-=Top 10=- Recommended Starter Lenses

thanks goatee, i just got the canon a while ago, and am still learning about it, and im kinda bewildered by the amount of gizmoes and gadgets out there, how do i find the compatibility? can most lenses be attached to my camerea, but the autofocus wont work? thats what im wondering, i know it may sound dumb, and soemthing that is obvious to you guys, i just dont want to spend money on something that wont work on my camera, all the stuff ive seen online isnt very user freindly, like the companies you order the stuff from seem to assume your going to know everything but theres stuff in my manual that doesent really tell me anything.....

Ok, any Canon EF fit lenses will fit on your camera - Canon EF-S lenses will not fit. If you're looking at lenses from any other manufacturers, make sure that they're not digital only (Sigma DC lenses are one example), because whilst digital only lenses physically fit on your body, they won't work properly (as the digital sensor is only 2/3 the size of a 35mm frame).

this guy really helped me out he explained everything i need to know to understand you guys right here! ^_^ http://photonotes.org …/beginner-faq/lenses.html

I would add the Tamron SP AF Aspherical Di LD 17-35mm 2.8-4 for a FF beginner. In Addition to this just the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM. If you start with a 1.6 crop you will just exchange the Tamron with the Tokina 12-24mm and live with the gap. My older daughter started with a Tamron 18-200mm on a Rebel XT I gave to her, she can later get some of my L lenses (just for a shooting!!!).
In my opinion it is anyway the eye behind the viewfinder that takes the picture, a bad lens cannot destroy a good picture, it could lower the value but you can do a lot with software (CF, distorsion and so on).

I think I'd also toss in my current personal favorite:

The Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 XR Di II.

Excellent quality, fast, and very affordable, has the same range as the kit lens, but is optically superior.

I thought about it for a while, it was a hard choice between a 50mm prime or the 17-40 but I eventually went with the latter. It's a decent quality lens, not that fast but manageable and pretty good value for what you get.

I cant seem to add my vote to the poll

Kit Lens
Sigma 75 - 300 Apo
EF 50mm 1.8
EF 28 -135mm Is USM
Tamron 28 - 75 Di etc

No L's No L's No L's No L's (oops Christmas is over)

should the sigma 17-70 not be on the poll?

I assume the 17-55 isnt up there because of price?

jonnypb wrote in post #2731077
should the sigma 17-70 not be on the poll?

That's the lens that would get my vote. Less than $400, good range and decent speed--it even comes with a hood. I do wish it was full time manual focus, though.

august23 wrote in post #2731137
I assume the 17-55 isnt up there because of price?

I believe that lens was released after the poll was created.

Coming back to this poll after a long time, what surprises me a bit is that there is only one fast prime in the 28-35 range (the 35/2) and it actually nearly takes last place (while at the same time the 50/1.4 and 50/1.8 couple has a very convincing lead).

After a long time of having the 50/1.8 (and subsequently 50/1.4) as most liked (and used) lens, I got the Sigma 30/1.4 EX and it quickly superseded the 50/1.4 as most used lens, because the focal length is (IMO) a lot more usable than the 50 on a 1.6x crop camera (which I assume is the logical choice as 'starter' camera). Mind you, I still fiathfully go for my 50/1.4 for uppoer body portraits, but for 'environmental portraits' or candids and just everyday pictures, the 30/1.4 is more useful for me. (Pretty boring actually, considering that a fast 50 was considered the 'natural' starter lens in the old days of film cameras, but IMO that was for a reason )

So ... my suggestion would be to also include the Sigma 30/1.4 EX, Canon 28/1.8 and 2.8 with this poll ... possibly as one choice like the 50/1.4//50/1.8. If you put price differences into consideration, the 30/1.4 EX might be bundled with the 28/1.8, and the 28/2.8 with the 35/2.

Best regards,
Andy

Another vote for the Sigma 17-70

i'm a beginner
for a beginner could be a good choice sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG MACRO ?

i have a 18-55
and i would like to buy a second lens

or what could i buy

This poll was started a long time ago. Is it worth starting this thread over with a more current line up of lenses? There are some notable gaps as some really popular lenses that seem to fit the bill aren't listed. Some that are listed are also limited availability now as well.