Lens and Flash recs for T1i novice

[cdepauli]

Our Canon S5 IS either fell out of our car as we brought stuff in and out or was stolen. Luckily, we had all of our pictures downloaded and it gave us an excuse to get a new camera.

We ended up getting an awesome deal on the floor model clearance T1i at Target that we couldn't pass up. (We had planned on the T2i).

Anyway. We are photography novices. We used our IS in manual setting a lot, but it was more trial and error than actually knowing what we were doing.

The camera came with the kit lens 18-55 mm. We would like to get one lens at this time and a good flash. We looked at a few at Best Buy, but we honestly just don't know what we're doing well enough to know what will have the most utility without choosing something that is beyond our learning curve or use - while throwing away money.

As far as how we will use the camera -obviously Disney World is up there (so landscapes, night shots, fireworks), but we also have a 4 months old daughter who we would love to photograph as much as possible. This means we'd like something that would do well indoors in low or not ideal light.

Speedlite 430 EX II External Flash - We looked at this one, but don't really want to spend that much on a flash. We like the idea of it though.

Canon - 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens - ? We don't really want to spend more than $500... I don't even know if this is a good idea?

So any help would be great.

 

[SrisonS]

One lens I've enjoyed using for indoor shots of my 5 month old daughter is the Sigma 30mm f/1.4. You'll like having that speed. And the dof is just beautiful.

As far as a cheap flash, you can check out the Yongnuo (YN-465???). It's a Chinese flash, and runs about $60. I just received mine a few days ago from an eBay seller from China. I only took a few pictures, but I can instantly tell how great an external flash is. I seriously wish I would've gotten one earlier.

 

[Anewman]

Since you are talking Cheap.

For a cheap indoor lens the old 50mm 1.8 fits perfectly.... None cheaper anyways.

for flash I like the Sigmas, currently have the 530 DG super. The current model is the 610 dg super. Similar specs to the Higher canon models but for less than half the price.

 

[photo_chick]

If you are going to be taking pictures of kids indoors I'd look at the 50mm f/1.8 as mentioned. The wider aperture lets in more light so you won't need a flash for most indoor shots with it. If you still want a longer lens you might consider the 55-250 IS (the 70-300 IS is a decent lens, but the 55-250 is as well and costs a little less). It plus the 50mm f/1.8 and the 18-55 kit are the three lenses that many people start out with. They're entry level, but they'll cover a good focal range and give you solid low light performance.

 

[mom2rtk]

If cost is the issue the 50mm f/1.8 is the best bet at around $100. But honestly, that focal length is a little long for taking pictures of little ones. Try out that length around your house by setting your kit lens to 50mm and seeing how far you have to back up to use it.

If you have the budget (about $400) for the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 I'd definitely go that route. I have both and hardly ever use the 50mm lens. It just my personal preference since I find it too long for many shots and too short for others. And that Sigma has a well-earned reputation as being a really sharp lens.

If focal length is your only concern, I think there is also a 30mm f/1.8 that's somewhere between the 2 in price.

 

[cdepauli]

Thanks for all the great advice. I'm definitely looking into that flash and I think I'm going to go for a 30 mm for sure. Any opinions on this lens Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. AF (IF) Macro Lens. It has a $150 rebate right now.

 

[seashoreCM]

The 50 mm lens may be a little long for some shots but as a low light lens it would not be IMHO too short for other shots.

The not so expensive zoom lenses slow down as you zoom in. So to get the full f/1.8 or whatever, you have to leave it zoomed out, and crop the picture as desired after you upload it to your computer. So the zoom lens is on equal footing with the prime (non-zoom) lens for low light situations.

 

[bob100]

Our Canon S5 IS either fell out of our car as we brought stuff in and out or was stolen. Luckily, we had all of our pictures downloaded and it gave us an excuse to get a new camera.

We ended up getting an awesome deal on the floor model clearance T1i at Target that we couldn't pass up. (We had planned on the T2i).

Anyway. We are photography novices. We used our IS in manual setting a lot, but it was more trial and error than actually knowing what we were doing.

The camera came with the kit lens 18-55 mm. We would like to get one lens at this time and a good flash. We looked at a few at Best Buy, but we honestly just don't know what we're doing well enough to know what will have the most utility without choosing something that is beyond our learning curve or use - while throwing away money.

As far as how we will use the camera -obviously Disney World is up there (so landscapes, night shots, fireworks), but we also have a 4 months old daughter who we would love to photograph as much as possible. This means we'd like something that would do well indoors in low or not ideal light.

Speedlite 430 EX II External Flash - We looked at this one, but don't really want to spend that much on a flash. We like the idea of it though.

Canon - 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens - ? We don't really want to spend more than $500... I don't even know if this is a good idea?

So any help would be great.

A flash would certainly help, most flash heads swivel so you can bounce the light off a ceiling or wall and get good indoor pics. I have a Yongnuo YN465, it has Canon ETTL, manual controls, built-in diffuser and flip card, only $65.
Check the reviews on this flash and others at this Canon forum:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum

There are many lens choices and they each have advantages and disadvantages. If you just bought the T1i/500D wait until you practice with the 18-55IS and learn more about DSLR lens before spending more money. A little knowledge can go a long way!

 

[photo_chick]

On the 50mm being long.. I shoot on a crop body and the only time I've found it too long was in a cave. It really is a matter of personal style there.

 

[Limmer]

Thanks for all the great advice. I'm definitely looking into that flash and I think I'm going to go for a 30 mm for sure. Any opinions on this lens Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. AF (IF) Macro Lens. It has a $150 rebate right now.

I had read a lot of reviews on this lens when comparing it to the Canon 18-200. The biggest reason I went with the Canon is the Tamron has a slower auto focus. That does not work for me. Check out dpreview. com for the in depth review.

 

[cdepauli]

I'm extremely grateful for all of the advice. Now to do my homework!