New Canon 10D :) Which Lens???

[hihowdy]

I just purchased a new Canon 10D after upgrading to digital from a Rebel. I have the lens that came with my rebel. 35-80 mm QUestion #1 is can I use that on my 10D and Questions #2 is if I want to take portriats mainly of kids what would be a good overall lens to buy. I don't want anything too complicated as I will probably start out in auto mode and then advance to more manual settings. My budget is 500 or less. What would you guys recommend? Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks! :D

[timmyquest]

*shrug*

If i had an extra $500 (aside from my 100-400 L 550EX and battery grip budget) i'd get this

http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.aspx?edc=383412

[drisley]

Not sure about Question #1.
If it's an EF lens, it will work.

Question #2 is easy.
Get the Canon 50mm F1.8 MKII
It's only $120 CDN (probably less than $100 in the states) and has optical quality equal to the "L" lenses. In fact, it's MTF chart actually exceeds some "L" lenses which cost 10x more.

Others say the Canon 100mm F1.8 is an awesome portrait lens too, but it's quite a bit more money.

[hihowdy]

I was thinking maybe a zoom. What about a 28-135. Wouldn't the 50mm get me the same picture as the 35-80 I already have. Can you explain the difference. Thanks.

[drisley]

Depends.
What is the smallest f-stop on your 35-80? The smaller the f-stop, the better, more background blur.
Also, as mentioned, the contrast and sharpness of the 50mm f1.8 is awesome. All for under $100 US. Most canonites beleive it's a must have lens.

The 28-135 IS lens is supposed to be awesome too.

[melliott86]

To the best of my knowledge the 35-80 that comes with the rebel is a 4-5.6. You could always go the 50mm 1.8 for $89.99, or you could also get the 18-50mm 3.5-5.6 Sigma @ $299.00 or the 20mm 1.8 Sigma for $359.00. Good luck!

[RichardtheSane]

I was thinking maybe a zoom. What about a 28-135. Wouldn't the 50mm get me the same picture as the 35-80 I already have. Can you explain the difference. Thanks.

The 50mm is a sharper lens, so while you would be able to get the same composition as your 35-80 you would get a much crisper image, with better detail recorded on the sensor.
Also at 50mm I suspect your 35-80 is an F4 lens, the 50mm F1.8 prime is 2 stops faster than that, so effectivly you can shoot handheld in lower light, or up your shutter speed.

Now, the big question is 'What do you want the lens to do for you?'

[defordphoto]

*shrug*

If i had an extra $500 (aside from my 100-400 L 550EX and battery grip budget) i'd get this

http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.aspx?edc=383412

A great lens, but I'd save $80 and get it here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=12140&is=USA

And then also consider the 1.8 MKII version and put $430 towards something else. The 50mm1.8 is only $70: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=12140&is=USA

[Bruce Hamilton]

What is the smallest f-stop on your 35-80? The smaller the f-stop, the better, more background blur.
The way you worded that can be confusing... You really mean to ask the smallest f-stop number, which represents the largest f-stop. As the number decreases, the aperture size increases.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Go for the 28-135mm IS it is indeed a great choice,. you have done your research well :)

And listen to what these fine people have been saying about the 50mm f/1.8 .. it is a must have for about $75.00

Lastly,. indeed,. go to B&H of rthis stuff,. good prices and good reliable service.

[dennykyser]

Get the best lens you can budget for. Your kit lens will probably make very poor pics. Mine did, start saving $ for good glass, for digital good glass is a must.

I purchased my 50mm 1.8 from B&H, decided I wanted the 50 1.4 so I sold my 1.8 on ebay and made$ so 1.4 is getting ordered as soon as I get the rest of my order together.

You know B&H loves it when someone buys a DSLR....

[zerolight]

28-135 IS. got mine from BHPhoto and don't regret it.