Most versatile lens to own

[BethHarcek]

I have a Canon T3i, I have had for about a 4 months now along with two lens...18-55mm and 55-250mm. I am still trying to learn the basics of manual shooting, experimenting with shutter speeds, apeture, ISO etc. but I am also itching for a new lens and since I am seriously on a budget I want to invest in a lens that I would use frequently. I love the look of the wide angle lens photos...but not sure if I would want a more powerful zoom or a fun lens like the lensbaby lens. I love to take pictures of everything but mostly nature like birds, insects, animals and landscapes, waterscapes...flowers, trees...you know everything outside! I have started to experiment a little more with people as well so I am looking for a little advise from the experts...being on a budget what type of lens would you invest in?

[RABaker]

Beth,

I will give basically the same advice that I give to everybody who doesn't know what to buy next...

How is your current equipment holding you back? What kind of images do you want to capture that you cannot do with your current setup? If you can identify what you want to shoot, then let us know what that is and we can give advice about what you might need to accomplish your goal. If it turns out that your current equipment is, in fact, able to capture the images you want right now, then you need to concentrate on learning more about your camera and lenses as well as what makes a good photo to you - that satisfies your personal sense of taste. If you can, please resist purchasing new equipment just because it is new or different. Try to ensure that whatever you buy will directly help you capture the images you want.

Good luck,
Richard

[BethHarcek]

Beth,

I will give basically the same advice that I give to everybody who doesn't know what to buy next...

How is your current equipment holding you back? What kind of images do you want to capture that you cannot do with your current setup? If you can identify what you want to shoot, then let us know what that is and we can give advice about what you might need to accomplish your goal. If it turns out that your current equipment is, in fact, able to capture the images you want right now, then you need to concentrate on learning more about your camera and lenses as well as what makes a good photo to you - that satisfies your personal sense of taste. If you can, please resist purchasing new equipment just because it is new or different. Try to ensure that whatever you buy will directly help you capture the images you want.

Good luck,
Richard


Hi Richard,

Thank you so much Richard for your sound advise...you are correct, I really do have much more to learn about this camera and the lenses. This is my first DSLR and I am spending a lot of time in the manual mode to learn the basics...I think I will stick with what I have now and master those first.

Thanks again,
Beth

[NJMurphy]

You may be finding that the long end of your 18-55 is holding you back, especially if you want to do more people (i.e., portraits) shots. If that's the case, I'd suggest the 17-85 EF-S (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/351548-USA/Canon_9517A002BA_EF_S_17_85mm_f_4_5_6_IS.html). It's a longer on the telephoto end which will help with portraits, and a smidgeon wider than your 18-55. Plus it has image stabilization. Of course, you'll have to decide about spending $600 on it.

I used this constantly on both my 20D and 30D, it never let me down. In another thread I told of a week I spent traveling through Scotland, weighted down with a 20D with the 17-85 attached, along with a Rebel 300D, 75-300, 28-105, 50mm and a 550EF flash, and I never used anything but the 20D and 17-85.

Lensbabies are a fun item to have, but their cost-to-benefit value is very limited. And aside from the Muse (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Muse-Series/ci/14395/N/4232861492), they get pretty (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Composer-Series/ci/14396/N/4232861491) pricey (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Control-Freak-Series/ci/14397/N/4232861490).

But for a good, all purpose walkaround, go for the 17-85.

[peirceman]

Well, from what you describe as your shooting preferences, you could buy an extreme telephoto, a wide angle and a macro lens.

Welcome to the money pit known as photography!

Scott

[BethHarcek]

Well, from what you describe as your shooting preferences, you could buy an extreme telephoto, a wide angle and a macro lens.

Welcome to the money pit known as photography!

Scott

Thank you Scott, I do plan to purchase those in time...I know for wildlife the extreme telephoto will come in handy, and I love the wide angle photos I have seen for buildings and landscapes. Since I am on a budget I had purchased some cheap macro extension tubes from Amazon, pretty tricky but I can manage some pretty cool photos so I know I would love a macro lens as well. Money pit yes but I am totally addicted now...no turning back.

[BethHarcek]

Thank you...do you always purchase new? I had also thought about checking used lenses, but I get a bit nervous about that.

[RABaker]

"...do you always purchase new? I had also thought about checking used lenses, but I get a bit nervous about that."

Check the used lenses at KEH, B&H and Adorama. These are all very reputable sellers and you can trust their used equipment ratings. In fact, my experience has been that they are all pretty conservative in their ratings - I have more than once bought stuff that I would have rated one level higher than they did. These sellers also have excellent return policies, just in case they missed something and the lens doesn't quite match the rating they gave. There may be other good used equipment sellers, but I have experience with these 3 and can recommend them without qualm.

Good luck,
Richard

[LynnP]

I agree with NJMurphy about the the choice of the 17-85mm EF-S lens. It is a good walkaround lens. It gives you an angle of view of 28-136mm for a full frame camera plus it also has IS and the ability to shoot "Macro" at 85mm which lets you take a photo 18" away from the subject. For true macro, for 1:1 reproduction, you should purchase a dedicated macro lens. The 17-85 will give you more use daily than the Lens Baby. For a better telephoto lens I recommend that you get the EF 70-200mm f4L IS along with a 1.4 TE VII. Sell your other two lenses to purchase a used one.

For used equipment I have always used KEH. I have purchased everything except my 70-200 f4L IS, which I didn't sell off when I had to pay for hearing aids, and my 24-105mm f4l IS. My Bronica SQ-A with lens , back, WLF was purchased from KEH as well as the 40D w/17-85, a 5D and a 100mm f2.8 lens have also been purchased from KEH. As RABaker said they looke4d like new and were only rated as EX. Theree is nothing wrong from purchasing used as long as you do not settle for the lowest grade.

[BethHarcek]

Thank you Lynn...as a novice I really appreciate getting this information from experienced and knowledgable members! :cool:

[photopros]

you have two basic lens now. i would get a 70-300 lens. there are some good sights i use cameta camera.com and george ury.com. i have gotten many lenses and cameras from both. at good prices i am not big on a lensbaby it has its place but it is not for me. good luck

[BethHarcek]

you have two basic lens now. i would get a 70-300 lens. there are some good sights i use cameta camera.com and george ury.com. i have gotten many lenses and cameras from both. at good prices i am not big on a lensbaby it has its place but it is not for me. good luck

Thank you Jerry, starting my wish list...my husband should have no problems coming up with gift ideas from here on out ;)