Things to look for in a new lens

[lexcell]

There has been some great discussion on focal lengths of lenses, fast lenses for low light and the like. I would like to list the things I consider important to look for when buying a new lens.

-First, I consider what focal length I need to cover the area I want in my frame. A wide angle to include alot of area in my image or a telephoto to isolate the subject from the background.

-Second, I decide whether or not I need a prime (fixed focal length lens) or a zoom to best suit my needs.

-Third, is the zoom a variable aperture 3.5-4.5, 4-5.6, etc or a fixed aperture lens 2.8, 4.0, etc. A fixed aperture lens will cost more but, will allow me to shoot in lower light and/or use selective focus to make my subject pop from the background. A fast lens is also brighter and easier to see through and is easier to focus in lower light.

-Fourth, I look at the minimum focus distance of the lens. Will it get me close enough to my subject to fill the frame the way I want it.

-Fifth, I want my lens to be AF-S (USM for Canon shooters) if possible. It is quicker and quieter focusing and allows me to reach up and take control of the focus if I need to rather than having to switch the camera or lens to manual which requires me to take my eye from the viewfinder.

-Sixth, if the lens has ED/L/APO designation, it means that I will have a sharper image. These type of lenses reduce fringing and other artifacts that can reduce the appearance of sharpness.

-Seventh, I do look to see what the filter diameter is. It's nice to have most of the lenses the filter size so, I don't have to buy and carry alot filters of varying sizes.

-Finally, while I am not frivolous with my money, weight and cost are not my primary concern. Once I have selected the best lens for my needs, I pony up the money and lift weights so I can carry all the extra weight.

While I do photograph for a living, I think these guidelines will help you in making intelligent buying decisions. You can rearrange the order of importance to suit your own budget and needs.

[Elemobe]

Thanks Laurie,

I have printed this out - very useful.

[kImages]

Great advice Laurie. Can you make this a sticky in this subforum?

[lexcell]

OK, I think I made it sticky.

[Joe M]

Thank You Laurie.

I have found that lens buying has given me the most confusion of anything in photography. Your post has really helped make things clearer.

[Whiplash-GT]

great read Laurie..

the only things i might add are
1) "research"
even tho some of the more expensive lenses carry one certain designation or another, there just might be better out there
read what those that are in the know say about said considered lens (especially in the telephoto lineup)...there's a possibility there might be one close to the same range that gets much better results (like an old E series i saw today...a cheapie but considered one of Nikon's BEST!!)

also,
2) what are your intentions down the road?
are you sure you want that DX lens? cuz when you go drop the 5G+ on that pretty new D3 you may as well have just bought the D300 or even a D40 for that matter
IMO, if you want a D3 eventually, invest in full frame now
it might mean a little more work to get that picture now (which isn't always a bad thing), but the savings in RE-investment could be a small fortune :)

this is where i'm at right now..
i'd love a 17-55, BUT maybe the 20-35 and 35-70 might serve me better down the road ;)

[lexcell]

I definitely agree on doing your homework. I would look to photographer's whose work you admire and shoot similar subjects to see what equipment they shoot with. That's a pretty good endorsement.
Be careful of the negative things you read and make sure the poster is truly knowledgeable...often times a lens will get a bad rap when it is really operator error.
If it is a big investment, you might want to consider renting the lens you think you want first to make sure it lives up to your expectations.

As Whiplash pointed out...if you are thinking of full frame down the road, avoid the DX type of lenses now so you don't have to reinvest in lenses later.

[Bob_Benner]

One big mistake that one can make is to want one lens, but to buy another like it because the one they really want is not in their price range. Be patient and save for the lens you really want or else you will wind up wondering and thinking "what if I had just waited". This happened to me when I bought my first telephoto zoom. I really wanted the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens but I wound up buying a sigma 70-300mm lens. 5 months later I sold the sigma, lost money on the deal and then bought the Nikon 70-200 mm f/2.8 VR and have never regretted it. Be patient, buy once, and be happy.

[panamma@orbitelcom.com]

I need an opinion. I recently bought an XTi,with the kit lens and a 50 mm1:1:8. I like the 50mm, but I need a wider angle. I have some leeway with budget but can't go off the deep-end. I want a more versatile lens because it's difficult changing lenses every other shot. And even close ups are hard with the 50mm because I have to step back to get enough in the shot. Ideally, I'd like to be able to do a wider angle, and also zoom in for closer shots. The store rep recommended the canon 28-200 f/3.5-5.6, but some reviews online said that was adequate but not really great. I think I have decided on the speedlight 430ex flash. Given that, can you recommend a good lens for under $1000, if there is such a thing?

[Bob_Benner]

If you want semi wide but dont need to go very long check out the canon 17-40 f/4.0 L. It produces great images and is priced decently for an L lens.

[Chuck S.]

Another Canon lens that's popular is the 17-85 mm zoom. Some recent reviews have been a little tepid, but it sure does have a following. It's in the $500 range ($450-$520 lately). 5-to-1 zoom and a decent wide angle at 17 mm (equivalent of 28 mm in film SLR).

[lexcell]

The big difference between the two lenses is light gathering ability...the 17-40mm is a faster lens. It is an L lens which is Canon's higher grade of lens. It focuses down to 11"
The 17-85mm has IS which almost makes up for the slower speed, it has a longer reach and it focuses down to 13.8"

[mariangela]

Forgive me if I'm posting this in the wrong place.

I'm about to buy a DSLR, and have decided on the Canon EOS Rebel XSi, partly because of the size and weight--it's the one that feels comfortable in my hands (and it gets good reviews). It comes in a kit with the EF-S 18-55mm IS lens, but a very accomplished photographer friend is advising against that particular lens. Instead, he's recommending a 17-85 mm lens, which is much more expensive.

I've been reading the thread on walking around lenses, and have noted the favourites mentioned there. What I'd like to know is, does anyone have any experience of the Canon 18-55 mm lens? I've read mixed reviews.
Thanks for any advice.
AGG

[Inspeqtor]

Forgive me if I'm posting this in the wrong place.

I'm about to buy a DSLR, and have decided on the Canon EOS Rebel XSi, partly because of the size and weight--it's the one that feels comfortable in my hands (and it gets good reviews). It comes in a kit with the EF-S 18-55mm IS lens, but a very accomplished photographer friend is advising against that particular lens. Instead, he's recommending a 17-85 mm lens, which is much more expensive.

I've been reading the thread on walking around lenses, and have noted the favourites mentioned there. What I'd like to know is, does anyone have any experience of the Canon 18-55 mm lens? I've read mixed reviews.
Thanks for any advice.
AGG


I own the Canon XSi, but I got the kit lens. I do not have the 17-85 lens. From what I know of Canon lenses, you would be very happy with the 17-85 lens. Canon lenses (like Nikon) are top quality.

I am sure someone else will be along to add more about the 17-85 lens.

[BruceM]

I bought my XSI back in May, and the kit lens was the 18-55, however I worked a deal with the supplier and got the 17-85 instead. I am very pleased with the results. I can't speak to the 18-55 as I have no experience with it nor do I know of anyone using it.

[Inspeqtor]

I should have added my kit lens (18-55) has been very good. There are times I wish it had a slight bit more zoom.

[RonH]

I don't have experience with either but certainly there is an advantage to the longer range of focal length of the 17-85. That size will do a lot of things. Is it a faster lense than the 18-55? To me that is becoming the most important factor as I see the limitations of some of my lense and wish they had a better aperature.

You might check on lense reviews at http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/.

[CalamityJanet]

I got the XSi with the 18-55 IS and I think it's a great lens for the cost. I think it only added about $100 to the price when purchased with the body. The only thing I've seen to complain about is some chromatic abberation when shooting trees against a bright sky. I'll see if I can dig up some examples and I'll post them here later.

[mariangela]

Thanks, everyone, for taking the trouble to respond, and for pointing me towards another site that has reviews. I have to admit that now I'm totally confused, but maybe once I sleep on it things will become more clear. At least the choice of camera was easy, as I'm moving from a Canon S2 IS. That camera has kept me happy for the last few years, so it seemed logical to stick with Canon.

What a helpful group of people Elements Villagers are!
AGG

[Inspeqtor]

Since you are convinced you want the Canon XSi (and I do not blame you!) I would like to suggest you get the DVD called Canon Rebel XSi Crash Course (http://michaelthementor.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=7&zenid=177494e505604febb2b35729eac02b3a). I have this DVD, and HIGHLY recommend it! Michael Andrews does an excellent job of teaching you not only about how to use the camera, and every button and feature that there is, there is also included a crash course on basic photography!

There are 2 short sample videos on his website so you can see what he is like.

His website is not secure, so I emailed him. He sent me an email that I could pay him thru paypal.

His video is very good! I am glad I got it.