What lens should I get?

[tydeephotos]

hey, so I have a Canon 30D and I just got paid :) and I'm wondering what typde of lens I should get...I will most likely want to buy used...and I loooveee taking pictures of landscape...sunsets...and things like that...I'm wondering what type of zoom would be the best...70 - 300mm? if you guys could help me out..that would be awesome!

[august23]

Well 70-300 is nowhere near ideal for sunsets and landscapes.

For you I'd recommend finding a used 17-55, or maybe if you ONLY shoot those things, a 10-22.

[tydeephotos]

but I'm sorta wanting a zoom lens also...is a 17-55 much better than the kit lens?..

[august23]

Yes. Far and wide. Leaps and bounds. Whatever you want to call it. If you want, get something moderately less pricey but still great like the tamron 17-50 f/2.8, then with the extra cash pick up a 70-200 f/4L non-is for zoom.

[feilb]

Infinitely. Ok maybe not quite infinitely, but quite a bit. Also about 10 times the price.

That combo above is a nice one, the Tamron is a great performer, it just doesn't have all of the niceties of the 17-55mm (USM, Full Time Manual focus, IS).

Only other question is what else (besides landscapes and sunsets) will you be photographing?

[runninmann]

but I'm sorta wanting a zoom lens also...is a 17-55 much better than the kit lens?..Do you mean telephoto?

[tydeephotos]

how much is the 17-55? roughly?

[runninmann]

how much is the 17-55? roughly?The 17-55 is around $1000 in the US. A lower priced (by about half or more) alternative if you don't need IS and will accept 3rd party lenses is the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8. I've not owned this lens, but reviews are almost universally positive.

[liza]

how much is the 17-55? roughly?

Around 1K, give or take a hundred bucks. If you're on a budget, the Tamron 17-50 is a good choice too. It can be had for under $500.

[liza]

The 17-55 is around $1000 in the US. A lower priced (by about half or more) alternative if you don't need IS and will accept 3rd party lenses is the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8. I've not owned this lens, but reviews are almost universally positive.

Beat me to it! :lol:

[tydeephotos]

I might be shooting a few wedding shots also..$1,000 used?!

[ebann]

how much is the 17-55? roughly?

17-55 f/2.8 IS ~$950
17-40 f/4L $610

For landscape and general use lens, the 17-40 f/4L is a great deal. If you can afford, the 17-55 is even better.

[runninmann]

Beat me to it! :lol:I've noticed that on several occasions we've offered identical recommendations almost simultaneously.:)

[runninmann]

Tyler, which lenses do you currently use?

[tydeephotos]

I'm just using the kit lens..and thats it..I guess I'm sorta wondering what a person would recommend on getting...when I'm on a budget...and just...in general I guess..I have no idea where photography will lead me..

[august23]

tamron 17-50..

[foty89]

Well, I'd replace the kit lens for now then. Either the Canon, if you have the funds, or the Tamron if you don't. Then, when you know what you want to shoot more clearly, you can buy more glass.

[tydeephotos]

ok, now I need to pray and hope that God brings a used Tamron 17-50 in the local photography store...

another question I have..my camera has a lot of problems focusing on a certain spot..it's the..upper left focussing square...would that be in the lens..or camera?

[august23]

why the local store? check the for sale forums here, or buy a used one fron b&h.

[tydeephotos]

because I believe God can bring one to the local store:) which means..I get the lens right away:P..I'm sorta..impatient

[august23]

logic tells me that waiting for a local camera store to get a used tamron 17-50 in will be much longer than ordering online. :)

[tydeephotos]

it's very possible August..but we'll see..I'll let you know how it turns out:P I'm going to go visit the local photography store today..we'll see what I can find

[foty89]

because I believe God can bring one to the local store:) which means..I get the lens right away:P..I'm sorta..impatient

Well, the Tamron new is between $400 and $450. I'd look at some of the reputable online places to pick one up. It will likely take a lot longer for one of your local shops to get a used one, then it would to buy a new one and have it shipped.

[august23]

Lol, it's funny. If i really wanted to, b&h is about 20 minutes away from my house. however, my local camera store is a 2 minute walk. some people just dont have this convienience :p

[Glenn NK]

Tydee:

I looked at all your photos (do you have the dome in colour?), and from what I see of your work, the Canon 17/55 EFS would suit you quite well (I use it on my 30D).

However I've read countless reviews and posts on this lens, and some have dust problems; I don't. I lived in Regina for 13 years and SK for 50, and we know what dust is don't we?:mad:

My first lens with the 30D was the 24/105L, and it would likely have handled all the shots you've taken with the exception perhaps of the dome in the Leg building, and the two night shots (not wide enough). However, this lens is weatherproof (dust proof).

Both these lenses are pricey, but they are both very sharp - you get what you pay for. Both are image stabilized (IS). I don't see one action shot in your portfolio, so an IS lens will benefit you greatly. I hand hold down to 1/15th second, and I'm old and shaky.

Say hello to my brother in Regina; he's a retired teacher from Balfour Tech.;) ;)

[Lord_Malone]

I'm just using the kit lens..and thats it..I guess I'm sorta wondering what a person would recommend on getting...when I'm on a budget...and just...in general I guess..I have no idea where photography will lead me..

You need to find out where you are and where you want to go from here. Long or wide? Right now you're pretty much in the middle. Go rent some glass and find out what you need.

btw, judging from your photos in your gallery, it's hard to believe you don't know what lens to choose. :confused: