Starter EF glass

For $300, you could do pretty well with the 50mm f1.8 and the 28-105mm f3.5-4.5 USM. Since you said that you aren't too big into landscapes, you won't miss the wide end too much, and the extra reach is always nice to have. I have both, and they are pretty decent lenses. They aren't L quality by any stretch of the imagination, but i think that put together they would suit your use pretty well. Since you seem to be all over the place with what you want to shoot, I wouldn't get anything too specific to start with. If you want to do some macro stuff, pick up some extension tubes. It's cheaper than a macro lens, and you can use them with different lenses.

For that much money I vote for the 28-105. That is a decent lens. I upgraded to the 28-135 after having the 28-105 for a while and I didn't think it was that much better.

Given your limited budget and your stated interest, an EF 50mm f/1.8 and a set of Kenko extension tubes should carry you for a while.

SkipD wrote in post #2160010
Hey, folks.... The original post said that the camera being purchased is a 10D. That cannot use any of the EF-S lenses. Yet, several of you seem to be recommending the 18-55, 10-22, etc. Those won't work on a 10D.

17-85 and pluck out the rear baffle

Beentheredoneit....eve​n have 1D (1.3x crop) and 5D shots NOT very useful on either though! But a 10D should be ok. No kidding, I got the baffle out with two fingers. OK, one finger, one thumb

the tamron 28-75 is on a rebate period. ~$360 for optics close to L glass. build and AF wont compare to L's, but you'll still get some great pictures and decent performance. the best non-L portrait zoom on the market IMO.

steved110 wrote in post #2159099
I'd suggest get the 18-55 kit lens, and save for a dedicated macro lens - the EF 100mm macro would be my personal favourite.

I might be wrong but I don't think EF-S lenses fit a 10D ?? so the 60mm macro and also the Sigma 70mm are out.

The kit lens takes a lot of poor-mouthing but it really isn't that bad, and is a good alround sure-enough EF lens for people on a budget. I still use mine when I need a lens that is light and small/ discrete. Or expendable...

Most people get a basic zoom , like the kit lens, then a medium tele zoom in the 70/75-300mm range when starting out, then a macro. I'd suggest a flash unit as well.

I get the impression you can borrow nice lenses from your parents - what stuff do you have access to, and how often? This could influence your decisions on what to get.

But ultimately, I'm afraid your budget means you need to stick with the basics - they perform well enough, and you'll enjoy using them while you save up though.

The kit lens is ef-s tho

Criteria: Getting started. 10D. Canon EF mount. Cheap. Quality glass. Fast focus speed. Photo Essays. PJ. Events. Sports.

Opinion: Buy a used Canon 24-85 USM f/3.5-4.5, @ about $200 and a used Canon 100-300 USM f/4.5-5.6 @ about $160.
Both are lenses that perform well, and are found used at good prices. The old 100-300 is the cheapest lens Canon makes with rear element USM focus motor for sports servo focus speed.
This will do everything except wide angle landscapes and macro. A cheap +2 close-up filter on the front of the 100-300 will do non-macro close-up.

Best way to improve photos is a tripod. Any tripod is better than no tripod. Well, anyone that does not fall over...
Enjoy

unix04 wrote in post #2161550
the tamron 28-75 is on a rebate period. ~$360 for optics close to L glass. build and AF wont compare to L's, but you'll still get some great pictures and decent performance. the best non-L portrait zoom on the market IMO.

2nd

I would suggest, for around $300, the EF 50 f/1.4. Many swear by the f/1.8 version, but I hated it. The f/1.4 version will be with you for many years.

50 1.2L, 85 1.2L, 180 MacroL, 300 2.8 (already suggested.), maybe the 600L if you like to shoot birds.All will fit the 10D.

Thanks everyone!!

You guys gave me a lot more than I was expecting thanks sooo much!

J Rabin wrote in post #2161660
Best way to improve photos is a tripod. Any tripod is better than no tripod. Well, anyone that does not fall over...
Enjoy

Or a tripod which has plastic threads mating with aluminium ones. The threads strip within 20 frames on its first expedition, causing the head to fall off.

Ask me how I know....

Thank god the camera wasn't on the tripod at that time. I would have sworn off tripods forever if it was.

J Rabin wrote in post #2161660
Best way to improve photos is a tripod. Any tripod is better than no tripod.

Pods are for weaklings and ghurl-men. So is the Image Stabilization.
Make your choice....wanna pefect the steadiness of your handhold like a real man/woman, or you wanna join millions of effeminate pod and IS lens shooters.

Stan43 wrote in post #2161905
50 1.2L, 85 1.2L, 180 MacroL, 300 2.8 (already suggested.), maybe the 600L if you like to shoot birds.All will fit the 10D.

I wouldn't consider any of those starter glass... Hell, I don't think I even want any of them...

Petkal wrote in post #2162226
Pods are for weaklings and ghurl-men. So is the Image Stabilization.
Make your choice....wanna pefect the steadiness of your handhold like a real man/woman, or you wanna join millions of effeminate pod and IS lens shooters.

You crack me up. and you're not even running for office in California!