 Terri L. Scribner |
What Lens Do I Need? I own a Canon EOS 300D and have the EFS 18-55mm lens. I want to purchase a telephoto and wide-angle lens. I would like to know what the best lenses and which brands will fit on the EOS 300D? I've done some research but would like to hear from some of the BetterPhoto members. Thanks!!
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robert G. Fately |
Terry, without some further information from you, this is a very open-ended question. The key issues are a) what kind of photography do you think you'll want to do? and b) what's your budget? Brand-wise - besides Canon - Sigma, Tokina and Tamron all make lenses that work with Canon bodies. These "third party" lenses are generally less expensive, but some are actually as good as the "branded" counterparts from Canon or Nikon. But, depending on what you're trying to do, the answer after that can only be "it depends". For the telephoto - what makes you want one? Sports shots (of the kids)? Nature shots of black bears in the woods? Birding? Do you want the convenience of a zoom lens (that's one that has variable focal lengths, like your 18-55) or a prime length lens. Sometimes the latter type can be less costly, or faster (like a 300MM f2.8). On the wide side, the 18MM is already pretty wide; there aren't a lot of choices to "go wider". Anyway, perhaps it would be best to discern what kind of shooting you want to do, and then figure out what kind of equipment you'll need. For landscapes, maybe the 18-55 will be fine, but you should get a tripod.
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Terri L. Scribner |
Thanks for the response...I do plan to shoot sports, (soccer, baseball, football,etc..) and wildlife shots, birding... I also want a good macro lens and was told that I would need a wider angle lens than the 18-55. (by a sales rep). I'd love a prime length lens and wanted to get more information from users, then shop around before I decide..My budget hasn't been finalized just yet...A tripod I do know is a must!!
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anonymous A. |
A tripod or a monopod...or an image stabilised lens. I use all three, but I get a lot more use from the monopod than rom the tripod. Of course, you can't set up a monopod and stand away! My range of shooting covers most of the range you mention, and using my Canon with a 28-300mm Tamron lens (equivalent to about 35-420 in 35mm terms) I rarely take it off. For some landscapes I switch to the Canon 18-55mm, but not often. I occassionally add a 2x teleconverter for small brds or shy animals, but again this is rare. With my film camera I used the same 28-300 lens plus an 18-35mm wide zoom. I do miss it sometimes, but not so often I would replace it at $600 to $900. I used it maybe for 5% of all my landscapes and fow a few interiors. I usually put the focal length on my gallery uploads; maybe that will give you an idea of what mighht be a good unit(s) for you. Don't be misled by the word 'macro' on zoom lenses. A $50 set of close up filters will let you get into the close-up world, and don't forget that, though though prime lenses might, might produce better images, the difference is rarely discernible under normal viewing conditions, certainly not online, and I still recall the weight of a bag full of prime lenses, often with different filter sets to accommodate their different size lens rings and the huge and obvious bag I needed to lug around with me. Last year in Africa I was down to 1 digital with fixed lens and one Film SLR with 2 zooms+tele extender+monopod. The film took up more space than anything!
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Walter G. Rowand Jr. |
Terry, I have a 20D and use a Canon 28 to 135 image stabilizer lens and hardley ever take it off but when I do I use my Canon 17 to 85 IS lens which covers the wide angle. Tamron also has an excellent lens 18 to 200 which I have also but it is not a IS lens. GOOD LUCK!!!!! WALT ROWAND.
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Terri L. Scribner |
You guys have been very helpful with some serious areas about lenses. I'll keep in touch on this thresd! Thanks so much! Off now to check out the gallery David!
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sandeep mahal |
Hi terry. I own EOS D. For Macro Photography I use 100 mm 2.8 Macro. This is the lens that is very, very very sharp. I havn't seen Sharper lens yet than this. At f2.8 the picture have a great bokeh. Even the colours, saturation is far superior to any other lens. No barrel distortion. No flaring. It has full time manual which is real good. I also have EF 50 mm 1.4. It is not as good as 100mm but is very fast. You can take superb pictures without flash at night. But it flares badly but I have learnt to live with it. Buy this only if you need to do night photography. I don't think that you need to go wider (as sales rep told you). 18 mm is as wide 27 mm on 35 mm camera. It is pretty wide. I suggest you do some shooting wide open and try and see yourself if you really need to go wider. I personally don't like more wide because of the distortions. For tele you can setriously condider 70-200mm F 2.8 IS. It is the best. I don't have it but have used it many times. It is really some piece of glass. And if you can't afford it go for Sigma 70-300. It is real good for the money you spend. And you could always rent out 70-200 mm for some specific shoots. Good luck.
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Terri L. Scribner |
Thanks for the information! I've been leaning toward the 70-200mm F 2.8...Still shopping around though..
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Peter K. Burian |
Terri: Unless you have a specific reason why you need an f/2.8 lens, think twice! I owned the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 . It was SUPERB. See my Review at http://www.shutterbug.net/test_reports/0302sb_canonalbum/index.html But it was massive/too heavy so I sold it. Bought the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 instead. Also a pro lens but much more compact. You can find Reviews on the Web. For example, http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/canon_70200_4/index.htm Regards, Peter Burian, Instructor,
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Terri L. Scribner |
Thanks Peter! I, too deciced on the Canon EF 70-200mmf/4! After reading lots of reviews, it's the perfect lens for me. It slightly went over my budget, but well worth the investment!! Will post some images later.. Thanks to all who responded!!
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Peter K. Burian |
Terri: And one day, if you decide you must have longer telephoto zoom options, you can buy an EF 1.4x teleconverter. Not inexpensive but it does extend the focal length of the lens. Peter
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