Lens question

[DISNEYmooner2008]

What lenses do I need?? I know that's a VERY broad question, so let me try to provide some basic info. I'm 90% sure on the Canon Rebel XSi and am now looking into lenses. My plans are to basically use the camera to get amazing family shots including a good bit of actions shots. I also can't wait to become a die hard Disney photographer - especially the fireworks and castle pictures. I will do some artistic photography - flowers, beach, water, ect... but primarily I'll use this camera for family photos. I'm very new to the DSLR realm and don't know much about the different lenses. What would you recommend to a beginner? I would like to get something(s) that will provide me advancement since this will be a huge purchase for me and I don't intend on purchasing equipment often.

 

[bnorm27]

One lens that is a must for taking portraits for beginners, is the Canon 50mm f1.8. It will cost you around $90-$100, and will be one of the best lenses you ever buy! The 80-135mm IS lens that comes with the XSi kit is also a very nice lens.

 

[ukcatfan]

One lens that is a must for taking portraits for beginners, is the Canon 50mm f1.8. It will cost you around $90-$100, and will be one of the best lenses you ever buy! The 80-135mm IS lens that comes with the XSi kit is also a very nice lens.

I hope you mean 18-135mm.

 

[ukcatfan]

I suggest just going with the kit lens at first until you figure out what you need. That is unless you are able to get some sort of package deal discount where you have to act now.

 

[bnorm27]

I hope you mean 18-135mm.

My mistake. I do mean the 18-135mm IS lens that comes with the camera.

 

[Master Mason]

I suggest just going with the kit lens at first until you figure out what you need. That is unless you are able to get some sort of package deal discount where you have to act now.

I agree with this, use the kit, and then figure out what pictures your not gettign that you want to get, and then get the lens that will allow you to do so.

 

[PhotobearSam]

As long as the kit lens is not the 18-55...I hate that lens...If there is a kit with the 17-85 now that is a decent lens. JMHO

 

[DISNEYmooner2008]

As long as the kit lens is not the 18-55...I hate that lens...If there is a kit with the 17-85 now that is a decent lens. JMHO

That actually is the lens kit that comes with the camera I am looking at - the 18-55... Could I ask why you don't like this lens??

 

[DISNEYmooner2008]

I'm planning on purchasing a "package" deal that includes 2 lenses and then I'll also purchase the 50mm f/1.4 portrait lens. Out of these what would be my best bet as far as the quality of a "kit" lens??

Canon Rebel XSi body
28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 and 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 lenses
$569

Canon Rebel XSi body
28-70mm f/2.8-4 and 55-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Macro lenses
$499

Canon Rebel XSi body
18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 and 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 lenses
$539

 

[PhotobearSam]

I find the zoom range too limiting...

I researched the 17-85 and it matched up well (as in about the same) as a lens I used to use for weddings that I loved. (It was a film 28-105 which on DSLR that would be 17.5 to 65.6 in Digital so it was close to what I liked to use for portraits when I was shooting film)

The 18 to 55 just seemed to short to be useful to me...JMHO

 

[DizzyV6P]

The 17-85 is frequently knocked on the Canon forums for not having a good enough IQ. I suggest checking POTN to see what most of those folks say. A common wedding lens is the Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS. The reason being, the 17-85 doesn't open wide enough in those instances where flash is to be avoided. That f/2.8 is critical in catching that natural light look. Another frequent wedding lens for those on a budget are the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 and Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, and the Tokina and Sigma f/2.8 versions.

As far as XSi kits, I hope the last one you posted was the 18-55 IS and 55-250 IS versions. The new "kit" lens, the 18-55 IS has been reviewed to have better IQ then the previous kit lens. I think those 2 lenses would make a good beginner kit.

The 50 f/1.4 is the tons more expensive version of the 50 f/1.8 so make sure you know which is which. I personally don't like my 50 f/1.8 and find it a quirky distance. I like the 85 f/1.8, but that's just a matter of personal taste and technique.

Where are you purchasing these "package" deals from because $539 for the XSi, 18-55 IS and 55-250 IS sounds like is from the back of a truck in Brooklyn, NY. You can find that package at Costco except its the XTi for around $950. I highly doubt anyone advertising $539 for all three is a legit place.

Avoid the ebay stores as well. most of us purchase either local like Ritz, Best Buy or Circuit City (If you really want to pay retail) or order from Amazon.com, adorama.com, beachcamera.com or bhphoto.com

 

[Code]

I'm planning on purchasing a "package" deal that includes 2 lenses and then I'll also purchase the 50mm f/1.4 portrait lens. Out of these what would be my best bet as far as the quality of a "kit" lens??

Canon Rebel XSi body
28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 and 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 lenses
$569

Canon Rebel XSi body
28-70mm f/2.8-4 and 55-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Macro lenses
$499

Canon Rebel XSi body
18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 and 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 lenses
$539

Those prices seem far too low to be legitimate. Buyer beware.

 

[DISNEYmooner2008]

The 17-85 is frequently knocked on the Canon forums for not having a good enough IQ. I suggest checking POTN to see what most of those folks say. A common wedding lens is the Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS. The reason being, the 17-85 doesn't open wide enough in those instances where flash is to be avoided. That f/2.8 is critical in catching that natural light look. Another frequent wedding lens for those on a budget are the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 and Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, and the Tokina and Sigma f/2.8 versions.

As far as XSi kits, I hope the last one you posted was the 18-55 IS and 55-250 IS versions. The new "kit" lens, the 18-55 IS has been reviewed to have better IQ then the previous kit lens. I think those 2 lenses would make a good beginner kit.

The 50 f/1.4 is the tons more expensive version of the 50 f/1.8 so make sure you know which is which. I personally don't like my 50 f/1.8 and find it a quirky distance. I like the 85 f/1.8, but that's just a matter of personal taste and technique.

Where are you purchasing these "package" deals from because $539 for the XSi, 18-55 IS and 55-250 IS sounds like is from the back of a truck in Brooklyn, NY. You can find that package at Costco except its the XTi for around $950. I highly doubt anyone advertising $539 for all three is a legit place.

Avoid the ebay stores as well. most of us purchase either local like Ritz, Best Buy or Circuit City (If you really want to pay retail) or order from Amazon.com, adorama.com, beachcamera.com or bhphoto.com

Thank you so much for your input. I posted another thread today asking about the site I had planned on ordering from. I was given a website to check the "authentication" of the company and found out it was a horrible company that was a scam! So I'm back to the drawing board but looking into Amazon.com instead.

 

[PhotobearSam]

The 17-85 is frequently knocked on the Canon forums for not having a good enough IQ.

I understand that but it is still much better than the 18-55 kit lens...It's more versatile and a longer zoom range...


Sorry, I just really hate that 18-55....but as a starter lens it's not the worst thing ever...

 

[Frantasmic]

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Cano...sem/rpsm/oid/205977/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Circuit City has the XSi and the 18-55 for $699.00. Not a bad price.