First lens purchase recommendation

I don't know if this is the right section. What would be a good first lens purchase for me? I just barely started taking a small interest in photography, nothing major. I would use it mainly for shooting at my high school games and some nature. I have a 350D until I feel like I want to commit to this hobby though. The people over at overclock.net recommended a 50mm f/1.8 prime for a good walk-around lens. I currently have the kit lens, a 18-55mm non-IS.

+1 for 50 mm 1.8. This should be the first lens one should buy.

1. Get a 18-55 IS over the 18-55 non-IS. They tend to be around $100 used
2. Get 50 1.8 II for a fast prime
3. Get 55-250 IS for telephoto

Now you have the beginner kit. Then sell and rebuy as you feel appropriate based on how these treat ya.

Is the IS version of the 18-55mm really worth it?

themadman wrote in post #11805294
1. Get a 18-55 IS over the 18-55 non-IS. They tend to be around $100 used
2. Get 50 1.8 II for a fast prime
3. Get 55-250 IS for telephoto

Now you have the beginner kit. Then sell and rebuy as you feel appropriate based on how these treat ya.

+1 for this, completely agree. The 18-55IS is a great beginner lens and will cover a good walkaround focal range. Takes great pics for the money. the IS is nice if you can afford it, should be pretty cheap used here or on craigslist.

The 50 1.8 is awesome for shooting in low light. By far my favorite lens for such a low price. however, if you are on a budget i would skip this one as you already have that focal range covered with the 18-55

the 55-250 is a great zoom lens, especially with IS. the zoom will be key for sports and/or some nature shots (birds/zoos/etc)

yeah, it's decently sharp for what you pay

themadman wrote in post #11805294
1. Get a 18-55 IS over the 18-55 non-IS. They tend to be around $100 used
2. Get 50 1.8 II for a fast prime
3. Get 55-250 IS for telephoto

Now you have the beginner kit. Then sell and rebuy as you feel appropriate based on how these treat ya.

I would say skip the 18-55 IS and start with the 50mm 1.8. The 50mm is such an amazing lens especially for the price.

you can't go wrong with the nifty fifty.... excellent lens

Welcome to POTN. Enjoy the hobby.

JoshuaaT wrote in post #11805317
Is the IS version of the 18-55mm really worth it?

Yes.

I concur with the 55-250 IS recommendation too.

Consider substituting the 85/1.8 for the 50/1.8. It costs more, but it has blazing fast autofocus and the extra length will help with your sports shots.

for what you describe wanting to do...i.e. shots at your games...wildlife....55​-250mm would be better suited than the 50mm f1.8

55-250 might be too slow, depending on which game you are talking about

And 50 might be too wide, but will be reasonably fast....

Of the two, I'd go with the 50 and crop the pictures....the 55-250 might just give you lots of blurry pictures (or noisy since you'd have to bump up the iso to keep the speed down)

themadman wrote in post #11805294
1. Get a 18-55 IS over the 18-55 non-IS. They tend to be around $100 used
2. Get 50 1.8 II for a fast prime
3. Get 55-250 IS for telephoto

.

a good selection

JoshuaaT wrote in post #11805317
Is the IS version of the 18-55mm really worth it?

Yes. Not only does it have IS (obviously) it is also a newer, better lens. Worth the $100 or so. Depending on what you shoot it should be in the first three lenses you buy.

JoshuaaT wrote in post #11805317
Is the IS version of the 18-55mm really worth it?

definitely, it has significantly better optics than the non-IS version.