What’s Your Preference?

metah1 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-04-2010, 03:28 PM

First let me say I am no photographer. We bought a new camera last week because I was fed up with our cheap digital taking forever to snap a picture. We just purchased a Canon Rebel T1i kit that came with the EF-S 18-55 mm lens. My 19 yr daughter is having a ball taking pics, but here is the dilemma. She wants to be able to take pictures of small flowers and bugs. What is a good macro lens that won't break the bank. Also, she went to take pictures of deer in the field, and this one doesn't zoom in well enough to actually see the deer. What would be a good lens for taking shots like this? If anyone has suggestions on good first lenses, I would appreciate it. Please keep budget in mind, I already know we can't afford the L series lenses. Thanks for your help.

Niresangwa · #2 (**permalink**) 09-04-2010, 04:42 PM

either extension tubes or close-up filters will be an inexpensive option for close work. easy to use and obviously budget conscious. as far as telephoto capability, i'm sure someone who shoots Canon can recommend something - all platforms have a general medium telephoto zoom that won't exactly break the bank.

Athar · #3 (**permalink**) 09-04-2010, 05:33 PM

I use my 70-300mm lens is good for telephoto zoom, and for the 50mm 1.8 macro lens can be trusted
both lenses are very affordable

wal · #4 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 05:05 AM

may i suggest third party lenses..?? they offer the same quality and are a lot cheaper.

RichardTaylor · #5 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 06:33 AM

Re the close ups.

Niresangwa
+1 especially close up filters if you are on a budget.

Re the deer pics.

Canon make three medium range zoom lenses. (prices at at Adorama)
I have used all three.
I havn't used any third party lenses.

(1)
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III USM Autofocus ($US189)
I have the non USM version and it is only just an OK lens.
It would not be my first choice.

(2)
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Image Stabilizer Telephoto Zoom Lens ($US229.50)
It is a good value very compact lens.

(3)
EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM ($US519)
My long zoom travel lens. Good IQ and relatively small.

Divebum · #6 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 09:52 AM

Forget all about closeupfilters, they do not deliver any good.
If you want to go really close you can get af "reverse adaptor" to mount your kit-lens in reverse on the camera, That works much better.
RR58EOS Adorama Lens Reversing Ring for Canon EOS Auto Focus Lenses with a 58mm Filter Thread.
You can also go for a used macrolens from Sigma/Tokina/Tamron.

I have not used Canon's 70-300 myself but from what i have heard it should be an ok lens.
(go for the IS version)

Sigma's 70-300mm only go for the one call'd APO
70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG Macro - Telephoto Zoom Lenses - SigmaPhoto.com
or the newer with OS (stabiliced)
70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS - Telephoto Zoom Lenses - SigmaPhoto.com

Kenneth

inkista · #7 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metah1

What is a good macro lens that won't break the bank.

All the good macro lenses start around $400. As an alternative, I'd suggest getting the EF 50mm f/1.8 II (~$100) and a cheap set of extension tubes (wouldn't go for the $10 specials on eBay, since they won't allow aperture control). The extension tubes will let her get closer to her subjects. This is, however, likely only to be good for the flowers, since working with extension tubes, you're likely to be right on top of your subjects, and this tends to scare off the bugs.

The main reason I'd recommend this path, though, is because you'll get a good cheap portrait lens out of the deal.

Quote:

Also, she went to take pictures of deer in the field,

One of the Sigma 70-300 APOs (ignore the "Macro" claims on it--it's not a macro lens) is going to be a better choice than the Canon EF 75-300 IIIs, for roughly the same price, but I'd actually recommend the EF-S 55-250 IS ($250). It's nicer, optically, and has stabilization. And while the reach isn't as long, deer aren't particularly tiny.

SusanH1970 · #8 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 07:54 PM

I have the Sigma 70-300 APO that's already been mentioned, and I do like it - not my favorite lens by a long shot, but it's affordable and gets the job done. Yeah, they call it a "macro" but it's only 1:2 magnification at 300mm so unless you're using a tripod it's worthless in that regard, lol. I've used this lens for taking shots of the various wildlife in my wooded yard, as well as at the zoo and have been pretty satisfied with it. I'd rather have something with IS but for now, it suits me fine.

If you want to see examples, let me know and I'll post a few flickr links.