Lens with decent range to chace kids?

[Tatiana_]

Hi all.
I'm looking for recommendations to replace my kit lens to take pictures of my kids. I also have 50mm and 85mm, but I need a lens that will let me take pictures inside or stay close to them, something versatile when we out exploring.

Thanks!

 

[photo1x1.com]

What´s your budget? I totally love a 35mm 1.4. Not particularely versatile though because you can´t zoom. But if you are quick on your feet, you´ll get some very nice images with blurred background.

 

[astroNikon]

Also don't forget to mention what type of camera that you have?
your budget?
how close to subject you want to be or how far to zoom.
We can't the specifics of what you are asking ...

 

[Tatiana_]

Sorry!!
I have a canon t4i. Budget... well, cheaper is better. 700-800$? I'm pretty quick on my feet, but sometimes I just need a zoom.

 

[Derrel]

Something in the 18-135mm type range would be handy with an APS-C d-slr.

 

[pixmedic]

Sorry!!
I have a canon t4i. Budget... well, cheaper is better. 700-800$? I'm pretty quick on my feet, but sometimes I just need a zoom.

thats actually a pretty decent budget.
you could go a few different ways with this...
typically indoor lenses are short because of the smaller spaces, and outdoors gives you more room for longer lenses.
you could get something like the 18-135 that derrel mentioned which would give you a bit of both worlds.
if your more concerned with indoors and low light, you could get a tokina 11-16 f/2.8 atx-pro for around $400.
tamron also makes a 17-50 f/2.8 for under $300 used, or the version with VC for under $400.
for outdoors, you could find a tamron or sigma 70-200 f/2.8 non-IS within your budget. (its a full frame lens in case you upgrade later)
at the upper end of your budget you could get a tamron 24-70 f/2.8 with VC, or for less than half that cost get the older non-VC version. (also a FX lens)

for your budget you really do have a lot of options in used gear. what you really need to do is narrow down exactly what you need the lens for so you can
pick the right lens.

 

[Tatiana_]

Something in the 18-135mm type range would be handy with an APS-C d-slr.

Do you mean this one? Amazon.com : Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Standard Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras : Digital Slr Camera Lenses : Camera & Photo

What is a reliable place to buy a used lens? How do I know it's a "good" one?

 

[Tatiana_]

Or this one?
Amazon.com : Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 Image Stabilization USM Lens (Black) : Camera & Photo

 

[Designer]

Those two references are for the same lens.

And there are some used ones for less $.

 

[Designer]

What is a reliable place to buy a used lens? How do I know it's a "good" one?

I recommend going to one of the big New York stores (B&H, Adorama) or KEH. They have their own reputation on the line so they will not attempt to cheat you. If for some reason you receive a bad copy, they will exchange it (AFIK).

I would stay away from Craig's List, and only purchase from an e-bay dealer if I could afford to take a chance on an unknown dealer.

Canon Used DSLR Lenses & Film SLR Lenses buy at Adorama

Canon Lenses: Canon EOS Lenses| B&H Photo

Lenses

 

[beagle100]

What is a reliable place to buy a used lens? How do I know it's a "good" one?

I recommend going to one of the big New York stores (B&H, Adorama) or KEH. They have their own reputation on the line so they will not attempt to cheat you. If for some reason you receive a bad copy, they will exchange it (AFIK).

I would stay away from Craig's List, and only purchase from an e-bay dealer if I could afford to take a chance on an unknown dealer.

Canon Used DSLR Lenses & Film SLR Lenses buy at Adorama

Canon Lenses: Canon EOS Lenses| B&H Photo

Lenses

yes, or a refurbished Canon 18-135 STM (which includes the regular one year warranty)

 

[dennybeall]

I agree with Derrel - I find the most versatile lens I have is my 18-140mm zoom. It's not fast glass but with the newer cameras you can work with ISO up to 800 or so easily to help compensate.
For chasing kids/dogs/cats it's all about "getting the shot", not shooting to win 1st Place in a photo contest.