best first lens for Canon 40D

atlas777 · Dec 30, 2008

I am just about to buy a Canon 40D and am now wondering what the best startup lens would be. I only have the money for one lens at this point and need the best walking around lens for the camera. I've read that the 50mm is a must have and am considering the 50mm 1.4 but not sure if its worth the $200 more than the 1.8. Should I save the $200 for a better lens? And any other suggestions for a good startup lens?

Big Mike · Dec 30, 2008

Welcome to the forum.

You will have to give us more info than that...like what is your budget?

When you say 'best'...I start thinking of lenses that cost more than the camera.

JustAnEngineer · Dec 30, 2008

Mine was the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM, but it costs as much as the camera body. Take a look at the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 Di-II for $400.

atlas777 · Dec 31, 2008

I'm just a college student so I'm not raking it in or anything, but I'm serious about photography and willing to spend the money on a better quality lens. For now, lets narrow it down to lenses that cost as much as or less than the camera.

I was considering the Tamron 17-50mm lens but was put off by the fact that it doesn't have image stabilization like the Canon 17-55mm. I'm willing to spend the money on the Canon if its worth it...just not sure...

Hobbes · Dec 31, 2008

or just get the kit lenses, either EF-S 17-85 IS USM or EF 28-135 IS USM both are very good all round lenses

dwol · Dec 31, 2008

That 50mm 1.8 is an alright lens and so so cheap!, the sweetspot for that lens is around F5.6 (sharpest picture). But if your just getting one lens, I would probably get a standard zoom one etc.

Prophet · Dec 31, 2008

dwol said:
That 50mm 1.8 is an alright lens and so so cheap!, the sweetspot for that lens is around F5.6 (sharpest picture). But if your just getting one lens, I would probably get a standard zoom one etc.

I'd look at the Canon 85mm 1.8. I dont' have one, but I'm definately considering it. Its reported that full frame use those for portrait lens. Crop sensors could have essentially a telephoto.

-JD-

Big Mike · Dec 31, 2008

How about this; get the camera with whatever 'kit' lens it comes with. It might be 18-55mm or 17-85mm or 28-135mm. Then add a 50mm. This will be a good starting point and let you get to know your camera. Then after using it for a while, you will have a much better idea of where to go from there.

As for the 50mm F1.8 vs the 50mm F1.4...I would recommend the F1.4 version because it's built better, has better auto focus and is still a rather inexpensive lens. The F1.8 version has good optics but a cheap feel to it.

JustAnEngineer · Dec 31, 2008

Prophet said:
I'd look at the Canon 85mm 1.8. I don't have one, but I'm definitely considering it. It's reported that full frame use those for portrait lens. Crop sensors could have essentially a telephoto. -JD-

I have the 85 f/1.8, and it's too long to use as your only lens on the EOS 40D. Here's a list of 15 lenses to think about:
A. $850 EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
B. $659 Tokina 16-50mm f/2.8
C. $620 EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
D. $600 Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC
E. $500 EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
F. $400 EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
G. $395 Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 Di-II
H. $385 Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM
I. $375 Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC "macro(1:3)"
J. $370 EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
K. $360 Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS
L. $305 Sigma 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM
M. $180 EF 28mm f/2.8
N. $140 EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
O. $ 85 EF 50mm f/1.8

I'd suggest researching G, N and M.

atlas777 · Dec 31, 2008

Thanks so much for all your suggestions. The info you gave me was so helpful in making my decision. I think I'm gonna go with the 50mm 1.4 and the 28-135mm kit lens and keep the others in mind for my next lens purchase.

Thanks again!

Atlas77 · Dec 31, 2008

Sorry to interupt this thread but i see another Atlas! haha one more seven eh?

atlas777 · Jan 1, 2009

Haha, I noticed that too! I was trying to one-up you...lol. Any meaning behind yours?

Montana · Jan 1, 2009

I do not believe that you will be happy with the 50mm and 28-135 combo. I have a Rebel XTi and a 40D. (same size sensor on both). That 28-135 was used once on my 40D, and that was just because it was my first and only IS lens. I shot 3 photos or so with it, threw it in the camera bag, and there it sits. It is not near wide enough for a general purpose lens for your 40D in my opinion. Go with the 17-55 Canon. Pricey but perfect range (perhaps a tad short). If you need something longer, get the 85mm or the 100mm Macro. That macro lens can be used as a standard prime, but also opens another world of photography for you.

Derrick

atlas777 · Jan 1, 2009

Really? Thanks for letting me know. I've been looking at the 17-55 for a while but its too pricey for me at this point. I think I'll go with the 50mm 1.4 for now and save the money for the 17-55.

On a side note, how do you like the 40D?

Montana · Jan 1, 2009

atlas777 said:
On a side note, how do you like the 40D?

I love my 40D. Its a fantastic camera. You'll love it! I may have been to harsh about the 28-135, but in my experience its not wide enough. I could not live with that lens on my camera. Its slow too. (aperture) Its not built real great, and I think you'd be happier with a constant 2.8 wider zoom. I guess you'll know after having that 50mm on there what you need for your situation. If you find yourself trying to back up a whole lot, then spring for a wide!

Derrick