I really need your advice!!!

Hello!

I've been playing around with my amateur camera OLYMPUS D560Z for about 2 years now, but I think that I finally need to move on now and buy a semi - professional camera that will allow me to go crazy, be as creative as possible and also shoot very good quality photos.

Obviously, I can't afford to buy a very expensive camera. I checked all possible web sites and reviews and I finally decided to go for a 400D (XTi Rebel). I believe it is a good choice for someone who has just started flirting with photography on a more serious level.

However, my problems start with the incapacity to find the lenses that would fit best my photographic interests. I shoot portraits (mostly close ups), artistic nudes and people (in general). Occasionally, I like taking photos of landscapes, waterscapes and animals.

After having checked the reviews out there and several websites, I decided to buy the following lenses for my future 400D:

1) The standard Canon EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5 - 5.6
I know this is not the best choice, but my husband will get to use the camera as well (for snap shots etc). He is not particularly fond of photography; therefore, I wouldn't want him to carry expensive lenses with him, if he goes on a field trip.

2) Canon EF 50mm F/1.4 USM
Initially I thought of buying the 1.8, but the reviews and photo samples I've seen so far prove that the 1.4 is much better. Since my main focus is portraiture, I am willing to spend almost 400 dollars on this one.


3) Canon EF 70-200mm F/4 L
I can't afford the IS, but I think this would provide me with what I need for animals / landscapes / people photos. A lot of my friends own this one and I've seen the products (they are fantastic!). Also, the reviews are very favorable.

Please let me know if my choices are legitimate. I wouldn't want to spend on lenses that do not fit my interests in photography. I've read a lot of threads on this forum, but I decided to ask for advice from you (since you already own the camera and the lenses).

Thank you so much in advance. I really appreciate your help.

I absolutely love my 80-200 2.8 for portraits. It is on my camera more than any other lens. I would say try to go for the 70-200 2.8 even if you had to go with the sigma version. Also, most would probably say 85 1.8 over the 50 1.4 especially if you like close ups. And then the 18-55 or the 18-55is.

Oh, and welcome to POTN!

gratzi9274 wrote in post #5525480
*snip*

1) The standard Canon EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5 - 5.6
I know this is not the best choice, but my husband will get to use the camera as well (for snap shots etc). He is not particularly fond of photography; therefore, I wouldn't want him to carry expensive lenses with him, if he goes on a field trip.

*snip*

If you want a cheapie lens in the standard range, look into the IS model of the kit lens.
CLICK

Canon Rebates come out on the 18th, so you may want to wait till then to purchase anything.

tokina 50-135 f/2.8. excellent and versatile lens. it's like having 50mm, 85mm, and 135mm primes..

adam8080 wrote in post #5525523
Canon Rebates come out on the 18th, so you may want to wait till then to purchase anything.

Thanks for letting me know. I intend to buy everything this summer when I get some money. I checked your suggestion 85 1.8 and the reviews + sample photos are amazing. Also, the price is similar to the 50mm 1.4. Thank you so much. I think I'll go for this one.

cito17 wrote in post #5525509
If you want a cheapie lens in the standard range, look into the IS model of the kit lens.
CLICK

It's almost 210 dollars. The non IS one is less than 100 dollars. Will I use that lens? (if I buy the others).

Auto focus is also better. Sigma is coming out with a 50 1.4 too, but price hasn't been released yet. Also buying used especially the older models ie: 80-200 instead of the 70-200 will save you some money too. don't forget tripod/monopod, batteries, bag, memory cards, etc...

gratzi9274 wrote in post #5525626
It's almost 210 dollars. The non IS one is less than 100 dollars. Will I use that lens? (if I buy the others).

The non IS version is an alright lens. It is great if you don't have the money for more lenses at the moment, and need something wider than 70mm or 50mm.

gratzi9274 wrote in post #5525626
It's almost 210 dollars. The non IS one is less than 100 dollars. Will I use that lens? (if I buy the others).

Yes.

IQ of this lens at maximum aperture (wide open) is about equal to the older kit lens, the non-IS version, at F/8-F/11. IOW, it is usable throughout the aperture (and zoom) range, and has IS to boot. This makes it extremely usable for anybody, with good results as well, under more than just bright sunny circumstances.

Furthermore, for landscapes you'll need something at the wider end, which is what this lens provides. My most used set-up for landscapes is the 10-100 mm range, on a crop camera like the 400D/XTi.

You'll have the 18-55 IS, the 70-200, and possibly the 85 F/1.8 (or 50 F/1.4). That'll cover the most used FLs nicely. The gap between 55 and 70 you don't need to worry about.

BTW, you could also consider the EF-S 60 F/2.8 macro, which is fabulous for portraits, landscapes, candids, and macro work of course . It is also about the same price as the 50 F/1.4 and the 85 F/1.8; maybe slightly cheaper even.

HTH, kind regards, Wim

gratzi9274 wrote in post #5525480
1) The standard Canon EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5 - 5.6

Get the newer version, like others have already suggested. The old kit lens is widely regarded as the worst kit lens of any dSLR of any brand. Not only does the newer version have image stabilization, but its updated design produces less distortion and more sharpness too. Definitely well worth the extra cost over the older kit lens.

gratzi9274 wrote in post #5525480
2) Canon EF 50mm F/1.4 USM

A good choice.

gratzi9274 wrote in post #5525480
3) Canon EF 70-200mm F/4 L

The lack of image stabilization on a slow telephoto lens is a big problem, especially if you don't plan on lugging around a tripod. You're better off with an image stabilized consumer zoom lens @ ISO 200, than handholding an "L" lens with ISO 800 exposures.

I would suggest you go for the EF-S 55-250 I.S. lens, which costs only a small fraction of the 70-200L. The ~$400 savings you get could be used for something else, like an ultra wide lens (Tokina 12-24) or macro lens (100 f2.8 Macro).

For savings, you might want to look into complete kits being sold in many places (including Costco). It's cheaper to buy the camera with 18-55 IS with 55-250 IS together as a kit, than separately.

Also note that the latest Canon driver updates include compatibility for an EOS 1000D (a.k.a. Rebel XS), currently a non-existant model. Most people assume it'll be a very cheap low-end model. I'm thinking it will be nothing more than a re-badged XTi. Whatever the case, it might be wise to hold off on the XTi for a couple of weeks until Canon makes the EOS 1000D official.

Thank you, Strawberry Fields, for the extended reply. I'm going to do some research about the suggestions you made. I know that the XSi aka 450D is out. I intend to buy my camera and lenses sometime this summer (I anticipate it will be in August), so hopefully we'll hear something about the 1000D.

good choice on the XTi. I think the 70-200 f/4L is a little overdose for you. For now, the 85 1.8 would suit your needs *perfectly*. If you do want long zoom, get the 55-250 IS or 70-300 IS.

Hi and welcome to the forums!

I love the 50 1.4--I could upgrade but this one suits me so well, I haven't.
I have the 70-200 f/4 no IS and also don't see any reason to upgrade--I only use it usually outdoors so it's just fine as is and is lightweight and easy to lug around.

I think you'll just love the XTi so much, that even with the kit lens, you'll be thrilled for quite awhile. I know I was--took it to Europe and all around for 2 years just getting used to the camera. So whatever you decide, you're sure to enjoy the upgrade with that camera!

Cheers.