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Looking to purchase a new lens
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Nov 9, 2011 14:56:58   #
KristynD1980 Loc: Milford, MI
 
I am looking to purchase a new lens for my Canon, I currently have a 50mm, 18-55 and 70-300. I want to buy a lens that I can use as my everyday lens (right now I use my 18-55 the most). I would like to get something with an available aperature lower than the current one (f/5.6). Any recommendations? I mostly shoot my own kids, friends kids' portraits and engagement pics. I found a resonably priced 35-105 f/3.5~4.5 on eBay, but since photography is a hobby and I don't have a ton of $$ to spend, I have to choose wisely. Any thoughts would be great! Thanks!

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Nov 9, 2011 16:43:35   #
Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina
 
Canon's 24-105 f4 IS USM is an excellent all purpose lens.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/397662-USA/Canon_0344B002AA_24_105mm_f_4L_IS_USM.html

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Nov 9, 2011 17:00:22   #
KristynD1980 Loc: Milford, MI
 
I wish I could afford that one, it looks awesome! Do you think the 35 - 105 is a good substitute for that lens for a novice photographer?

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Nov 9, 2011 17:12:31   #
renomike Loc: Reno, Nevada
 
KristynD1980 wrote:
I wish I could afford that one, it looks awesome! Do you think the 35 - 105 is a good substitute for that lens for a novice photographer?


Hi Kristyn... I picked up a Canon 18-135mm, IS f3.5-5.6 lens on ebay for just a little over $250.00. The lens looks just like new, and I use it a lot. You might want to see what you can find along that line.

Mike

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Nov 9, 2011 17:20:41   #
larrycumba
 
What model of camera do you have?

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Nov 9, 2011 17:28:45   #
MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy
 
what's your price range?

I was going to recommend the 24-70mm but it's priced at over $1,000 (it's totally worth it by the way ;) )

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Nov 9, 2011 17:34:25   #
KristynD1980 Loc: Milford, MI
 
I was hoping to spend $200 or under. I don't mind buying used. I have 3 kids under 3 and just don't have a ton of extra cash :) my friend was showing me photos she took with her 55 - 200 and they look great, I think her lens has a lower aperture which gives her photos a softer overall look (not sacrificing sharpness, does that make sense? Lol). I do like the lower end range so I didn't want something that started at 55 though. Maybe I should focus on the available aperature of the lens not the focal length???

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Nov 9, 2011 17:48:05   #
Igore Loc: Wisconsin
 
Just remember if you have a crop sensor camera which you probably do, for a general purpose lens you will need a low number on your zoom of 24 or less. 18- any number is a good carry around lens. If cash is a priority Tamron and Sigma used lenses are very reasonable.

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Nov 9, 2011 17:58:06   #
HR411
 
I highly recommend a $100 50mm prime (it does not zoom) lens.
The biggest reason being the f/1.8 capability. I think the price has gone up about 20 but still a great lens for the price.
If you are getting more serious about photography you will find this lens to be the one you will end up using the most because of it's low light f/stop capability - at least until you can afford more. Here is one site that has an article about the 50 mm prime. If you search photography must-have lenses, this one will come up on the list!
http://www.pixiq.com/article/fixed-focal-length-50mm-lens
http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=30
GOOD LUCK! :-)

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Nov 9, 2011 17:59:56   #
MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy
 
there is the 28mm f/2.8 priced at $239 (on B&H). I don't have any experience with this lens, so I can't give any feedback.

There is also the lensbaby muse, if you wanted something fun, I think that is under $200.

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Nov 10, 2011 05:51:18   #
Hando Rei Loc: Long Island New York
 
Visit a good camera shop. Tell them of your needs and they will steer you in the right direction. Gently used lenses for canon might be the way to go. Can`t hurt to ask . Good luck !

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Nov 10, 2011 06:38:43   #
bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY
 
check out the sigma 17-70 f2.8-4, that's the one I'm considering, Bob.

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Nov 10, 2011 07:11:48   #
Happyshack Loc: Loveland Ohio
 
As one other posted, if you have a crop sensor camera, and we assume you do, then you have to multiply 1.6 times the lens mm numbers. So if you shot at 18mm it is really 28mm. I have a T2i that is has a crop sensor. If you get a 50mm lens then you are shooting at 80mm. Not good if you are trying to take pictures indoor with limited space to shoot. Not saying the 50mm is not good, but maybe not good for what you are trying to do.
Mike

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Nov 10, 2011 07:28:24   #
JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA
 
The OP already has a 50mm lens. Read the original post, people.

With 18-55 and 70-300 already in the bag, a 17-70 does not make much sense, except that it does have the wider aperture.

The OP's photo uses do not mention sports, wildlife, close up. She wants something for kids and portraits, with a faster aperture.

For under $200, she's almost certainly going to need used. In the Canon canon, she's in the right area with the 18-135 or 28-135. Perhaps selling the 18-55 might allow the purchase of either of those without breaking the bank, and give her a wider range.

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Nov 10, 2011 07:32:22   #
JEFF ANDERSON Loc: Dixie
 
Tamron 18-270! it's a great all around lens. A bit slow but you can up your ISO. On a 1.6 crop factor camera it's 432mm on the high end of zoom

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