Need Lens suggestion for photographing people

[kbanks]

Hello! I have a Canon Rebel EOS Xsi camera....it came with the 18-55mm lens...I'm looking to purchase a lens to go with my camera and would appreciate suggestions! I'm shooting my cousin's wedding in October -outdoors - most of my photographs are of people...I want to be able to step back, but zoom in on people's expressions - stand back and get some great candid shots...there are so many lens options out there, and b/c they're a good bit of money (I want to stay at or under $1200) I want to be able to know I'm getting a good lens...PLEASE - SUGGESTIONS?!?!?

[OsmosisStudios]

It's up at the upper end of your range, but the 24-105 f/4L IS would likely fit the bill. It's a bit slow for darker areas, but since your wedding will be outdoors that likely wont be an issue. For those times when you do need that extra shutterspeed, though, it's got IS.

B&H
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...m_f_4L_IS.html

[PrimeTime]

Originally Posted by kbanks

Hello! I have a Canon Rebel EOS Xsi camera....it came with the 18-55mm lens...I'm looking to purchase a lens to go with my camera and would appreciate suggestions! I'm shooting my cousin's wedding in October -outdoors - most of my photographs are of people...I want to be able to step back, but zoom in on people's expressions - stand back and get some great candid shots...there are so many lens options out there, and b/c they're a good bit of money (I want to stay at or under $1200) I want to be able to know I'm getting a good lens...PLEASE - SUGGESTIONS?!?!?

As long as your shooting outside, you won't beat the 70-200mm f/4L IS. That lens is tack sharp across the full range of zoom (which is uncommon for a zoom). It will run about $1200. If you get the non IS version, it is about $700. Indoors F/4 might not be fast enough. The down side is it is a large heavy lens.

[PrimeTime]

Another great lens is the 24-70mm f/2.8L .

[kbanks]

so, what about a lens that will serve as multi-purpose, outdoors mostly, people, landscapes? the lens suggestions you all gave will work? Thanks So much!

[KathrynWilson]

I would say the 24-70mm 2.8L as well, especially for weddings.

[elephunk]

Mine came with the EF 18-55 IS and 55-250 IS. I'm very pleased with the range that combo gives me for landscapes, city and social stuff. For lower light situations like shooting bands, or to get a narrower depth of field for portraits, I got the 50mm 1.8 II. It's very affordable.

Just be careful not to develop gear lust. Now I just dream of fisheyes for urban landscape, big teles for wildlife, a lensbaby, a macro lens... and don't get me started on my strobe wishlist!

[PrimeTime]

Originally Posted by kbanks

so, what about a lens that will serve as multi-purpose, outdoors mostly, people, landscapes? the lens suggestions you all gave will work? Thanks So much!

If i were going to buy a high end -- all around zoom, it would be a 24-70mm 2.8 L . This lens will be good indoors and out. At 70mm you could shoot head and shoulders of 2 people from 12 to 15 feet, to give you an idea of the zoom.

If your willing to spend 1200 , another option is to buy a set of prime's. You could get a 35 f/2, a 50 f/1.4 and a 100 f/2 for less than 1200. Nice set of primes that are good indoors or out.(these are my next 3 lenses) Zoom with your feet and get some different angles on your shots.

[kbanks]

Thanks everyone!!

[trelaflip]

Sorry for the late post but if you want to save some money check these lenses out. There my top two.

Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 and Sigma 110mm f2.8

Those are my main 2 lenses and you can see samples on jasongrover.com or flickr.com/jasongrover