Camera Lens

Distantshore · #1 01-12-2008, 10:50 PM

As many of you know, I recently got myself the Canon 30d along with the 18-55 kit lens and the Tamron 70-300.
As you may have guessed I am already wanting to upgrade my kit lens. I want something that will work as a general purpose lens and was leaning heavily toward the Canon IS series lens. I had a couple in mind, but I thought I would just get some opinions in case there is something else out there I should consider.
I am looking to spend $300-$700 right now,,,or should I wait and spend more money on a lens later on, that will be worth the upgrade.

Rotti · #2 01-12-2008, 11:27 PM

Unlike a lot of people I feel it's not all that critical. It's more about composition and light. The 18-55 can take some excellent photos.
I'm currently using a Sigma 17-70mm lens for my general purpose walkaround lens and I think it's great. If I was buying again and I had your price range I'd probably just get a Canon 17-40L for around $500.00 used.

chef21 · #3 01-13-2008, 01:12 AM

I am sorta in the same boat. I just bought a rebel XTI, and bought a lot of extra's for it allready ( vertical grip, flash, filters etc,) But the thing I want is to get some really good lenses for it. I don't know If I should just wait and learn to use the camera better or what. I remember reading that you bought the XTI and then returned it for the 30D. Do you see much diference between the two cameras. I like the XTI, but I see what you were saying about the small body size, and large hands. I have the vertical grip orderedfor it and I hope the extra mass will help. I love that there are so many people into photography on here.

Distantshore · #4 01-13-2008, 01:18 AM

Yeah besides the feel I did notice that pictures I take with a higher ISO seem less grainy, also the spot metering has been fun learning with.
Lens wise I am struggling with the same thing. Glen recommended a couple lenses and I am leaning toward this one: Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM.

I like the idea of having The IS feature,,,especially being a newb.
Love to see some pics Chef

Distantshore · #5 01-13-2008, 01:23 AM

Here's a couple I took recently using my Tamron:

chef21 · #6 01-13-2008, 11:52 AM

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chef21 · #7 01-13-2008, 11:54 AM

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chef21 · #8 01-13-2008, 11:57 AM

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These are a few pics I took with my new XTI, I really need to learn how to use it better, but I am happy with it so far.

**jemsite** · #9 01-13-2008, 11:58 AM

nice pics guys.

one thing i'd like to state again is that when lens shopping you REALLY need to consider intended use. The perfect lens is useless if it can't get the shot.

also since some of you have zooms play around with them in a fixed prime position. ie. tape them at 35mm and walkaround and learn to do more than zoom in/out.

yes there are photos that you cannot capture with the cheaper kit zooms, but for the most part our cameras are limited by the us, not the lenses (especially in the first year or so owning a dSLR).

i'd be thinking first about focus point selection, ISO, aperature, development in Lightroom of the RAW files... glen

chef21 · #10 01-13-2008, 11:58 AM

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chef21 · #11 01-13-2008, 12:01 PM

distant how do you post your pics without the stupid img before and after the pics. I really like your pics, the colour and clarity are killer.

Rotti · #12 01-13-2008, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Distantshore

Here's a couple I took recently using my Tamron:

This one is really nice. Good job.

As for the lens you mentioned, it's a good price but 28mm is not wide enough for me on a crop camera. Your mileage may vary.

Some people like lenses with IS. I'm not into it. Remember IS does nothing if your subject is moving.

Ant1981 · #13 01-13-2008, 06:46 PM

Actually, I've been toying about with the idea of getting another lens also. I've been wanting something wider than my 24-105 L IS, was looking at the 16-25L, but, that 8mm difference, isn't alot when you actually look through the lens.

**jemsite** · #14 01-13-2008, 06:49 PM

17-40L is a smarter buy (and as sharp as the 16-35L) and i told the Distant to look at that, but he wants an "all in one superzoom" which the 17-55 and 17-40 are not... glen

Rotti · #15 01-13-2008, 06:56 PM

All in one? then get a point and shoot.

Ant1981, there is a big difference to me between 16mm and 24mm.

Here is a thread with a ton of photos taken with the Sigma 17-70mm.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...ht=sigma+17-70

*Definately check out some of the ones on the last page.