Lens recommendations for a newbie

[Bennettsmommy]

I am venturing into the world of dslr cameras finally and need lens help. I am planning on buying a canon body, most likely a 3i. At home ill be using whatever lenses I purchase mostly to take pictures of my son. I will take pictures inside and outside. We also go to Disney often so I want lenses that will allow me to capture all Disney has to offer. I will want pictures of my family and sights within Disneyland. I want to take pictures at night and on dark rides. I also want to be able to get decent pictures of fireworks, parades and my children on rides. I know I will need two or three lenses for all of this and that is fine. We go back to the hotel so I can switches lenses rather than carry them all. One lens I've been reading about is the canon 50. 1.8. It sounds great and affordable but I'm afraid it won't work well inside or on rides when I'm unable to back up. I don't want to spend more that around 400 or 500 per lens, I'm new not a professional! Anything is better then my I phone! Thank you for any advice you can give me!

 

[mamaCta]

A 28mm 2.8 is an alternative to the 50mm, and around the same price range. It has one less F-stop, but it has a wider angle of view. A 70-300mm or something in that range would also be good.

Get the longest range kit lens available. I'm glad I got the 18-105 instead of the 18-55 with my Nikon.

 

[wiigirl]

A 28mm 2.8 is an alternative to the 50mm, and around the same price range. It has one less F-stop, but it has a wider angle of view. A 70-300mm or something in that range would also be good.

Get the longest range kit lens available. I'm glad I got the 18-105 instead of the 18-55 with my Nikon.

x2 on the longest range kit lens available.

 

[Bennettsmommy]

Ok thanks. I wasn't even planning on getting a kit lens, but if I get a better one maybe it would be more affordable getting the kit.

 

[havoc315]

In your price range, Tamron makes a couple lenses that are high quality, but much more affordable than the Canon branded equivalents.

I'm thinking of the Tamron 17-50 2.8. Fast enough, that you can use it indoors and out. A good walk-around focal length range. It won't be fast enough for the truly dark rides, but better than the kit lens.
And the Tamron 70-300 --- I don't know Canon that well, but I don't think they make a 300mm zoom for anywhere near the price, that is anywhere near the quality. This would be for the AK safari, and maybe some stage shows. This lens would not see daily use.

I'd still take the 50 1.8 over 28 2.8 -- You really need the widest possible aperture in the dark rides. If you get the Tamron recommended above, you'd actually already have 28 2.8.

In your price range, there is a Sigma 30mm 1.4 -- Though I haven't used it, that configuration is probably the most ideal for using on dark rides.

Those 3 lenses would probably cover all your real needs. (Though some other specialty lenses can be fun too, like ultra-wide... Macro... and other fixed primes. But I consider these additional lenses to be more luxuries than photography needs).

 

[Bennettsmommy]

In your price range, Tamron makes a couple lenses that are high quality, but much more affordable than the Canon branded equivalents.

I'm thinking of the Tamron 17-50 2.8. Fast enough, that you can use it indoors and out. A good walk-around focal length range. It won't be fast enough for the truly dark rides, but better than the kit lens.
And the Tamron 70-300 --- I don't know Canon that well, but I don't think they make a 300mm zoom for anywhere near the price, that is anywhere near the quality. This would be for the AK safari, and maybe some stage shows. This lens would not see daily use.

I'd still take the 50 1.8 over 28 2.8 -- You really need the widest possible aperture in the dark rides. If you get the Tamron recommended above, you'd actually already have 28 2.8.

In your price range, there is a Sigma 30mm 1.4 -- Though I haven't used it, that configuration is probably the most ideal for using on dark rides.

Those 3 lenses would probably cover all your real needs. (Though some other specialty lenses can be fun too, like ultra-wide... Macro... and other fixed primes. But I consider these additional lenses to be more luxuries than photography needs).

Thank you so much. Would the sigma also work for taking pictures of my kids at home? I was looking into it and just want to make sure it's good for other scenarios. Which would you recommend as best for fireworks and parades?

 

[havoc315]

Thank you so much. Would the sigma also work for taking pictures of my kids at home? I was looking into it and just want to make sure it's good for other scenarios. Which would you recommend as best for fireworks and parades?

Yes, you absolutely can use the Sigma for indoor family pictures. You can also use the mentioned Tamron 17-50 2.8 easily for indoor family pictures without flash under most lighting situations.

I only switch to a fast prime (mine is only 35 1.8) for candle-light type pictures indoors. The 2.8 is fast enough for most indoor lighting situations.

For fireworks -- the lens is not your most important piece of equipment. See the recent thread about how to takes fireworks shots. You can use any lens -- as long as you are happy with the focal length. Even the basic kit lens would work great. The important equipment for fireworks are: Tripod, remote shutter release, and possibly ND filter.

Parades -- Depends how close you are to the parade, day or night, etc. Hand-held in low light, would be another time to use that Sigma.
But in regular day light, along the parade route.. the basic kit lens, the 17-50.. those would all be fine.

The reality is, where most lenses typically differ, beyond focal length, is in the aperture. But even cheap lenses perform pretty well when the aperture is stopped down to f8...
So what's the different between the Canon kit 18-55 lens, versus something like the Tamron 17-50?

Well, when zoomed to 50mm.... the Canon aperture is about 5.6, while the upgraded lens can still be used at 2.8. Meaning, you have the potential to gather much more light by upgrading the lens.
Furthermore, the upgraded lens should work better at 5.6, than the kit lens at 5.6.

But if you are using both lenses at.. for example... f11 --- Which is what you would often use in bright day light, both lenses should perform very similarly to the naked eye.

Many people both underrate and overrate the kit lenses -- An upgraded lens does contain many advantages, but under many photographic situations, the kit lens will perform very well, and there will be no noticeable difference between the basic kit lens and an upgraded lens.

If you are serious about taking indoor photographs without flash, that is the biggest reason to upgrade from the kit lens, right from the start.

 

[bob100]

I am venturing into the world of dslr cameras finally and need lens help. I am planning on buying a canon body, most likely a 3i. At home ill be using whatever lenses I purchase mostly to take pictures of my son. I will take pictures inside and outside. We also go to Disney often so I want lenses that will allow me to capture all Disney has to offer. I will want pictures of my family and sights within Disneyland. I want to take pictures at night and on dark rides. I also want to be able to get decent pictures of fireworks, parades and my children on rides. I know I will need two or three lenses for all of this and that is fine. We go back to the hotel so I can switches lenses rather than carry them all. One lens I've been reading about is the canon 50. 1.8. It sounds great and affordable but I'm afraid it won't work well inside or on rides when I'm unable to back up. I don't want to spend more that around 400 or 500 per lens, I'm new not a professional! Anything is better then my I phone! Thank you for any advice you can give me!

for the dark rides I would go along with the 50mm 1.8 and Sigma 30mm 1.4 suggestions. The 50mm might be a little long inside but it's inexpensive and a good introduction to large aperture primes

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

You mention Disneyland and not WDW. Where are you going? The requirements to "photograph all Disney has to offer" will differ slightly. Its been a long time since I have been to the "Land", however it is quite a bit smaller than the "World". If you are putting together a "Disney kit", the following are the lenses that most folks will bring to "photograph everything".

Walkaround lens- many use a consumer zoom (18-55), some use an 18-105, 24-70 (f2.8-heavier and more expensive)

Long zoom lens-this can be consumer 50-200, 70-300, and then the more expensive 70-200 f2.8.

Low light Prime for dark rides-30-35mm, f1.4-1.8. The 30-35mm on a crop sensor camera such as the T3i is a better focal length for the dark rides than the 50. One lens that is getting a lot of attention lately is the new Sigma 18-35 f1.8. It costs about $800, but can be used as a short zoom and dark ride lens.

For Disneyland being smaller and slightly tighter, I would consider an ultra-wide angle lens (10-20, 12-24).

The other equipment as mentioned, tripod, remote control, and possibly a neutral density filter. You might also consider an external flash.

The question you have to ask yourself is whether you wish to spend the extra $ on the more expensive f2.8 lenses for their low light capabilities. I made that choice. Consumer lenses will work well in good light, but it is lowlight situations that they start to struggle. Along with the extra expense comes the added weight of the lenses. That can be a concern for some in warm weather.

There will be tradeoffs and compromises as you add to your "Disney kit". You will have to make the choices between consumer lenses with their restrictions and the more pro lens lines. Unfortunately there is no free lunch. I didn't mention the all in one lenses (18-200, 18-250, 18-270) because as useful as they seem they will have the same lowlight restrictions of the consumer lenses.

 

[traylorc]

As others have mentioned, if it's your intention to take dark ride shots not only do you need a fast lens, but you will likely need to increase your camera's I.S.O. setting. Increasing the I.S.O. will result in visible noise in your shot, but there are many programs out there that can eliminate noise. When taking shots of POTC during my last trip to Disneyland....there were times when I utilized an I.S.O. between 8,000 - 10,000.


A Pirate's Life For Me.... by traylorc, on Flickr

 

[Bennettsmommy]

You mention Disneyland and not WDW. Where are you going? The requirements to "photograph all Disney has to offer" will differ slightly. Its been a long time since I have been to the "Land", however it is quite a bit smaller than the "World". If you are putting together a "Disney kit", the following are the lenses that most folks will bring to "photograph everything".

Walkaround lens- many use a consumer zoom (18-55), some use an 18-105, 24-70 (f2.8-heavier and more expensive)

Long zoom lens-this can be consumer 50-200, 70-300, and then the more expensive 70-200 f2.8.

Low light Prime for dark rides-30-35mm, f1.4-1.8. The 30-35mm on a crop sensor camera such as the T3i is a better focal length for the dark rides than the 50. One lens that is getting a lot of attention lately is the new Sigma 18-35 f1.8. It costs about $800, but can be used as a short zoom and dark ride lens.

For Disneyland being smaller and slightly tighter, I would consider an ultra-wide angle lens (10-20, 12-24).

The other equipment as mentioned, tripod, remote control, and possibly a neutral density filter. You might also consider an external flash.

The question you have to ask yourself is whether you wish to spend the extra $ on the more expensive f2.8 lenses for their low light capabilities. I made that choice. Consumer lenses will work well in good light, but it is lowlight situations that they start to struggle. Along with the extra expense comes the added weight of the lenses. That can be a concern for some in warm weather.

There will be tradeoffs and compromises as you add to your "Disney kit". You will have to make the choices between consumer lenses with their restrictions and the more pro lens lines. Unfortunately there is no free lunch. I didn't mention the all in one lenses (18-200, 18-250, 18-270) because as useful as they seem they will have the same lowlight restrictions of the consumer lenses.

Thank you for all your advice. We are actually going on our first WDW trip in December, but we live in California so we are in Disneyland much more often.

 

[photo_chick]

I am venturing into the world of dslr cameras finally and need lens help. I am planning on buying a canon body, most likely a 3i. At home ill be using whatever lenses I purchase mostly to take pictures of my son. I will take pictures inside and outside. We also go to Disney often so I want lenses that will allow me to capture all Disney has to offer. I will want pictures of my family and sights within Disneyland. I want to take pictures at night and on dark rides. I also want to be able to get decent pictures of fireworks, parades and my children on rides. I know I will need two or three lenses for all of this and that is fine. We go back to the hotel so I can switches lenses rather than carry them all. One lens I've been reading about is the canon 50. 1.8. It sounds great and affordable but I'm afraid it won't work well inside or on rides when I'm unable to back up. I don't want to spend more that around 400 or 500 per lens, I'm new not a professional! Anything is better then my I phone! Thank you for any advice you can give me!

As a new to DSLR photographer I don't think you should spend 400 or 500 per lens yet. You have no idea what your shooting style will be or what characteristics of a lens will appeal to you.

I've used the 50mm f/1.8 at character meals, in queues and on rides on a crop body. It's tight but it is doable. Also, the standard 18-55 IS kit that comes with the T3i is very workable for more brightly lit indoor locations if you keep it at 18mm. The standard trio for a Canon "starter" kit is usually the 18-55, the 50mm f/1.8 and the 55-250. They're the standards because they're cost effective and they cover the range for you to learn to use your camera.

And when you buy your camera pick up a good book like Understanding Exposure because most of those dark ride shots don't happen on auto. Also get a tripod for fireworks shots. And don't forget a comfy strap... the ones that come with Canon bodies are horribly uncomfortable over long periods of time.

 

[mcraige]

This is a dilemma that I have faced since getting my DSLR. I have not been to Disneyland in a few years, but have been to Disney World. I looked at the pics I took on the last 2 trips, and a small minority of pics were taken at > 70mm. Many were taken at 18mm (the widest my kit lens would go). I did buy a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 for the dark rides (got it on sale when they were changing models). I'm considering a 16-105 for a "walk-around lens", but am taking my time to make that decision.