I have 200 to spend on a lens

I mostly shoot cars and I have a canon xsi with standard lens at the moment


What should I upgrade to? I like to work with zoom so it needs to have some good zoom, doesn't have to go farther than 200mm

Are you shooting cars from far away? Most car photos tend to be taken closer. 50mm are used for rolling shots.

a 17-85 IS EF-s is a great choice, but usually runs close to 250 on ebay. I had it for a while on my cropped frame and loved it.

how about

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS


I know it runs for a bit more but I can wait a bit

I actually found one for 170 local

I think the 18-55IS kit lens that you already have is one of the best for under $200.

Put the money towards a flash or something. Or save up another $200 and get a 70-200 f/4L

Save up for something decent imo

im afraid of the lack of IS feature on that 70-200mm, im still a beginer. How bad is it??

thanks for input btw

umm, a tripod would fix the non IS issue

PJmak wrote in post #9159157
im afraid of the lack of IS feature on that 70-200mm, im still a beginer. How bad is it??

thanks for input btw

I don't see what IS has to do with being a beginner or not. Yes it will help save some shots (beginner or pro), but if you really have no idea what you are doing then it doesn't matter either way.

The 70-200 f/4L non-IS is great for outdoors, I often will set my camera to ISO400 just to be safe with fast shutter speeds. Indoors you will need to use a flash or it's pretty limited.

You might also want to consider the EF-S 55-250 IS lens. It's suppose to be pretty good and cheaper then the 70-200s.

There is absolutely nothing more frustrating than an inexpensive lens. Be patient, save your money while learning to use what you have.

Well, $200 is a good start at saving for enough money.

EmmaRose wrote in post #9156418
Save up for something decent imo

chauncey wrote in post #9160093
There is absolutely nothing more frustrating than an inexpensive lens. Be patient, save your money while learning to use what you have.

Gatorboy wrote in post #9160281
Well, $200 is a good start at saving for enough money.

Listen to these intelligent, wise and knowledgeable folks. Be patient. Put it in the bank and save for a good lens. Excellent glass on a decent body will capture a better quality image than a cheaper, lower quality lens on the world's best body. Every bit of light in every image you take always has to come thru that lens. Make it the best glass you can.

Im going to have to agree with everyone here for sure. BUT that said if the 200 is STILL burning a hole in your pocket the 50mm 1.8 is a great cheap lens, but bare in mind after this lens you'll seriously need to start saving for some seriously good lenses.
When it comes to glass its never a good idea to buy a cheap one. Bodies come and go, good glass is forever.

I agree that you are approaching this from the wrong angle. Rather than saying I have x amount of money, what lens can I buy, you should be looking at the sort of photography you intend to do, decide which lens would allow you to achieve those aims, and then start saving.

Sorarse wrote in post #9164843
I agree that you are approaching this from the wrong angle. Rather than saying I have x amount of money, what lens can I buy, you should be looking at the sort of photography you intend to do, decide which lens would allow you to achieve those aims, and then start saving.

thats actually a better approach. +1!!

aaiezz wrote in post #9163444
When it comes to glass its never a good idea to buy a cheap one. Bodies come and go, good glass is forever.

When do you "bite the bullet" and get something to at least start shooting with?

If good glass is forever, why do people sell?