Starter Lenses again, but hopefully crystal clear

[ijohnson]

I am expecting my 10d shortly and have had to save for quite a while to afford it.

I just spent every spare cent I have on a 10d, and without adapting my 25 year old minolta lenses which are crappy anyway, to the new camera, I would like to get a lense that will get me started. That being said, I am going to continue my savings over the year to include an L lense or two. However, I want to take pictures with the camera now. I have no more than $2-300 to spend and I don't want to make a horrible mistake. I wouldn't mind a little focal length, maybe up to 135 or more and don't want to sacrifice in the lower focal lengths either (1.6x noted).

All that being said, does anyone have a reccomendation for a crappy lense that isn't SUPER crappy, that I can at least start using while I am saving for a better one and so I don't have to look at the cap on the camera body for 8 months? It would break my heart.

Remember: $2-300, Canon, focal length, only slightly crappy, and I will buy a better lense when I can afford it.

Please don't tell me that I shouldn't use a bad lense on this wonderful camera, I already know that. Its like the 130hp engine in the Delorean, what a waste.

[sparty314]

I think the consensus is that the Canon 50 mm f/1.8 is a *very* good lens for the money--about $65 at many retailers.

[Belmondo]

ijohnson wrote: Its like the 130hp engine in the Delorean, what a waste. What a great analogy! Let's remember that for the next person that asks, "Should I buy a 10D or a Rebel?)

Deloreans were 'silver,' weren't they?

Tom

[Jim_T]

I'd recommend the Canon EF 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 II USM...

This was my first lens.

Since buying it, I've added a couple of thousand dollars worth of lenses to my kit. (Including Canon L glass). I still use the 28-105 a lot and am very happy with how it performs on the 10D. It's a bit shy of your maximum desired focal length, but falls within your budget.

Here's a short review....

http://www.photo.net/ezshop/product?product_id=309

Also.. The 50mm 1.8 prime is a good buy at under $100. It's very cheaply built, but takes extremely sharp photos.

[DonCoon]

Jim_t wrote:
I'd recommend the Canon EF 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 II USM...

This was my first lens.

Since buying it, I've added a couple of thousand dollars worth of lenses to my kit. (Including Canon L glass). I still use the 28-105 a lot and am very happy with how it performs on the 10D. It's a bit shy of your maximum desired focal length, but falls within your budget.

Here's a short review....

http://www.photo.net/ezshop/product?product_id=309

Also.. The 50mm 1.8 prime is a good buy at under $100. It's very cheaply built, but takes extremely sharp photos.



Couldn't agree more re the 28-105 & 50 f1.8 II. I've owned both and they're good bang for buck.

Here's a list of options to fit your $300 budget. Pick & choose : ) All B&H prices.

50 f1.8 II $70
28-105 $150
28-105 USM $210
75-300 $150
75-300 USM $170

You'll probably be able to recoup most of your money on Ebay when/if you decide to upgrade.

I started with the 50, 28-105 USM, and 75-300. Sold the last two near my cost. Have no regrets starting out this way.

Best of Luck