Jennylyn Loc: Walnut Cove, North Carolina

Can anyone offer some suggestions for the following lenses without breaking the bank? Basically some starter lenses :)

Macro-
Wide Angle-
Telephoto-

Is there one that I should get before the other? I have the two basic zoom lenses that came with the camera kit, I'd just like to know what to look/save for :)

Thanks so much!
Jen

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

The ultra-wide angle, Canon EF-S 10-18 mm is around $300. I bought that one new, but have two other lenses I purchased used (18-135 mm and 70-300 mm) that I'm very happy with, so you might consider that avenue. Good reputation companies include B&H, KEH, Adorama.

The 10-18 mm is challenging because an ulra-wide wants to include every little thing in your composition, and everything except what's immediately in front of you looks very small.

If that tweaks your interest, here is a topic with a lot of info and photos. Be sure to look through all pages because there are many that are much better than the two I posted :)

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-336465-1.html

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

I want to echo the comment on used. Almost all my lens purchases are used.
The companies Linda lisred offer guarantee and limited tim returns if you don't like it.
Also, don't be afraid to look at sigma, tokina, tamron and others.
I guess l'm a bit of a gambler, but I've bought lots of lenses on ebay and haven't been displeased once. Good luck.

IShootEverything Loc: TN

The EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II and EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS are some good ones

Jennylyn Loc: Walnut Cove, North Carolina

How do I learn to decipher those lens types? I don't want to sound ignorant but those numbers are confusing to me :)

Jennylyn Loc: Walnut Cove, North Carolina

Thanks Linda!

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

When I switched from Canon to Pentax, the one thing I really missed was my Sigma 10-20mm F/4-5.6 lens EF-mount, which costs roughly $250 new from B&H, and then I was able to buy the same lens in a K-mount. Typically, lenses that are kitted with a camera are in the 18mm+ range, so most users need a true wide-angle lens.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

The numbers after the f/ are the widest aperture available for the focal lengths (for example, f/3.5 at 18 mm) - important for low light situations. However, if you are able to use a tripod, or don't shoot a lot in very low light, this isn't really an issue :)

IS = image stabilized

The 18-55 you probably already have, and anything going only to 200 won't give you much telephoto. Is your second lens the 55-250, or ??

Jennylyn Loc: Walnut Cove, North Carolina

Second lens is a zoom lens I believe, 75-300.

IShootEverything Loc: TN

I will use the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II as an example.
The EF-S means that it is for Canon APS-C (Advanced Photo System type-C) cameras (crop sensor cameras like the rebels and the 7D line that have small sensors)

f/3.5-5.6 means that at 18mm the lowest f/stop will be f/3.5, but as you zoom it will go up so that by the time you get to 55mm it will only be able to go as low as f/5.6

the IS means that it has Image Stabilizer. The II means that it is the second of this lens

Does this help?

Jennylyn Loc: Walnut Cove, North Carolina

I does thank you :) I suspect as I learn it will become more clear!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Thanks. I'm thinking that's the one that does not have image stabilization + not super quality.

The EF 70-300, for which I paid $300 used, is my best quality lens. Not to be confused with the L series, which runs over $1,000 :)

For any focal length above 300 mm, you are going to pay a whole lot of money and the weight will be significant. I would not recommend spending that kind of money when using with the mid-level quality SL1.

Another thought, if you find yourself wanting to shoot birds and wildlife at long distances, is to pick up a bridge camera, such as the Canon SX50. They have been selling refurbished for less than $200. There is the newer SX60, and many folks like the Nikon P900.

While there is a learning curve to a bridge camera, they can be a terrific alternative to expensive and heavy. And there are excellent photos on UHH that prove they aren't junk :)

The 3 lenses I mentioned I use with a Canon T3i. I also have the Canon SX50, so am covered for virtually any and all shooting situations!

IShootEverything Loc: TN

If you would like more specifics Private message me and I can share more with you. :)

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Your best value for macro - EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Linda's advice, based upon her results and demeanor are excellent. It really does help to understand more details about what you have and what you wish to do. Very specifically if possible.

The Canon SL1 is a very competent camera, a little like Linda's (or my) T3i in a petite body. It's really lenses that are the discussion here.

I fully agree with Linda over the most appropriate set of lenses to give decent coverage. The 10-18 seems to be a great little lens. I have the 10-22, but the 10-18 wasn't available when I got mine. The 18-135 STM is an excellent general purpose walk around lens. The earlier 18 -135 is good, just not as good. In the longer range, the EF 75 -300 is not so good. Like Linda I also have the EF 70- 300 IS USM, also used, which is a very high quality lens for the money. Those three would serve you well. You can always do more, and spend much more as I have done on various things, but those would be a very good starting point. For me, they are my must have with me lenses. Sure I would like to replace some with expensive 'L' glass, but I don't have the pockets for that right now.

Your camera, with a couple of lens tweaks will let your ability shine!