Help me to spend $300

[IlyaM]

I'm coming in NY in a week and want to use the opportunity to buy cheaper lenses (they are 20-30% more expensive here in Russia). Unfortunately I don't have much budget right now - I have only $300 to spend on this so no L this time :) I have 350D (aka Rebel XP) with kit lenses so I'd like to buy something to complement my kit lenses. My current idea is to get Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro ($200) to cover telephoto range and maybe Canon 50 f/1.8 ($75) because they are fast. In fact I'm not sure about the latest as 50 doesn't seem very usable to me on 1.6 crop camera. I'd prefer something wider.

So any other ideas how to spend $300? As I already wrote I don't want kit lenses replacement yet but rather something what would complement it. It either can be something in telephoto range or fast prime (ideally wide).

[Andy_T]

Ilya,

welcome to the forum :D

Your choices do make a lot of sense to me.

My initial idea for something in the 300$ range (ok, slightly out of it) would have been the Tamron 28-75/2.8 XR DI, but that would have a lot of overlap with the kit lens (though at better image quality).

The 50/1.8 is a great little lens. I agree that it is too long for usage as a 'general lens' (though I used it as walk-around lens on my 20d when I first got it).

Unfortunately, its nearest cousin, the 35/2.0 is a lot more expensive at $ 200. Also worth the money most likely, but if your budget is fixed, the 70-300 + 50/1.8 might give you more 'bang for the buck'.

Best regards,
Andy

[IlyaM]

Thanks, I'm not completely opposed to idea to get only one fast wide prime lens under $300. Not sure which one though.

[stupot]

the sigma 30 1.4 is worth picking up in the shop just to see how you like it:)

[steved110]

The sigma 70-300 APO is a great lens to get going with. You'll have a lot of fun with it and it will extend your coverage significantly. That doesn't leave much over, so looks like the 50 1.8 is the one for you. It's a reasonable lens for portrait use, very sharp and good in low light - but otherwise not that great for a 1.6 crop camera. but for the money, it's worth owning one.

[dignacio]

An 85mm f1.8 can be had on Ebay.

[jojohohanon]

35/2 + 50/1.8 = $300 and change