Lens for Digital Rebel????

[willis37862]

I have a Canon EOS Rebel XT and right now I am using a Canon ultrasonic zoom lens EF 28-105mm. I am happy with it most of the time but I was wondering if anyone has suggestion for another lens to go with this camera . Thanks I appreciate an comments.

 

[DueyDooDah]

Well, it really depends on what you want to do with it. Is there something you've tried to do that you couldn't?

 

[mabas9395]

I suggest the Canon 70mm-200mm f/2.8 IS. Thats what I would get.

 

[pisco]

I think every Canon owner should have the 50 f/1.8. It is an extremely useful lens and for only $70 probably the cheapest accessory you will get for your camera.

I am also very happy with the 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 IS.

If you want to go for something a little more pricey, the 17-40 f/4.0 L is an extremely well regarded lens and a great replacement for the kit lens.

 

[Master Mason]

It really depends on what your trying to do....

 

[DueyDooDah]

To add to my first post, if it's an "L", you NEED it.

 

[willis37862]

To add to my first post, if it's an "L", you NEED it.

Sorry you lost me on that one.

 

[willis37862]

The lens I have now I am not always happy with the sharpness. I like the zoom range it covers....I just wondered if there was a lens that would be sharper.

Also I had wondered about the ones with Image Stabilization ...are they worth it? Can you tell a difference?

And I saw a few lens that say they were made just for Digital cameras? Does that make a difference?

Thanks again everyone for all the comments so far and any more you have

 

[willis37862]

It really depends on what your trying to do....

Just regular photography. Nothing special. Some night or dark stuff with and without flash.

 

[jann1033]

I have the canon 28-135 IS and i like it ...i use it for my walkaround lens . I think the sharpness is pretty good. it has the old IS so no panning mode. if you are unhappy with your present lens,an alternative would be to buy that 28-135 IS ( or the kit lens if you want to save some$$ since i don't know that you really need the IS that much up to 55, both are f3.5-5.6 and i think both are fairly sharp) and then get the 70-300 IS which is probably a better IS lens( has both panning and the other is modes and reviews say it's close to l glass which is canon's better/luxury optics) and combined would give you pretty good coverage

 

[DueyDooDah]

Sorry you lost me on that one.

The Canon "L" series are their professional line. They are as close to perfection as can be done with current technology.

 

[boBQuincy]

The lens I have now I am not always happy with the sharpness. I like the zoom range it covers....I just wondered if there was a lens that would be sharper.

Also I had wondered about the ones with Image Stabilization ...are they worth it? Can you tell a difference?

Canon's 24-105 is probably sharper, has IS, and costs a bunch more. Therefore, it must be better! It also has the red stripe around the front that notifies people that you know what you are doing.

I have a 24-105 and it is a nice lens, pretty sharp, and the IS really works. If you are ok with the price ($1200) it is a good stp up from what you have.

 

[party of 3]

thanks willis for asking this ?. i have the same camera and was wondering the same thing. the only lens i have is the one that came with it. although i am still learning how to use my camera as something more than a p & s i am so confused with all the lingo surrounding the lens. i know that the IS is image stablizing and would be something to look into, but there are very costly. now i read that there are L ones. what's that all about?
so i guess my ? is (if willis does not mind me highjacking her thread), if i was looking to buy a new lens for wdw this summer, which one would you buy that won't break the bank?

thanks

 

[foto202]

Just regular photography. Nothing special. Some night or dark stuff with and without flash.

If you are trying to do night/dark w/o flash you will need a fast lens. The lower the f/stop the faster(1.8 is faster than f/4) The IS will help but I'll take a 2.8 zoom over an f/4 with IS. That's just me. The IS will help for longer shutter times, however, if you are shooting people and need to freeze the action to get a sharp picture you will need 1/60 or faster shutter speeds. To get that in dark situations you need a faster lens. If you want to spend around $1000 get the Canon 24-70 2.8 L. It is a very usable range and it is a constant 2.8. If you are not ttrying to spend a whole bunch of money, I second the motion that you should pick up the 50mm 1.8. It is a must have. I have the 50 1.4 version, a little bit faster for $350. Using a 50mm will also help you with compostion, because you will be using your feet as the "zoom". Plus the 50 1.8 has very nice bokah and it delivers the most bang for the buck IMHO.

 

[DizneyNutz]

now i read that there are L ones. what's that all about?

thanks

As the Op stated, these are profeesional quality lenses and will certainly "break the bank" $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

[jann1033]

thanks willis for asking this ?. i have the same camera and was wondering the same thing. the only lens i have is the one that came with it. although i am still learning how to use my camera as something more than a p & s i am so confused with all the lingo surrounding the lens. i know that the IS is image stablizing and would be something to look into, but there are very costly. now i read that there are L ones. what's that all about?
so i guess my ? is (if willis does not mind me highjacking her thread), if i was looking to buy a new lens for wdw this summer, which one would you buy that won't break the bank?

thanks

you have the 18-55mm kit lens i am guessing? then the 50mm1.8 definitely won't break the bank( around $70-80) the 28-135 IS is around $400( well was when i bought mine) the 70-200f4L and 70-300 IS f4-5.6 are around $550-600. any of the other Ls are probably double or double & then some.
i haven't taken my rebel to wdw yet but just from normal use around here
i think the 50 f1.8 with the larger aperture would be good for attractions where you don't have the flash to use . for me the kit lens might be a little short( i do like to get up close and personal though) and know i would want a longer zoom for AK so next time i am planning on those 3

( still deciding between the 70-300 and 70-200 to buy but leaning toward the 70-300 cause i really don't want to take a tripod except for fireworks. both are good lenses but you always sacrifice one thing for the other, in this case a little sharpness/aperture and ruggedness vs the IS and more zoom... unless i find a few hundred $$ to get the teleconverter for the f4 and a monopod then who knows what i'll get. i have avoided going to look at the f4L cause i thought the 70-300 was disappointingly cheap looking but hate to be so shallow to make a decision mainly on looks..so basically between those 2 it's still up in the air with me )

 

[willis37862]

I have the canon 28-135 IS and i like it ...i use it for my walkaround lens . I think the sharpness is pretty good. it has the old IS so no panning mode. if you are unhappy with your present lens,an alternative would be to buy that 28-135 IS ( or the kit lens if you want to save some$$ since i don't know that you really need the IS that much up to 55, both are f3.5-5.6 and i think both are fairly sharp) and then get the 70-300 IS which is probably a better IS lens( has both panning and the other is modes and reviews say it's close to l glass which is canon's better/luxury optics) and combined would give you pretty good coverage

I will have to check into these lens....they may be a possibility depending on price. Thank you so much for your help.

If you are trying to do night/dark w/o flash you will need a fast lens. The lower the f/stop the faster(1.8 is faster than f/4) The IS will help but I'll take a 2.8 zoom over an f/4 with IS. That's just me. The IS will help for longer shutter times, however, if you are shooting people and need to freeze the action to get a sharp picture you will need 1/60 or faster shutter speeds. To get that in dark situations you need a faster lens. If you want to spend around $1000 get the Canon 24-70 2.8 L. It is a very usable range and it is a constant 2.8. If you are not ttrying to spend a whole bunch of money, I second the motion that you should pick up the 50mm 1.8. It is a must have. I have the 50 1.4 version, a little bit faster for $350. Using a 50mm will also help you with compostion, because you will be using your feet as the "zoom". Plus the 50 1.8 has very nice bokah and it delivers the most bang for the buck IMHO.

Ahhh...Thank you for that. Something I didn't think about. So I would fare better with a faster lens than with a slower one even with IS if I plan to freeze action....makes sense. Thanks for explaining it.

As the Op stated, these are profeesional quality lenses and will certainly "break the bank" $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

That marks them off the list then. I broke the bank when I bought it



Thank you everyone for all your suggestions....you have given me a lot to think about that is for sure. Sorry if I am a little slow at getting this all....I love photography but the technical part can be mind boggling for me . And Party of 3 ....I have no problem with you joining in with questions

 

[DueyDooDah]

It also has the red stripe around the front that notifies people that you know what you are doing.

I picked up some red pinstriping tape and have applied it to all my lenses. Be careful with this option, if you like the idea. People will want to see how much better your pics are then theirs. This could give you away.

 

[willis37862]

I picked up some red pinstriping tape and have applied it to all my lenses. Be careful with this option, if you like the idea. People will want to see how much better your pics are then theirs. This could give you away.

 

[ColleenS]

get the Canon 24-70 2.8 L.

I have this lens on my Rebel XT and really like it. I saved and saved and saved for it, and now looking back it was totally worth it.

When I was looking to upgrade to a new lens from my Sigma what people always told me was get the best glass you can afford.

I looked at reviews of your lens at epinions and generally they were good. It seems like a solid lens. Though there were some complaints about softness. Especially at 105.
You say that your not happy with your sharpness. Do you mean in night photos or photos in general? Do you know what your shutter speed is in these photos? The lighting conditions? Could you post a photo you're not happy with?