HELP! Lens for Christmas

[cjnix29]

My husband got a Canon SL1 for his birthday. He has the kit lenses that come with it, 18-55 and 75-300. I know absolutely NOTHING about camera lenses, and he is really just getting started with photography other than a point and shoot, so he's not exactly sure what it is he wants/needs. When he was taking pictures on our last vacation, he indicated he wished had a lens that was somewhere in between these two for zoom? Does this make sense? Can anyone help me out with a recommendation as to what may be a good fit? And a few other stupid newbie questions....are lenses interchangeable with brands? meaning do I have to buy canon lenses for this camera? He mainly takes pictures of vacations, not much action shots. Thank you!!!

 

[SkaGoat]

The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM might fit the bill, it's as wide as the kit lens, but but is more than twice as long. (Zooms further).
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EF-S-18...r=8-1&keywords=EF-S+18-135mm+f/3.5-5.6+IS+STM

 

[Ariel484]

are lenses interchangeable with brands? meaning do I have to buy canon lenses for this camera?

You are not 100% limited to Canon lenses. You can buy other brands (Sigma, Tamron and Tokina are popular). Make sure that any 3rd party lens you purchase has a Canon EF mount.

 

[bob100]

My husband got a Canon SL1 for his birthday. He has the kit lenses that come with it, 18-55 and 75-300. I know absolutely NOTHING about camera lenses, and he is really just getting started with photography other than a point and shoot, so he's not exactly sure what it is he wants/needs. When he was taking pictures on our last vacation, he indicated he wished had a lens that was somewhere in between these two for zoom? Does this make sense? Can anyone help me out with a recommendation as to what may be a good fit? And a few other stupid newbie questions....are lenses interchangeable with brands? meaning do I have to buy canon lenses for this camera? He mainly takes pictures of vacations, not much action shots. Thank you!!!

like others have indicated you need a Canon 'mount' but not necessarily Canon lens.
the 18-135 would be a middle zoom but does he ever take portraits? Many photographers like a large aperture prime for that blurred background effect and the 50mm 1.8 STM lens is only $85 on the Canon Refurbished list