New Guy - Lens Question - Thanks

[jay24k]

I'm new here so if any can provide any help or links or reading material, please do.

I just purchased a 300D rebel with the lens kit. However it doesn't get close enough to what I want. I was told to get a zoom lens for 20 bucks to get nice close ups. But I would like to take nice far away shots zoomed in good. From what I can tell, I would need probably something in the far end range of 150 to 300mm range correct?

Any lens you guys recommend that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and will take some nicer close ups of far away shots? Will this lens also take close up shots macro wise?

For example, I took this but would love to get closer to get even better focus and clarity. Couple quick pictures. I'm new to it so alot to learn.

Thanks

http://www.ci.leesburg.fl.us/other/november22/wholetank.jpg

http://www.ci.leesburg.fl.us/other/november22/greenzoo.jpg

http://www.ci.leesburg.fl.us/other/november22/ric.jpg

[defordphoto]

Ahhhh...You need extension tubes. Get the 3-piece kit: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=search&Q=&ci=7299

[FlyingPete]

Firstly, welcome to the forum!

Ahhhh...You need extension tubes. Get the 3-piece kit: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=search&Q=&ci=7299

Plan B is some closeup 'filters' ususally in sets of three. These screw on the fron tof the lens and allow it to focus closer.

Extension tubes will provide better optical quality, as there is no added glass, however at the expense of an F-stop or two.

The 'filters' effect the amount of light, are easier to change, and are cheaper however but do add extra glass, and this could affect the quiality of the image depending on the lens you are using. If you have the 18-55 kit lens I wouldn't worry about it too much.

If you have got the $$$ and don't mind the F-stop issue, go for the tubes.

[jay24k]

Ok thanks alot. Will extension tubes also alow close up of far away objects?

For example, I want to zoom in on a bird that is up a tree. Right now, the zoom isn't very much. I was looking at some of the 28-155mm lenses but the IS one is around 500. Any other options? I wasn't hoping on spending that much on a lens just yet.

Are certain brands better then others or better values?

Thanks again.

[Tdragone]

Daaamn Jay; Nice tank!

A few OT questions.

How big is that Hex?
Lighting?

Also; Nice clams and Bubble/Hammer corals!

Ricordea looks good; we want more Pix after you get the extension tubes!!

-Tom D

[tofuboy]

Extension Tubes won't let you zoom in on far away objects... they work great for letting you focus really close to objects though.

To be able to zoom in on a bird in a tree, you would need a fairly large focal length... depending on how far and how large (or small the bird is). Something that does 300mm+ would probably suffice.

You could try the Canon EF 75-300mm at ~$200 (or $400 for the IS version)... although, something a bit more ideal would be the Canon EF 100-400L IS at ~$1400 *gasp*

[defordphoto]

I was trying to get him some macro stuff cheap. Anyway, Jay: what's your budget?

[jay24k]

Well I wanted to stay under 400 right now as this 300D kind of set me back a bit. I've been reading pages and pages of threads here so excuse my ignorance as I'm really new to this.

Does IS really matter that much? I'm pretty steady but from what I've read the 28-155mm lens without IS didn't seem to be that great. I didn't read that here but other reviews. If a non canon lens can produce nice results and cost less, that would be great. However if the canon lens is just a bit more, I'd rather not skimp for quality.

This is what I'd like to do with my camera. (Not asking much huh?) :)

1. Take nice close ups of my fish tank. Extension Tubes seem to be pretty nice.

2. Take regular photos of my kids and family (18-55mm seems to work fine for that)

3. Take close ups of things far away. Maybe something equivalent to a 7X zoom on other digital cameras. I tried a Minolta out that really did nice. It was a dimage non slr. I just didn't like the picture quality.

4. Quick question: When I do sports setting and I try to snap a picture of my daughter running, the whole picture is blurred. Should I do a manual setting and set the settings myself?

OT: My tank is a 44 gallon pentagon with 250 watts MH of 14K and VHO super atinic. Once I get those lenses, I'll snap some better pictures.

Thanks for all the help. It seems to be a great forum. I'm not looking to do professional but just to have some fun.

Here is a little pic I did of my daughter mixing color and black and white layers. I had to tone down her lips as it was too much for the black and white.

http://www.leesburgflorida.gov/other/november22/jordynbw.jpg

[Headcase650]

If your on a tight budget check into the sigma 70-300 apo super macro II. this gives you the zoom for the birds and allows you to focus close to the fish between the 200-300mm range. This lense is about $200 this would leave you enough to pick up the sigma 500 DG super flash. This is a great flash for the money, it can be used in automatic E-TTL or fully manual and can control other flashes wirelessly for multy flash set ups if you decide to buy some extras in the future.

[Headcase650]

http://www.msnusers.com/TheCanonDigitalRebelPartisansGroup/msgattachments/2352

Wow it worked, thats the first time I have linked an image in my post.

[jay24k]

Is the Canon IS 28-135mm lens any good? I just want to make sure it's at least decent quality and where I can zoom in on far away objects, not just macros.

[defordphoto]

The 28-135 is a decent lens and has a macro mode. But, it's a short zoom. It's not a lens you'd be using for shooting motorsports or wildlife.

[jay24k]

I've been reading reviews and sample pictures on the Sigma APO 70-300mm lens. It appears everyone likes it but says it is soft near 300. I'm thinking about this one unless anyone has a better opinion.

THanks

[jay24k]

Also would you say the Tamron 70-300 LD lens would be equivalent? I was talking to a guy at KEH and he mentioned this one is a good lens as well and it's cheaper.

Any recommendations?

Thanks again.