[BityBabyNurse]

Hey Guys, I'ma ready to upgrade my lens. I have a Digital Canon Rebel XT. The lens I have right now is a Canon 28-80mm. My main use of the camera is taking portraits, candid shots and just average use with my family. I'm willing to spend less than $400. I'm also looking to get a remote and a new flash. What is the difference between a prime lens and telephoto or zoom lens? I bought a canon 75-300mm ef lens on impulse, but it's going back to the store because I quickly found out that it wasn't what I need for the kinda pics I like to take. So, any recomendations for me please??
I have NO idea what kind of lens to buy! I will probably order it from the website of Digital cameras, all other cameras and everything photographic from Adorama Camera

Thanks bunches pixalo people!

[JMitchell]

I would go for a prime, maybe 50 or 80mm, they should have very wide apertures, like 2.8 or 1.8 or something like that. They will be good for potraits and candids, and general use I think.
However, I cannot advice you which because of my lack of knowledge with regards to C**non

[Dabhand16]

Good advice there. The Canon 'nifty fifty' 50mm f1.8 you will see lots of favourable comments on is a good lens for portraits, and is available for around £60 (UK) on line. There is also an f1.4 version that is a lot dearer, and most poeple think the f.18 is the best value. I think Skipper has been posting some images that he has taken with a 50mm prime lens recently.

You can see the field of view by setting your lens at this focal length, and also try the 80mm setting. If neither if these is what you are looking for, a lens of around 80 to 105mm might be better.

Prime lenses tend to be faster and lighter than zooms. Don't forget that there are other makers that will have lenses that will fit on your camera too, there may be some reviews in our review section that will help.

[BityBabyNurse]

Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM AutoFocus Wide Angle Telephoto Zoom Lens -
OR is this the one ya'll recommend
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Standard AutoFocus Lens (I think I may get this one)

What about this lens? How will it do? I guess I like the zoom features, because I sometimes take pictures of their ball games and have to zoom, but I could always use the lens I have now for that. But, with the set 50mm or 80mm, does that mean that I will have to move to the right distance for the best pic? (sorry stupid question, but I haven't ever experienced that type of lens)
P.S. I often have to chase my toddler around for pictures, so a lot of my pics are of kids moving around.

[Dabhand16]

When you said portraits, I guess we all thought you meant under controlled conditions where you can replicate your set up.

Yes, any prime lens will mean that you will either have to move closer/further to your subject when composing, or crop an image to make the subject fill the frame.

Now that you have given more detail, it might be that a prime lens will not be the best choice. If you want an all-round lens that will do pretty much anything the kids throw at you, maybe an 18-200 will fit the bill. If you are not bothered about the wide angle side of things, a 70-200, or 50-150, or something similar.

Check out our equipment reviews section.

What don't you like about the 75-300?

[BityBabyNurse]

Originally Posted by Dabhand16

What don't you like about the 75-300?

I like to take close-ups most of the time, when I tried the 75-300 out, I just couldn't control it, I hardly ever use the tripod when shooting the kids, seeing as that would be near impossible to do (yeah, can u see me chasing the kids down and charging with the tripod ) Anyways, I couldn't keep it still enough to get the shot I want. It was an impulse buy, now going back.

Sometimes I can get the toddler to sit still for me, and my 9 and 7 year old can pose for me, In my spare room, I've got a white vinyl backdrop near my windows to get some natural light, so that is where I'm opting for the f1.8 that would be great. The lens I have now (28-80 f4) is fine for everyday use, but I guess I'm shooting for a lens that will give me a great picture when I have somewhat controlled settings, I'm wanting to start taking portraits like in a sitting. but for those candid moments I suppose I could just use my other lens.

Any more suggestions? Take a look at my gallery here and that should tell you somewhat of what I'm trying to accomplish.

Oh P.S. the room size I'm using is about 10 ft by 8ft. kinda small.

[Dabhand16]

For your indoor situation I'd suggest the 50mm f1.8, but check with your present lens that it gives you enough scope. It is, as said before, really good value for money. I think anything longer will be difficult to work with in a small room. The 70mm end of the 70-300 would be equivalent to about 105mm.

Portrait lenses (in 35mm equivalent) traditionally range from around 75-105mm. The 50mm on your digital camera equates to 75mm, so is in the bottom end of the range.

Wider angle lenses usually don't usually give pleasing results in general portrait work.

For other use, I suspect the lens you have already will be good enough.

[skipper954]

I am really liking my 50mm lens, even though it is a Nikon.

You have to get used to moving to frame rather than zooming.

The 1.8 aperture really lets in more light, so that you can shoot with a faster shutter speed, but it narrows the depth of field probably more than you would like for portraits.

The Nikon only cost $100, so it was entirely worth it. And if I ever learn to focus through the central focus area and lock it, it is crystal sharp. (sigh)

Photographing active kids is difficult enough without having to move to frame them, so a zoom might be more appropriate.


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