HELP! Camera noob here...

[rjw123]

Hi everyone,

I am not extremely camera savvy by any means, Last year I bought my Girlfriend a DSLR camera for christmas. Its a Digital Rebel, Not exactly 100% sure of the model but this pic looks pretty much exactly like it (pic is at bottom of post)

Anyway, The camera only came with a Standard zoom lens. So I was hoping to grab a pretty good lens for her this year.This year my budget is a little bit smaller, I know she said she wants a Fisheye lens though. Do any of you have any fisheye lenses that you could recommend on the relatively inexpensive BELOW $200.00 side that I could pick up?

I have looked on EBAY and found lenses ranging from $30.00 to $600.00

Thanks a ton for your help I will check this thread tomorrow, I need to get it soon (procrastination is my specialty)

-rob-

http://images.marketplaceadvisor.channeladvisor.com/hi/48/47901/can-300d-08121000.jpg

[MarKap77]

I'm surprised she wants a fisheye lens. That is a very specialty oriented lens. Canon only makes one lens currently that is designated as fisheye, the 15mm fisheye which retails at B&H for about $575. For $280, you could get a 24mm f/2.8, though. It isn't fisheye, but it is wide angle. Or you might consider Tamron or Sigma. Don't know what they make, but they are always less expensive than their Canon equivalents.

[TomTomTuning]

They make cheap lens add on's that will give you fish eye.

Like this..
http://www.amazon.com/Precision-Design-Digital-Lenses-Minolta/dp/B000S6OBAG/ref=pd_bbs_sr_5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1229343204&sr=8-5

Opteka also makes a few for the EF lens.

Sigma has a 4.5nmm,8mm, 10mm, 15mm but they are all pricey.

[e r y k]

peleng 8mm maybe?

[gofer]

Rob, welcome to POTN

Are you sure, or more to the point is your girlfriend sure, it's a fisheye she wants? As has been said, a fisheye is a bit of a speciality lens and not one that would maybe get much use. Is it possible that what she actually wants is a wide angle lens and not a fisheye. Wide angle lenses allow you to get a lot of the scene in from relatively close range (albeit usually with some distortion).

[jblaschke]

A 24mm wouldn't be at all wide on a crop body.

For the price range in question, a dedicated fisheye is out of the question. On Ebay and elsewhere, they have "fisheye lenses" for sale for less than $100 that are actually fisheye lens adapters--essentially specialized glass filters that behave as an additional lens element. The ads are somewhat deceptive on this point but it could serve as a relatively low budget way to see if a dedicated fisheye is the direction you really want to go.

If, of the other hand, what she really wants is an ultra wide angle, there are many more options available. Casually chat her up and see if this is the case. Or better yet, have her make and Amazon wish list, so you can just go through and cherry pick specific gifts. :)

[PhotosGuy]

First, Welcome to POTN!

2nd, if you want to show images that you haven't personally shot, or other material, just post a link to it as there are © issues?
IMAGE POSTING RULES (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=74718)

[rjw123]

Rob, welcome to POTN

Are you sure, or more to the point is your girlfriend sure, it's a fisheye she wants? As has been said, a fisheye is a bit of a speciality lens and not one that would maybe get much use. Is it possible that what she actually wants is a wide angle lens and not a fisheye. Wide angle lenses allow you to get a lot of the scene in from relatively close range (albeit usually with some distortion).

I Think you are right, she probably was talking about a wide angle lens. Just must have misunderstood heh.

Thanks for all the responses. And if anyone else (now that we know its a wide angle haha) has any suggestions please lemme know thanks!

[rjw123]

A 24mm wouldn't be at all wide on a crop body.

For the price range in question, a dedicated fisheye is out of the question. On Ebay and elsewhere, they have "fisheye lenses" for sale for less than $100 that are actually fisheye lens adapters--essentially specialized glass filters that behave as an additional lens element. The ads are somewhat deceptive on this point but it could serve as a relatively low budget way to see if a dedicated fisheye is the direction you really want to go.

If, of the other hand, what she really wants is an ultra wide angle, there are many more options available. Casually chat her up and see if this is the case. Or better yet, have her make and Amazon wish list, so you can just go through and cherry pick specific gifts. :)

Good idea! Ok so do you have any suggestions working along the Wide Angle lens category?

[rjw123]

First, Welcome to POTN!

2nd, if you want to show images that you haven't personally shot, or other material, just post a link to it as there are © issues?
IMAGE POSTING RULES (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=74718)

Gotcha.:o

[rjw123]

Quick ? here, Will basically ANY Canon lens fit this camera, Or does the lens have to be model specific?

[rjw123]

Not sure if we are allowed to post the link to auctions but here are a few I found on ebay...
Tell me what you think.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EF-S-18-55mm-IS-Lens-for-Digital-Rebel-XS-XSi-40D_W0QQitemZ200286357189QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamera _Lenses?hash=item200286357189&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A50

This one seems too cheap to be right though

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tamron-28-80mm-Lens-for-Canon-EOS-Rebel-Ti-2000-T2-NEW_W0QQitemZ200287906580QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamera _Lenses?hash=item200287906580&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A50

and this one down here.... This is the one that I think is what you are talking about.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Cosina-28-80mm-Lens-Canon-EOS-50D-40D-Rebel-XTi-XSi-XS_W0QQitemZ360116106490QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamera_ Lenses?hash=item360116106490&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

I was also thinking about snagging one of those FISHEYE adapters, I'm assuming that they just thread onto the Lens that came with the camera. They are like $30.00

I was also looking at this case
http://cgi.ebay.com/Samsonite-Case-for-Canon-EOS-Rebel-XSi-XTi-40D-30D-5D_W0QQitemZ280293004756QQihZ018QQcategoryZ64336QQ tcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

Whaddaya guys think?

[SamClarkPhotography]

The first link/lens should be what she got with the kit (assuming you got the kit) minus the IS.

The case is okay, but she will probably outgrow it rather quickly. I would suggest the Canon 100DG.

[rjw123]

The first link/lens should be what she got with the kit (assuming you got the kit) minus the IS.

The case is okay, but she will probably outgrow it rather quickly. I would suggest the Canon 100DG.

Youre right, It looks a lot like the lens she currently has. What about the 3rd link? that is the one I think is the correct lens...

[CRE@TE]

The first link is the widest of the 3 lens you linked!

[rjw123]

The first link is the widest of the 3 lens you linked!

? I have no clue what I am talking about... So does a camera normally come with an 18-55mm lens? The higher the MM the wider the possible picture?

The post above mine somone said that is the lens she probably currently has. The lens she currently has is the lens the camera came with. But I can guarantee that lens cannot produce the wide angle effect I believe she is talking about. I'm a little confused here...

I am assuming that the mm describes the amount of zoom it has? so would a lens that is 18-55mm be unable to take as wide an angle shot as one that is 28-80mm? I dont get it?

[CRE@TE]

The Rebel series of cameras generally comes with a 18-55mm in the kits. The smaller the #mm = wider lens. Such as 10 mm is wider than 18 mm.

If you want wide, you're looking at the 10-22 (Canon lens), but, it's a lot more money than $200.

[rjw123]

The Rebel series of cameras generally comes with a 18-55mm in the kits. The smaller the #mm = wider lens. Such as 10 mm is wider than 18 mm.

If you want wide, you're looking at the 10-22 (Canon lens), but, it's a lot more money than $200.

oh ok, so the last link I have posted is actually more for zooming in closer to something than taking wider shots...

So there are not any lenses out there in the 10-22mm range within my price range? The cheapest I have found was here...
But that is on the brink of breaking my budget...

That is the only lens that can achieve the wide angle?

[CRE@TE]

Check some of the prices at B&H, everything seems like $400 plus.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=search&A=search&Q=&sb=bs%2Cupper(ds)&sq=asc&sortDrop=Brand%3A+A+to+Z&ac=&bsi=&bhs=t&ci=8454&shs=&at=Lens+Type_Super+Tele+(Above+600mm)&at=Lens+Type_Super+Wide&at=Lens+Type_Super+Wide+Angle+(8mm+to+21mm)&at=Lens+Type_Zoom+Super+Wide&at=Camera+Compatibility_Digital+SLR+(APS-C)&basicSubmit=Submit+Query

B&H is suppose to be one of the more trusted places to shop.

[rjw123]

Well it seems like the super wide angle lens is out of the question, Unfortunately I do not have $400.00 + to spend this year...

But I was looking at this
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/335762-USA/Sigma_684101_55_200mm_f_4_5_6_DC_Lens.html
or this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/169267-USA/Canon_6473A003AA_75_300mm_f_4_0_5_6_III_Autofocus. html

Not sure which would be better...

err...looking at it does the 2nd lens that I posted in this post not work on the camera?

Considering she has the average lens that we have established as being 18-55mm
and one of these lenses is 55-200mm, the other is 75-300mm.
It is something that she doesn't have. And is a new toy, what do you think about that?
I could grab one of those and one of the Fisheye/Wideangle lens add-ons and spend around $215.00 (basically my budget)
Get her something that I know she has mentioned, (Add-on) and something that I know she could use (55-200mm/75-300mm)...

Or I could replace the Fisheye/Wide Angle Lens Add-on with this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/408013-REG/Hoya_GIK55GB_55mm_Introductory_Filter_Kit.html

Maybe even get all 3 things,what do you think about that idea?

[smallpotatoes]

Are you sure it's a wider lens she wants & not a longer lens? It seems like most people who are just starting out usually want more reach. Not all of course, but on all of the forums I'm on, by far the vast majority of beginners are asking about "more zoom" meaning they want a longer lens with more reach. Very few people that have a lens that goes as wide as 18mm ask for something wider.

Check out this link (http://web.canon.jp/imaging/enjoydslr/part3/3B.html)& see if it helps.

Jaci

[CRE@TE]

I don't know about that lens, but, this one is suppose to be quite good.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/543923-USA/Canon_2044B002AA_EF_S_55_250mm_f_4_5_6_IS.html

[jblaschke]

I'm unfamiliar with that Sigma, but that much zoom at that low a price leaves me dubious in regards to image quality. Although you're thinking in the right direction in regards to a telephoto zoom. The EF-S 55-250 has had good things said about it here, and it's just a bit more than the $200 you say you have to spend...

[rjw123]

I don't know about that lens, but, this one is suppose to be quite good.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/543923-USA/Canon_2044B002AA_EF_S_55_250mm_f_4_5_6_IS.html

I'm unfamiliar with that Sigma, but that much zoom at that low a price leaves me dubious in regards to image quality. Although you're thinking in the right direction in regards to a telephoto zoom. The EF-S 55-250 has had good things said about it here, and it's just a bit more than the $200 you say you have to spend...

Awesome!

Ok so this lens will work for her camera? Will the Filters work with it? If so I will make my purchase tonight... Thanks again for the help! Greatly Appreciated!

Just for my own photo knowledge here, Why is it that a 55-250 telephoto zoom lens is much cheaper than a 10-22mm super wide angle? Is is just mainly supply and demand?

[SamClarkPhotography]

Quality.

[SamClarkPhotography]

BTW, the Sigma 70-300 DG APO Macro is a great lens for your budget range. I have it and have taken some really sharp photos with it.

[rjw123]

BTW, the Sigma 70-300 DG APO Macro is a great lens for your budget range. I have it and have taken some really sharp photos with it.

cool... what do you think she would prefer?

Considering they are both relatively the same price...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/391074-REG/Sigma_508101_70_300mm_f_4_5_6_APO_DG.html

or

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/543923-USA/Canon_2044B002AA_EF_S_55_250mm_f_4_5_6_IS.html

Both will work with the filters and will also work with the camera i would assume?

My guess would be the Sigma, Even though its not the canon name. It has more range correct?

[rabidcow]

I have had and used the Sigma 55-200mm, and I will recommend it over the 70-300 any day.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/335762-USA/Sigma_684101_55_200mm_f_4_5_6_DC_Lens.html

[CRE@TE]

The only filter I ever use is a circular polarizer.

Not much difference in range between 250 and 300, really.

[rjw123]

The only filter I ever use is a circular polarizer.

Not much difference in range between 250 and 300, really.

So what would she get more use out of a circular polarizer or that Filter pack, or The Fisheye/wide angle add on?

I know these are more of personal preferences but I am basically performing guess work here.

Do you have a circular polarizer that you would recommend?

[lonelyjew]

Errr, just to clarify, so you don't buy the wrong thing, you bought your girlfriend a digital SLR right? I know you said you didn't know what model but it's not a film camera right? I'm just asking because most of the lenses listed so far are specifically made for crop sensor digital cameras and won't work on film cameras.

As far a lenses, super wide angles in your price range don't exist, don't sweat it though if you can't afford it. You could try the add on filters but I'm willing to bet they'll degrade the image quality and, assuming she has the normal kit lens, the pictures might come out very soft. A telephoto would be a good idea imo since it'll open up new doors in what she can shoot, the 55-250IS that's been recommended is a great choice. It really is a great deal for the money.

If you don't want to go that route tell us what she does usually take pictures of and that could go a long way in our recommending to you what lenses might be good for her.

edit*
The filters are for different applications so it's hard to say which is more "usefull." Decent polarizers are expensive(though cheep ones will likely do the job) and are hardly as useful as a lens.

[rjw123]

Errr, just to clarify, so you don't buy the wrong thing, you bought your girlfriend a digital SLR right? I know you said you didn't know what model but it's not a film camera right? I'm just asking because most of the lenses listed so far are specifically made for crop sensor digital cameras and won't work on film cameras.

As far a lenses, super wide angles in your price range don't exist, don't sweat it though if you can't afford it. You could try the add on filters but I'm willing to bet they'll degrade the image quality and, assuming she has the normal kit lens, the pictures might come out very soft. A telephoto would be a good idea imo since it'll open up new doors in what she can shoot, the 55-250IS that's been recommended is a great choice. It really is a great deal for the money.

If you don't want to go that route tell us what she does usually take pictures of and that could go a long way in our recommending to you what lenses might be good for her.

edit*
The filters are for different applications so it's hard to say which is more "usefull." Decent polarizers are expensive(though cheep ones will likely do the job) and are hardly as useful as a lens.

Yes I am 100% sure its a Canon Digital SLR Rebel its silver has an EOS logo I believe...

I am definitely looking at the 55-250 lens as my choice, Based on what information I have gathered. The Filters I was just looking at as something fun I could add in.

[CRE@TE]

For starters, that filter kit you linked is not the proper size for her lens. The kit lens and the lens I linked are both 58mm thread size.

Most people that use the UV filter, use it for the purpose of protecting the lens glass.
Circular polarizers (best are multi coated) = expensive

[rjw123]

For starters, that filter kit you linked is not the proper size for her lens. The kit lens and the lens I linked are both 58mm thread size.

Most people that use the UV filter, use it for the purpose of protecting the lens glass.
Circular polarizers (best are multi coated) = expensive

what is the thread size on her camera? 55 or 58mm?

I assumed it was 55.

[CRE@TE]

what is the thread size on her camera? 55 or 58mm?

I assumed it was 55.

The camera has no thread size. The lens has threads on the front of the lens, camera has a EF/EF-s mount.

The standard kit 18-55 has a 58mm thread on the lens.

The 55 in the kit lens refers to the focal length and not the lens diameter.

[rjw123]

The camera has no thread size. The lens has threads on the front of the lens, camera has a EF/EF-s mount.

The standard kit 18-55 has a 58mm thread on the lens.

The 55 in the kit lens refers to the focal length and not the lens diameter.

ah ok... So if I were to buy the filter kit i would need to get one with 58mm thread size. Understood.
that would be this one.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/408014-REG/Hoya_GIK58GB_58mm_Introductory_Filter_Kit.html

Thanks I really do appreciate the help. A bit more time here and I might know more than she does :lol:

[rjw123]

So What I have come down to is this lens
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/335762-USA/Sigma_684101_55_200mm_f_4_5_6_DC_Lens.html
along with this filter kit
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/408014-REG/Hoya_GIK58GB_58mm_Introductory_Filter_Kit.html
And possibly adding on the fisheye/wide angle lens add on...

Just a final check before I make a purchase, these should be correct for this camera, using what we know?

[CRE@TE]

Yes, that one would fit the standard EF-s 18-55 kit lens and the EF-s 55-250 IS lens.

[CRE@TE]

Hmmm, problem, the Sigma is a 55mm thread, unlike the Canon lens I linked.

[rjw123]

Hmmm, problem, the Sigma is a 55mm thread, unlike the Canon lens I linked.

So if I get the Sigma the Threads on it are 55mm

and the lens she currently has is probably a 58mm thread

Therefore, If I buy the sigma she will only be able to use the filters with her original lens. But if I buy the Canon Lens that you linked earlier. She will be able to use the Filters on both lenses.

Am i figuring this out here? haha

[CRE@TE]

So if I get the Sigma the Threads on it are 55mm

and the lens she currently has is probably a 58mm thread

Therefore, If I buy the sigma she will only be able to use the filters with her original lens. But if I buy the Canon Lens that you linked earlier. She will be able to use the Filters on both lenses.

Am i figuring this out here? haha

Yes, that is correct!

The advantage of the lens I linked is 'Image Stabilized' advantage is the ability to use this lens at slower shutter speeds without the need for a tripod. Helpful especially at the longer end of the focal zone.

[rjw123]

Yes, that is correct!

The advantage of the lens I linked is 'Image Stabilized' advantage is the ability to use this lens at slower shutter speeds without the need for a tripod. Helpful especially at the longer end of the focal zone.

Awesome!
alright heres what I'm looking at:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/543923-USA/Canon_2044B002AA_EF_S_55_250mm_f_4_5_6_IS.html

and

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/408014-REG/Hoya_GIK58GB_58mm_Introductory_Filter_Kit.html

Its a tough decision about the lens brand, and which one. But based on the fact that the filters will be compatible with both of her lenses if I get this one. And it has the Image Stabilizer.

So there we go I think I have finally found out what I was looking for! What do you think?

After shipping I am looking at about $300.00
My budget is around that region so it looks like I'm good to go. I can always grab the Fisheye add on thing for a small birthday present (january GO FIGURE) haha

Thanks for the help! Its much appreciated...

[lonelyjew]

Another solution would be to buy a step down filter that'll let you mount 58mm filters on a lens that has a 55mm filter thread.

The 55-250 is definitely a better lens than the 55-200, it's sharper across the board, it has an image stabilizer, and it has more reach but if you can't afford it you can't afford it.
edit*
NM then, good choice :)

[CRE@TE]

Yup, that should do the job!

You're welcome!

Happy Holidays!

[Technophile]

you should have a look at the lens sample photo archive on this forum. here is a link to sample photos from the ef-s 55-250 IS:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=459569

should give you an idea of what she can shoot with it.

[rjw123]

Happy Holidays to all of you as well... I will be back with an update to let you know how it goes over. Thanks again!