Decent/affordable lens for Canon DSLR?

[1rockinmamato2]

I had posted a few months ago about a new lens, but now I REALly need a replacement. The plastic band around mine cracked and is falling off (it's about 10 years old).

I only use my camera to take decent candid photos of my kids. So, I need something lightweight and affordable. The one I have is a 35-80mm. But, since I'm replacing, I'd like one with a wider angle (is that even the right term?). I've looked at the 28-105mm, but will I notice much difference between the 28 and 35?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[jann1033]

http://www.tamron.com/lenses/learning_center/tools/focal-length-comparison.php
this helps you see the difference in focal lengths
i have a canon 28-135 IS f3.5-5.6 i like about $400 but another one recommended with a better aperture is tamron 28-75 f2.8 i think in the mid $300
check out this recent thread for photos etc
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1662929

 

[El Nebuloso]

While it isn't a really fast lens, the Tamron 18-250 3.5-6.3 is a pretty decent all purpose lens at ~$450. It gives you a pretty good wide angle at 18, as well as a long reach on the zoom end of things.

 

[boBQuincy]

We all define "affordable" differently so if you are thinking of some entry-level lenses here are some ideas:

Of course Canon's 18-55 is a good start if your camera fits -S series lenses. It is a good lens for the price, especially if you can find a good used one.

I have a Canon 28-90 that is inexpensive and while it won't set any MTF records it is a lot better than the charts indicate. I used it on a trip to Europe and it does well when stopped down a bit.

Canon's 55-200 is another bargain that is better than it gets credit for. Anyone with the kit lens that wants more reach should consider adding this one to their camera bag.

 

[vettechick99]

I have the Canon 50mm 1.8 and love it. For $75, there is no excuse not to own it. This summer I bought the Canon 28-135 3.5 IS for am everyday lens. It's great when you are outdoors but sucks inside. But I love the zoom on it and it cost me around $400.

The photographer who shot the pic in my siggie recommends the 85mm 1.8 for portraits. Runs around $350. She, of course, owns L series. *sigh*

The problem with aftermarket lenses is that they are leagues above the kit ones, so buying new lenses because a very expensive habit!

 

[pjacobi]

Check out the *new* EF-S 18-55 Image Stabilized lens for only $175.00


-Paul

 

[jann1033]

We all define "affordable" differently ...

yeah and that keeps going up and up and up the longer i stick around here, as in "holy moly i just said 400 was affordable. i used to think that was really expensive, now i'm drooling over $1200:"lmao: )

 

[PoohJen]

I have the $75 50mm Canon described above. It's a nice little lens, but I don't think it's what the OP is looking for, if she is looking for to take candid kid shots.

My main lens is a Sigma 18-125; I love the range and the quality pics, at a great price! Admittedly, mine is currently broken (I can't adjust the zoom all the way out; but I was still able to use it on my WDW trip this month), but I have taken thousands of pictures with it; definitely worth the $180 I paid for it (used) on eBay!!

For sports shots of the kids, I use a Sigma 75-300; great zoom length and fast enough to get clear action shots.

 

[DVC Jen]

yeah and that keeps going up and up and up the longer i stick around here, as in "holy moly i just said 400 was affordable. i used to think that was really expensive, now i'm drooling over $1200:"lmao: )

no kidding. I can TOTALLY relate to that.

There is also a sigma lens 28-70 f2.8 that I found on amazon last year for under 200.00. It is a pretty decent lens.