Best Everyday Lens, and Macro Lens

[Rickay726]

Im looking to pick up a better everyday lens and a Macro lens, can some one help me out? what kind of lens do you have and or recomend, By the way this is for a canon digital rebel Xt. any input would be greatly appriceated. Oh and im looking tonot spend more then 600 on each lens meaning 1200 total.

 

[gr8tfly]

My "normal" Canon 10D lens is the 17-40 F/4 EL series. It's a bit big, but excellent. At the time, it was about the only choice in the 17mm range (about 3 years ago). I think it was >$700 at the time.

For macro, I have a Sigma 50mm F/2.8. Can do 1:1, which on the 10D, is proportionally higher. Very compact and light, too. <$300 at the time.

I haven't been following Canon's macros, but when I got mine, their options for anything approaching 1:1 were limited.

edit: just fyi - I have the 75-300mm IS tele. Mechanically, it doesn't feel as smooth as the non-IS lens, but the image stabilization is worth it a bit of compromise. It literally drops your minimum hand hold shutter speed by 2 or 4x (slower). Would have preferred the EL version, but it was (probably still is) a just a tad pricey.

 

[Hoef]

I am thinking of buying 24-135mm Canon lens myself

 

[sjl]

Im looking to pick up a better everyday lens and a Macro lens, can some one help me out? what kind of lens do you have and or recomend, By the way this is for a canon digital rebel Xt. any input would be greatly appriceated. Oh and im looking tonot spend more then 600 on each lens meaning 1200 total.

The EF 17-40mm is a good choice - and can go onto a full frame body if you think you want to go down that path in future - or alternatively, I use and am happy with the EF-S 17-85mm. For macro work, I'd suggest the EF 100mm.

 

[Mike Teezie]

The 17-40 f/4L is $700.

I have a Tamron mid-range zoom for sale that's excellent, or you could buy it brand new. I'm honestly not trying to push my lens over on you - it's just that it happens to be what I recommend for the Rebel XT. I used that combo for a good while, and was incredibly happy with it. Very sharp lens, a great performer.

Also, Sigma has their 24-70 f/2.8 lens. I've never used it, so I can't comment about it either way.

For macro, I'm useless. I've never shot with a macro lens in my life, so there you go.

 

[clintob]

Im looking to pick up a better everyday lens and a Macro lens, can some one help me out? what kind of lens do you have and or recomend, By the way this is for a canon digital rebel Xt. any input would be greatly appriceated. Oh and im looking tonot spend more then 600 on each lens meaning 1200 total.

I know budget dictates purchase for many people, so I don't want to sound too short with this. But please, understand that when it comes to quality photography, lenses are everything. You can have the best lighting, the best camera body, and the best shot set up, but if you're shooting through inferior glass, you'll get an inferior photograph. Period.

If you have $1200 to spend, spend it all on one great lens and save up for your next one. You'll be much happier in the long run.

 

[Zeke]

Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 ($450)
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Macro (1:1) ($450)

Both lenses are truly awesome.

 

[iGary]

I am thinking of buying 24-135mm Canon lens myself

Definitely a good carry around lens - no doubt, but don't expect spectacular images out of it. I have one and still use it, but again, not the sharpest tack in the drawer.

As to the original poster, I'd get the EF 24-70 f2.8L and wait for the macro. It's that good.

That's just me.

 

[macgfxdesigner]

Imo

IMO are the

Best everyday lens Canon 24-105mm f/4 L ($1200) and it has IS! GREAT lens!
Best macro lens is Canon 100mm f/2.8 ($450) super sharp lens, 6 inches focal length, doubles as GREAT portrait lens!

Taken with the 24-105mm coupled on 5d

Taken with the 100mm macro coupled on 30d

 

[Sdashiki]

makes me want to finally buy a 100mm f-mount macro for my AE-1.

id assume old school non-automatic lenses, would be cheaper than your digi capables listed here.

 

[Rickay726]

thanks for alot of the input on these lens guys