-D was announced. I figured that if the E-P3 had become my favorite camera of all time, getting the OM-D would be a no brainer since the specs are better than the E-P3 and it included a built in viewfinder. I have used an NEX-5 (first gen) in the past, and I must say I hated that camera due to how hard it made to shoot in 'M' mode; however, Sony released the NEX-7, a nearly perfect camera targeted towards potential dSLR owners. Deciding between the NEX-7 and the OM-D is a challenge, and they each have their pluses and negatives; however, those looking to replace a dSLR for some trips, shouldn't consider anything other than the OM-D(m4/3) or NEX-7(e-mount) for the time being; although, I bet Panasonic has something in the works to compete with Sony and Olympus.
1430891
I've had opportunity to acquire or try out most of the lenses (sans the 43mm ltd, unfortunately) since last posting. Here's my list for a newbie weighing performance, price, and availability:1. DA 40mm - Excellent all around and compact, compact, compact! 2. DA 70mm - Great color saturation, sharpness if not as fast as the FA 77mm3. FA 31mm LTD. Expensive! But might as well be welded to my K-7 right now. Amazing all around.4. My FA 50mm 1.4 has been bumped down to 4 or 5, given softness at f1.4 and lack of contrast. the 55mm 1.4 is a sleeper though, although I haven't had opportunity to try it. I've had opportunity to acquire or try out most of the lenses (sans the 43mm ltd, unfortunately) since last posting. Here's my list for a newbie weighing performance, price, and availability:1. DA 40mm - Excellent all around and compact, compact, compact! 2. DA 70mm - Great color saturation, sharpness if not as fast as the FA 77mm3. FA 31mm LTD. Expensive! But might as well be welded to my K-7 right now. Amazing all around.4. My FA 50mm 1.4 has been bumped down to 4 or 5, given softness at f1.4 and lack of contrast. the 55mm 1.4 is a sleeper though, although I... » Read More I've had opportunity to acquire or try out most of the lenses (sans the 43mm ltd, unfortunately) since last posting. Here's my list for a newbie weighing performance, price, and availability:1. DA 40mm - Excellent all around and compact, compact, compact! 2. DA 70mm - Great color saturation, sharpness if not as fast as the FA 77mm3. FA 31mm LTD. Expensive! But might as well be welded to my K-7 right now. Amazing all around.4. My FA 50mm 1.4 has been bumped down to 4 or 5, given softness at f1.4 and lack of contrast. the 55mm 1.4 is a sleeper though, although I haven't had opportunity to try it. « Show Less
120648
If money is a concern, try the "fantastic plastic" or sometimes called the "nifty fifty". That's the Canon EOS 50mm f/1.8. Great lens. Best optics per dollar, for sure. Only complaint people have had has been about the quality of background blur when shooting wide open. I haven't had an issue personally, it's acceptable for the price. It IS rather ugly compared to the quality of bokeh on the f/1.2L .. But you can buy 15 of the 1.8s for the price of the 1.2, so that's to be expected. The 1.4 has had some great reviews as well.
1790228
Honestly, there are some available on ebay with buyer protection (but I understand why you would want to get it from the above places instead). The 70-200mm is a great lens, but if you have your heart set on this particular lens you should wait to get this one :) I just ordered one from ebay but I did my research on the seller first.
599074
Do almost everything hand held. No IS is not a problem as long as your above 180 range but ideally you want to be in good light above 500 IMO. Depending on your camera low light can be decent with ISO cranked up. Overall great lens but not ideal for low light.
501123
Congrats on the nice lens! I have the 17-85. It's better than my 18-55, but I would love to get the 17-55 someday. Heck, I'd like to get a lot of different lenses someday! But being completely new to dslr, I think what I have now will suffice until I get going.
267125
Well I must say I love my G1!! I was thinking the pancake 20mm f1.7 should be my next purchase, it just hard to convince myself about cashing $400 for it, but for what I have read it's the most versatile of them all. Now that the EZ zoom is based on digital zoom right? I try not to use the digital zoom since I don't like the lost of quality. I'm not big into telephoto as of now at least, so I think I'll go for the pancake. It's suppose to be 40mm as equivalent to a 35mm camera. And the reviews say it's versatile enough for dimly lit scenarios.Thanks for your reply!!
1771110
Thank you for the information.I have a 10-20mm and 18-55mm at hand. I decided to purchase 50D with a 28-135mm IS lens and 100-300mm. I will appreciate if you can share your suggestion.Thank you and best regards,GO
219018
Thanks for the comments. I actually bought D3000 and am pretty satisfied with it too.
840152
Thank you guys, really appreciate you help. I was in confused state in selecting sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 or tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 macro, but after a week study i have selected this sigma 50-150mm which is exactly in my budget. Once again thank you guys.
2227377
The lens I mostly use is the EF-S 17-85mmf/3-5.6 67mm Wide angle and it's beautiful!! change to just a standard 70-300mm telephoto zoom and go to space! Sweet thing about EOS is if you were shoot'n any of the lower EOS models (650D..1100D...} you will instantly be familiar with the 60D and higher!!!
1052624
See Amazon ad for lens bundle:http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008DGO7Y8/ref=pd_aw_sbs_9?pi=SL500_SS115They have Canon EOS mount. Have fun.
102791
Don't fool around. Go with the 28-300mm. Less lens changes and it just the perfect walk around lens. I know, I've been shooting for 35 years.
2152800
Great，I use the sigma 30mm f2.8 lens, it's just approximate 1 pound. I bought it cost $449 with 18-55 and sigma 30mm lens is 120 dollar~
987142
I owned the 50D and now own a 7D. I have had my 17-55 f/1.8 IS for over 2 years. I bought the 24-105 a year ago to replace my 17-55 hahaha yea let me say right now I am not selling my 17-55 and when shooting indoors the 17-55 f/2.8 is will be my first choice over the 24-105 f/4 IS. Indoors f/4 is slow period. I ended up buying a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 to shoot indoors for low light and I LOVE it. Anyways on a crop body I would pick the 17-55 f/2.8 IS over the 24-105 f/4 IS for indoors unless its a really well lit room or I am using my 580 EXII. I am leaning to primes anymore and would recommend the 17-55 f/2.8 for you. Another option is Sigma 30 f/1.4 and the Canon 85 f/1.8 and you spend less then either of those lenses heck you can throw in a 50 f/1.8 and have 3 lenses for the price of 1 if you don't mind switching lenses. Nick