Lenses for Canon (350D)

[Shot]

I just got my first dslr, the Rebel xt. It is way over my league but I want to grow with this camera. I was wondering what lenses would you guys recommend for everyday P&S, long range (wildlife), and macro settings? Or stated differently, what lenses should I have in my bag? (Not to expense, I know how the prices are)

I mainly would like to take pictures of sceneries and wildlife (big and small).

Thanks,
Shot

 

[Lan-Lord]

Hey Shot, congrats on the new camera. That rebel is probably the best bang for the buck. I dont have much input on which glass to buy, I'm just getting my feet wet with which lenses also (for my 20D). I think Otto has an affordable and capable setup for shooting wildlife. I cant remember what he has though. foulshot has a good assortment of glass as well. Several other guys are shooting DSLRs too.. Hopefully you can get some feedback

 

[foulshot]

Shot, welcome to the Canon club!!

As far as lenses go here is what I have:
Canon:18-55mm EF-S "kit"
50mm f/1.8
100-400L f/4-5.6 IS
Tamron:AF75-300mm f/4-5.6
Sigma:105mm EX DG Macro

I'm looking at a Canon 17-40L for replacing the 18-55.

For wildlife I mainly use the 100-400L. Nothing beats longer reach. When I first bought my 300D last year I bought the Tamron, used it for about 6 months then rented a 100-400. I was hooked.
Here are some samples between the 2:
Canon 100-400L

Tamron 75-300

You can more of my pics here. If you look at the EXIF Data, that should tell you the focal length and which lens.

If you don't mind saying your budget, I'd recommend some lenses. Also I would recommend looking at used lenses. You can save some money that way and still get good lenses.

Some of the sites I frequent~
Fred Miranda
Photography on the Net
DP Review
B&H
A couple of the forums have "marketplace" sections, you can also check ebay.

Welcome to the DSLR Club!!

 

[Shot]

I can't really afford the "L" lense right now, besides since I am just starting I think I would rather have a few lenses then just one.

How are the IS lenses from canon? Is the IS really worth the extra money compared to the Sigmas at long zoom (300mm)? What about picture quality?

If I want to do wildlife shots, should I be looking for a 300mm lense? or a 200mm and maybe add a 1.4x TC?

I thought buying a dslr was confusing, this lense stuff is just crazy.

foulshot,
how do you like the 50mm f/1.8 for indoor shots? is it wide enough?
sorry for all the questions.

 

[gil850]

I've heard only good things about that 50mm f/1.8. I have the 18-55 "kit" lens with the 20D (wouldn't really recomend it though). It was practically free with the kit so I couldn't pass. And I just bought the new Canon 70-300 IS lens. I haven't had the chance to use it more than just two evenings in the backyard, but let me tell you that IS is well worth the money. I think this will be a pretty nice lens - a little pricey but a good savings compared to the "L"s. Some of Sigma's telezooms are supposed to be pretty good optically for the price too.

Gil

 

[gil850]

Shot, here's a couple quick examples of what IS can do for you. No editing to either except a quick crop and the exposure and quality leaves a lot to be desired obviously but it makes a good point of the capabilities of IS in a typical wildlife situation - evening in low light with a slow shutter and a deer in the viewfinder (well kind of a deer).


With IS turned off...

With IS turned on...

So unless you plan on always carrying a tripod (I sure don't), the IS is a good thing - I like it at least.

Gil

 

[foulshot]

Originally posted by Shot@Oct 19 2005, 09:22 AM
How are the IS lenses from canon?


foulshot,
how do you like the 50mm f/1.8 for indoor shots? is it wide enough?
sorry for all the questions.

Shot, I think Gil pretty much summed up the IS question. Just to add, in low light the IS comes in very handy. You can shoot slower shutter speeds that without the IS.

Just remember about adding a TC, that once you exceed a minimal f stop, you will lose AF. Not sure what it is on the 350D. I know I lose AF on the 300D.

I think the 50 can be a little to much at times for indoor. The minimal focal distance is only 1.5', but in a tight room that can be a little close. If you are in a bigger room, it's no problem.

Don't worry about asking too many questions. I've asked my share too!

I forgot to add in my first post, if you can find a camera shop that has rentals, that gives you a better opportunity to see what will work for you. The local shop I rent from also applies the rental price toward lens purchase.

 

[Shot]

Thanks guys for the help.

I have been looking at a lot lenses. I think I will start low and see where I what to go from there. Since I am a newbie I think starting from the basics is best.

Foulshot,
the renting idea is great. This way I can rent a lense and see if it meets my needs, thanks.

One more question, what post processing programs are you guys using?

God bless,
Shot

 

[foulshot]

Shot, currently I have Adobe PS Elements 3.0 and I have a full version of photoshop 7.0(which I need a class in to learn to use all the tools).