jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

You should learn to use the lens you already have and then when you can't seem to get the shot you're looking for because you don't have the correct focal length lens, then consider a new lens. The 18-55 is the right focal length(s) for shooting landscapes, architecture and portraits. It may not be right for the dog, but if you get close enough to the dog, I'm sure you will get what you want.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

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Thanks

Jim Bob

[quote=slhunky]I just got a new Canon T3i, it came with an 18-55 lens. I like to shoot landscapes, architecture, family shots on special occasions and of course the Shih Tzu's. Please make suggestion on the first lens I should buy. Thanks[/quote

Your current lens should serve the uses you describe.

Sprocket Loc: Upstate New York

Hmm... I also have a cropped sensor and the lens that you have is the one that I run to for the shots that you like to take. :D

I don't know what your skill level or budget is, but if you are fairly new to this, then take more shots and make a mental note to your most common distances.

I am going to make a suggestion against the grain of some other Hogs and say that landscapes, architecture, and family shots "especially in low lighting" may call for a prime.

Prime len's don't zoom in or out, but are extremely sharp and can handle very good in low lighting.

Just remember that when shopping for a prime that you may use indoors "on family groups" that you have a cropped sensor and I suggest one that is less than a 50mm. Maybe a 35mm. The 35 will be awesome on landscapes.

Happy shopping and have fun shooting.

PS. Don't let the Shih-Tzu's pee on your camera bag. Been there/done that. :cry:

:-D

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

This is a good suggestion.

I would like to add to it. If I were thinking of following it, I would set my zoom at 35 (which does give the same field of view that 50 gave film cameras, and is said to be similar to what the human eye sees) and use the lens only at that setting for awhile.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

Let's get to basics. Your camera is a 1.6 cropped sensor. Meaning any lens you attach to it the millimeter value will have to be multiplied by 1.6. (example 50mm X 1.6 = 80mm) This actually is not a magnified view of the subject, but the angle of view of the subject. Your lens, 18-55mm, will give you the angle of view of a lens 28.8mm to 88mm. The low side of this lens is great for landscapes, and architecture. as you zoom to the high end 88mm your lens will accommodate for your family shots, portraits, and your dogs. You may want to look at lenses a bit longer as your next purchase lens. As I said in a previous post, a lens in the range of 70-200mm may be a good idea. You don't have to spend the money on a "L" quality lens, but look at the lenses above or slightly below the cropped value of your lens, 55mm. If you look at the Canon EF-S line up, you'll see a lens Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS USM, at B&H sells for $299.00. This would be your next step up from the 18-55mm IS USM lens. This lens is also considered a "kit" lens, but will give as good of a image as your 18-55mm lens. When you start to go into longer telephotos, you start to bridge into better portrait lenths, and into less image distortion at the lower end of the zooms. As you run up the zoom, you will get better candid shots of people at a distance, and your pets without making them camera aware. Keep in mind, the view you get in the view finder of the camera is what is seen by the lens, and is the angle of view.

B