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

-- "Oh here is the 50m 1.8"

 

Josh certainly means the 50mm f/1.8. (50m whould be just too big a lens) ;-)

 

The sample image already shows, how tricky it can become to compose an image with the shallow depth of field ... and the example was "only" taken with f/4.

 

But as desirable the 50/1.8 is (if one is into portraits), I don't think it's imortant to have it to start with. The (now long discussed) 17-50/2.8 will serve much better as a general purpose lens than the 50/1.8 will.

Hi Lucie

 

I was in exactly your position about 4 years ago.

 

I initially just brought the canon 18-55 and found it to be great for a beginner. It small, light, cheap and its quality is perfectly acceptable. Anyway, as a beginner the defining factor of the quality of my photos was by far and away my lack of skill, not the quality of my lens!

 

However six months in I found that I wanted a lens that let in more light than the one I had. So I purchased the canon 50mm f/1.8 II. Although the 50mm doesn't zoom, it lets in about ten times as much light as the zoom lens and gives a fantastic background blur, which is great for portraits. This is the lens I used whenever it was getting dark or I was taking baby photos.

 

But now my photography has moved on and I purchased the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8. It is by far and away the best of the three; its strong, great optically, focuses well and lets in lots of light. But it's $400.

 

If I was you I'd get the Canon 18-55 and maybe the 50mm f/1.8 if you want. And once you've learnt a bit about photography then you can start upgrading your system to how you want it.

 

Good luck

 

-Ben

I purchased the Tamron 18-250 3.5-6.3 Di II lens and have been extremely satisfied with the quality and versatility of the lens. Almost no distortion or chromatic aberration and very sharp.

Wow! I love this site/forum, you have all been so helpful, thank you everyone. I've decided to order the xsi with the 18-55mm IS kit, along with the 50mm f/1.8. Thanks WW, I decided on the 50mm f/1.8 right away because it was so inexpensive, and I will take my time if I and when I decide on another lens much later. I might check in again when it's time to buy the next lens, it most probably will be the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 for $400 but I'll appreciate it then! Merci beaucoup! Lu

> and I will take my time if I and when I decide on another lens much later.<

 

``Ideally the Photographer will choose basic equipment of adequate quality, with nothing that is inessential. It is certainly preferential to work from simple equipment up, as needs dictate, than to `overbuy` equipment at first. Starting with basic equipment allows the Photographer to develop a full understanding of the capabilities of each unit before advancing to other instruments.

 

[ . . . ]

 

The next time you pick up a Camera think of it not as an inflexible and automatic robot, but as a flexible instrument which you must understand to properly use. An electronic and optical miracle creates nothing on its own! Whatever beauty and excitement it can represent exist in your mind and spirit to begin with.``

 

Ansel Adams

January 1980

I recommend Tamron 17-50/2.8. I really like mine. Great place to start. Don't worry about telephoto for now - pick up a telephoto lens once you get used to the gear.

 

If you are going to get T17-50/2.8 I see no huge advantage in getting Canon 50/1.8 right away. Mine sees only occasional use. If you are interested in a prime, consider Canon 85/1.8. Awesome lens for portraiture and telephoto shooting. I really like mine. Paired with the T17-50/2.8 it's a very versatile setup.

 

I also have Canon 55-250 IS. It's a nice little lens, very light, great for travel photography. The choice between 55-250/4-5.6 or 85/1.8 depends on your style and interests. Don't automatically assume 55-250 is the more versatile lens and the prime is a specialist tool. Yes you do get longer reach and stabilization. But the prime gives you low light capability, shallow depth of field, and bokeh. Both are similarly priced.