Which Lens?

[ThriceBlessed]

I recently purchased a Canon Rebel xs, with a kit lens. I won't be able to afford any lenses for quite a while, but when I do, what should I look for?

I know I will want a telephoto lens because I will be doing some wildlife and some sports photography, but how do I interpret the length of the lens into distance from the subject. For example, if a lens says its 200mm, how far away can I expect to stand from my subject and still get a good photo? That is what I need to know. I need to figure out if I can photograph a bear at the other end of my pasture (about 600-800 yards), or would I need to move in closer than I want to? Whether I can be near the stands at the drag races and get good shots of the Muscle cars take off, or do I need to get a pit pass if I want decent photos? Would a telephoto zoom be good?

I have lots of questions.

So how can I find this out?

Also, I might want a macro lens at some point.

I also should state that it is unlikely I'll ever have the cash to spend $1000+ on a lens, or at least not anytime in the next few years, possibly when I have no children at home anymore...

[RichardTaylor]

Q1 See the dimensional field of view calculator (Your camera has a 1.6 crop factor)

http://www.tawbaware.com/maxlyons/calc.htm

Don't be shocked at the results - a 300mm lens on a camera like yours is a bit like looking through 10x binoculars. How big do the bears look? At that range you want very long, =>600mm, and expensive lenses.

Q2 For drag racing a 70-200 or 70-300 will be fine. (This is from personal experience) for a "good" shot. However the "best" shots come with a media pass mainly because of where you can position yourself.

(1) From the spectator side of the fence, Up & slightly to the rear of staging with a 70-200 on a camera similar to yours..


(2) Again from behind the spectator fence approx 50-100 yards past the start line, The lens was set to 100mm.


I have never had a media pass with drag racing, however I do sometimes have one for road racing.

(3) From behind the fence (no media pass) with a Canon 100-400 lens @ 400mm (the pic has been cropped)


(4) With a media pass - again at 400mm. From memory the frame was pretty full.


For wildlife get as long as you can afford - at least 400mm, at least for those relatively close shots.

Now days I mostly use a Canon 100-400 F4.5-F5.6 IS L lens for most of my sports and wildlife shots. However a 70-300 can be adequate for urban wildlife and ok for motor sport.

Hope this helps. I can post more examples if requested.

[ThriceBlessed]

Very nice shots BTW! Especially the sports bike shots. I'll just have to start saving my money for a good telephoto. I'll probably go with a telephoto zoom to start with, to give me more flexibility.

[RichardTaylor]

Thanks very much.