Lens for Canon T1i

[motherdear]

Think I've narrowed it down to getting a Canon T1i. I've heard the kit lens is not that great. Anyone have any recommendations for a low budget good prime lens that works great in low light (indoors)? Also, do you have to use Canon lenses only? Thanks!

 

[Novux]

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 is about as budget-friendly as lenses get. It's not the highest quality lens by any means, but at approx. $110, there's really no way to go wrong.

Also up for consideration, it's big brother: Canon EF 50mm f/1.4


As to compatibility, Canon lenses aren't your only option. There are lens makers like Sigma and Tamron that make excellent glass for canon DSLRs, but always make sure you get the lens built for your brand (as opposed to Nikon, Sony, ect).

 

[kezsaj]

800mm f/5.6. You can't go wrong on that lens.


Just go to the store and see what lens fits your needs. It's not that hard.

 

[enzodm]

Think I've narrowed it down to getting a Canon T1i. I've heard the kit lens is not that great. Anyone have any recommendations for a low budget good prime lens that works great in low light (indoors)? Also, do you have to use Canon lenses only? Thanks!

to begin, the kit lens is more than sufficient. If you want an easy upgrade, just take the IS version (stabilized and optically better). Then add the only low budget prime lens, which is 50/1.8.
Although in the past that was the way, I suspect that if you start only with the prime lens instead of a zoom you will be soon frustrated because for indoors it may be too long. You can use any third party lens made for Canon (Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, Voigtlander, Zeiss).

 

[subscuck]

The kit lens Canon supplies these days isn't all that bad. It's actually head and shoulders above the old non-IS version that came with my old Rebel XT. It's sharper, has better color and contrast, and an IS system that I'm told works very well. Starting out, you will also appreciate having a focal range, rather than just the single focal length of a prime.

As already mentioned, the 50mm 1.8 is the only real "budget prime". It's IQ is quite impressive given its price. It's worth owning as a first prime, but be aware that AF with it is slow, loud, and hit or miss in low light. Also take into account the crop factor of the body makes it "effectively" 80mm, and as enzodm stated, it can sometimes be a little too tight for indoor shots.