i have a question! (Page 2): I believe that one does not have image stabilization.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

sb wrote:

The EF 75-300 telephoto lens is about $180 at Amazon.

I believe that one does not have image stabilization.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Let start by saying that I am in no shape or form a Canon guy, or even all that familiar with their lenses...but, why not:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/543923-USA/Canon_2044B002AA_EF_S_55_250mm_f_4_5_6_IS.html

or

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/747927-REG/Tamron_AFB008C700_AF18_270mm_f_3_5_6_3_Di_II.html

or

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1082147-REG/sigma_18_300mm_f_3_5_6_3_dc_macro.html

ABJanes Loc: Jersey Boy now Virginia

Do you find that you have to use a flash with the current lens you have? If so, how do the animals like this? A faster lens might help if that is the case and/or a Speedlight that can be bounced off of ceilings or walls. Another thought might be an 85MM f1.8, either way, I would suggest renting and trying before purchasing.

abigayle wrote:

right now i have a 55mm lens and was hoping to get a better lens im not sure what the best size would be. i mostly photograph animals if that matters =] thank you!

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

lighthouse wrote:

abigayle, I am not positive that you have a 55mm lens.
It may be that it is a lens with a 55mm filter size.
Can you tell us all of the letters and numbers written on the barrel of the lens.

Agree. The only 55 I'm familiar with is the Zeiss OTUS. I'm guessing she has the Canon EFs 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6. Seems like the Canon EFs 55-250mm IS f/3.5-5.6 II, or the newer, better, and more expensive Canon EFs 55-250mm IS f/3.5-5.6 STM would meet her needs.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Linda From Maine wrote:

If it came with the camera, likely 18-55 mm. br b... (show quote)

:thumbup: :thumbup:

scsdesphotography Loc: Southeastern Michigan

Abigayle, I'll add my favorite goto lens to the above suggestions, the Sigma 18-200 f3.5-6.3. It comes in a Canon mount, is lightweight and small, stabilized and covers every focal length you need for what you want. New it costs about $450.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

abigayle wrote:

right now i have a 55mm lens and was hoping to get a better lens im not sure what the best size would be. i mostly photograph animals if that matters =] thank you!

I owned an XS for a time, an excellent camera and it will continue to serve you well.

If you want something versatile that you can leave on the camera I'd recommend the Canon 18-200. Wide enough for those family shots you may do but with enough reach to get most of those animal shots you want.

Good luck

MarkD Loc: NYC

There are two ways you can go. One is to get a Canon 55-250 IS to go with your 18-55 IS. If you do this you will have to change back and forth between the two lenses. I think you may be happier with a Sigma 18-200 OS HSM or Sigma 18-250 Macro OS HSM. That would let you cover the same range with one lens. Both of these Sigma lenses are stabilized.

These lenses are good for outdoors in good light. Indoors you may have to raise the iso very high in order to get a high enough shutter speed to prevent blur. This can produce a lot of digital noise (looks like grain).

You can use flash instead, but that often causes red eye or headlight eyes in animals. You can get an accessory flash that can be used for bounce flash to prevent that. With bounce flash you aim the flash at the ceiling (it must be white). The light bounces off of the ceiling and you get a much nicer and more natural look. The camera adjusts automatically so it's very easy.

Photocraig

sb wrote:

The EF 75-300 telephoto lens is about $180 at Amaz... (show quote)

I've used this lens for 20 years. It is sharp, focuses well and is stabilized which means that you can hand hold it and get sharp pictures without worrying acout those minute camera maovements. Think of a 300 mm lens as a lever 6 times longet thar your "normal" vision." Think about how little you have to move that long lever in your hand to get alot of movement on the other end. That's how lenses work when the magnify the distant object--like a shy cat--to fill your fhoto frame. This lens is available pretty reasonably these days.
Have fun;
C

gemlenz Loc: Gilbert Arizona

correction 16-300mm

studavis wrote:

I'd look at a Tamron 17 X 300

billwassmann Loc: Emerson, NJ

All these answers are based on the responder's experience. Understandable, but get some experience on your own, then decide what you NEED. My favorite lens was a 24-105, did 95% of shooting with that, but it was for film and I haven't found a digital substitute.

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

billwassmann wrote:

All these answers are based on the responder's experience. Understandable, but get some experience on your own, then decide what you NEED. My favorite lens was a 24-105, did 95% of shooting with that, but it was for film and I haven't found a digital substitute.

I have a Canon 24-105 f4 L IS USM that is outstanding!!! Takes many of my shots.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

abigayle wrote:

right now i have a 55mm lens and was hoping to get a better lens im not sure what the best size would be. i mostly photograph animals if that matters =] thank you!

Abigail, it is possible to rent lenses both on-line and at local camera stores. So if you decide on one that you want to buy, it's not a bad idea to rent it and try it out for a few days first.

Genessi Loc: SoCal

Hi Abigayle, I just want to thank you for all that you do for the injured animals You have a kind heart. It is so stressful when your working with injured and abandoned animals.Wish there were more people like you!! I hope that you find your lens.God Bless

abigayle wrote:

Thank you! I chose photography as my "feel good" hobby outside of work because it captures the less stressful part of my job as I take a lot of injured and sick animals home to foster. I love being able to capture their progress it's very rewarding :)

abigayle

Thank you so much, that really means a lot to me! :)

Genessi wrote:

Hi Abigayle, I just want to thank you for all that you do for the injured animals You have a kind heart. It is so stressful when your working with injured and abandoned animals.Wish there were more people like you!! I hope that you find your lens.God Bless