Please Help Advice Next Lens For Canon Camera

[fst2011]

Hello everyone,

I first want to say that this forum had lots of great info to share. I spent some time searching this forum for ideas and advice but still am not sure best lens to buy.

I'm a newbie and need some pro advice...please.

I just got a Canon Rebel T3i with the 18-55mm lens, and have the 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Telephoto Zoom lens.

My wife grows lots of plants and I also live near NYC. I want to be able to take really close pics of her flowers and insects and I also want to take some great shots of nyc buildings and busy streets.

The Problem:

I found this on Amazon and was not sure if this item would work for me " Digital Concepts +1 +2 +4 +10 Close-Up Macro Filter Set with Pouch 55mm "

OR

Should I get a "fish eye" type lens? Or both?

Last question...if you suggest getting the lens, does it have to be by Canon? I thought I read somewhere that some "no name" brands work just as good.



Thanks so much in advance for the time and advice,
Mike S

 

[JustAnEngineer]

Your existing EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lenses both have 58mm filter threads. The 55mm kit that you found will not fit. However, even if you get the 58mm version of that kit for $7.11, you may be disappointed in the image quality.

Have you looked at the Kenko extension tube set? You can put extension tubes between your camera body and your 70-300mm lens to allow it to focus more closely. You lose the ability to focus to infinity, but this is a cheaper option than purchasing a dedicated macro lens.

 

[KenC]

If you will be doing a lot of close-ups you will want to have a tripod.

 

[bazooka]

I'll also 2nd the extension tube option if you don't want to fork out for a macro lens. The macro filter's will give you $7.99 worth of quality.

 

[raphaelaaron]

Well fish eye and macro are two different things. Which did you want? close ups or wide angles?

if it was me, i'd throw down the cash for a wide angle lens. Tamron and Sigma make some alright lenses if you wanted to start off cheap.
The canon lens to get if you want to shoot wide would be a 17-40 f4L it's one of the cheapest L glass to my knowledge since i last checked. i could be wrong.

the reason i am opting for a lens purchase is because there's only so much you can do with those kit lenses. the quality of the type S lenses is also very cheaply made. if you plan to get more serious, then a good investment is more serious glass itself.

good luck!

 

[JimCoventry]

There are 2 great "macro" lenses by Canon. The 100mm which comes in a very expensive IS version (Image Stabilized) and a non-IS version also the 60mm. Working with tubes or extensions works but you have to get really close to the subject - sometimes blocking valuable light plus I don't believe the quality is as good. The 100mm lets you keep a nice working distance and yet will fill up your view finder. The 60 - just a little closer. My choice is wait till I can afford a 100IS