'All purpose' Story Telling Lense

[NicolaB]

I have recently got the photography bug! It is making me very sick as I can't learn fast enough - nor do I have the funds to buy the appropriate equiptment!

I have recently bought the canon 85mm F1.8 with your guidance for portraits. I need A LOT of practice, but also want to be able to take 'story shots' of my girls playing etc.

So whilst I am busy raiding the garage to see what I can sell to raise funds, what do you think to the Canon EF 24mm-105mm f4 L?

Is it a good choice? Should this be my choice before a better camera?

Camera Canon Rebel xt (350)

[RichardTaylor]

The 24-105 is a good lens (I own one), however it is not very wide on your camera.
What other lenses do you own, besides the 85mm?

[Elmo]

My primary lens is a 17-50 Tamron for my small sensor camera. It is used for about 90 percent of my images an my 40D

[NicolaB]

Just what came with the camera - 18 - 55mm and a 75-300mm. I have abandoned these since receiving my new baby (85mm).

I was hoping that the 24-105mm, the 85mm and then eventually the 70-200mm f2.8 IS ii usm would cover me. (I need to know what I am doing before I look like a professional photographer with the 'Big' lense!)

In the short term I am just photographing my family and friends as and when they ask. Eventually if the itch lasts - and naturally IF I am good enough, I would like to do family portraits 'on location'. The 85mm is already a problem as I can't get far enough away inside to get more that a head shot where the light is good.

I went to have a look at the 24-105 today and see what you mean. It isn't wide.

???????????

[jdepould]

I'd say just use what you have right now, to learn as much as possible. Then in another 6-12+ months, you'll know what you need.

[NicolaB]

I went with the 85mm first as feel it is an excellent way to make me think about where I am standing, framing picture, focus etc etc. Although it would be tempting, even if I could afford the next lense now, I would wait for the very reason jdepould says - to get experience and practice in first.

So, the plan is - to get the next lense in another 6 months or so (if I am very lucky xmas. Hubby has colleagues going to America where lenses are cheaper to buy - hence wanting to decide jic!!!!)

I don't want to make the wrong decision so if I have to wait I will. I know what I want to do with it (as above - get more in the image to 'tell a story' even where space is tight - but still don't know lenses. I was thinking the 24-105 as it includes the portrait ranges but gives me - or so I thought more options to cover more ground. I thought if I went more wide angle, it would not be great for portraits due to distortion?

[inkista]

24-105 may not meet your needs. It's still more of an "outdoors" lens than an indoors one, since its maximum aperture is f/4. The EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM (or a less expensive Tamron/Sigma version of it) might be a better bet for you, or the 24-70 f/2.8L USM.

But these are all very expensive lenses, and as jdepould says, it would be better to take the time to master what you've got before going for another lens. Take the time to discover all the stuff the 85/1.8 can and can't do for you, and look over your EXIF information to see what apertures you use when.

Experience, more than anything else, will teach you what you want from a lens. Selecting lenses at random-by-internet-reviews is not a great way to figure out what your next lens should be, as much as sussing out what your biggest photographic irritations/roadblocks are.

[NicolaB]

OK all. Thank you again for your help.

I did start thinking maybe I should think about saving for the 5D next - but I know, I know I must be patient and decide when I know what I am doing!!!! Thank you for keeping me grounded!

[look_yau]

There is no such thing as "Story Telling Lense"
For starter I think you should try 50 1.8 too, it is not expensive and a good prime lens to play with