Cannon T3i DSLR Lens VS Lens

[xxWesxx]

I have a Cannon Rebel t3i with a 18-55mm Kit lens. I also own a 75-300mm lens. The 18-55 does great, but not the sharpness im looking for. The 75-300mm has a great aperture 4-5.6. HORRIBLE sharpness. Im graduating in a week, and ive saved up to about $300 so far. Hopefully gaining about another $100 or so. Im also starting Nossi College of Art in September, Thats why im thinking about upgrading lens. I have also thought about upgrading to the 70D, but have decided against it because of the price range, and ive heard upgrading lens might be the better buy. Im kinda new when it comes to buy lens. With that being said, what kind of lens would be good for Low Light, Portraits, and getting ALOT of detail. I would like a prime lens. Ive looked at a 85mm 1.8 and ive looked at a 50mm 1.4. Is there any suggestions on what kind of lens would get me the detail im looking for?

 

[goodguy]

50mm prime will give you much more flexibility then the 85mm
With 50mm you can do portraits, Landscaping and even fast action if its close enough
The 85mm will be very limiting for landscape and portraits if you do this indoors.
50mm will also be much cheaper and you will have enough to start saving to upgrade in the future to the 70D

 

[Big Mike]

Upgrading the lens(es) is probably the right choice. The two lenses you have, are OK but are on the lower end of the scale. A good lens can really make a difference, provided your skills and knowledge are sound.

The thing about lenses is, the good ones are usually pretty expensive. In the Canon line up; the 50mm F1.8, the 50mm F1.4 & the 85mm F1.8 are probably the best ones that you'll find for less than $500.

 

[xxWesxx]

Thanks guys for the advice! The only problem with the 50mm, is that the school that im going to, wants me to have a more "Flexible" lens. they suggested maybe instead of the 85, and 50. To go ahead and get a 18-135mm Lens. Which ive also heard is a very good choice as well! And i agree in general. At first when i started photography, i thought the Camera body, was why all the shots were not as clear as others. I could be on a tripod, and be on a 30sec exposure, and its still not sharp enough. Then i started to look into the lens and I see a HUGE difference in the quality.

 

[Big Mike]

The only problem with the 50mm, is that the school that im going to, wants me to have a more "Flexible" lens. they suggested maybe instead of the 85, and 50. To go ahead and get a 18-135mm Lens.

That is a HUGE red flag to me. A knowledgeable photography instructor should NOT give that advice to students.

As you are already starting to learn, there is A LOT more to a lens than just it's focal length. An 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 is not a simple replacement for 50mm F1.4 and 85mm F1.8 lenses.

There is something to be said for having something 'wider' than 50mm, and you already have the 18-55mm, but anyone who truly cares about quality would be hesitant to give up the quality of those prime lenses, simply for the convenience of a cheap zoom.

 

[xxWesxx]

That is what my friend was saying as well. Honestly, if i didn't have to have the 18-135. Id buy the 50mm 1.4 or the 85mm 1.8. But there is only so much money coming in atm haha. Where is those money trees when you need them!

 

[Surfwooder]

The school your looking to attend will not be teaching you anything about lens construction, or what lens you own. Hopefully, they will be teaching you the basics of photography, meanings composition, exposure, and focus. I would think a good "walk-around" zoom lens would be good. I shoot the Tamron 18-270 for quite a while learning the trade. Although it is not the sharpest of the line, it will give you great results throughout its range. Roughly the cost of the lens is about only $400 new, since it has been replaced by the new Tamron 16-300mm lens. Also, remember you can buy used lenses for your camera at KEH.com. I've just take delivery of a Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8L USM lens from them. It was rated "E" but looks new, and shoots like new. I saved $500 by buying used from them. The grading system they use is very conservative, so you may be able to get a great deal on whatever lenses you choose.