Lens for a Canon Eos Rebel XT?

[disneymoon_0307]

We have a Canon Eos Rebel XT and we got the lense that came with it; 18 55mm. We are looking to upgrade the lens for our upcoming trip in September. We want something that obviously has a better zoom. But also is great for taking night shots and fireworks. Also were can you get the lenses? We looked at best buy and it was about $250 after tax. Is that normal? I don't know very much about cameras. Just know how to take pictures. Thanks!

 

[MarkBarbieri]

You have several options. You can by a lens that compliments your existing lens. There are several good zooms that cover the longer range, like the various 55-200mm, 70-200mm, or 70-300mm zooms. You can also by a lens that covers a broader, overlapping range, such as the 17-85mm, 24-105mm, 28-105mm, 28-135mm, 28-200mm. There are also third party lenses that cover the 18-135mm and 18-200mm ranges.

In addition to the zoom range, you need to decide how much you are willing to spend (the lenses mentioned about range from about $200 to $1,600), how important low light capability is, how import image stabilization is, and how willing you are to trade image quality for convenience.

 

[ukcatfan]

With the 50mm f/1.8 being so cheap, you should consider two more lenses with this one covering your low light needs. That way you can at least take that factor out when looking for the tele zoom lens. As for where to look, I like B&H and Adorama for lens selection and good pricing, but you should also check Buydig/Beach b/c they sometimes have good deals. They are just less likely to have what you want in stock. If buying online, be sure to check the store rating on ResellerRatings.com before you buy.

Kevin

 

[Groucho]

I'll just repeat what Kevin said. A longer zoom lens that has decent "speed" for nighttime photography is going to be both very large and heavy, and very expensive. You're much better off getting a fast prime lens for night photography and a slower zoom lens, unless your pockets are deep and you don't mind the extra load.

 

[jann1033]

best buy lenses were $150-250 more than any place i have ever seen them...i'd go to beach, buydig, B& h someplace like that online. if the kit lens was $250 that is crazy, mine was lightly used for $60 off ebay, new usually slightly over $100

sorry just read the other comments and most of that was covered.

i have a 70-200 f4 ( about $550 3 months ago) that i like a lot. it is very sharp and i can crop a lot to get a nice close shot. the 70-300 IS is around the same price, is a little less nice build imo and not f4 the whole range but a good lens according to reviews. the 50 is under $100, good for low light and kind of a no brainer as far as purchasing it due to the low cost and it's sharp.

 

[photo_chick]

Best Buy here generally sells the 75-300 for around $240, which is overpriced IMO. You can find it much cheaper other places (I have seen it new as low as $150, used mint for around $80). Their bodies are priced a little higher there too. THe one here only has the kit and the 75-300 that they selll. I have that one and it is a very, very slow lens. Not a good lens for low light and night shots at all unless you tote a tripod too. But if you want to spend a little $$$ for a lot of reach it will really do that job nicely when you have enough light.