Just another "recommend me a lens" thread

[mckvakk]

I want a new lens for my 400D, until now i've used the 50mm 1.8 for everything, but i want something that doesn't zoom that much without me doing it manually (if you get what i mean).

I mostly take nature and city pictures, but also the occasional parades, events, portraits and formal party pictures.

So what i want is maybe a wide angle lens or a zoom lens. plus, i don't want to pay much more than $250 since i have to pay 25% tax when i import it here.

Any suggestions?

 

[Grimace]

but i want something that doesn't zoom that much without me doing it manually (if you get what i mean).

So what i want is maybe a wide angle lens or a zoom lens.

I think most of us are confused.

Prime lenses are fixed focal lengths, like your fixed 50mm. Zoom lenses have a range of focal lengths, for example: 18-55mm. You manually adjust the ring to go from wide angle (18mm) all the way to 55mm.

For wide shots, and for the subjects you mentioned, a wide-angle zoom lens probably makes a lot of sense.

You can find the *new* kit lens for the XSi (18-55mm IS) for pretty cheap on eBay. It has received great reviews for a kit lens, and it is quite inexpensive. Wide angle shots are often in the daylight, and therefore do not need a wide aperture (f/2.8 etc.) as frequently.

Here is one on eBay for $150

 

[nburwell]

I agree with Grimace, I'm a bit confused with your post.

But in any case, $250 is not a lot to spend on a lens, so your options are already thin. The two lenses I would suggest would be the the Canon EF-S 18-55, Canon EF-S 18-55 IS or the Canon EF 28-135 IS (although you will find that a bit tough to find around $250.

With any SLR lens, you are going to have to zoom manually. Maybe in the future, camera companies will make lenses that zoom automatically for you.

 

[taylorwilsdon]

I'm guessing he means "zooming" with his feet, as in walking to change focal length (what you must do with a prime)

 

[Everythingisnt]

I would try find some nice used prime lenses at your local camera shop. A 100mm 2.8 seems right down your alley, and a 28mm 2.8 will give you a nice wide angle for your outdoor shots.

 

[mckvakk]

What i mean is that i often get to close to my objects with the 50mm even though i'm not standing close, if that clear things up. But i could use a manual zoom sometimes, but also a wide angle, maybe not at the same time.

I already have the old kit lens, although almost never used. What's the difference between this and the new one? Just the stabilizer?

I've looked at http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=12119&is=USA and http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/206434-USA/Canon_6469A005_Zoom_Wide_Angle_Telephoto_EF.html

 

[taylorwilsdon]

What i mean is that i often get to close to my objects with the 50mm even though i'm not standing close, if that clear things up. But i could use a manual zoom sometimes, but also a wide angle, maybe not at the same time.

I already have the old kit lens, although almost never used. What's the difference between this and the new one? Just the stabilizer?

I've looked at http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=12119&is=USA and http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/206434-USA/Canon_6469A005_Zoom_Wide_Angle_Telephoto_EF.html

No, the new kit lens is quite a bit sharper as well as having IS.

 

[Grimace]

What i mean is that i often get to close to my objects with the 50mm even though i'm not standing close, if that clear things up. But i could use a manual zoom sometimes, but also a wide angle, maybe not at the same time.

You seek a wide-angle zoom lens. It seems like you imply that a "wide-angle" lens is a fixed width. They come in a fixed (prime) variety and a zoom variety.

If your kit lens which you currently have is the "type" of lens that you are looking for, the "new" 18-55mm kit lens is supposed to be a cut above.

 

[JBmac]

If you like the 50 mm lens still, you could try a different approach, like a Lensbaby 2.0 selective focus lens, with optional macro lenses, and wide angle lens. The price is around your $250 price limit. Google lensbaby for the web site and more information.

 

[ButtUglyJeff]

Canon makes some prime lenses that arn't too pricey. I wonder if a shorter focal length lense might be the answer.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12096-USA/Canon_2505A002_Wide_Angle_EF_28mm.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12119-GREY/Canon_2507A002_Wide_Angle_EF_35mm.html

I think these both have a minimum focusing distance of about 25cm (pardon my metric estimate) It would be tough to be "too close" with either of these.