Which lens next?

[Lyns06]

Hey guys! I'm an amateur photographer whose primary subject is my kiddos. I am wanting to expand my lens collection and am unsure about which lens is best for my goals. I only have two lenses so far: the kit 18-55 lens that came with my Canon Rebel t1-i and the little "nifty 50" macro lens that I got to take shots of my newborn.

Now, I am thinking ahead to the days when my two little boys are going to be wrestling about in the yard and what kind of lens I need to be looking for (and saving for, too!).


Any suggestions? I am thinking a zoom lens of some sort? Do I need wide angle or telephoto? Any advice would be needed.

Just a FYI, I am on an amateur's budget! I'd like to keep it under $750.. preferably under $500 if that's possible. Thanks!

 

[gsgary]

70-200F2.8L didn't notice the budget

 

[2WheelPhoto]

70-200F2.8L didn't notice the budget

Indeed that one

 

[Lyns06]

Ouch! That's a bit outside my budget... my husband would kill me! To add to the question, not only which lens would be best, but should I stick with a Canon lens?

 

[BuS_RiDeR]

I like the new Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L. But it's quite pricey...

 

[Lyns06]

Thanks for the input! I appreciate it. I guess it's a good thing my youngest is only 4 months and won't be mobile for a while.. now I have more time to save for the lenses I'll be lusting after for the next year!

 

[Superfitz]

If you just want to take photos of your kids in your yard for your own memories there is no reason to buy an L lens. You can get a used non-stabilized tamron 70-200 f2.8 lens within that price range. You can even find a used non-stabilized sigma 70-200 f2.8 closer to the high end of your price range if you are patient and shop around. If your yard is to small for a 70-200 then there is always the tamron 28-75 f2.8

 

[Lyns06]

Thank you! That gives me a little more hope! Haha. I have no intentions of going pro, and at this point am only going to be taking shots with my little Rebel t1-i, so I hated to spend that much at this point! I'll take a peek at those that you mentioned. Thank you!

 

[ABPPhotography]

I love the Canon 24-135mm F3.5-5.6 USM IS. I picked it up recently and it's a great all around lens. The price range isn't too bad either, $350 or lower (lots of used on the market too). I wrote a review on it here.

Generally speaking, people stick with whatever brand they start investing in glass in. If you're thinking about upgrading but unsure if you want to stick with Canon or move elsewhere, you should make that decision before investing in new lenses.

 

[TheBiles]

Taking photos of kids, you want fast glass. I'd suggest the EF 85mm f/1.8.

 

[paigew]

I pretty much only shoot my kids as well; I would recommend getting either the 50mm1.4 (upgrade from 1.8) or a 35mm. The 35 is great for inside shots because you can fit more in the frame.

 

[paigew]

Taking photos of kids, you want fast glass. I'd suggest the EF 85mm f/1.8.

but she is on a crop sensor, I would guess 85 would be way too tight for 'every day' shots.

 

[TheBiles]

Taking photos of kids, you want fast glass. I'd suggest the EF 85mm f/1.8.

but she is on a crop sensor, I would guess 85 would be way too tight for 'every day' shots.

While it would be pretty tight in close quarters, I think it would still be better than Canon's cheap 35 f/2. There aren't really any low-cost wide-angle lenses from Canon that I'd even think about spending money on.

Sent from my Nexus 7

 

[paigew]

Taking photos of kids, you want fast glass. I'd suggest the EF 85mm f/1.8.

but she is on a crop sensor, I would guess 85 would be way too tight for 'every day' shots.

While it would be pretty tight in close quarters, I think it would still be better than Canon's cheap 35 f/2. There aren't really any low-cost wide-angle lenses from Canon that I'd even think about spending money on.

Sent from my Nexus 7

I have the sigma and it is pretty good! (I am also on a crop sensor)

 

[ahcigar1]

70-200F2.8L didn't notice the budget

Agreed, and can always find good condition used ones for much cheaper than new price.