Lens Question for XTi

[TexasRose]

I received the Canon Rebel XTi from my husband and along with it an EFS17-85mm f/4-5/6 USM lens. Boy, was that a mouthful. Especially for me, knowing zip about lenses. This lens was wonderful on our vacation, and boy, being older now, I love the IS factor!!

However, I would love to have another lens that would be good for taking photos indoors of my granddaughter (and maybe someone else once in awhile:p). I'd love to just use available light when possible.

Could any of you brilliant knowledgeable photographers lend a hand here and give some advice? Someone mentioned a 55 mm. But I see so many of them available. As I said, I know nothing of lenses.

Any advice at all would be so so appreciated. Thanks so much to all of you for your help and your warmth.

[Chuck S.]

Hi, Neighbor!

The Canon 50 mm f 1.8 II is a very economical ($80) autofocus lens that many Canon folks have (myself included). There are also a couple somewhat faster lenses: 50 mm f 1.4 (about $285), and 50 mm f1.2 $1360). Remember that on a DSLR the smaller sensor vs. 35 mm film means that the 50 mm lens has a view that looks more like an 80 mm lens, which makes it excellent for portraits.

[LeeOtsubo]

I just developed and conducted a custom workshop for a student who had the 17-85/4-5.6 IS USM and wanted to take photos of her grandkids indoors. The first thing I recommended was that she buy either the Canon 50/1.4 (~US$300) or 50/1.8 (~US$80). She bought the 50/1.4 because it's a bit faster (gathers more light) and has a better build (more robust). Those are among Canon's best values in low light lenses.

[TexasRose]

Chuck and Lee,

Sorry to be late, but just wanted to thank you both so much for your help and expertise. My only problem now is in the decision making process...but that's typical for me. I keep reading the pros and cons of each, and now I'm sort of going eenie-meenie-miney-mo.

I do appreciate your help.

And Lee, I would love to take your Photo Course one of these days. Hopefully autumn will afford me some quiet time to do this.

Thanks again!

[lowbone]

I have both the 50mm f 1.4 and the 85mm f 1.8. For my taste the 85mm f 1.8 is a better portrait lens. Since you have the 17-85mm lens already why dont you try setting it at 85mm and then at 50mm to see which field of view pleases you. Then you will know which lens to get. Remember though, neither of these lenses has the advantage of IS

[LeeOtsubo]

...Since you have the 17-85mm lens already why dont you try setting it at 85mm and then at 50mm to see which field of view pleases you. Then you will know which lens to get. Remember though, neither of these lenses has the advantage of IS

That's a good idea. My rationale for recommending the 50/1.4 or 50/1.8 is based on a 30" subject in a "typical" US living room of about 15'x20'. An 85mm lens would be too long unless you're at one end of the room or the other. A 50mm would allow you to sit on the floor in the middle of the room and get a full length shot at every distance in the room.

I assumed the subject was a young child running around on a sugar high. If the subject is a young adult who can be posed, the 85/1.8 might be a good choice. But, if the subject can be posed, even the 17-85/4-5.6 would do by increasing ISO and using a slow shutter speed with a tripod.

[michelleg]

I have two young children that i take lots of photos of indoors with low light. The 50 mm NEVER comes off my camera. I use it outside too when I don't think I will need a zoom it's my favorite lens.

I wish I had sprung for the 1.4, but the 1.8 is serving it's purpose very well :)

[TexasRose]

Michelle and Lowbone,

Thanks so much. Good to hear from someone who has those little ones around, Michelle. I don't get to see my Granddaughter too too often, but she is my heart's delight. So thank you so much for your input!

And Lowbone, thanks for your help. It helped!! I hope to keep learning, and thanks to all of you, and the lack of criticism, I feel that I will. Thanks so very much.