Christmas Wish List ....

[papermad]

I know it's really early for Christmas, but I've got to do my research! OK here goes then. I got a Canon EOS350D the other day and I'm quickly realising that I'd like a zoom lense as getting natural portraits of people is difficult when I have to be so in their face. So what do you use and has anyone any recommendations. I was reading a mag and a couple of articles recommended a Canon 70 - 200 f2.8 IS and I thought ohhhh maybe and then I flicked through to the back of the mag to the adverts and ...... £1300!! The camera was only £500! So on the not silly price level has anyone got any ideas?? Thanks all.

[suejn]

Bookmarking hope you don't mind this is of interest to me, I have Canon 75-300 cost nothing like the price you quoted,so can't be as good but I get fed up changing the lens so I'm looking for something with a good range that I don't have to keep changing lenses.
Sue

[Lolly]

I believe some people use Tamron or Sigma lenses - you can get them in Canon fit and they're a lot cheaper than brand lenses.
I'm not sure what their quality is like though - I'm sure others will reply and be able to tell you :)

[bridget.withers]

Have a look at the 50mm 1.8 this is a nice sharp fast lens and is under £100. It has some great reviews.

These are a couple of shots I have taken with mine.

[papermad]

Thanks Bridget :) . Excuse my ignorance :unsure: , but is that a fixed focal length? The lense that came with my camera is a 18-55 so am I already covered in this range? This is my first SLR and the range of accessories and choice is huge for a newbie to try and work out!

[bridget.withers]

Deb it is a fixed lens. Just out of interest what type of things do you want the lens to do? I find this is great for 90% of my photography ie Portraits, landscapes and flowers etc. The only one I change it for is when I am doing sports photo's and then I use my 70 - 300mm not as sharp but a great zoom for the money.

I too had the 18 - 55mm as the kit lens with my nikon. The 50mm 1.8 far exceeds that lens IMHO.

Here is a review, its written for the nikon but as far as I know the canon is the same performance.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/5018af.htm

Here's a closer shot that might give you a better idea. I was about 6ft away for this shot.



Hope this helps.

[ibecks]

I'd second the recommendation of Sigma lenses. Some are fantastic quality and a lot cheaper than the Nikon/Canon versions. Check the reviews, as quality does vary and some lenses come in two different quality levels. I have the 105mm f2.8 Macro DG from Sigma and it's my favourite lens. Most would say it's too long for portraits, but I'd disagree - if you want to be a way from the subject this might be something to look at.

Fixed-length (or 'prime') lenses like these tend to be 'faster' (ie. have a wider maximum aperture so they're more versatile in low light), they're better quality than zooms and I also find they make me think more carefully about the shot because I can't just zoom in. Like Bridget I also have Nikon's 50mm f1.8 which is a fantastic, fast, not to mention cheap (as these things go!) lens. Not right for what you want right now, as it's a shorter focal length than your current lens, but worth considering for the sheer quality.

[papermad]

Thanks Bridget - the pics are great. I mainly take photos of the kids, but find that they are not willing subjects and move around a lot - most inconsiderate of them. I like the really natural shots of them doing stuff and don't want to be too close as I get the forced "cheese" smile if I do. I thought a zoom lense would allow me to take a step back from them but still get close up shots. I'll check out the review, but may go for a longer focal length if my lense covers that for now. Me thinks this hobby may be more expensive than my scrapbooking :wacko: .

becks - I like the sound of the 105mm f2.8 Macro DG from Sigma. As it has macro in the title (not forgetting I'm a total SLR newbie) does this mean it'll also do the close up flower shots as well as the distant kids shots? Or is that too much to ask for! Ps still checking out your photography articles - thanks.

[ibecks]

Yes, it will. Almost all of the macro shots on my 'details' gallery (http://web.mac.com/becksibook/iWeb/Home/photos%201.html) were shot with the 105mm macro.

[bridget.withers]

Boy I can relate to that, those shots may look posed but boy those girls moved. Just kept the shutter speed up to get them as sharp as poss. That is one of the reasons I love that lens fast and sharp to not miss out on the shot.