Lens Help

wmc1117 · Nov 11, 2008

HI, I am very very new to photography but really want to give it a try so I am going to be getting a Canon EOS Rebel XSi and I was wondering what lens I should buy to accompany this. Would a 18-55mm Lens be a good starter lens...and would this lens have image stabilization. Or would you recommend a 28-200mm?

Overread · Nov 11, 2008

For a starting point get the kit lens that comes with the camera - its a good focal range and will give you a decent starting point.
Beyond that what lenses you need is determined very much by:

a) what you intend the lens to do for you - ie what you hope to take photos of with the lens

b) how much you are willing to part with in cold hard cash

The only lens that many people recommend and is popular to most is a "nifty fifty" that is a 50mm f1.8. A prime lens (no zoom) but a very cheap and yet sharp lens.

Big Mike · Nov 11, 2008

What is your budget?

The usual 'kit' lens is 18-55mm and would probably be a good start. However, most people (around here anyway) find that they eventually grow out of that lens and want something better. So if you have the means, you could get a better lens from the start, but that is certainly not necessary.

I don't usually recommend lenses like a 28-200mm. For the most part, the wider the range, the poorer the overall quality.

I agree with the recommendation for the 50mm F1.8, that would make a good compliment to go with the 18-55mm lens.

wmc1117 · Nov 11, 2008

ok thank you very much. Just wondering does that starter Canon 18-55mm lens have image stabilization?

DRoberts · Nov 11, 2008

wmc1117 said:
ok thank you very much. Just wondering does that starter Canon 18-55mm lens have image stabilization?

The 18 -55 kit lens does not have IS. However if you are getting just the body and are looking for a good all around lens to start with that has IS I would recommend the 28-135 f/3.5 -5.6 IS USM. It is a decent lens that cost anywhere from $300 - $400 depending on where you get it or if your retailer will cut you a deal with the body.

Jaszek · Nov 11, 2008

DRoberts said:
The 18 -55 kit lens does not have IS. However if you are getting just the body and are looking for a good all around lens to start with that has IS I would recommend the 28-135 f/3.5 -5.6 IS USM. It is a decent lens that cost anywhere from $300 - $400 depending on where you get it or if your retailer will cut you a deal with the body.

Actually it does have IS which can be switched on/off. I know because I own an XSI with the kit lens. I would highly recommend getting the nifty fifty.

DRoberts · Nov 11, 2008

Cool...my bad. Didn't know they were putting the 18-55 with IS as the kit lens now. Thanks for pointing that out.

Dao · Nov 11, 2008

DRoberts said:
Cool...my bad. Didn't know they were putting the 18-55 with IS as the kit lens now. Thanks for pointing that out.

Yes they did.

And the newer kit lens is much better than the old version (according to the reviews I read) in terms of optical quality. It even sharper than some Canon lens that cost twice as much.

RyanLilly · Nov 12, 2008

Yep, they added IS to the kit lens. The kit is a good starter, though if you think you will outgrow the kit lens there are some good third party lenses to consider; Tamron 17-50 2.8, and sigma version as well, both are about $400, they are good performers but don't hit the wallet quite as hard as the canon 17-55.

...well I just checked B&H, an it seems that the Kit only costs $60 more than the body alone, So I would certainly go with the kit lens to start with.