[ds00kg]

Hello folks,

I've recently purchased a shiny new 400D after much research, advice and an offer I couldn't refuse (£300 inc kit lens). I know the body is a tried and tested model that will be more than enough for me as a complete amateur to DSLR photography, however I have been advised to upgrade the lens as this will make an immediate difference to the quality of my snaps. I want a good 'all rounder', something that I can stick if I'm going for a stroll around town, something I can use for busy wide shots but also have a bit of zoom if needed. It definately needs to be under £400, please bear in mind that my budget is a limit not a target. I've seen a couple of options so far so opinions/advice would be greatly appreciated!

This is my favourite so far:
Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

[Larne]

I have the 400D and it came with the standard 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II USM lens. I'm assuming that is what you have although there are other 'kits' around at the moment.

Before you go out spending money on new glass you might want to post up some of your images and say what you think is wrong with them and get some comments. Replacing your lens will not necessarily improve your images - not if the problem is located behind the viewfinder.

Seeing what kind of pictures you like to take will also help people to recommend lenses to suit your particular style.

[ds00kg]

not if the problem is located behind the viewfinder.

No I don't think there's a problem with the driver , in reality I don't think there are any massive faults with the lens, in fact I was quite pleased with it having expected it to be completely naff based on the many bad reviews I've read). It's mainly the image stabilisation I'm after, along with the improved quality of the lens. I've noticed just a tiny bit of blur on slower shutter speeds that would be corrected at least partially by the IS (maybe partly by improved technique!).
Don't worry I'm not the kind of guy that thinks splashing out on a good lens means my pictures will magically be better, however I do believe there is merit in buying the best quality glass you can afford to maximise your image quality.

BTW Larne, I do have the 18-55mm lens, took this the day I'd got it home:
Long exposure

[Larne]

I have the Canon 28-135mm IS lens. Just so you are aware, while the IS does allow you to shoot at lower shutter speeds it does seem to be at a trade-off in image resolution. I use my lens with the IS switched off more than it is on these days.

This is not based solely on my own experience - I have read a variety of comments from IS users who say their images are a bit softer when using the IS functionality. Having said that, as you can turn it off you can have the best of both worlds.

[primer]

If you REALLY think you need to change lenses, have a look at the third party alternatives: ie Tamron / Sigma / Tokina. Sometimes they can provide a better optic system at a much cheaper price (dependant on budget, experience, work conditions).

Cheers,

Primer :-)

[stepheno]

As Larne has said IS is not the saviour of all sins. I have the 24-105 and 100-400 both with IS. What it does do is gives you a couple of stops grace and allows for a faster shutter speed and gives some correction for hand-shake. It will not freeze the action or sharpen your images. On a good sunny day I don't need IS on the 24-105. On a grey or cloudy day IS plus high ISO still allows me to catch good sports shots with the 100-400.

IS doesn't necessarily mean good glass although I would rather have a lens with IS than without. You can always turn it off but you can't turn it on if you haven't got it.

Last point. Most lenses with IS need the IS turning off if you use a tripod. Newer IS lenses have a sensor which detects the tripod and doesn't use the IS. HTH.

PS - EF-S lenses can't be used with full-frame (5D) if you ever go that route.