Help! Which lens(es) should I upgrade to? I am new to DSLR photography and have been using my Canon T1i since May with the 18-55 kit lens. After spending time reading through a billion reviews on cameras and lenses, I have come to the conclusion that a good lens is worth the investment. I would classify my photography as "general" or "all purpose" photos. I like shooting people shots and I'm really getting interested in Macro photography.The lenses that I am looking at are:Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM LensCanon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USMCanon EF-S 18-200mm f/3-5.6 IS I like the EF 50mm 1.4 for macro, but would I be better off with the 100mm?? Could I use both or would that be redundant?Can't decide between the last 2 lenses either....Please any assistance would be greatly appreciated before my head explodes! Help! Which lens(es) should I upgrade to? I am new to DSLR photography and have been using my Canon T1i since May with the 18-55 kit lens. After spending time reading through a billion... » Read More Help! Which lens(es) should I upgrade to? I am new to DSLR photography and have been using my Canon T1i since May with the 18-55 kit lens. After spending time reading through a billion reviews on cameras and lenses, I have come to the conclusion that a good lens is worth the investment. I would classify my photography as "general" or "all purpose" photos. I like shooting people shots and I'm really getting interested in Macro photography.The lenses that I am looking at are:Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM LensCanon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USMCanon EF-S 18-200mm f/3-5.6 IS I like the EF 50mm 1.4 for macro, but would I be better off with the 100mm?? Could I use both or would that be redundant?Can't decide between the last 2 lenses either....Please any assistance would be greatly appreciated before my head explodes! « Show Less
916478
I was looking at the 28-135 for my Rebel xti....let me know how you like once you get a chance to try it out.
916479
So despite it being a macro there's no problem with regular focusing?The 50mm 1.8 is really shoddy build quality, I think you're thinking of that. The 50mm 1.4 (3 times the price) is quite sturdy.I use the 28-105mm (the cheap one, not the L glass) I got this around the same time my friend got the 28-135, which looks like a better lens on the surface, yet he hated his and sold it. It's a much larger lens physically, while the 28-105 is really small, so that's something to consider. I also felt like mine focused better, although that wasn't an objective test. And it's half the price, which is nice. Something to consider So despite it being a macro there's no problem with regular focusing?The 50mm 1.8 is really shoddy build quality, I think you're thinking of that. The 50mm 1.4 (3 times the price) is quite sturdy.I use the 28-105mm (the cheap one, not the L glass) I got this around the same time my friend got the 28-135, which looks like a better lens on the surface, yet he hated his and sold it. It's a much larger lens physically, while the 28-105 is really small, so that's something to consider. I also felt like mine focused better, although that wasn't an objective test. And it's... » Read More So despite it being a macro there's no problem with regular focusing?The 50mm 1.8 is really shoddy build quality, I think you're thinking of that. The 50mm 1.4 (3 times the price) is quite sturdy.I use the 28-105mm (the cheap one, not the L glass) I got this around the same time my friend got the 28-135, which looks like a better lens on the surface, yet he hated his and sold it. It's a much larger lens physically, while the 28-105 is really small, so that's something to consider. I also felt like mine focused better, although that wasn't an objective test. And it's half the price, which is nice. Something to consider « Show Less
916480
It depends on what you like to shoot. I am a novice to the photography game and I have several lenses in my arsenal. I own the 100mm macro, 17-40mm L, 17-55mm, 70-200mm f4L and the 50mm 1.8. My favorite two are the 100mm macro and the 70-200. Both give me sharp crisp images. I tend not to use the 50mm much any more. If I needed that focal lenght I would chose the 17-55 which is fast, great in low and the images are superb. For a general vacation lens combo, I take the 17-55 and the 70-200mm.
916481
I have been very happy with the 18-200mm. It was my first lens and remains a workhorse. I have since acquired a 28-135mm as part of a used setup and have yet to try it - there's been no need as the 18-200mm exceeds it in range.
916482
I personally think that he'd benefit more from purchasing the nifty fifty (50mm f1.8) to cover that range, and then also buy the 100mm f2.8. Honestly there is not a huge difference in terms of image quality between the 50mm f1.8 and the f1.4. The f1.8 does have trouble focusing in dark conditions, but for the price (and for a beginner) it is a great option and it leaves your budget open to get another lens.
369535
I own the D80 with 18-135 lens and love it. Yes, you sacrifice a tad of fabulousness by picking the lens with the broader range, but I wanted bang-for-buck versatility first. I recommend getting at least *one* of the Nikon-Nikkor lenses, since they have proprietary circuitry that (I believe) the after-markets don't. The one thing you'd gain by starting with the 18-55 lens is that it *is* quite a bit smaller. I hate to mention it here, but I found - post-purchase - my local (Atlanta) membership w'house had a kit with *both* lenses for less than I paid for the body + lens.
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if you specify a cannon mount for your particular camera you should be amazed at the versatility and beautiful pictures a tamron gives you I just bought a new cannon and I have the 18-55 standard lens I wish I kept my last tamron but I sold it with my last cannon {darn it!!!!!}
2228567
Thanks Branden, I didn't think it was a "macro" lens, but wanted to ask. I'm planning on buying this lens when ever I decide I can afford a $1,000 lens. I've since purchased the Canon 60mm EF-S Macro lens and like it very much.
164426
Hello;I do hope my comments are helpful. On your kit or stock lens which usually is a 15 x 55 zoom lens the threads on the lens are a 58 MM and no adapter I needed. Most full kits from Canon also have a 55 x 200 MM Lens or a 75 x 300 MM lens both are zoom lenses and both have a 52MM thread; which would requires the adapter that comes with the DLSR MC AF 0.45 X Wide Angelw/macro. I use many different lenses. But for this one I like most on my 18 x 55 MM lens because I can get the fish eye effect as well. Also allows very close; closeups. On the higher 200 MM or 300 MM it provides a wider field of view and great for higher resolution closeups!The optics are very high quality as well!Good Luck; Randy Hello;I do hope my comments are helpful. On your kit or stock lens which usually is a 15 x 55 zoom lens the threads on the lens are a 58 MM and no adapter I needed. Most full kits from Canon also have a 55 x 200 MM Lens or a 75 x 300 MM lens both are zoom lenses and both have a 52MM thread; which would requires the adapter that comes with the DLSR MC AF 0.45 X Wide Angelw/macro. I use many different lenses. But for this one I like most on my 18 x 55 MM lens because I can get the fish eye effect as well. Also allows very close; closeups. On the higher 200 MM or 300 MM it... » Read More Hello;I do hope my comments are helpful. On your kit or stock lens which usually is a 15 x 55 zoom lens the threads on the lens are a 58 MM and no adapter I needed. Most full kits from Canon also have a 55 x 200 MM Lens or a 75 x 300 MM lens both are zoom lenses and both have a 52MM thread; which would requires the adapter that comes with the DLSR MC AF 0.45 X Wide Angelw/macro. I use many different lenses. But for this one I like most on my 18 x 55 MM lens because I can get the fish eye effect as well. Also allows very close; closeups. On the higher 200 MM or 300 MM it provides a wider field of view and great for higher resolution closeups!The optics are very high quality as well!Good Luck; Randy « Show Less
2173346
The best review of these two lenses in on Ken Rockwell's website. I currently have the Canon35 1.4 and the 35 2.0 non-is. I also had the 35 2.0 IS but sold it and then got the non-IS on eBay. Why? The IS is great but big and I was looking to put together a lighter combo than the 5DMK3 and 1.4. I have a 6D that fits the bill and thought the new 35 IS would work well as an everyday combo to carry around. The image quality is very good but it is big. So, I sold it, found a good version of the non-IS, and in combination with the 6D it meets all my needs. Good quality images, smaller lens, less weight.
982739
If you can afford it, buy the 28/200 or the 28/300 macro lens. It is much more convenient as you do not have to change lenses when shifting from one type of shot to another. It is ideal for the amateur / semi-pro who wants excellent photos. Of course, if you are a professional, you already know that you need many more types of lenses and filters for every situation conceivable.
1672482
Hi Eric,Thanks for your reply. I've already went ahead and bought the D3100 (got advice from some other people somewhere else on the internets ;)I received it yesterday and it does seem to be a very solid camera with lots of features that have me overwhelmed to say the least since I am a beginner in the world of photography.I do have one question: why is it that everyone recommends those lenses? How vastly different are they from the lens the comes with the camera? For example, what would a 35mm 1.8g do differently or better than the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens?~ Dan Hi Eric,Thanks for your reply. I've already went ahead and bought the D3100 (got advice from some other people somewhere else on the internets ;)I received it yesterday and it does seem to be a very solid camera with lots of features that have me overwhelmed to say the least since I am a beginner in the world of photography.I do have one question: why is it that everyone recommends those lenses? How vastly different are they from the lens the comes with the camera? For example, what would a 35mm 1.8g do differently or better than the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6... » Read More Hi Eric,Thanks for your reply. I've already went ahead and bought the D3100 (got advice from some other people somewhere else on the internets ;)I received it yesterday and it does seem to be a very solid camera with lots of features that have me overwhelmed to say the least since I am a beginner in the world of photography.I do have one question: why is it that everyone recommends those lenses? How vastly different are they from the lens the comes with the camera? For example, what would a 35mm 1.8g do differently or better than the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens?~ Dan « Show Less
576347
I like the Canon 50D. I would like to buy the body and buy Canon 15-85mm lens.All people told me that Canon T2i has new technology, but I don' know if the new technology will enhance the photo quality!! I googled for the past week. I couldn't find how the new technology will help me to get a better photo quality with the same lens!
910057
Go for it. This is an awesome lens. I use this lens along with my EF 70-200 L Series f/2.8 for all my wedding and other event shoots (including portraits, sports etc). But if money is not an object why not get the 50MM lens (along with this) as others have suggested. I am happy with the two lenses (ie EF 24-70 mm and EF 70-200 mm). I've taken thousands of pictures with these two lenses (almost 80% with the 24-70 Lens). Hope this helps.
80623
I realize your question is now 3 yrs old, but I may still be able to help someone else. My favorite lens for my T2i is the Tamron 18-270mm. Talk about versatile. I have the Canon 50mm and a zoom along with the standard kit lens, but none compare to the Tamron...no more changing the lens so often.
8522
Hardy,Thanks for the info about getting better lenses. I just "bit the bullet" and bought the 24-105mm L lens. I have heard this same wise advice from other photographers, and I am looking forward to getting sharper photos with the new lens, and I will try to get only L lenses from now on. In the end, you truly get what you pay for.
301745
Hi Technology Guy,I liked you responses to the questions asked by fellow buyers. You may find me moron asking this but I searched quite a bit on google but did not get any definite answer. Could you help me decide if it is wise to buy T3i (600D) with "Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens" and do not buy "EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens"? OR if I need to have both lenses to start with. Thanks in advance.
2058086
I have the Pentax lens and absolutely love it. I do not have, nor have never used, the Tamron lens. However, Pentax forums has some very good reviews of it (http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/tamron-70-200mm-f2-8-di-ld-macro.html). You might want to ensure that's the exact lens you are looking to buy.You lose one stop with the Pentax. Depending on the camera you have, that may be a big deal. I've found I can use the 60-250 with a TC in bright light without problems (it's a 5.6 lens when the TC is used with it) for action photography. I use mine for wildlife and sports photography (outdoor mainly) and it does everything I need. I have the Pentax lens and absolutely love it. I do not have, nor have never used, the Tamron lens. However, Pentax forums has some very good reviews of it (http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/tamron-70-200mm-f2-8-di-ld-macro.html). You might want to ensure that's the exact lens you are looking to buy.You lose one stop with the Pentax. Depending on the camera you have, that may be a big deal. I've found I can use the 60-250 with a TC in bright light without problems (it's a 5.6 lens when the TC is used with it) for action photography. I use mine for wildlife and sports... » Read More I have the Pentax lens and absolutely love it. I do not have, nor have never used, the Tamron lens. However, Pentax forums has some very good reviews of it (http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/tamron-70-200mm-f2-8-di-ld-macro.html). You might want to ensure that's the exact lens you are looking to buy.You lose one stop with the Pentax. Depending on the camera you have, that may be a big deal. I've found I can use the 60-250 with a TC in bright light without problems (it's a 5.6 lens when the TC is used with it) for action photography. I use mine for wildlife and sports photography (outdoor mainly) and it does everything I need. « Show Less
2174721
I have a 20D. The answer is, it depends on what you want to do. The EF 24-70 and the 70-200 both have the "red stripe" and are top-of-the-line, awesome lenses. They rely on big optics with the 77mm objective lens to produce their images. They are great at all times, especiallhy in low light. They are also very heavy and quite expensive. Get them if you are going for absolute, uncompromising photos. Get a tripod or monopod, too, unless you do arm curls in your spare time! If you want excellent photos with less weight and expense, I recommend you get the EF 17-85 IS as your base lens for light weight and convenience. (If you get the "base" 18-55, you will find you quit using it the day you get a newer lens. We have a Digital Rebel that came with that lens, and we never use it. Never. Did I say "Never?" Buy a body or a kit with the 17-85 unless you are going the 24-70 route. The 18-55 only adds about $50 to the camera price, which isn't much compared to the price of the camera bodies, but why waste $50?) For telephoto zoom, the 70-300 IS is an excellent lens, about the same weight and size as the 24-70 but of course much more versatile. Then you will need a wide-angle, and again you have two ways you can go. I have a 10-22 lens that was less costly than Canon's red-stripe wide angles, and I am well-pleased. You get some parallax below a focal length of 12-14, but it's kind of a neat effect if you like it. I hope this helps.
102792
You might want to look at the Canon 28-135mm lens. I shoot with a 350 D Rebel too, and was unhappy with 18-55mm lens that came with the camera. So after about 2 months of evaluating MANY lenses, I bought the 28-135mm and have NEVER looked back. I've had mine for nearly 6 months and it's a dynamic walk-around lens. It's decent macro to wide zoom and has proven to be fast enough to shoot at dusk and in the night to get full moon and fireworks shots. I am a fiend for shooting traffic late at night, this lens is GREAT for that as well. It's worth a 1st, 2nd and, 3rd look if you are in the market for great moderate priced lenses. You might want to look at the Canon 28-135mm lens. I shoot with a 350 D Rebel too, and was unhappy with 18-55mm lens that came with the camera. So after about 2 months of evaluating MANY lenses, I bought the 28-135mm and have NEVER looked back. I've had mine for nearly 6 months and it's a dynamic walk-around lens. It's decent macro to wide zoom and has proven to be fast enough to shoot at dusk and in the night to get full moon and fireworks shots. I am a fiend for shooting traffic late at night, this lens is GREAT for that as well. It's worth a 1st, 2nd and, 3rd look... » Read More You might want to look at the Canon 28-135mm lens. I shoot with a 350 D Rebel too, and was unhappy with 18-55mm lens that came with the camera. So after about 2 months of evaluating MANY lenses, I bought the 28-135mm and have NEVER looked back. I've had mine for nearly 6 months and it's a dynamic walk-around lens. It's decent macro to wide zoom and has proven to be fast enough to shoot at dusk and in the night to get full moon and fireworks shots. I am a fiend for shooting traffic late at night, this lens is GREAT for that as well. It's worth a 1st, 2nd and, 3rd look if you are in the market for great moderate priced lenses. « Show Less
1742136
If you want sharper images and faster focusing, you might instead consider getting one of the Canon 70-200mm f/4L USM models. The difference in image quality can be quite a startling. Back (WAY back) when I was looking to upgrade my old telephoto lens, someone gave me excellent advice that the difference between the newer telephotos I was considering was relatively small - too small to agonize over - and that if I really wanted to upgrade, I should just bite the bullet and get the L. One of the best pieces of advice on equipment I ever got. Once I tried the L, I never looked back. The one drawback is that the lens will spoil you forever.