Kit Lens OK, but Ready for a New Lens or Two

[Bibble]

Two months ago, I finally ventured into the world of DSLRs and picked up the Canon T1i / 500D. I've become very familiar with the kit lens; what it can and, more importantly, can't do.

I'm not sure which Canon lens to consider purchasing next, considering the following:

1. Longer Zoom
   Recent trips to the zoo and a NFL game had me bummed. I did end up with some great shots, but a longer zoom would have made the trip even more memorable.
   
2. Low/Fluorescent Light
   I work all day and end up taking a lot of photos at home in the evening. The fluorescent light in an otherwise dark room can be a drag, and I haven't mastered getting just the right amount of light in my shots of fast-moving toddlers.

I've read a few of the posts regarding lenses here on the DPS site, but as a beginner, it's hard for me to decide which one is appropriate for me. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[RichardTaylor]

You may need to prioritise as one lens will not do a good job in both situations,
What's your budget and how much weight are you willing to carry? .

[inkista]

If you're on a budget,

1) EF-S 55-250 IS (~$250) sibling to the 18-55. The other lens in an entry-level dual lens kit.

2) EF 50mm f/1.8 II ($100).

[Bibble]

Thanks. I figured that one lens wouldn't be appropriate for both situations, and was willing to look at specific lenses for each case. I'd like to stay around or under $300 per lens.

I'll take a look at the two you recommended, inkista. Thanks.

[Sterling]

For #2 maybe consider buying a speedlite. With enough light, perhaps your current lens will work just fine for those interior shots.

[Bibble]

Originally Posted by Sterling

For #2 maybe consider buying a speedlite. With enough light, perhaps your current lens will work just fine for those interior shots.

Thanks for the suggestion... I found the Canon Speedlite 270EX on Amazon and B&H Photo and am combing through the user reviews.

I think I've settled on the Canon EF-S 55-250 IS lens and the 270EX speedlite. That should cover both scenarios... especially upcoming T-Ball games in the spring, and nighttime shots of my little ones getting ready for bed.

Thanks for your help, everyone! DPS continues to be a great resource.

[inkista]

Um, just my opinion, but I'm not sure the 270EX is a great idea, unless you plan on using it with your Gs more than your T1i. For the T1i, I'd recommend looking at a 430EX or 580EX (either MkI versions, used, or the new MkII versions).

The 270EX is only a step up from the pop-up flash. It doesn't swivel, it's not particularly powerful, and you have no manual control over it, other than through the camera menu. These may not seem like important features, now, but if you end up being captured by the Strobist or Planet Neil, they will. You got a serious camera, I'd recommend getting a serious flash.

Also, one more note about the 50/1.8 II. You may be thinking you already have 50mm in your 18-55 kit lens, so there's no point in limiting yourself to a lens that doesn't even zoom. What you're not taking into account is the maximum aperture of the lens and its effect on what kind of lighting conditions you can shoot in.

Your 18-55, @55mm, has a maximum aperture of f/5.6. The 50mm f/1.8 has a maximum aperture of f/1.8. This is more than three stops wider than the 18-55 kit lens. Three stops means eight times the light. Which is the difference between iso 100 and iso 800. The difference between 1/30s or 1/250s. It's larger than you think. It's also going to give you a narrower depth of field, so you can blur the background.

I'd put the 50/1.8 before the flash, simply because it's a more basic piece of equipment. Having a lens that can go to f/1.8 will teach you about aperture. With flash photography, you need to know how to balance iso, aperture, and shutter speed before you start blinking away, because you're just going to throw flash distance and power into your exposure mix. If you can't juggle three balls, learning to juggle five just gets that much harder.

Just my opinion, though.

[Bibble]

Thanks for the detailed explanation, inkista!

I'm reconsidering the lens at this point. I hope to make a decision and have the lenses and/or speedlite by March.