Canon Rebel XT Lens ?

[jenbeat1]

Hi, I'm fairly new to using an SLR and currently have a Canon Rebel XT and the lenses that came with it ~ Tamron 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 and Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6.

I'm looking for a lense that is up to 200mm, like 28-200mm or 18-200mm. Can anyone recommend a good lens? I'd like to keep it under $400 if possible.

Also, can anyone recommend a good macro lens?

Thanks for your help!

Jen

 

[minie_meese]

Sigma and Tamron both make an 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 for under $400 but 6.3 is really slow at 200mm. You can get the same lens with stabilization for about $550.

You already cover that focal length with your other 2 lenses so just curious why you want the 18-200 range - general purpose carry around lens? Replace the other 2? The reason I ask is that your lenses are all moderately slow. You might consider getting a narrower or fixed focal length but lots faster lens and play around with that. The Canon 50mm fixed focal length f1.8 is under $80 and takes excellent photos. I love being able to take photos in low light. For my first SLR I only used a fast 50mm for almost a year to let me look at things differently and it is soo light to carry. Having the fixed lens allowed me to really think about the composition of the photos I was taking.

I don't have it, but Canon also makes a 50mm f2.5 macro lens for about $225. This lens can also serve as a general 50mm like I describe above and it is moderatly fast. It is not a high end macro but should get good results. Depending on the subjects you want to take. This would be a good lens for flowers.

If you have to choose between another zoom and a macro, I would go with the macro

 

[jenbeat1]

Yeah, I'd like that range as a general walk around lens, but also there are venues in the area that only allow lenses up to 200mm, and to get close up shots my 300mm doesn't comply with their photo policy.