Upgrading my lens

Hi,

I am upgrading from my kit lens. I have a Rebel XS and I don't know what lens to get for portraits and group photos. I'd appreciate some suggestions. Thanks!!

Budget?

ps - welcome to the forum

Thanks for the welcome. I would like to get something in the 400-600 range but if need be I can go a little higher since I will probably be using it for a while. I also have plans to get a lens hood in this purchase so I do want to make it worthwhile.

PhotoMe80 wrote in post #10310329
I am upgrading from my kit lens. I have a Rebel XS and I don't know what lens to get for portraits and group photos. I'd appreciate some suggestions. Thanks!!

PhotoMe80 wrote in post #10310361
Thanks for the welcome. I would like to get something in the 400-600 range but if need be I can go a little higher since I will probably be using it for a while.

By kit lens, I assume you have the IS version of 18-55 (earlier Rebels came with the non-IS version, which had much worse image quality). The most common "next step" is to add the EF-S 55-250 IS, which is another lens offering great bang for the buck. However, this lens will not help with group shots. It will help you get tighter crop for single-person portraits, but due to the slow aperture, you won't be able to blur out the backgrounds.

If you've already outgrew the 18-55 IS, and as you said, you want a lens that you'll be happy for a while, consider the 15-85. On the wide end it will be visibly wider than your 18-55 (even though 15 seems to be only 3mm less than 18), allowing you to fit even large groups in. On the long end, 85mm is much longer than your current 55 (although it will not be able to blur out the background either). The image quality is much better than the 18-55IS throughout the zoom range.

The 15-85 is one of the best general-purpose lens for crop-format Canon DSLRs:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com …6-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx
http://www.photozone.d​e …eos/465-canon_1585_3556is

Best of all, the 15-85 is currently on sale for about $600:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …15_85mm_f_3_5_5​_6_IS.html


Alternatively, if single-person portraits are much more important to you than groups, you should consider getting a fast (large aperture) prime lens, which will allow you to get that nice blurred background (so the viewer's attention will be naturally drawn to the subject).

Two good choices are:
1. The Canon 85/1.8 (for tight head-and-shoulder portraits):
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_f_1_8_USM_Auto​focus.html (for about US$380)

2. The Sigma 50/1.4 (for slightly less tight composition):
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Normal_50mm_f_1​_4_EX.html (around US$500)

Thanks RetroBlader, this has been very helpful. Yes I was referrring to the 18-55 IS version.

For your budget, I would recommend a Tamron 17-50 2.8 (Constant aperture), and either the Canon 50 1.8 prime lens, or Canon 85 1.8 prime lens for portraiture. The 85 would be a better choice, but put you near the high end of your budget, but it's a fantastic lens for the price.

The Tamron 17-50 2.8 is a step up from your current kit lens, and even though it operates in the same focal length, but lacks image stabilization, it's a pretty large upgrade. It will also allow you to use Av mode in your camera to isolate the subjects in your photos a lot better than your current lens.

Another consideration is the Canon 55-250 IS telephoto lens, which is a great thing to have, if/when you feel like purchasing a telephoto lens because you require more reach, but it is not that great for portraits.

18-55 is a pretty good focal range for portraits and group photos....what don't you like about the lens you have?

Thanks shmoogy for the suggestions, I really appreciate it.

pol024 wrote in post #10314189
18-55 is a pretty good focal range for portraits and group photos....what don't you like about the lens you have?

It's funny you asked because I was thinking the same thing. I reviewed my test shots and the wide angle shots look like a high school class picture when you can see everyone but can't really make out their faces. I'm trying to take group photos where everyone is sharp. Maybe I don't know the right settings to use. Also I don't like the recommended lens hood for this particular lens. I think EW-60C is the recommended lens hood. Although, I do like this lens at 55.

Get two lens

Canon 85 1.8 and the sigma 30 1.4

+1 Jardiniboy

PhotoMe80 wrote in post #10314627
I I'm trying to take group photos where everyone is sharp. Maybe I don't know the right settings to use. .

maybe so, - you might want to resolve that before spending more money on lens!
hint: the smaller the aperture the sharper the people

Thank you to those who gave a newly added suggestion. I really appreciate them all. Thanks watt100, I will definitely try that. I was thinking the same thing even though I do want to add more lenses to my bag.

I was in the same boat not too long ago.
I bought two lenses through Craigslist, the Tammy 17-50 (non vc) and the 85 1.8. I also picked up the nifty fifty.

Very happy with my current lens lineup as I'm just an amateur.
The Tammy 17-50 is a good step up from the kit lens IMO. Sharper pics, better build construction, you just have to get used to the AF motor sound.

Love the 85 1.8.

why not post your test shots with the exif included so we can see what you are doing...you might be able to just change your camera settings and get what you want