Which Lens???

[DebbyS]

Hello All,

I'm a newbie here and also trying to learn how to use my new equipment. I just purchased a Canon EOS 60D with a EFS 18-135mm IS kit lens. Additionally, I also purchased an EF 50mm 1.8 lens.

I was wondering what is the best (moderately priced) lens to keep on my camera as a general "walking around" lens. I generally take pics of my grandchildren and will mostly be taking stills and motion photos.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

[sk66]

Nothing *wrong* with the 18-135 you have.

[ceremus]

I'm going to say first of all that you'll want to learn about the general characteristics of lenses overall, but specifically in terms of focal length, maximum aperture, zoom lenses, and prime lenses. Once you have a grasp of the basic concepts, you can get an idea for which lens has the specifications that will suit your style of photography.

Read this for starters: Digital camera lens buying guide: Guides: Learn: Digital Photography Review
For reference on the focal length chart, your 60D is an "APS-C" camera.

[cipher]

I'm going to echo the statement on the 18-135. My camera came with an 18-55 and I purchased a 55-250 afterwards. While the range of focal lengths I have available this way is pretty good, I find that when I have the 18-55 on, it is just a little too short. And when I go with the 55-250 it is a little too long.

My next lens will be something in-between (like the 28-135) to fill the general purpose role.

[Kat Cornwell]

I have a Nikon D7000 camera and a AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II lens and a AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G lens. My son is getting married this summer and I was thinking about purchasing a AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G lens for photos. Any ideas or suggestions for a lens for the wedding would be appreciated.

Also, I have another son who competes in motorcycle desert racing and bicycle downhill racing. I would love to hear suggestions on a lens for sports photography.

Thanks.

[RichardTaylor]

@ DebbyS

+1 on 18-135 you have now.

You may find this tutorial on lenses helpful.

Lenses #1 - Introduction to DSLR lenses.

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@Kat Cornwell

For weddings a couple of "fast" (f2.8) zooms should cover most of your needs.
Like a 17-55 F2.8 and a 70-200 F2.8 VR


For the motor cycle and bike racing.
How far away from the action will you be?
Will you be shooting in daylight or late afternoon/early morning/evening in low light?

I am a Canon shooter and I do not have a good knowledge of individual lenses, however the principals are the same..

[Ginger Pixie]

I understand the frenzy of new camera new equipment, but in my opinion, with the 50mm prime lens you already have your everyday lens.

I suggest you take the time to get to know that lens, because firstly, it's a lovely lens, and secondly if you find yourself getting frustrated at its limitations for a particular scenario over time you will see more clearly where the gaps are in your lens collection.

Better that, than you spending a fortune (like I did) on a lens you rarely use because it is heavy, impractical and doesn't take the type of photos I want to take on a daily basis.

[gturner]

The 28-135 is not a great option on a crop frame body like a 60D

The 18-135 does a lot of good things, but is not the sharpest or best for colour. Those lenses cost a heap more cash and are best purchased when you know exactly what you are trying to shoot and how you want to achieve it.

I would look at an external flash next (430EX II) -unless you want to start a lens collection.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by Kat Cornwell

I have a Nikon D7000 camera and a AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II lens and a AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G lens. My son is getting married this summer and I was thinking about purchasing a AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G lens for photos. Any ideas or suggestions for a lens for the wedding would be appreciated.

Also, I have another son who competes in motorcycle desert racing and bicycle downhill racing. I would love to hear suggestions on a lens for sports photography.

Thanks.

You are into some expensive territory to do it well. the 17-55 already recommended would be my choice but it's not cheap. (costs more than the D7000 body)

You have a 50mm prime, and an 18-200, I think the 85mm would be a good/cost effective way to "round out" a usable kit.... I'm assuming you're not going to be the primary wedding photographer.

For the racing stuff on a budget I would suggest the Nikon 80-400 or Sigma 50-500.

Here's the Nikon used for cheap it's a $1700 lens; usually $1100-1200 used. For the price I'd jump on it....Otherwise I might choose the Sigma.