teresa_santosus

<p>Thank you for all the replies. Sorry for the confusing OP - I meant a lens for an amature (not amature lens) lol.... I love all the tips and being that I have a 50 1.8 I can access, perhaps I will go that route. I have been researching the Tamron 28-75 for my own personal use, so perhaps I may invest in that (we will see).<br>

Thanks again for all the tips and words of advice.</p>

<p>A friend of mine is getting married and wanted me to take photos (not as the photograper) but just candids (they have a photograper and back up).<br>

I have been contimplating a long time a new lens, I usually take portraits, candids of the kids and was looking for a fast lens, but something with some zoom (range) to it. Also affordable. Again, I am totally an amature (or else I would be able to answer my own question here) but wanted to take some nice pics for her and also needed to add on to my kit lens - again - a nice range would be good, unless someone could recommend a good prime (I don't know what length I would need - I heard good things about the 85 - I thnk it was 85) but I don't want to have to keep on backing up (not only lazyness but also missing shots of the kids b/c I am moving to a good spot within reach).<br>

I have a Canon Rebel XT by the way.</p>

<p>Thanks for your reply Terry. </p>

<p>Michael - I found it for a good price so I am hoping to purchase it. I am just waiting on a reply on shipping times before I go ahead, but I am sure I will be placing my order today :D I will definitely keep everyone posted.</p>

<p>Again, thanks for all the replies. <br>

Alex - those are such awsome shots. I love it when I can see some samples taken w/ a particular lens. Thanks so much!</p>

<p>Thank you for all the replies. I am trying to weigh my priorities. Although I like the range of the canon, I like the quick shutter of the tamron and also the low light aspect. I guess I just have to weigh the pro's and con's and what I would like more in a lens right now :D</p>

<p>JDM - So you are recommending the canon 28-135? Sorry - I wasn't exactly sure when you said you had both of the lenses, which ones you were talking about :D. I am sure whichever lens I choose I will be completely happy w/ b/c they are a definite step up from what I am used to shooting with :D Just wanted to do a lot of research since after this purchase it will probably be awhile before I get another one.</p>

<p>I replied before but it didn't come up - not sure why.<br>

Bob - Thanks for your input. Before reading about the canon, I was leaning more towards the tamron. I just was looking for more of a "range" in zoom, but if getting the canon will mean I sacrifice picture quality, I will consider the Tamron again. </p>

 

<p>Adam - Thanks. I did look into the 18 - 200 but the reviews weren't as good as the 28-135. I will do more digging though. Thanks again. Would you say the 28-135 would be good for close up shots (portraits). </p>

<p>Chris - Thank you for your reply. I am also not too concerned as I take mostly portraits of my children, so I really would not need to go wide very often (but it is nice to have). I just didn't want to purchase it if it would not work well with my camera :D</p>

<p>I forgot to add, I was also considering the Canon 55-250, but haven't done enough research on it yet. I am actually doing that now. My concern is photos at dusk (will this one be quick enough or will it hunt).</p>

<p>I am still searching for a good zoom lens (for outdoor portraits of the kids, etc). I was looking into the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, but when I called the camera store to ask if they carried it and if I could come in and test it out (Ritz camera used to let me do this all the time). He said that it would not be a good choice for my Rebel XT. Does anyone know if this is true and why? I was looking into the Tamron 28-75mm and the Sigma 28-70 but then started to see some affordable canon lenses as well. Another lens I was looking into was the canon 28-105 but the reviews for the 28-135 were slightly better.<br>

Any suggestions. I know I have posted similar questions in the past, but now with the canon thrown into the mix, I was wondering what you guys thought. I also wanted to know if it would be worth it to buy the 28-135 for the Rebel (I did see if for a good price, but do not want to purchase if I can not get the full function quality from it).<br>

Thanks again.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>Flash power. The onboard flash has limited power to light up subjects. More than most point-n-shoots but less than a 580EX or a studio strobe. This means that you'll be able to light up faces a few meters away from you. But if you got the telephoto lens on and you're trying to capture kids playing in the surf 30 m (100 ft) away then your flash won't do a thing and you'll get silhouettes.<br />FWIW I have a Tamron 17-50/2.8 and mine's super super sharp.</p>

</blockquote>

<p><strong>Arie - do you think the Tamron could do this?</strong></p>

<p>Thanks you so much for all of your replies (not sure why I dind't get my email notifications as I have it set to notify me of replies) :D I will most likely be shooting into the sun so will need the "fill flash" <br>

I am so grateful for all of your advice on settings. I don't often use AV mode, but I wil definitely play around with it now. With this time of year, I will get a lot of practice as we are out and about a lot :D<br>

Thanks again for all of your replies. Oh I too have heard so many great things about the Tamron (which is why I was looking into it). But I am always open to new lens suggestions :D I just like one that is versitile and affordable (as I am just an amature taking family photos) - thanks again for all of your advice - I can't wait to get out this weekend and start shooting.</p>

<p>Not sure if this question belongs in the lens forum, but I wasn't sure where to post.<br>

I love taking photos (personal family photos) at the beach and I would love to get some nice sunset portrait shots. I have the Canon Rebel EOS XTI. I don't have a large selection of lenses - I have the canon 50mm 1.8, my kit lens 18 - 55 and a Quantaray 70-300mm (which I wouldn't even consider). Upon doing research I have read about Flash Fill, unfortunatly my camera (I believe) does not have this feature. Does anyone have any suggestions on which lens would be the best to use for sunset portraits (again these are not professional - I am just taking shots of my kids - personal photos). I was actually thinking of getting the tamron 28-75 (not for sunset shots but for everyday shots outside in full light). Should I reconsider? Is there a more versitile lens out there that will do well in both full daylight, indoors and low light/sunset?<br>

Sorry for the silly questions. I hope I can get some feeback :D</p>

<p>Thanks Dave. So before you decided on the Canon, you were going to go for the Tamron?</p>

<p>Thanks Jack. I am pretty sure I will like the tamron. Now I can't wait to actually be able to purchase it.</p>

<p>Thanks Tommy - I know, I just like looking at the photos :) I am leaning towards the tamron b/c from all the photos sites/reviews, it is slightly better then the sigma. I still have some time before my purchase though.</p>

<p>Thank you so much for all of your replies.<br>

I will be buying locally, so if there are any problems, it should be easy to resolve. I am going to check out all of your sample photos (I love doing that).<br>

I am also going to check out the link to the new sigma lens that Anthony posted. The only thing I get leary about it buying something that is brand new b/c there are real no reviews (from real people that is). <br>

Thanks again for all of your input!</p>

<p>I have narrowed down my search to these two lenses. From what I have seen, both lenses have gotten good reviews. I was leaning more towards the Tamron, but wanted some last minute opinions.<br>

Thanks!<br>

Oh - just amature shooting here - indoor/outdoor of the kids (ranging from 1 - 5 years old).</p>

 

<p>I have the Rebel XT and I love it. I have never had a problem with mine, love the long battery life. I am not a pro, I am just an amature taking pics of my kids or family events, etc., I but I love the results I get from this camera. I have the kit lens along with two additional lenses I have purchased. I have had it about 3 years now. Good luck with whatever you decide to buy. You can look in my profile to see sample pics taken with this camera.</p>

<p>Thank you so much for all your replies.<br>

Yes, the camera is the Rebel. I have the Quantaray 70-300 4.0, and the only problems I have with it are:<br>

1. not good in low light situations<br>

2. Sometimes the lens is just too bulky.<br>

I know the cheaper (and faster) way to go would be a prime, but I really would love to get a zoom (because being with the kids, it is just easier). In the past, I have researched the Canon EF 85mm 1.8. It has gotten so many good reviews.<br>

I basically wanted a good walk around lens. We take the kids to this huge park by the water and usually the kids are off in all different directions, which makes a zoom a lot easier also. I wouldn't mind a zoom that was less than 200mm - 70, 75 or eveb 105mm would be good (I think). I just needed something that would work better in a low light situations. Since I don't have much of a problem with speed with my Quantaray, I think the lenses suggested would be fine (speedwise). I am also basically happy with my picture quality if the Quantaray. The only time it isnt on my lens is when I am inside - then I use my 50mm or my kit lens.</p>

<p>Thank you so much for all your replies.<br>

Yes, the camera is the Rebel. I have the Quantaray 70-300 4.0, and the only problems I have with it are:<br>

1. not good in low light situations<br>

2. Sometimes the lens is just too bulky.<br>

I know the cheaper (and faster) way to go would be a prime, but I really would love to get a zoom (because being with the kids, it is just easier). In the past, I have researched the Canon EF 85mm 1.8. It has gotten so many good reviews.<br>

I basically wanted a good walk around lens. We take the kids to this huge park by the water and usually the kids are off in all different directions, which makes a zoom a lot easier also. I wouldn't mind a zoom that was less than 200mm - 70, 75 or eveb 105mm would be good (I think). I just needed something that would work better in a low light situations. Since I don't have much of a problem with speed with my Quantaray, I think the lenses suggested would be fine (speedwise). I am also basically happy with my picture quality if the Quantaray. The only time it isnt on my lens is when I am inside - then I use my 50mm or my kit lens.</p>

<p>I am looking into a zoom lens that works well in low light. One suggestion I was given was the Sigma 17-70mm 2.8 - 4.5.<br />I know that primes are usually suggested for low light/portraits, I do have the Canon Prime 50mm. I just find I take better candid shots of the kids with my zoom lens (I currently have the Quantaray 70-300 4.0) and I have no issues other than it does hunt a lot when there is low light (late afternoon, etc).<br />With a 17 month old, I want a camera where I don't have to be right in his face to get a good close-up. Also, I take most of my photos outside. I am not looking to spend a lot b/c as you can see I am an armature. I just want to get good shots of the kids.<br />Here are some samples (gallery 1) www.teresasphotos.synthasite.com<br />Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.</p>

Thanks for the explanation Colin. Are there any zoom lenses in my price range that you would recommend?