Recommendations for starter lenses

[drandy]

I have had a G1 for a while and am slowly becoming more hooked into the wonderful world of photography. While this has been a very good camera for my introduction into manual control vs. the standard point and shoot, I now feel that I would like to move into the digital SLR domain with a D-60. Before I purchase I am trying to work out a sensible starting budget. I know the camera cost and I know there probably is no limit to actual spending on accessories.

Now to my question - what would be a sensible starting lens' combination to cover my needs. My primary shooting would be outdoors rather than indoor. I like landscapes especially as well as general nature photography (not necessarily any macro work). I would also like to do some portraits as well both outdoor and indoor.

Are there a couple of lens' that would cover most of these applications. Is there a need to go to the "L" standard? Is it best to stick with Canon lens'? Are there good alternatives, ie Sigma? I am thinking that a $1500 spend is within my thinking. Am I off base here?

I realise that there will be a lot of varying opinions I am sure, but I hope that I can gain a consensus view from the replies. Finally (as if I haven't said enough!), any recommendations for places to purchase the lens' suggested would be appreciated.

Many thanks for any information

[pigasus]

In general, I think that Canon makes the better lenses. But not the cheapest. Sigma makes some very good glass in the EX range. But their quality control leaves something to be desired. On other forums, many talk of having to get 2 or 3 examples of a given lens before they get a good one.

My favourite, on the camera most of the time lens is the Canon 28-135 IS. It's not too heavy, not too pricey, it has IS (which I REALLY like) and I think the image quality is great. For your needs the 28 may be not wide enough for landscapes as on the D60 it is effectively 45mm. So another similar quality lens is the Canon 24-85. Even lighter in weight than the 28-135, but no IS.

If you go with the 28-135 and want something wider as well, you could get either a wide angle zoom or prime lens. These can be pretty pricey though as in order to get an effective 28mm you will need a 17mm lens. Sigma make a good wide angle zoom, I understand. And I've heard that the Tokina 17mm is no slouch.

If you want to go longer than 135, then I highly recommend the Canon 70-200f4. Fantastic quality, not too heavy, not too pricey. It would make a good partner for the 24-85. Also a 1.4x TC works well on the 70-200 if you want a longer reach (effectively gives you a 200x1.4x1.6=448mm focal length).

For me, the preferred configuration is the 28-135IS plus the Canon 100-400IS. With this combination I find I'm not constantly swapping between lenses.

If you want to see examples of photos taken with the 28-135 and the 70-200f4, have a look at my gallery site. I just got the 100-400 so there aren't any examples of photos with that lens yet.

As to where to buy the lenses, I'm in the UK so I can't help much there, except to say that B&H - www.bhphotovideo.com - seem to be mentioned a lot. I have purchased my lenses secondhand - which is a good way to save money and guarantee that you won't lose too much if you sell the lens on later.

Have fun. You're setting out on a great adventure!

[Longwatcher]

Just my experience:
When I got my D60 back in June, I ordered a Tamron 28-80mm lens and the Canon 75-300mm IS lens. There was a big difference in quality beteen the two, so I replaced the Tamron with the Canon 28-135mm IS lens (same as the one in post above). Much happier
Total cost for Camera and two Lens = US$3000.
You can add tax, shipping and handling.

Optionals include: Battery grip, remote control, filters, camera bag/case, tripod, 2x 550EX flashes, spare battery, 2x 256meg CF cards, 30gig picture pad (for travel), Canon S9000 Printer (My old one became disappointing after I got the D60) (add about $2500 more)

I also recently got the 16-35mm f2.6 L ($1360) because I needed a wider angle lens and I like the flexability of zooms. Fortunately I could not find a cheaper lens that suited my pruposes, because I really like this lens.

So in total for a full range set, I would guess I have spend around $6800 for everything I have gotten since June. (not counting ink and paper for printer)

You can probably get away with about $3000 for camera and a couple of medium range lenses.

From what I have heard you will be most satisfied going with Canon Lenses on the D60, even if they may be a bit more. I get excellent shots from my two Image Stabilized lenses and I have printed 13x19" prints that are photographic quality off my S9000. Especially the 75-300mm IS lens, which ran about $500 when I bought it.
Again just my experience and opinion.

[Phil Hall]

I think the Canon 28-135 IS is really good value(

[imago57]

I just got my D60 and I decided to get only one lens for now, so I opted for the Canon 28-200. Even though I don't see many posting about this lens I can tell you that I am very happy with it. My next purchase will be a prime wide angle.
Good luck.

[drandy]

Thank you to everyone who has replied so far. It doesn't look as though I need to go the the Bank Manager for a second mortgage to buy the lens'! Any more comments are still welcome.

[Morden]

I agree that Canon's 28 - 135mm IS is a good 'starter' lens; it is good quality, covers a useful range, is affordable, and has the wonderful Image Stabiliser system!

[Greg M]

If all my equipment were stolen or lost the first lens that I would replace would be my 28-135 IS. If you need wider you can add the Sigma 20 1.8 EX which is an excellant lens.

http://www.mocanu.com/gallery/list.php?exhibition=15&pass=icestorm

All of the above pics were taken with my 28-135 IS.

As far as where to buy I would buy from any of the following that have the best price.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/default.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=StartLink__Aindex_html
http://www.bestpriceaudiovideo.com/default.asp
http://www.canogacamera.com/e/env/0001aTgBGXr3fFY7eQ2B5f2/index.html?link=/index.html
http://www.deltainternational.com/
http://www.samys.com/home.php

Don't worry about grey vs US because Canon warranties both.

[Sheila]

I was in the same boat but I had a G2. I did as you are doing now and asked around the forums such as Fred Miranda and DPReview. My first lens was the EF28-105 which is a good all round inexpensive workhorse. I then bought the 70-200 L f/4 which is a superb L lens, lighter and cheaper than the 2.8. After trying out a Tokina 16-35 which did not focus with my D60, I bought the wide angle Canon EF 20-35. I am happy with my selection of lenses as it just about covers all my areas of photography. I also have the cheap as chips Canon EF50 mm 1.8 which I use with my Kenko tubes for macro stuff. I strongly recommend that you take a look at the Canon survey of lenses at http://www.cmpsolv.com/photozone/resultEOS.htm

Cheers and good lens hunting!
Sheila