What to buy?

[amid]

Hi, I don't know much about photography. I have a 40D and a 50mm macro compact lens which I loved. I'm looking for a second lens but don't know if I should go for a standard zoom or a wide angle. Eventhough I shoot maostly outside I will love to try weddings for example.
I was looking al the 20mm f/2.8 and at the 17-40 f/4.

[Jim Poor]

What to buy?

I'd recommend some books. If you don't know whether you want zoom or WA, you'll just be wasting money anyway.

[amid]

Thanks for the response Jim, I do have a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 that was given to me by a friend who is a photojournalist. Its an old lens with some fungus on it but it shoots pretty good. So if I have the 50 mm and the 70-200 maybe a good option is the 20mm?

[Jim Poor]

The 20mm is a good option only if you have a use for it. I got one once on a whim. I've used it about twice in three years.

[amid]

What I'm looking for is an all around lens that I can leave in my camera most or the time. I know it depends on what I'm going to shoot. For everyday use I could shoot maybe landscape or group photo. I Know that for sports I can use the 70-200 and portraits or close up's the 50mm

[Saralonde]

Originally Posted by amid

Hi, I don't know much about photography. I have a 40D and a 50mm macro compact lens which I loved. I'm looking for a second lens but don't know if I should go for a standard zoom or a wide angle. Eventhough I shoot maostly outside I will love to try weddings for example.
I was looking al the 20mm f/2.8 and at the 17-40 f/4.

Hi Amid.
If you don't know much about photography, I'd hold off on the weddings for awhile . In the meantime, it would be helpful if you could tell us your budget.

[cphoniball]

Okey dokey. Here's a quick guide on what to do when you're thinking about buying a lens.

1. Do some research. Do lots and lots of research. When you think you've done enough, research some more.
2. Think about what you like to photograph. Use your research to narrow down lens choices.
3. Think about your budget. Use it to narrow down lens choices.
4. Do more research.
5. Make pro/con charts for each of the lenses you are thinking about buying.
6. Think about how many meals you could pay for with the money you're going to spend on the lens.
7. Think about how much sooner you could retire by saving the money you'd spend on the lens.
8. Do more research.
9. Try to get a hold of the lens you're thinking about buying before you buy it. Take it for a test drive!
10. More. Research.
11. If you're still confused, come ask a forum. Use proper english and provide people the information they need to help you. Namely, what you're interested in shooting, what your budget is, and what lenses you are already thinking about buying.
12. Buy lens.
13. Take pictures.

....

Sound good?