Going round the Lens Bendzzzz

[Nabil-A]

Despite having read and reread the many posts relating to newbie lens recommendations, lens comparisons, lens performance and characteristics, read the reviews at fred mirandas site im finding that rather than my lapparant lens selection options growing clearer, im growing more and more confused.

I just dont know which way i should go.

Here is my current predicament. Just ordered the 20d with kit lens, which i now know will prob not be good enough howeve will get me kick started with learning ins and outs of 20D, so anticipate selling later on, but not sure as i havent used it yet (just relying on previous posters feedback).

First Priority - Portraiture lens
My main aims are for general walk about photography, but i can envisage lots of portraiture (babies, weddings) - based around lots of envisaged family events - so nice bokeh is essential. (i read more and more about the sharp quality about the 50mm 1.8 but also lots about undesirable bad bokeh. :(

Second Priority - Will be outdoor zooms.

Constraints. are budget, im looking for good quality glass at a good price (Arent we all?). Put it this way. the 50mm 1.8 sounds good, and cost is great, is the 1.4 really that much more better to substantiate 3 times the price?

I must be a complete nob, cause i still cant make a decision after spending so much time reading other feedback.

[tim]

Get a Tamron 28-75 F2.8, it's a great walkaround lens, it's what I use all the time.

The 50mm F1.4 is much better than the 1.8, it has a more accurate focus USM motor, and is better at everything. I sold my 1.8 because I wasn't happy with it, even after Canon calibrated it, the 1.4 is a keeper.

[scott stokes]

i second the 28-75 2.8 tamron,great lens.

[HJMinard]

I would second (edit ... third!) the nomination of the Tamron 28-75 as an outstanding, relatively affordable, all-purpose zoom lens. Bokeh is very subjective, but in my opinion it's not one of this lens' strong points.

Another lens to consider - specifically for portraits - is the Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM. Again, relatively affordable at about $340 ... highly regarded for sharpness and bokeh qualities.

As for outdoor zooms, the best deal going in high quality lenses continues to be the Canon 70-200 f/4 L ... the best lens anywhere at it's price level ($550?).

[condyk]

Great recommendations ... for Bokeh I would prefer the 1.4 over the 1.8 I think, otherwise I'd probably go for the 1.8 and put some cash in to the walkaround side or maybe a flash. I really like the 85mm too.

I agree the Tamron is a great buy and I'd also add the Sigma 24-70mm 2.8 DG Macro to the mix and choose on whether I want a bigger and heavier lens with a nbetter build or the lighter Tamron. Not sure the difference in image quality is worth worrying about. Both excellent.

[xuxu1]

First Priority - Portraiture lens
Second Priority - Will be outdoor zooms.

I must be a complete nob, cause i still cant make a decision after spending so much time reading other feedback.
Well at least it looks like your going the proper way. Instead of asking other people for suggestions what to buy try this first...

1) Get as much of objektiv information about all Canon and third party lenses that will fit and work on your camera body.

2) Make a priority list (looks like you´ve already started making one).
___a) what kind of shooting do i want to do first?
___b) what lenses are available for that kind of photography?
___c) how much does each lens cost? (list only the affordable).
___d) do i have enough money to be able to buy that lens? (if not, am i willing to wait and keep on saving or should i jump to another lens)
___e) is the build quality the handling typ (example push/pull or twist on zooms) ok for me?
___f) .... to be continued.

As soon as you have circled in which lenses will be in the closer selection, then start asking other people about there experiences and suggestions. Be aware... at the end, it´s still up to you which lens your going to buy first.

... and don´t make the mistake of rushing yourself or letting someone else rushing you into something you will reget later on!

Sorry for my poor english. I´m not a native speaker. But i do hope you understand what i´m trying to say. :)

Kind Regards
ED