Starter lens and zoom range coversion

[roadsclr]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this board. About ready to go digital. I have been using an A1 since '85 and will be sticking w/ Canon. My plan is to buy the 20D. It seems to be the modern day equivalent of my trusty A1. Anyway, my question pertains to lenses. I'm considering two besides the standard 50 1.8. The 17-85mm F4-5.6 IS USM and the 28-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM. I'm looking for a primary lens to cover 75% of my shooting scenarios, primarily lanscapes, travel and some motorsports. My budget for starter lenses, including the 50mm is around $700. Are these lenses worth looking at or should I be looking at a different model. I prefer to stick w/ Canon lenses. Also, what is the calculation to convert the lens' zoom range over to standard 35mm zoom range? Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Jeff

[tim]

Welcome Jeff :)

Have a read of this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=56752), if you haven't already.

The 20D's a great camera, you should be happy with it. For lenses either of those you've mentioned are reasonable walkaround lenses. Another option is the Tamron 28-75 F2.8, you prbaboy understand the benefits of a wide aperture as opposed to IS so I won't go into that.

I'm just in the process of upgrading from the 50mm F1.8 to the 50mm F1.4 because of some focus issues i've been having, i'm tempted to recommend getting that instead of the 1.8. WIth the Tamron and 50mm F1.4 you'd still come in under $700.

[tim]

Oh - the conversion factor is 1.6 - so a 50mm lens is like an 80mm lens on your 35mm camera. Remember it's a crop factor, not a multipication factor - you lose the edges of the image, but nothing else changes. There are many arguments about this, I suggest you just avoid them and see what works for you.

[Tom W]

My thought is to look at your shooting habits with the A1 - determine what lenses or focal lengths you use the most. Divide those lens lengths by 1.6 and you'll have some idea of your most useful focal lengths.

If you intend to shoot motor sports, you'll likely do well to get into the longer end of things. How about the low-priced kit lens (18-55) and a good-quality telephoto zoom like the 70-200 f/4 L lens. You will definately need something longer than 135 mm unless you are able to get up close to your subjects on the track.

[roadsclr]

Thanks for all the input!

[tmunson]

I am new to SLR photography and decided to go digital. I bought the 20D 18-55 kit and am very impressed with it thus far. Shortly after my 20D purchase I bought the Cannon 28-135 IS lense and really like it. I am as amatuer as they get but really like this lense so far. I wanted a lense with image stabilization. Good bad or indifferent I am having a blast with the camera, which by the way is becoming a HUGE annoyance to the wife. "STOP TAKING PICTURES OF ME!". ;)