Poor man is poor. Looking at affordable zoom lens.

RobDickinson wrote in post #13067212
You just twist the other part of the barrel and the focal length changes, its not difficult..

If you use zooms, you're not doing serious photography. You're playing with toys.

Razeus wrote in post #13069932
If you use zooms, you're not doing serious photography. You're playing with toys.

Please tell me this was a sarcastic statement....

paperpants wrote in post #13066455
You could also consider the non stabilized Sigma 17-70 too. The pseudo macro is pretty fun to have in an everyday lens and they run around $200-250 used

I was going to suggest the same. Great range, pretty fast aperture (It's a full stop ahead of the kit lens at 50mm) great close focusing. I got mine for just over $200 used and it amazes me at the sharpness, especially on the wide end.

Razeus wrote in post #13069932
If you use zooms, you're not doing serious photography. You're playing with toys.

I am not sure which meter I need to use on that last statement...

tkbslc wrote in post #13069949
Please tell me this was a sarcastic statement....

It was.

Like many people already mentioned I think the 18-55 IS kit lens is your best best for < $100 used. Also like Mike mentioned later add a used 55-250 IS... Then you'll have the ultimate budget combo 50 1.8, 18-55, 55-250 all for ~$350 used...

If you really want to upgrade I would suggest finding savvy ways to make extra cash and save extra cash on the side...It's not very difficult...

msowsun wrote in post #13069979
I am not sure which meter I need to use on that last statement...

[GIFS ARE NOT RENDERED IN QUOTES]

[GIFS ARE NOT RENDERED IN QUOTES]

!!

Sell/swap the 550D for a 400/450D or 30D and pocket the 200$ or so. If that will afford you to buy the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, go for it!

If you're really on a sub $200 budget, your only practical option is the 18-55 IS (I or II really doesn't matter). I have it right now as my only lens, and the pictures stopped down 1 or 2 stops are pretty sharp (and increasing that with software helps too). Sigmas have too much quality control issues. Sure you can return the lens, but on a low budget that continual shipping they will probably make you pay becomes significant.

I think your most helpful response right now is:

I can't find the 18-55 IS for cheap. It doesn't seem like many people are selling it to begin with either. EDIT: Found one, PM'd. Trying... But I am poor.

I'm thinking of getting the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 later because that lens is probably going to be about the right wideness I need and I need it to be fast as possible. I'll be getting it much later because I have no clue when I'll have the dough for it.

[QUOTE=modelrailroader​;13070644] Sigmas have too much quality control issues. Sure you can return the lens, but on a low budget that continual shipping they will probably make you pay becomes significant.

I think ...QUOTE]

Such a broad and silly statement. Have you tried a Sigma lens ? Or do you read stuff on the internet, stupidly believe whatever is written, and then spit it out as end-all of truths ? Looking at your equipment list, I'd guess that it is the latter. Heck, on my last Sigma purchase, I saved enough to send the lens back to Sigma about 24 times. The lens before that- enough for 50 trips. And even getting a Canon lens is no guarantee of not having to send it back to Canon- because from what I read on this forum alone, Canon lenses, for example, sometimes need to be sent in for repairs, calibration and what-not. Now, if Canon had their QC issues under control, they would not need that, would they ? And a lot of these are VERY EXPENSIVE LENSES that they are talking about. It's the same risk with any manufacturer, no more, no less.


Like everything on the net, take what is written with a grain of salt. Be wary of trolls. Better yet, visit the lens photo archive threads and look at what specific lenses are capable of. And then decide if the lens is worth the risks.

Oh, yeah, I probably should update my equipment list- but then and again, I am not the one dissing one manufacturer or another.

Back to the subject: It's expensive to beat the Canon 18-55 IS for IQ. If you want f/2.8, there are choices from Sigma, Tamron, and Canon. Pick your price & poison. They all have their upsides and downsides. Price, IQ, and build quality vary- and not like one would think- that "more expensive is better" - it's not necessarily true!. In your shoes, I would agree, a flash, tripod, and go from there. A flash introduces a whole different aspect into photography. And sometimes, it's a necessary evil. I would wholeheartedly suggest a good flash before upgrading the kit lens- it opens up other avenues.

msowsun wrote in post #13063586
For now, just get yourself a used EF-S 18-55mm IS for about $100. Later you can add a used 55-250mm IS for about $150.

The combination of 18-55mm, 50mm 1.8 and 55-250mm is a VERY good set-up that will cover almost every situation you can imagine.

Later when you have more money, you can upgrade to more expensive lenses, but in reality, the increase in Image Quality will not be equal to the increase in lens cost. You will be paying more for things like faster focus, faster aperture, non-rotating front element, Full Time manual focus, etc. None of those things are really necessary to make a great image. They are nice to have, and can make life easier, but only if you can afford it.

This is really ALL that needs to be said. For someone on a budget, there isn't a better set of lenses to get. For the price of the budget Tamron 17-50mm, you can get all 3 of the Canon's.

TridenTBoy wrote in post #13078169
I can't find the 18-55 IS for cheap. It doesn't seem like many people are selling it to begin with either. EDIT: Found one, PM'd. Trying... But I am poor.

I'm thinking of getting the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 later because that lens is probably going to be about the right wideness I need and I need it to be fast as possible. I'll be getting it much later because I have no clue when I'll have the dough for it.

Saw someone offload the original for $80 the other day. Unless it's brand new, they all sell for $100 or less. Place some bids on 18-55 IS auctions, and you're bound to get a cheap purchase eventually... what with all those kit buyers who offload their lens on the cheap to afford something "better".

I personally like the budget kit. The 18-55, 55-250, and 50. I finally have found and stuck with this combo for most of my shooting. I spent about $350 on all three most of it the 55-250. Enjoy and dont get caught up in hype. Shoot, shoot, and shoot. If the lens doesn't work for you return or sell within 30 days and you get your money back at most places.