lens recommendation for Canon Rebel t2i

[mouseclick1]

I just bought this camera as my first DSLR. I'm looking for a good general purpose lens, hoping for less than $300. I'm sure I'll add lenses once I know what I'm doing, but would like a decent lens to use as a starter. Any suggestions?

 

[nvtsallo]

I went to wdw last year with that camera and only had it for a few months and i used and loved the 18-200mm and it covered all my photo needs. You can find it online for about $550 but its worth the money. If yours came with the 18-55 then you can get the 55-250mm for about $250 if you want more zoom but you'll have to change lenses then.

 

[mouseclick1]

Yes, I should have said that it came with the 18-55. I'll take a look at the 55-200mm. Thanks!

 

[fireplug]

I have the T3i but also bought the 18 200 and havent had it off my camera since. It was a little bit of up front cost but has been well worth it!

Squid

 

[boBQuincy]

The 18-55 that came with your camera is actually a pretty good general purpose lens. Apart from some fairly expensive expensive lenses anything with more zoom range is likely to deliver worse optical performance.
If it is a longer focal length you are after then Canon's 55-250 makes a good match for the 18-55.

 

[photo_chick]

I agree that the 18-55 is a solid lens. It really can produce wonderful images. If you're wanting more range and to get a tiny bit better quality (mainly in the build) than the 18-55 and stay under $300 then look at a used copy of the 28-135 f/2.5-5.6 IS, or the older 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 (this is my walkaround, has been for years, and it's a great mid-grade lens).

However, I'm of the mindset that you shouldn't buy a lens if you don't know what you want. Or even why you're buying it. Because what works for me or someone else might not work for you and then that money was wasted because you have a lens you don't care for. So why specifically is it that you want a new lens? What do you hope to gain from it? What do you want to do with it?

 

[bob100]

I just bought this camera as my first DSLR. I'm looking for a good general purpose lens, hoping for less than $300. I'm sure I'll add lenses once I know what I'm doing, but would like a decent lens to use as a starter. Any suggestions?

I'll third the recommendation on the 18-55IS - it gets good optical quality ratings at lens review sites like www.photozone.de

 

[mouseclick1]

Thanks to everyone for your advice. I guess I was thinking that the lens it comes with wouldn't very good and I would need another right away. Sounds like it would be a good starter lens though, and maybe I'll hold off on another until I get to know the camera a little better. I'll be taking a class in February, so maybe that will help me decide. Will definitely think about the 55 - 200mm when that time comes!

I'm very excited to be entering the world of DSLR after years of being a point and shoot user!

 

[mom2rtk]

The kit lenses that used to come with the bodies were not great. But the last few years, the it lenses have been pretty good. Some eventually upgrade to a faster lens with a constant 2.8 aperture for better low light photos. But I would learn with the capable lens you have and learn over time what you like to shoot and what needs you need to meet with your next lens.

Generally it's best to hit a point where you say "I want a lens that does X" and go look for it instead of "I want a new lens. What should I look for".

Have fun learning. I have the T2i and love it!

 

[photo_chick]

I think a lot of people also rag on the kit lenses because it's their first lens, and it's much easier on the ego to say that those shots were bad because of the lens, and not because the user was inexperienced.

I have the non IS Canon 18-55 (came with my Rebel XT) and I've never found it lacking in image quality. And the IS version is supposed to be a little better optically.

 

[mouseclick1]

I think a lot of people also rag on the kit lenses because it's their first lens, and it's much easier on the ego to say that those shots were bad because of the lens, and not because the user was inexperienced.

Oh, I'll have no problem admitting that my shots are bad because I don't know what I'm doing!

 

[boBQuincy]

However, I'm of the mindset that you shouldn't buy a lens if you don't know what you want. Or even why you're buying it. ...snip...

That is not in keeping with the spirit of this board and violates the rules (actually guidelines) of the NAS/CAS/?AS ("pick your brand" Acquisition Syndrome).
"Buy it, Try it, Buy another if it doesn't improve your photography" is a good motto!

Btw, here is one of mine with the 18-55: