Help me pick a new lens!

[tinkerbelt]

I'm treating myself to a new lens for my birthday, and I don't know what I want!

I have a Rebel XTi, and the only lens that I have is the kit lens (EF S 18-55mm), so I am wide open to suggestions!

I can't afford much, just somewhere in the $200-$300 range, which limits me quite a bit. I'm open to different types of lenses. I'm leaning towards something with IS, or I'd love a macro (though I don't think I've ever seen a macro in that price range).

Most of my pics are from walking around Disneyland, or the beach, or random outings with my 5 year old. I'd like a little variety so that I can try different types of shots. Any advice is appreciated, buying lenses is totally foreign to me!

 

[jfinke]

Is that the old kit lens or the new kit lens?

The new kit lens has IS and is supposed to be better optically. However, it will cover the exact same range that you have now.

The nifty fifty is always an option.

I also have this lens which is 70-300, which would compliment your kit lens nicely.

It is under $200. It does focus a bit slowly and loudly, but I never noticed it until I got my new USM L lens, which is quick and quiet.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I'd like a little variety so that I can try different types of shots.

The type of shots you want to get (but can't get now with what you have) will drive what lens you buy. If you really want the macro, then maybe ask for a gift certificate or cash so you can start saving toward one; same for a longer zoom lens. I don't think I'd buy a lens just to have a new lens. In the long run, it might not serve you well.

 

[tinkerbelt]

Is that the old kit lens or the new kit lens?

The new kit lens has IS and is supposed to be better optically. However, it will cover the exact same range that you have now.

The nifty fifty is always an option.

I also have this lens which is 70-300, which would compliment your kit lens nicely.

It is under $200. It does focus a bit slowly and loudly, but I never noticed it until I got my new USM L lens, which is quick and quiet.

Mine's the old kit lens, I'm so bummed that they didn't offer IS when I got mine! I actually looked at the Sigma lens today, and it's on my short list. I don't want to spend a fortune, but I want a little variety. It's also why I want to stick with something cheaper, so that I can get a feel for using different lenses, and then I will start upgrading to better quality stuff.

 

[jfinke]

That is how I started as well. Got the XT refurbed earlier this year. Added a nifty fifty + the sigma.

Now, I purchased the lens I was always looking at but didn't get - the 70-200 f/4 L IS. And now the weather is crappy.

 

[tinkerbelt]

Is that the old kit lens or the new kit lens?

The new kit lens has IS and is supposed to be better optically. However, it will cover the exact same range that you have now.

The nifty fifty is always an option.

I also have this lens which is 70-300, which would compliment your kit lens nicely.

It is under $200. It does focus a bit slowly and loudly, but I never noticed it until I got my new USM L lens, which is quick and quiet.

How does your Sigma handle low light? Do you generally need good light to use it? I don't want to lug a tripod with me everywhere I go, but I also don't want a lot of noise from using high ISO.

 

[jfinke]

This was taken at 70mm, f/4, 1/60, handheld, ISO 400, with my hand over the built in flash (before I got my external). I had to do some PP on the RAW to get it viewable.

This was taken at 70mm, f4, 1/40, handheld, ISO 1600. Straight JPEG. Notice the noise.

Getting a fast telephoto lens is going to cost money. Unfortunately, that is just the way it is.

I can try taking some test photos later if you like to compare different settings.

 

[jfinke]

Also, try checking out this thread. All photos are from that lens.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=266596