Which lens to buy for Canon Xsi? 1 or 2 lenses...

Ok. I’ve changed my mind again. I sending out a new post because I’m not sure how to get a response back from

my other post. So I decided to hold off on getting the Canon Xsi kit with the 18-55mm lens and the 55-200mm

(neither IS lenses). The kit was inexpensive ($599) though, but I did not get very good reviews for the kit. I guess I

should go for the body only. Now… this is where I need help… Here’s what I’m trying to do; I’m new to SLR

cameras, I have a Kodak Z710 (point and shoot) and basically take pictures of my one year old son. I probably don’t

need multiple lenses but want to practice to become a better photographer.

 

What lens or lenses should I still get?

The standard 18-55mm IS or not? I think I might end up getting the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 (for $400) since so many

have suggested it but I did not really want to spend so much to start. What is the big difference with the Tamron AF

28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR ZL Di LD Aspherical (IF) (for $350)?

 

The following lenses are what I found on Amazon, mostly inexpensive so not sure I would be wasting my money.

What should I get (if any)? The first two I like because of the price, but maybe it’s best to go with one more

expensive lens and practice… Tamron AF 55-200mm F/4.0-5.6 Di-II LD Macro Lens for Canon for $181, Canon EF

50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens – Canon for $85, Or should I go for the more expensive Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6

IS Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon for $272?

 

I assume the next 2 lenses are just TOO cheap and should not consider at all but I guess I need reassurance to

keep my money on these: Tamron AF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical Lens for Canon for $46 (is this too cheap?),

Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8-4.0 High Speed Zoom Lens for Canon SLR for $80.

 

Ok, here’s my conclusion. If you suggest I get the two more expensive lenses (Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 and EF-S 55-

250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS) but I have a $400 budget, which should I get?

 

THANKS so much. (I hope I’m not asking for too much info, I’ve just bought a book to start my learning process but

I’m impatient!)

Actually, the new IS version of the kit lens gets quite decent reviews. Especially in the case of someone who is not certain

yet what lenses to get, starting with this kit lens is an excellent choice. By shooting with that lens - perhaps a few thousand

frames - you'll start to figure out with some degree of certainty what features you really need in a lens or in additional

lenses. THAT will be the time to invest in additional lenses.

 

Dan

I also vote for the 18-55mm IS kit lens. As long as you understand it's limitations (mostly avoiding wide apertures) it can produce very (very!) nice shots. You can do a lot worse than starting out with the new 18-55mm and 55-250mm lenses. To be honest, if I saw a 55-250 IS on really good sale, I'd consider buying one to have an ultra-light longish lens for those times I want (or need) to travel light.

You are certainly right to run away from the non-IS 18~55 kit lens and the (non-IS) 55~200, both of which, to judge from tests,would be pretty disappointing on a 12Mpixel body. As Dan and Geoff have said, start with the new 18~55IS, which you can probably find in a Canon-packaged kit with the XSi body at a better price than buying separately (but NEVER buy retailer kits, they're usually a way of shifting obsolescent or unpopular lines, as with the two lenses you have looked at). Don't buy any more lenses immediately, but learn what things you want to be able to do but can't do with that lens.

 

Remember there is quite a big learning curve in moving from a P&S to a DSLR. Don't be disappointed if it takes a while to learn how to produce good results. Shoot in RAW, and learn how to use the Digital Photo Professional software that comes with it.

-- "The standard 18-55mm IS or not?"

 

If you're on a budget, this lens is a very good choice.

 

-- "I think I might end up getting the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 (for $400) since so many have suggested it but I did

not really want to spend so much to start."

 

If the 400$ for the Tamron are too much, then get the 18-55 IS. There are not much lenses "in-between" the two

that would give you a recognisable advantage over the 18-55 IS.

 

-- "What is the big difference with the Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR ZL Di LD Aspherical (IF) (for $350)?"

 

Well, looking at the numbers, its obvious that focal-length is different. The 28-75 is a very good standard lens

on a fullframe camera, but its a normal-to-tele on a crop-1.6. (That's why Tamron brought out the 17-50).

The other difference is "Di" vs. "Di-II" ... the 17-50 is designed for crop-cameras only. The 28-75 can be used

on fullframe as well. I own both lenses, and both are very good quality for the money you pay. But the 17-50 is

just the better "standard" lens on a crop body. That said ... there are uses for the 28-75 on a crop-1.6 body as

well. I like to use mine as a portrait-zoom occasionally. But since you're after a standard zoom, the better

choice is the 17-50 (between the two Tamrons).

-- "I assume the next 2 lenses are just TOO cheap"

 

Yes, they are. Before you buy cheap glass, just get the 18-55 IS.

 

--" If you suggest I get the two more expensive lenses (Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 and EF-S 55- 250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS) but I have a $400 budget, which should I get? "

 

Clearly the 17-50. The other lens is a pure tele-zoom. At least in the vast majority of the cases, the 17-50 is the more useful lens.

The "Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 and EF-S 55- 250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS" would indeed be a great /relatively affordable combo. If it's to expensive either go for just the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 or the EF-S 18-55 IS and EF-S 55- 250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS combo.

 

 

If you want to grow into it I'd say try to get the best deal on a Xsi and 18-55 IS combo and decide on other lenses later. If you need the longer range now try to get a deal on the Xsi/18-55/55-250 combo. If you want to have the best results that your current money can buy get the Xsi and Tamron combination.

 

 

Kind regards, Matthijs.

For a one year old, the 50 f/1.8 is a no brainer. Fast lens that will serve you well. Great for indoor/low light images. Recently got one myself for a similar use. Buy this no matter what else you get. As for zooms, the options are many. I would read up on the Canon 17-55 f/2.8. Perhaps consider the Canon 55-250 to go with. It has IS and is a value from what I can tell. But all this depends heavily on what your interest are. Not much help here. Sorry. But buy the 50 f/1.8 no matter what else you do.

Ok, what is a crop body? It keeps being mentionned... How do I know if my Canon XSI is or not?

Your camera is a crop body. Crob body is basically all rebels xti, xsi, as well as the 20/30/40/50D. It basically means take

any lens and multiply it by 1.6. ( 50mm = 80mm ) Its caused by a smaller image circle then traditional 35mm film bodies so

it crops your image.

 

The 5D and 5D2 are full frame ( 50mm = 50mm )

I didn't like the 18-55 IS lens which came with my XSi kit that I bought 4 months ago.

 

So I returned the kit, bought the XSi body-only, and a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8. Was the best decision I've made. The Tamron

will let you shoot moving subjects in much lower light - especially indoors. And give you much more creative control in the process.

Luci,

 

Since the main purpose of your lens is taking pictures of your one year old you don't need a telephoto lens at this time and not maybe for several years at least. Buy the Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 zoom. It will give you great indoor shots with the 2.8 lens speed and it is very good in the close focus portrait range. As your son grows and becomes more mobile consider adding a 430EX flash. This is a very good lens that will allow you to grow and improve your photographic skills. When you feel that you need a telephoto you will have a much better idea what you need. Don't sit around with paralysis by analysis, just get the XSi and the 17-50mm 2.8 lens and start takiong pictures and learning instead of theorizing. The 18-55mm IS kit lens is very good but it takes much better photographic skills and technique to get good indoor pictures with it's slow aperture. If you decide on the less expensive lens get the flash and a Stofen diffuser along with it and learn to bounce flash. Good luck.

I would also throw out there the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 lens. A great shooting range and a constant f/2.8 aperture. If I had to be confined to one lens, this one would probably be near the top of my list.

Like Dan said above, whatever else you get also put the 50 f/1.8 in your shopping cart. My favorite photos of my kids are with that lens.

"For a one year old, the 50 f/1.8 is a no brainer."

 

For most beginners, no.

 

The 50mm focal length is a short telephoto lens on the crop sensor cameras. Being fixed focal length prime, it is

considerably less versatile for a new shooter, especially one who is trying to figure out what focal lengths might be

useful in the future.

 

Yes, the 50mm f/1.8 is cheap. Yes, it is optically quite good, especially for the very low cost. No, it is not a lens that

most people need starting out.

 

Dan

Check to make sure that the lenses are really not the new IS lenses. I don't remember any non IS 55-250mm, for

example. Maybe I missed it, but the closest I could find at Canon's Museum site was the 50-200L lens- a lens

unlikely to be offered as a "kit" lens. The 18-55mm non-IS lens is better than its reputation, but you should

definitely not buy one unless you get virtually free. However, the reviews of the new, improved lens have been

very good.

 

Get the camera and the two, new IS lenses and you will be happy for a long time

Sorry, in looking back I see that there IS a 55-200mm, and if that is what is offered look elsewhere. I was thinking 250mm. Clearly, the seller is trying to fool people into thinking they are getting the newer lenses.

> Ok, here’s my conclusion. If you suggest I get the two more expensive lenses (Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 and EF-S 55-

250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS) but I have a $400 budget, which should I get? <

 

Lucie:

 

I answered your follow up question in your former post, please see it.

 

My bottom line is, having read all both posts: If you can afford it, get the Tamron 17 to 50F2.8.

 

***

 

Firstly, comparing the Tamron to the EF-S 18 to 55F3.5 – F5.6 IS kit lens, the Tamron has a constant maximum

aperture throughout the zoom range, which will be of great benefit for you when photographing your one year old,

especially when they are two or three, and running around – you will benefit from the fast(er) shutter speed you can

get with the Tamron. This fast shutter speed (available becasue the lens is F2.8) will be more useful than the IS of

the newer kit lens, for this particular purpose.

 

Secondly at Focal Lengths from 35 to 50mm the Tamron will make a better portrait lens as you grow in your

knowledge of selective Depth of Field

 

***

 

Choosing between the two lenses quoted:

 

Comparing the Tamron to the EF-S 55 to 250, the Tamron is a much better choice as a general lens, for a range of

photography, because it has a more suitable Focal Length compass (17 to 50). The Canon EF-S 55 to 250 IS is a

very good value for money lens, but it is a telephoto zoom, and not a ``general lens`` for ``everyday photopraphy``

 

If you are on a limited budget, I suggest NOT getting the EF50mmF1.8 and the Tamron lens, as I mentioned in the

other post, there might be other items you wish to buy . . . before a second lens.

 

Yes, the EF50F1.8 is a very good value for money lens: but it will still be a good value for money lens in 6 months

time, if, with more experience, you decide you want it.

 

WW

Addendum (which I implied but I did not state):

 

If you cannot afford the Tamron 17 to 50, then I suggest as the second option, you get the EF-S 18 to 55 F3.5 to F5.6 IS, and as Robin Sibson suggested . . . hunt around for a good deal with it and the XSi.

 

WW

The XSi is my first digital SLR, after using Canon film equipment for decades. To start off I chose the kit lens 18-55 IS and the 55-250 IS. Once I got past how lightweight and cheap these lenses feel compared to my old FD Canon lenses, I was very pleasantly surprised at how well they work. The image stabilization far exceeds my expectations, and lets these "slow" lenses capture handheld images that I could never have gotten with my old film gear. I think Canon has produced very capable lenses for amateur photographers like me, who are dipping toes into the digital world.

-

Hi Lucie IS isn't all that. Save your money. I say get the 50m 1.8 because that will help you not just financially but in terms of photography understanding relationship to subject with a fix focal length is great. Plus the low light is a bonus. There is a reason they cal it the "Nifty Fifty". Really the 50m is all you need right now ... thats just me

Josh

Oh here is the 50m 1.8

Oh here is the 50m 1.8 shout

Oh here is the 50m 1.8 pIcture<div></div>

thats funny