Good first lens

[workingmal]

Hi!

I think after doing some research today I am going to go with the 10D. I think it offers the features I need and, coupled with the ability to change lenses, will offer the flexibility I need as well. :)

Now, what would be a REALLY GOOD first lens to purchase with this body? I want to buy something of super quality that I can use for a long time. It will probably be the staple of my lens set, so I don't want to skimp.

I'm looking towards a Canon lens (but am flexible on this) I want the BEST I can get for taking good candid and portrait shots of friends and family (okay okay... what I really mean here is my DOG), as well as somewhat close up shots of wildlife. We're probably not going to get the SCALES on the butterfly's wing yet, but that will come later... For now I need something versatile.

Thanks in advance!

[CyberDyneSystems]

If you want the very best, then the choice is simple if price is no object.

At least half the choice is simple,. you want Canon "L" lenses.

The other half of the choice is what focal range for a single lens. Assuming an all "L" lens set you would still need a minimum of 4 lenses to cover even a modest telephoto length down to a decent wide angle range.

17-40mm or 16-35mm for the wide angle end of things.

24mm-70mm for the midrange,

and 70-200mm for the telephoto.

Then you would want a macro lens either the 100mm or the 180mm macro.

Of the lenses listed above the most usefull for a starting lens would be the 24-70mm f/2.8 This includes what is often referred to as the "normal" focal range.

After that your second lens would depend on how you use your camera. For me it would be the 70-200 next,. but if landscapes are your thing it would be one of the wider lenses,. or if closeups is the order of the day than one of the macro lenses.

But again this all assumes that you do not only want the best (I know I do too) but can and or are willing to spend the money for the best :)

[workingmal]

Wow, thanks! I kinda figured the "L" lenses would be what was recommended but I had no idea where to start from there.

I think I will start with the one you suggested then work down to macro then finally up to landscapes from there.

Do I HAVE the money? Probably not... But who does? We just have to decide what it is we want to spend the money we DON'T have on more. ;)

[phidong]

If you want a cheap lens that is good. I'd recommend the 50mm 1.8 prime lens. It takes decent portraits and with the 1.6 crop its a 80mm equiv. If you want a more expensive lens the 50mm f/1.4 is a faster lens but also about 180 dollars more expensive (the 50 1.8 being around 70 dollars shipped). It might not be the staple of your lens collection, but its a good lens nonetheless and something you should definitely consider buying, especially since its affordable.

[BCdives]

Hey Mal,

I'm with CDS, the "L" is the way to go, if you can swing it. I started out with the budget sigma's (nice lenses) and they took great pic's but once you hang a piece of "L" glass off the front of your camera and start snapping, there is no turning back.

24-70 L is a GREAT all around lens you can use for all sorts of things, a great starter in my opinion.


Then the addiction starts, and pretty soon you will have covered the spectrum with "L" glass. You will love and pet everyone of them.:) and stay up late at night talking to them. They really are awesome.

You are already going to the guality level of the 10D, so why scrimp now. ???

( I'll be the Devil on your right shoulder....Cmon, get it!)

Cheers,

BC

[bigted]

I have recently bought a 10D as well and suffered from the same dilemma. Then I noticed that most companies offer kits of 10D's with lens options. I then checked out the lenses that they were offering and decided to go with the 28-135 IS USM non L lens. It is very reasonably priced and the optics are very good (f3.5-f5.6). The lens gives a range from 45 mm - 215 mm with the 1.6 multiplication factor for the 10D and will focus from approx 0.5 metres. This means that you have a standard 50 mm lens, a 200mm zoom and with the addition of a 500D close up lens macro as well. With the Image Stabiliser added as a bonus you can operate in much lower light levels without the need for a tripod. All in all a good all round first lens.