fixed lens or zoom?

brycimus · Aug 11, 2007

ok, so i changed my future dslr purchase from nikon d80 to rebel xt, only because i can't afford the d80 & am sure that this camera will serve my purposes (and i also have a canon ae-1). anyway, i was going to order a lens along with the xt kit (with the stock 18-55mm lens which i hear is not that great). i'm kind of stuck though between ordering the ef-s 60mm f/2.8 macro usm or a zoom lens. i realize the differences between fixed focal length and zooms, in that zooms are more versatile in everyday life/spur of the moment photography. i really like taking macro photos, but am not sure if it would be wiser to order a zoom for my first good lens, since i probably won't be ordering another lens for a while later.

thanks

photogincollege · Aug 11, 2007

I would get the zoom, like you said there is a lot more that you can do with it especially if your not getting another one for awhile.

usayit · Aug 12, 2007

Get the zoom of your choice AND save a few more bucks ($60-$70 USD) for the 50mm f1.8. The 50mm f1.8 is known to be wonderful low buck, high bang lens. With a max aperture of f/1.8, you will also have a fast prime to shoot in low-light.

brycimus · Aug 12, 2007

what zoom lens do you guys recommend? i was going to spend $300 for that macro lens, so if you could recommend anything with a similar price tag; is there maybe a macro focusing zoom lens? i know i have one for my canon ae-1

WDodd · Aug 12, 2007

It would depend greatly on your shooting style as to what you will need. The kit lens isn't terrible I still use it quite a bit as a matter of fact.

The 50mm f/1.8 is a great cheap prime (and Canon's cheapest lens) that is really hard to pass up. I would just hold out for a while until after you get your camera, shoot with the kit and see what you wish you had for different situations.

If you are worried about the quality of the kit you could always just get the body and pick up one of these instead: Canon 17-55 f/2.8, Canon 17-85, or Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 to replace it.

This is a good guide to choosing your next lens too: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=86975

Edit: I would recommend just getting one of these: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/423714-REG/Tamron_AF016C700_17_50mm_f_2_8_XR_Di.html instead of the kit lens. Thats what I wish I had done. There is also the Canon 17-55 f/2.8 but its more than double the price.

This could also be around your price range as well: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/351548-USA/Canon_9517A002_EF_S_17_85mm_f_4_5_6_IS.html and I would also look at the 28-105 everything I read says its a great zoom for the price (around $200).

Hope that helps.

WDodd · Aug 12, 2007

I see in your signature that you already have the Canon 50mm so just ignore that part of my last reply. :lmao:

brycimus · Aug 12, 2007

my 50mm lens is an fd mount though, yah i was looking at the 28-105

MikeR · Aug 12, 2007

WDodd said:
It would depend greatly on your shooting style as to what you will need. The kit lens isn't terrible I still use it quite a bit as a matter of fact.

The 50mm f/1.8 is a great cheap prime (and Canon's cheapest lens) that is really hard to pass up. I would just hold out for a while until after you get your camera, shoot with the kit and see what you wish you had for different situations.

If you are worried about the quality of the kit you could always just get the body and pick up one of these instead: Canon 17-55 f/2.8, Canon 17-85, or Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 to replace it.

This is a good guide to choosing your next lens too: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=86975

Edit: I would recommend just getting one of these: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/423714-REG/Tamron_AF016C700_17_50mm_f_2_8_XR_Di.html instead of the kit lens. Thats what I wish I had done. There is also the Canon 17-55 f/2.8 but its more than double the price.

This could also be around your price range as well: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/351548-USA/Canon_9517A002_EF_S_17_85mm_f_4_5_6_IS.html and I would also look at the 28-105 everything I read says its a great zoom for the price (around $200).

Hope that helps.

The Tamaron 17-50 f/2.8 is a grat lens. Like others here, I bought it to replace my kit lens. BUT if you go to link suggested above
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/

You will be able to see plenty of great kit lens shots and also shots from many other lenses

brycimus · Aug 13, 2007

thanks, i'm seriously considering that macro lens though, looking at the shots people on that forum suggested above makes we want it

pasvorto · Aug 14, 2007

I just "inherited" a Canon AE-1 yesterday. My brother has made the jump to digital P&S cameras only.

It came with a 50mm lens and a flash. Pretty "bare bones".

I already have a Canon Rebel Ti and just bought a Nikon D40.

Is the AE-1 a good enough camera to justify bringing it back to life? Or, is it EBay material? I was thinking of selling the rebel and using that money to get a 55-200mmm lens for the Nikon and keeping the AE-1 in my truck for those "I wish I had a camera" moments.

Any thoughts about the AE-1?

ANDS! · Aug 14, 2007

For 300 bucks, you could get the Sigma 105 f/2.8 lens. Would satisfy a "zoom" range if you need to grab a far off shot, but also would satisfy your macro needs as I believe it is 1:1.

Sample Canon shots. I believe you can get it on Amazon for 350 or so. Seems to be a GREAT Macro/Zoom lens.

brycimus · Aug 14, 2007

hey, thanks, i'm not really sure on what third party lenses are good, i'm definitely considering the sigma 105mm macro, if found a site that has it for really cheap, hopefully its a legit site http://www.cambridgeworld.com/detail.php?item_id=885

ANDS! · Aug 14, 2007

Thats a good deal - but there is SERIOUS conflicting information on whether this store is similar to CambridgeCameras or an entirely different entity - in fact a lot of the bad press seems to deal with folks thinking this place IS CambridgeCamera.

If that place is legit, I'll grab me one for that price.

brycimus · Aug 14, 2007

it's a great price, but i think i'm staying away, i googled them and found sites of people complaining

Jon, The Elder · Aug 14, 2007

brycimus - If you really are going to specialize in Macro shots for the bulk of your shooting, which takes you into a narrow area of photography, then stay with that type of lens.

If for the most part, you want to shoot a wide variety of subjects and styles, then the Canon 28-105 is an excellent choice and has a very flexible range. Money well spent.