What kind of lenses should I use for my Canon SLR camera?

Question

I have a Canon Rebel Ti which is a 35mm camera not a digital. It takes EF lenses. I am not much of an expert when it comes to photography. But I do understand a lot about it. I found these three lenses that I was considering buying and wanted to know what you think. If you have other suggestions, please post a link to the lens that you think is better. Also, who do you think makes the best cameras? Canon, Nikon, etc..... I also understand what aperture is but I don't know which aperture I should get for any of these. Keep in mind I take photos for all occassions like parties, well lit places, concerts where it is dark, etc....

Telephoto:
http://www.wolfcamera.com/product/541161519.htm?bct=%3Bcicamera-lenses%3Bcislr-lens%3Bcilenses-for-canon
Wide Angle:
http://www.wolfcamera.com/product/541166716.htm
Fisheye:
http://www.wolfcamera.com/product/541168134.htm?bct=t13031003%3Bcifilm-cameras-and-accessories%3Bcicamera-lenses%3Bcislr-lens%3Bcislr-lenses

Answer 1

The 70-300mm EF f/4-5.6 IS USM is a solid choice. It's also a very good lens for the price, and even better value for money at B&H - they're $100 cheaper: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=397663&is=USA&addedTroughType=search

The 17-40 mm f/4 L USM EF is a great lens for landscapes, etc. This lens is $140 cheaper at B&H:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=279582&is=USA&addedTroughType=search

I trust you already have a standard zoom to bridge the 40-70mm gap. The 17-40 and the 70-300 are great additional lenses but neither one works very well as a walk around lens.

The Canon 15mm EF f/2.8 fisheye is a specialty item - if you need it, you need it. Only you can be the judge of that. You can save another $200 at B&H: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=12069&is=USA&addedTroughType=search

I also compared prices at BeachCamera, but B&H has the best price on all three items. I don't want to sound like a sales rep for these guys, but they are 100% reliable, as I'm sure you already know (or can easily verify for yourself).

I refuse to go into the Canon vs. Nikon debate. Suffice it to say that both brands are very good. The Canon 17-40 and the 70-300 are both great mid-range lenses and if you ever want to go all out, Canon has the 16-35mm f/2.8 and the 70-200mm f/2.8. Nikon has similar mid-range and pro lenses.

The one thing that you should look out for, is that 17-40mm and the 70-300mm are not particularly suited for low light photography. Then again, you don't have a lot of options in the same price bracket, so there's not much to suggest. Even the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 costs about $900. Perhaps you could add a prime lens later on, if the need arises for something fast in a specific focal length.

Answer 2

First off, you should know that digital cameras have bridged the gap and are now just as good as regular film cameras for everyday photography. Having said that, however, if you like photography and ever intend to do something more artistic with it than just holiday snapshots or pictures of friends (like night photography, wedding photography, nature photography, etc.) you're better off sticking with your Canon. The lenses you are looking at are all good lenses, and you definitely want Canon lenses for a Canon camera. Personally, I like Nikon cameras and Nikkor lenses, but that's because I spent over three years working on them and have seen the abuse they can take and still work. Don't worry; Canon makes good stuff. P.S.: Aperture refers to the opening in the camera or the lens that lets the light through. The aperture ranges for the lenses you are looking at are all very good. You could possibly find a fisheye lens with a lower aperture -- the lower the better for a fisheye lens -- but it'll cost you a heck of a lot more and it probably won't be of any benefit to you, so stick with the one you picked out.