Best beginner lenses for canon t4i??

Clasoni · Apr 24, 2013

I have a canon t4i with a kit lens and a 50mm lens. I spent $340 on the 50mm.
I don't know anything about the camera yet. My main use for the camera is family pictures(1-5years old kids)
At this point I don't know if a fixed lens is the right choice to start and for the purpose that I have.
So here is the catch I have to make a decision by tonight. Why? Is the last day that I have to return/exchange the lens so please heeeelp!! Thanks!

tirediron · Apr 24, 2013

20 years ago, 99.9% of cameras sold came with a 50mm prime ('fixed') lens. You can do a LOT of good work with a prime lens, they're generally sharper than consumer-grade zooms, and they tend to have larger maximum apertures, so they allow more light in and shallower depth of field, BUT... they're not as convenient, and while the 'left-foot, right-foot' zoom does work, it has limitations. These days, I generally recommend that people start with the typical 'kit' lens, usually an inexpensive 18-55mm zoom lens. This allows you to experiment with different focal lengths and find out what suits you better. They're also normally cheap enough, when bought as part of a kit that using them for a short time and disgarding them isn't a huge financial hit.

Dao · Apr 24, 2013

Welcome to the forum!

If you do not know what lens to get now, then it is better just use the kit lens until you know what to get. Lens purchase is based on need. It is like power tools or cookware. You get the right tool to do the right job. Once you learn more about photography and photography gears, you should know what to get next.

ronlane · Apr 24, 2013

Welcome. That 50mm is good for portraits. Given time I think you'll want a zoom lens of some type.

Clasoni · Apr 24, 2013

Hi I actually bought the camera with the kit lense for the same price as the body only so it was like free. The thing is that I can not return the lens anymore. The only thing I can do is exchange it. So I don't know what to do? Is there a better way to go rather than the 50mm around the same price range? Ans thanks for your help.
what I would like to still have is that blurred background effect (not sure abt the term :/ )
this is a pic that I took with the 50mm

KmH · Apr 24, 2013

If you got Canon's EF 50 mm f.1.8 II, it's Canon's lowest cost lens.
So any other lens is going to cost more.

With a prime lens, you 'zoom' with your feet by moving closer or further.

ronlane · Apr 24, 2013

That 50mm is the EF50mm f/1.4, right? Honestly, I don't know if there would be something in that price range that would be worth switching to. Maybe a used 24-135mm but that's not as fast of glass as the 50.

I would have to agree with Dao and just keep shooting with it until you know what you need. Learning that camera and lens should keep you busy for a while until you learn what you can't do but are wanting to do.

Clasoni · Apr 24, 2013

I bought the EF 50mm f/1.4

ronlane · Apr 24, 2013

KmH said:
If you got Canon's EF 50 mm f.1.8 II, it's Canon's lowest cost lens.
So any other lens is going to cost more.

With a prime lens, you 'zoom' with your feet by moving closer or further.

Keith, if he paid $340 for it, he paid double for the 1.8. I believe it's the 1.4.

Clasoni · Apr 24, 2013

ronlane said:
Keith, if he paid $340 for it, he paid double for the 1.8. I believe it's the 1.4.

I'm a she ☺

ronlane · Apr 24, 2013

Clasoni said:
ronlane said:

Keith, if he paid $340 for it, he paid double for the 1.8. I believe it's the 1.4.

Click to expand...

I'm a she ☺

My apologies.

Clasoni · Apr 24, 2013

ronlane said:
My apologies.

No worries. So I'm still on the same place!

I could use an extra $100 for a total of $440-$450 I guess if there is nothing better for that price ill have to stick with the 50mm?

Dao · Apr 24, 2013

Based on the type of photo you like to achieve, the 50mm lens is great for that. And I have the same EF 50mmf/1.4 like yours. Again, it is all depends on what you shoot, the type of result you are looking for and your budget. For portrait type shots, I like my 50mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.8 and 70-200mm f/4 lenses. What lens to use depends on the environment and the result I am looking for.

Clasoni · Apr 24, 2013

Dao said:
Based on the type of photo you like to achieve, the 50mm lens is great for that. And I have the same EF 50mmf/1.4 like yours. Again, it is all depends on what you shoot, the type of result you are looking for and your budget. For portrait type shots, I like my 50mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.8 and 70-200mm f/4 lenses. What lens to use depends on the environment and the result I am looking for.

Ok so between the 3 lenses that you just mention which one would work better for outdoors/kids?

Dao · Apr 24, 2013

For outdoor, I like to use a longer focal length if possible (because of the perspective distortion --> Perspective distortion (photography) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). However, the distance between you and the subject will become longer if you use a longer focal length. But in outdoor, it is usually not a big problem.

But again, that is a personal choice based on my personal preferences. And that is why it is hard to say which one is best for you overall.