New Photographer looks or lenses to grab!

Heya, I'm new to "serious" photography (meaning buy expensive stuff and really getting into it) and I'm looking not only for some NEW lenses, but also to replace my existing lenses if needed.

Right now I'm shooting with a Rebel XS (I'm new D:< and using the kit 18-55mm IS and I also have a Tamron 70-300mm DL TeleMacro lens(bought this one back when I used a rebel 2000).

I know I need atleast one prime (nifty fifty at the top of the list) but I'm not sure what else, like replacing my zoom and...so on.

Any ideas that won't break the bank, that I don't have to actually break....but you know what I mean.

Welcome, Syntax!

I'd say the Nifty Fifty is a natural place to break into primes without breaking the banks.

The 'cheapest' upgrade for your 18-55mm would probably be something like the Tamron 17-50mm (f/2.8) in the $400 range. Anything cheaper would probably not give you much more than the standard kit lens.

As far as telephotos go, the 55-250mm w/IS is a pretty good budget option. Not too familiar with the Tammy that you already have, but just getting a tele with IS will be a significant upgrade.

I'd also recommend replacing your long zoom with the 55-250, which is a terrific lens. Pair this with your 18-55 and you'll have an excellent range.

As your second purchase, I'd recommend a flash unit. For your prime lens, there are lots of choices out there. The 50 mm is ok. If the budget allows it, you might also consider a 60 macro instead. It doesn't have quite such a wide aperture, but is a better lens in every other respect, and would allow you to explore close-up and macro photography as well. You can find them used for under $300.

17-50 for sure. fantastic lens. The 55-250 is, from what I hear, pretty good. I have never owned it. If you have a slightly bigger budget you might consider the 70-200 F/4L. Superb piece of glass. The 60 macro is great - very sharp and light. A flash does help if you shoot in less than ideal light. most of all, go shoot a ton of stuff and learn what you like the most. enjoy!

Syntaxxor wrote in post #9182586
Heya, I'm new to "serious" photography (meaning buy expensive stuff and really getting into it) and I'm looking not only for some NEW lenses, but also to replace my existing lenses if needed.

Right now I'm shooting with a Rebel XS (I'm new D:< and using the kit 18-55mm IS and I also have a Tamron 70-300mm DL TeleMacro lens(bought this one back when I used a rebel 2000).

I know I need atleast one prime (nifty fifty at the top of the list) but I'm not sure what else, like replacing my zoom and...so on.

Any ideas that won't break the bank, that I don't have to actually break....but you know what I mean.

A good approach is to use what you have and buy and replace lenses as needed for specific reasons.

You stated that you need 'at least one prime', but at least here in my location there is no such law. People are free to own as many primes as they want, including zero.

So....what do you want this one prime for? Why are you looking to replace your other lenses?

Get in mind what you cannot do with what you have now and the answer to what to buy next will become a lot more obvious.

The reason behind wanting atleast a single prime lens is to force me to move around and consider all the composition options of a shot; generally with zoom it goes pretty quickly, but if I have my 'target' and I'm limited to 50mm or 60mm (I love the idea of macro) then I'll be forced to think more about the composition before releasing the shutter.

I'm looking to replace the Tamron 70-300 because it has no stabalization and I constantly get blurred images at 300mm, which I think a tripod would fix, but...yeah. Also it has instances of extremely fuzzy images (bad sharpness)

MACRO is a big thing too, I love Macro shots, and my "Telemacro" lens isn't a true macro; they mainly just slapped that on the label for selling points.

Syntaxxor wrote in post #9183078
60mm (I love the idea of macro)

MACRO is a big thing too, I love Macro shots, and my "Telemacro" lens isn't a true macro; they mainly just slapped that on the label for selling points.

I think you just answered your own question- Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro

Two birds with one stone... It'd give you your 50-60mm prime (forget the nifty fifty) and a dedicated macro lens. You can usually find one in the "Sell" area here for under 350 dollars.

heres a word of advice. turn around and never say a word of this as this never happened. photography will rob you of your money! it starts of with one lens. then you want build quality so you pick L glass, then you wonder about another L glass similar to the one you have, then you are 20k in the hole, still wanting some more.

the three primes that i'd recommend are the 35 f2, 50 f1.8 II and the 85mm f1.8. those are all great prime lenses for your camera, now its up to you to pick the FL you desire.

I would buy:
a good tripod
a good flash
a macro lens
an ultra wide

when I had that I would likely pickup some reach like a 400 mm of some type.

I suggest the below if you can afford it:

Tamron 17-50mm Constant f2.8 non-vc $449.00 New
Canon 60mm F2.8 macro $392.00 New
Speedlite 430EX ii $250.00 New

Of course you can always search these suggestions used !

Best investment IMO

Flash, Canon 430EXII at least
Then EFS 50-250IS

Some good suggestions, definitely wanted a flash

Is there really a say so between first party and third party lenses?

You would not be disappointed with the Tamron 17-50 vs the 18-55 kit.

Syntaxxor wrote in post #9183671
Some good suggestions, definitely wanted a flash

If you are really on a budget, something like the Youngnuo YN462's will work.....and at $38 (US) it gives you pretty good bang for the buck. I was majorly skeptical about these babies....until I got one for a friend of mine (and thus sampled the goods briefly for myself before I gave it to him! ) And you know what? I was pleasantly surprised!

Obviously, if you can afford a better flash, then by all means get it !

I would look at getting a UWA. The cheapest route would be a used Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX. There are other more expensive options (Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX, Tokina 11-16mm, Canon 10-22mm, Tamron 10-24mm)

I got the Canon 10-22mm and it opened up a whole new world on a crop body.