What Canon Lens would you recommend for an amateur photographer?

Question

I just bought a Canon Rebel XTi and I'm already craving a new lens. With Christmas fast approaching I'm looking for gift ideas and what a better thing to ask for then a lens for my new toy. However I am quite unfamiliar with lenses and I need some help. I was looking around tonight and came to the realization that I picked a pricey hobby. I'd love to gain enough skill to be worthy of an expensive lens but for now I just want something that allow me to get closer to my subject without literally stepping forward! I am looking for something under 300$ that will give me the ability to take macro shots and have more "zoomage" (if you will) then the 18-55mm lens I have right now. Any ideas, reccomendations etc. would be great! Thanks so much!

Answer 1

Without getting too technical. If you want "real macro" like the type where you can see right into flowers etc. You need a dedicated macro lens (its called a 1:1 macro) and the $470 EF 100mm f/2.8 macro fits that bill. There are others like the EF 50mm f/2.5 and the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 and the uber expensive 180mm f/3.5L macro.

Now if you want "zoomage" and some macro the best compromise is the EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS. Its NOT a true macro lens but its marketed as a macro (you will see the flower symbol, which indicates macro capabilities). Now if you want to more macro then you can add a 25mm extension tube this will get you very good magnification of about 0.9x at 28mm.

Off course the EF 28-135mm retails for $410 and the 25mm extension tube runs $130 (there are cheaper options form Kenko etc).

Finally, the best way to be worthy of any gear is to use it. Practice...practice...practice. You will be surprised how good the 18-55mm lens is in the right hands and how useless an uber-expensive L lens is in the wrong hands.

Answer 2

I have two Canon A2e's. On one I have the Tamron 28-200mm zoom. On the other, I have the Tamron 28-300mm zoom. I have been VERY happy with them both. The reason I have both is the 28-300 wasn't on the market yet when I bought the 28-200. The 300 is a great all purpose lens. It's cheaper than a Canon lens, but it also gives you an idea what you want the next one you can use.

Answer 3

in the beginning macro lenses could be used for different issues different than for close-ups. they often make great portrait lenses too using fact they have an excellent max aperture. no longer all lenses marked 'macro' are authentic macro lenses. a real macro lens could have a a million:a million (ie existence length) replica ratio on the sensor. a stable decision may be the Sigma 105mm f2.8 macro. this is an prolonged focal length than the 55mm max you have on the 2nd, whether this is no longer as long as you have been after. it is likewise a fastened focal length (ie best lens) no longer a zoom, so which you may 'zoom; which incorporate your ft. Landscapes are frequently concentrated on a much wider attitude - focal length tiers 10-20mm or so.