Best tips for using these lenses.

[crazyme5kids]

I am new, very, very new to the world of dSLR photography. I was given a Canon Rebel for Christmas and while it is very basic I have a lot to learn, so it is perfect for my no ability photo skills.

I did buy two lenses (the camera came with the standard 18-55 lens, which I don't really like). The lenses I purchased are: Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro and a Canon Zoom Super Wide Angle EF 17-40mm f/4L USM lens.

I am looking for any helpful tips and advice on using these lenses. Can any of you wonderful photographers help me?

 

[ukcatfan]

It would help if we knew what kind of pictures you are trying to take.

 

[jann1033]

both are considered good lenses. if you want to do macro definitely use a tripod cause any movement is amplified. the 100mm is also a nice length for some city type shots. the f2.8 will help you have ability to take low light photos more easily and a blurry background for things like flowers or bugs or whatever. just be careful cause at a smaller f number like 2.8 give or take a stop or two, it also will give you a smaller depth of focus, ie less will be sharp, more will be blurred so you'll have to make sure you get the subject all in focus.. what camera exactly did you get? xti? xsi? rebels have been around for a long long time, way before digital.

 

[crazyme5kids]

At this point I am just taking all kinds of pictures so that I can get a feel for the camera and attempt to learn how to use it.

I did get the macro lens because I love macro pictures and would like to learn the nuances of macro photography. Although, from the research I did when trying to choose which lenses to get I know I'm not limited to just macro with this lens.

I bought the wide angle figuring I will use it mainly for landscape photography.

I hope I made some good choices, I spent days reading reviews and researching lenses. I felt like my brain was on lens overload!

 

[crazyme5kids]

I was given the Rebel XS. Honestly, it wasn't the camera I had been looking at. I had been leaning toward a Nikon or a Pentax, but it was a gift and it really is a nice starter camera for someone like me who knows zero about dSLR photography.

 

[webshark3]

Don't rule out the kit lens (especially if it's the IS version). At F8 it's pretty sharp, and you may find it's the lighest, most flexible lens of the 3 for a vacation, and it'll probably spend more time on your camera than the others.


(But otherwise, I agree, it's not the best lens)

 

[jann1033]

i've never seen a bad review for the xs or xsi, pop photo rated it a best buy( the xs) and the xsi won as best entry level dslr so unless you were not planning on getting an entry level, you did good the xsi has a couple more focus points and the center cross point is for f2.8 rather than 5.6 lenses, 2 more mp and i think a spot meter( imo not a big deal,you can use partial and it's only 6% larger area) but i think they are the same sensor which is supposed to be good.( may be some other differences, don't have either of them)

the is kit lens is supposed to be pretty good for image quality, most of the "cons" i've seen have been like plastic or manual ring isn't good, not so much bad image quality. it's still a kit lens and won't touch an l lens but not worthless either.
probably the best thing to do is get familiar with your camera via using it and reading the manual the just practice which sounds like what you are doing. sometimes it's easier to get help here if you have a specific question ie what is dof rather than general...then anyone with any camera can help.