What Lens do you think I should get for my Rebel XT?

Question

I mostly take pictures of children. I'm looking for something quick, good bit of zoom, and that will give me clear pictures. Also don't know what my problem is but I always end up with a good bit of camera shake not sure if there is a lens that might not be so sensitive to that. Thank you in advance for the help.

I have the standard lens that came with the camera. I usually do alot of outside pictures but with winter coming that will stop. I try to use natural light and avoid flash but I do use it when I need to or to capture those crazy moments like the baby jumping on the cat. But for the times when I'm doing a photo shoot I try to avoid the flash. I was hoping to stay around the 500 dollar range but if a $1000 one seems to be the best one for me I'm sure hubby could make it a christmas gift.

Its really going to be hard to choose best answer I've gotten alot of great ones. Thank you.

Answer 1

IMHO, the Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8IS is the best standard zoom for your camera. Its got a great range (similar to a 28-90mm zoom on a film camera), a fast aperture for shallow depth-of-field or low light action stopping. Its also got 4 stops worth of IS, which means you can hand-hold photos of static subjects down to VERY low shutter speeds (I've even seen sharp examples at 1 second!). The image quality is comparable to many "L" lenses.

EDIT:
If you are looking at a lower price range, the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 runs around $450 and provides similar image quality (read: stellar) to above, and has the same fast 2.8 aperture. The only differences are that its slightly lower in build quality (but still a big step up from a kit lens in this department), it lacks image stabilization, and the auto-focus isn't as fast or quiet. That said, its a stellar performer for a lens of its price range. I'd take it over any Canon offering shy of the above lens.

Answer 2

By not knowing what lens you have its hard to suggest one. From your description of problems with camera shake a lens with Image Stabilization might be your best choice. Of course, you could simply be using too slow of a shutter speed. Using an ISO of 400 might help. The idea is to keep the shutter speed as a reciprocal of the lens length - the longest zoom length. So if you're using a 50-200mm zoom then your shutter speed should be 1/250 second.

Holding the camera properly could also be an issue.
I learned long ago to support the camera with my left hand (palm up, camera nestled in it) with my upper arm in tight against my body, elbow in my stomach, camera pressed against my nose. The right hand grips the camera by the end with the palm adding support. This provides a solid platform for holding the camera steady. Honestly, I can't believe people using a digicam at arms length and holding the camera between thumb and forefinger can ever take a really sharp picture.

Answer 3

I'm assuming you're talking about indoor pictures? If so, those are typically low light conditions.

Are you using the flash when you take your pictures?

I'd take a look at Canon's line of fast lenses that are at least f2.8 or faster. Zoom range really depends on your shooting conditions. I find that a 28-70mm f2.8 lens to be ideal for indoor shots but if I want so get a good face shot w/out being noticed then I prefer my 80-200mm f2.8.

I know that some photographers prefer fast prime lenses but I find it just hampers you when you're still learning to shoot.

Alternatively I like my 12-24mm f4 (Tokina) for shooting a large group of people.

Oh, I should point out that I don't use an IS (Image Stabilization) lens. I find with good technique, fast lens and occasionally my flash, I don't need it even in "low light" conditions usually found indoors.

HTH.

Answer 4

I have the same problem with camera shake. Canon makes a line of image stabilized lenses that help take care of that. The newest of these is the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and it should be available for purchase soon. It should sell for about $200 when it is released.

Canon has many "IS" lenses that have a greater zoom range and some are very expensive. Visit their website to look at all your options.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=111

Answer 5

I would agree with Evan on the 17-55, as it is probably my favorite lens for indoor use. (I'm a Nikon shooter, but they make the same focal range lens.) The only problem is, it costs a thousand bucks.

Consider this: The Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM (28-135 equiv.) (October 2007-$515) is a good "walk around" lens at a good price.
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=149&modelid=10511
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-17-85mm-f-4-5.6-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

It's only one-to-two stops "slower" than the f/2.8, so you will still be able to get some natural light shots, but with kids you are probably using your flash anyhow.

I'm just letting you know what's available.