First DSLR/Lens Combo

[mwills]

Ok, so as the title states I am new to the DSLR world. I am looking to pick up a refurb 20d and now I am debating lenses at this point. I am looking for a walk around general use lens. I have been hearing prime is the way to go because the quality of the glass is much better for the price. What I would really like to do would be to pick up the 50mm f/1.8 because it is so cheap yet great quality. The only reservation I have is the 1.6x crop factor with the 50mm. With the price being only $80 I can buy another lens a little later on, and then maybe at that point I will have a better idea of what I will want in a lens. I also looked into the 24mm f/2.8, but the price tag is quite a bit higher at $290. This is all hard for me since I am new to the DSLR world, so enlighten me =)

[Andy_T]

Hi mwills,

welcome to the forum :D

Getting the 50/1.8 sounds like a great idea to me, although I am afraid its image quality will spoil you seriously. To me, it certainly was the 'introductory drug' that let to other and more expensive primes :wink:

Some considerations ...

... consider also getting the 18-55 kit lens.
They can be picked up quite cheap on eBay. While not stellar, this lens is certainly your cheapest option to get a half decent wide angle lens that will help you until you want to get something better.

... the 28/30 mm focal length is more versatile on a 1.6x crop camera.
Although I truly love my 50/1.4 (that succeeded the 50/1.8), I find the Sigma 30/1.4 EX more practical for its focal length. There is also the Canon 35/2.0 that - like the 24/2.8 - is a bit more expensive than the 50/1.8 (the price for that one is really surreal, arguably the best bargain in the EOS lens lineup)

Best regards,
Andy

[rdricks]

You will get many different responses to this question. I'll offer my opinion. I'm sure it will be different from others you will get.:D

Zooms are better than they used to be. I recommend starting with a basic zoom and see what focal lengths you use. If you want some primes, at least you know what focal lengths to pick up later. My personal (inexpensive) recommendation is the 28-105 f/3.5-4.5. Note the f/3.5-4.5, not the f/4-5.6. This is a relatively inexpensive lens, around $230. A word of caution - this is a great little lens. But it may not be wide enough on a 1.6 crop camera. It has been fine for me though.

-Ryan

[mwills]

Alright you swayed me. Right now I'm leaning toward the 20d with the 35mm f/2 lens. I am kinda stuck on prime because not only have I heard the quality of the glass is better, but also that it is a better way to learn how to compose your shots instead of being spoiled with a zoom lens. Hopefully it will make a better photographer out of me. Is the 35mm f/2 worth the extra money over the 50mm f/1.8 just because its wider?

[nicksan]

The 18-55 will give you the convenience of the zoom.

The 50mm 1.8 will give you an idea of what the DSLR is capable of, IQ-wise, help you learn about aperture, DoF, Framing, low-light shooting, etc...

I think they are both great starter lenses...

I started off with the kit lens. After a day, I realized I needed something faster, so I got the 50mm 1.8. As you mentioned it was cheap.

As someone else eluded to, this was my gateway to the better lenses. After about a month of the kit lens + 50mm combo, I quickly discarded the kit, upgraded to the 17-55IS, which was a FANTASTIC lens. The rest is history!

[PhotoJourno]

MWills, welcome to the forums.

Though I agree with Ryan, If you are looking to start on a Budget, I would definitely suggest getting your hands on the kit lens (EFS 18-55mm that comes with most cameras) and the 50mm 1.8, which is great for indoors and low light situations.

You can then get a 75-300mm cheap (Less than $200), and start saving for the high quality glass.

What is the rationale behind this?...

That by the time you have gotten really comfortable with your DSLR, and your lenses, you will know exactly which focal length you use the most, where you could use extra aperture value, and IS. At this point, I could tell you whether you should spend your money on IS for a wide lens like 24-105mm, or a 70-200mm. But in reality, it all depends on what and how you use your gear. Some bird watchers use tripods, so they do not need IS. Others, would rather have it.

So my final thought, is spend as little as you can, get to know your system, and then do make desicions and purchase the big time lenses according to your own experience.

Best of luck.