sharp lens for a newbie

[sanil]

Hi,

I am using 350d for the last 15 days with kit lens. Yesterday i have received 50 / 1.8 lens and bowled over by it for the sharpness.

can you suggest one more lens which is sharp and with decent lowlight capabilities under 500 bucks.

cheers
sanil

[Andy_T]

Sanil,

welcome to the forum :D

What focal lengths would you be looking at?

There are a lot of alternatives (mostly primes)
Important: $ values are my best estimates, they might be off ... check at B&H!

- Canon EF 15/2.8 Fisheye (500$)
- Tokina 17/3.5 ATX (350$)
- Sigma 20/1.8 EX (400$)
- Canon EF 28/1.8 (400$)
- Canon EF 28/2.8 (250$)
- Sigma 30/1.4 EX (450$)
- Canon EF 35/2.0 (250$)
- Canon EF 50/1.4 (400$)
- Canon EF 85/1.8 (400$)
- Canon EF 100/2.0 (450$)
- Canon EF 100/2.8 Macro (500$)
- Canon EF 135/2.8 (450$)

Some zooms that may or may not be very sharp (but certainly not as sharp as the primes) include:
- Sigma 18-50/2.8 EX (400$)
- Sigma 24-70/2.8 EX (400$)
- Tamron 28-75/2.8 (350$)

Take a look at the lens tests at www.photozone.de

Hope that helps...

Best regards,
Andy

[JennB]

Welcome to the forums, Sanil!:) It's great to hear that you're enjoying your brand new 350! I would suggest getting the Canon 85mm f/1.8 for its low light capabilities. Its a fantastic lens for the price. I'm very happy with mine.:D The 100mm f/2 is also great, if you wanted something longer. Hope this helps.

[sanil]

Thanks for the replies. I am looking at 85/1.8 or 100/2.8.

Pls suggest. Is 100 lens sharp and good enough for portraits as well as macro.

cheers

sanil

[Andy_T]

The 100/2.8 Macro is supposed to be one of Canons sharpest available lenses...

Best regards,
Andy