a good entry-level lens????

[bballdiva]

I this a good entry-level or 2nd lens. I just got a canon dslr and it came with the basic 18-55mm lens kits but was looking for a good second lens with possibly a little more zoom capability. Would this be a good choice or is there a better option out there for a newbie?? I'm trying to keep it under $300 if possible seeing I'm no "pro". I do love the look of the wide angle lenses but I'm thinking i may get more use out of something else. Help please!!!

[bob100]

I this a good entry-level or 2nd lens. I just got a canon dslr and it came with the basic 18-55mm lens kits but was looking for a good second lens with possibly a little more zoom capability. Would this be a good choice or is there a better option out there for a newbie?? I'm trying to keep it under $300 if possible seeing I'm no "pro". I do love the look of the wide angle lenses but I'm thinking i may get more use out of something else. Help please!!!

the choice of lens depends on your photography interests!
do you like taking pics of birds, wildlife, etc, landscapes, or people portraits ?

[Gianna'sPapa]

As a beginner, not that long ago, I originally purchased my DW's dslr with the standard 18-55. I soon learned that we needed a zoom out to 200mm. I had a choice of going with an all in one or a 50-200mm. The all in one was a little slow on the long side, so I decided to go with the 50-200mm and change lenses. Since then my photography has become more specialized in sports photography (auto racing), I have needed low light capability. Besides a second body, I have just added three lenses, all Sigma, 28-70 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8 and 100-300mm f4. A couple of the lenses are heavy, which the DW does not like to carry, so she still uses the 18-55 and 50-200 and is very happy. Before purchasing my own body and lenses, her 50-200 (we shoot with Pentax) was fast becoming my go-to lens. If the 50 side was a little long, I just let my feet zoom:) do the work. I would recommend that you shoot a little while and figure what type of photography you are going to do. Then purchase the lenses that best fit your needs. For example, I now have the lenses I need for most of my work, but that doesn't mean I'm done with the toys. I'm looking at some specialty lenses for specific situations. I want (don't need, but want) the Sigma 30mm f1.4 for the WDW dark rides and a fisheye for whatever. If I get these, I know I will find additional uses. IMHO I would determine what type of photography I wish to do then and then move forward. Everyone of us, that have this disease :rotfl2:, is different and have differing requirements.

[C&B Young]

If you're shooting Canon, the best bang for your buck in a telephoto lens is the 55-250 IS. It's range compliments your kit lens, decent image quality, plus it has IS and all for only $250 (or you could go the refurb route through Adorama and get one for $200).

[bballdiva]

I shoot mostly wildlife, landscape(we do a lot of hiking) and my dogs. We also love sporting events but mostly consists of baseball(so a lot of standing still). I did read up in the Canon 55-260 IS and that did seem like a good deal, but I just wants sure.:confused3 It's so confusing lol And I did see the 70-300mm but I read some mix reviews on this lens.

[C&B Young]

Reviews for the non-IS 75-300 lens are generally poor. You can usually pick up a used one for around $100, if that's any indication! The 70-300 IS lens puts you into the $550 range, and for me the extra 50mm didn't justify spending an extra $300. You might want to borrow/rent a telephoto zoom and see what length works best for you. I've also got a Sigma 75-300 APO DG, and although the image quality is good with the lack of stabilization it's really not useable for me without a tripod.

[Gianna'sPapa]

You may want to read the thread posted by jerlove. They purchased a Canon T1i with the 55-250 lens.

[bballdiva]

You may want to read the thread posted by jerlove. They purchased a Canon T1i with the 55-250 lens.

Do you know how I could find this post??

[bballdiva]

Found it..thank you

[JimbobJimbo]

I agree that the 55-250 IS is a great lens for the money. I used to own one. Here is a link to some samples from the lens.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=459569

[bob100]

The Canon 55-250IS is very good for the price, you can get it for less than $200 (refurbished) at Adorama

[bballdiva]

I just ordered it!!!!

[MickeysFans]

Are refurbished as reliable as new? Does the life of the lens get impacted? I need some zoom power also, but have so much learning to do with my Canon 40D.

[bballdiva]

Are refurbished as reliable as new? Does the life of the lens get impacted? I need some zoom power also, but have so much learning to do with my Canon 40D.

The one I bought has a warranty and not a scratch on it ( it looks brand new)