Help with a lense

Hey guys, I've been going through a few threads about different lenses. I was hoping some of you guys/gals could help me pick me out one. I'm a beginner, and was looking for a lense that could capture quick movements, good sharpness, and bokeh. I was looking at a zoom lense as well from 18-75 or 50-200. Any ideas or advice would be great. Thank you.

Oh I also forgot to mention good in low lighting. My budget is around 400-800.

Welcome to the forum. What body are you using, what lenses do you already own, what is your budget?

I just bought a canon 40D, and it came with the stock 18-55 lense. I took it to my friends musical yesterday and after shooting with it, I realized I need some lenses. Couldn't capture moving object, and it blurred. Budget is around 300-800 at most, but if it's an extra 100, I can probably manage.

Ninjaphotog wrote in post #9032184
I just bought a canon 40D, and it came with the stock 18-55 lense. I took it to my friends musical yesterday and after shooting with it, I realized I need some lenses. Couldn't capture moving object, and it blurred. Budget is around 300-800 at most, but if it's an extra 100, I can probably manage.

do you have sample pics? are you sure it isn't user error? what settings were you shooting on? what ISO? auto ISO? Av? manual?

if you were shooting a musical, I assume you mean a stage settings where lighting probably isn't perfect.

there are lenses to help specific situations, but you said you were a beginner and I would make sure user error wasn't the cause before you spend $800 and suffer through the same problems.

CosmoKid wrote in post #9032537
do you have sample pics? are you sure it isn't user error? what settings were you shooting on? what ISO? auto ISO? Av? manual?

if you were shooting a musical, I assume you mean a stage settings where lighting probably isn't perfect.

there are lenses to help specific situations, but you said you were a beginner and I would make sure user error wasn't the cause before you spend $800 and suffer through the same problems.

Here are some of the pics I took at the show, they aren't great, so I apologize.
http://www.flickr.com …/44751395@N05/4​113334245/
http://www.flickr.com …/44751395@N05/4​113332619/
http://www.flickr.com …/44751395@N05/4​113329333/

It had some pretty good lighting, but still want a new lens, since this is my only one.

Ninjaphotog wrote in post #9034059
Here are some of the pics I took at the show, they aren't great, so I apologize.
http://www.flickr.com …/44751395@N05/4​113334245/
http://www.flickr.com …/44751395@N05/4​113332619/
http://www.flickr.com …/44751395@N05/4​113329333/

It had some pretty good lighting, but still want a new lens, since this is my only one.

your EXIF is not in tact when i looked at the photos. hard to know what settings you were shooting at.

i can understand you wanting a new lens. but you might not want to spend the money on a short zoom if you can work with what you have.

This might help a little bit...

I always recommend trying to get the utmost out of your equipment before giving up on it and buying additional gear.

You have overexposed your subjects slightly. This often happens when shooting stage lit subjects because the camera will try to evaluate and compensate for the entire stage being dark. If you cut the exposure a stop or so, you could have increased the shutter speed.

Your 40D camera has a spot metering capability, I would use the spot metering which will provide more accurate exposure for the actors. Also shoot with "Auto Exposure Bracketing" in a three shot burst mode while using Aperture priority metering. This will give you several shots at different shutter speeds. Additionally, often the middle shot of a three shot burst will evidence the least camera shake.

Boosting the ISO to 800 or even 1600 might give you a faster shutter speed. The 40D does a pretty good job at high ISO settings and you can reduce any noise in post processing.

If possible, a monopod will reduce camera shake.

However, it might be time for a new lens or two...

The 18-55mm IS kit lens has a variable aperture and it stops down to f/5.6 darn quickly as you zoom in. This is pretty slow for stage productions. If you intend to shoot a lot of stage stuff, it might be worthwhile to invest in a faster prime lens or two which will allow you to maintain a faster shutter speed.

The 50mm f/1.8 or even better the 50mm f/1.4 would be a fairly good lens for medium shots of the stage while the 85mm f/1.8 would be great for closer shots of the actors. Neither of these lenses will break the bank in cost. Of course, when you are shooting at f/1.8 or so, the depth of field is pretty narrow (there's no free lunch in photography).

@RPCROWE Thank you for the advice. I will need to read and look more at the 40D's settings. I guess I'm getting anxious after seeing all these photo's on here. I know I won't be pro anytime soon. I was looking at both the 50mm f/1.4and the 85mm f/1.8. Thank you

I would highly recommend you getting a fast prime. The first prime I got was the 50mm 1.8 and I never looked back. I hear the sigma 30 1.4 is pretty good and gives a nice focal length for a crop sensor.

Try it, you won't be sorry

Ninjaphotog wrote in post #9035022
@RPCROWE Thank you for the advice. I will need to read and look more at the 40D's settings. I guess I'm getting anxious after seeing all these photo's on here. I know I won't be pro anytime soon. I was looking at both the 50mm f/1.4and the 85mm f/1.8. Thank you

You'll be surprised how much you can learn, especially with time spent on these forums. Lots of experienced people here willing to help others like yourself. What kind of low light situations do you want to shoot in? Is it primarily stage/play situations?

@MIGS I will definitely look into still learning what lens works well with a crop sensor. Confusion!

@Jeff- I'm looking into concert's actually, but really want to do wildlife, urban/industry, scenary or nature. That's probably what I'm really looking at overall, might be to wide in lenses, but I don't mind trying to save up for these different kinds.

I'd also recommend the Sigma 30mm f/1.4, as mentioned it's fantastic on a crop sensor. For extra reach the 85mm f/1.8 is really great to have as well.

If you are thinking of just a zoom, it's hard to beat the Canon 17-55 f/2.8IS. I've ordered the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 VC, which should be very similar to the Canon variant, but until more reviews are out I can't say "it's just as good". The Canon 17-55 has USM too, for fast focusing. If you check my zenfolio under the band pics, half were done with 85mm and half were done with Canon 17-55 IS.