nyweb2001

One thing characteristic with lenses selling for a cheap price.....no matter who makes it, if it's selling cheap, it IS cheap ! Lenses are one of those items where quality and price are directly related. If you want quality glass, for tack sharp photos, it'll cost more ! I have the two kit lenses that came with my Canon....they're OK...they won't take award wining shots ! But they served their purpose....to get me into photography ! Now I can upgrade !

asylum1972 Loc: Hilton Head Island, SC

I had the T2i until Best Buy broke it (long story) and now have a T3i with the 18-55mm and 55-250mm 4-5.6 IS Zoom Lens.

I hardly ever take my 55-250 off the body. If you look thru my threads, basically all my pictures were taken with my 55-250mm. I would rather have an IS lens with less reach, than have one with a little more reach and NO stabilization. I took this shot handheld in sport mode, keep in mind the boat was moving AND the subject was moving AND I was panning constantly, trying to keep my balance, etc...it still came out well under the circumstances. I completely credit the IS for this shot.

If you shoot on the highest quality setting, you can always crop!

mollymolly Loc: In the heart of the Everglades.

I guess until I am able to work with my camera for awhile and get used to it there will be no new lens for me. When I do upgrade from the kit lenses I will get a good quality one. What I strive for is to get clear, crisp pictures.

mollymolly Loc: In the heart of the Everglades.

That is a great shot! Of course instead of boats, I will be doing birds and other moving wildlife. I think they can move as fast as a boat! I'm glad that i chose the T3i, can't wait to get it!!

asylum1972 Loc: Hilton Head Island, SC

A friend of mine bought Canon's L 70-200mm 2.8 IS Series II (the price is pretty hefty). The photos are so tack sharp and bokeh like butter, but then again, it's a fast lens and the best Canon glass you can purchase.

I'm researching to see if this lens will be compatible with the T3i, I'll lose reach, but the clarity is freakin' amazing.

My next camera will be the 7D in which I can add a 1.4 converter to increase the reach of the 70-200 (the 1.4 converter is NOT available for the T3i). The camera is huge and so is the lens, I think the load weight is like 7 or 8 pounds which would kill my current chintzy tripod. So EVERYTHING would need to be upgraded at that point. More durable strap, tripod, camera bag, filters, etc, etc.

The important thing is get used to the feel of the camera, learn to take the best shots possible, and upgrade the technology as you go. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!

mollymolly Loc: In the heart of the Everglades.

Thanks. I will for sure have fun. I had a blast tromping through the swamp with my first little digital camera, so I can imagine the excitement that I will have with this camera.

travlnman46 Loc: Yakima WA

Hello again Mollymolly: I'm so glad the website I gave you on lenses was of value to you. Indeed the information at the site is easy to understand and is very informative, included in that same website is information on third party lenses such as Tameron I suggest you glance through that area as well, it's just about half way down the page maybe slightly less than half way down. Though I personally have not tried either lens mfg. I have read several forums here at UHH that have discussed at least the Tameron lenses and for the most part, from what I understand they are a great value for the money spent. I don't recall any mention of the Opteka lens one way or the other.

judy 2011 Loc: Northern Utah

I have the Tamron 18-270 and I love it! I use it all the time. I love to hike and it's so much easier to use that than to have to change the lens. You don't have time to change when a deer suddenly appears. I also have 100-400 Canon lens and it is awesome! Those are two lens I always use. Maybe one day I'll get the Tamron 500.

mollymolly Loc: In the heart of the Everglades.

Thanks Judy for your imput. I think I will probably be researching my lens options for a long time. They are such an investment!

GoFaster58

I've got the 18-55mm and the 75-300mm and use both. I'm saving up for the Tamron 18-270mm that almost covers both lenses. Tamron is to have a new announcement within the next few weeks.