choosing first lens/lenses for Canon TT2i?

[georgie561]

Could forum members help me with choices for the first lens or lenses for a Canon T2i? The first batch I researched some are Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 macro or Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG macro? Opinions? And the next bunch = some choices, Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM wide angle zoom, Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM wide angle, or Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 inexpensive? Could you offer your choices, etc.?

[inkista]

Budget and intended usage would help. All the lenses you've listed are good, but are quite different from each other in many ways.

Is there a specific reason you're not just going with a kit lens?

Lens decisions are kind of like clothes shopping: it's not so much figuring out what's the best shirt ever, but the shirt that suits you the best. Same deal with glass. What and how you shoot and how much you have to spend are probably going to shape your decision more than ratings on review boards or test charts or the opinion of strangers on an online message board.

To me, to figure out what lens you want kind of requires having some experience with lenses, first. And a kit lens is a cheap and easy way to get that and (imo) is well worth the purchase price (particularly when purchased at a discount as part of a body+lens kit) for that very reason. And I would also urge you to get only one lens at a time, and get thoroughly familiar with each lens before going after another. It often takes a bit of time to become familiar with what a new lens can do, and the best techniques for using one.

[RichardTaylor]

+1 on Inksta suggestions.

For an intro to lenses you may want to see this tute, on this site.
Lenses #1 - Introduction to DSLR lenses.

and this one for standard lenses.
Lenses #2 - Standard lenses

[georgie561]

inkista-yes=probnot kit lens and yes one lens sounds good. Like your point of becoming familiar with and exploring the "one". + thinking that one would be one of those I'd mentioned. But which one?
Richard-went through the links (and more) that you'd suggested for me. Your explanations of the various types of lenses with examples and comparisons was easy to understand and cleared up some of the more technical issues for me, though I have some issues remembering all of the info. And one lens at first probably (is the plan?) as inkista suggests. But again, which one? Hope to get the camera soon (?), a Canon T2i, and pop on whichever lens, and take it all outside to "play with" and have Lots of fun..! Lots of info on your links. Look forward to going through them again and asking more questions, etc.

[Happy_Mummy]

I got the T2i at Christmas time with the 18-55 kit lens and 55-250 kit lens. Because I have kids and like to zoom by staying in one spot I find the lens I use the most is the 18-55. When the kids were in swim classes I resorted to the 55-250 lens since they were pretty far away. Even with the low light of the indoor pool and tricky back lighting due to windows the kit lens did a decent job of the photos set on Av to the lowest f-stop I could get. I did get a 50mm f 1.8 lens for my bday that I love using, due to the level up pics that it takes, but if I was choosing just one lens to start with, I would go for the 18-55 mm kit lens to start, then see how you feel it is limiting you and move from there. If you are mostly taking photos of things far away I would opt for the 55-250 lens instead, but realize if you want candids of people that lens may not get enough in your photo. Yes, you can move back, assuming there is no wall in your way!

[georgie561]

Thanks Tori. I enjoyed your perspective and info. I also enjoyed your linked photos. I loved the santa's cap too.

[Peggyjom]

I would highly recommend renting the lens first if your looking at buying. If it is all about budget I sure like my 18-135 canon lens but it can be a culprit of distortion on some shots! I am more into zoom with a new 70-200 f2.8L IS II i believe in getting the best you can get for what you want to do! I rented the lense first and the then shopped and shopped on line for one to buy. rental isn't that much.

I do have a nifty 50 1.8 I wouldn't buy it again!!! go for the 500mm 1.4 the 1.8 is the noisest little lens you ever heard herky and jerky But what do you expect for 100.00 I have filters worth more.

A lot of great photos is knowledge of the camera and great GLASS with proper care you will using the lens for years to come!

Some times these rental shops have sales on used lenses also. Keep in mind the folks that rent camera equipment NORMALLY take good care of it. The rental places don't insure them so if you break it you buy. I have bought a few used items with no problems.

prophotosupply.com

[georgie561]

Thanks PEGGYJOM..! I plan on buying just the body and adding lenses.. the 50 1.4 is on one of my lists.. but have many others as well.. as posted earlier.. Hmmm..?? I've also noticed that the camera's price keeps going up..

[veritasimagery]

It really does come down to what you want to shoot. Are you looking at mainly portrait work? Then you really don't need a big zoom. A good 85mm would be nice. Are you doing landscapes? Then larger focal lengths and zooms are good. Are you doing action shooting?

See, first determine the need, then determine the tool.

Kevin
Veritas Imagery NW

[georgie561]

Thanks Kevin, still deciding. Want to get the T2i sometime and prob 1 lens because of cost. I have a p&s now that I use with a reasonable degree of success. Wanted a dslr and want to choose a "1st lens" for it. I'd like a lens to create lots of fun and exciting new perspectives. A lens I could take outdoors and play with. Not ready for a long lens yet. One of my short lists are the 60mm Macro. 15-85mm IS. Would also like a fisheye (RokinonFE8M 8mm?? So along these lines? I thought the 60mm Macro would offer much fun..?