Mayhem said:
I am looking into lenses and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations...
If...
I can tell you how I would search, but there may be 10 people to follow who would do it differently.
Mayhem said:
preferably wanna keep the price down for now since im just starting...
There are 3 factors you should consider foremost: manufacturer, quality and intended subject matter.
Canon, of course, produces their own extensive selection of lenses which range from entry-level to world-class. But you can find some excellent – and cheaper – choices from independent manufacturers as well, such as Sigma and Tamron. The only thing with third party products is that you may experience compatibility issues, such as the autofocus not always working accurately, etc. Those problems are uncommon, though. As with anything else, if you look at an off-brand, do a little research to ensure they are reputable before you purchase. An item may offer great features for a basement low price… because once you begin shooting with it you’ll realize it’s a piece of crap.
For quality, you’ll notice that Canon offers two lens classes: the
L series and everything else. The Ls feature better glass, constant apertures, and other features that, as a beginner, you may not feel you need yet. Buying the non-L instead of the L version of a lens can save you hundreds. Every manufacturer has similar classifications and designations that can affect how deep into your wallet you’ll have to dig.
Your primary subject matter helps narrow the field in the way of
focal length, or, very simply, how long the lens barrel is. This is also represented in
millimeters (or mm). The shorter the barrel, the lower number, the wider angle; equally, the longer the barrel, the higher number, the tighter angle.
For example, landscapes are usually best with a focal length of 28mm or less. Wildlife is usually best at 300mm or more. If you want to do portraits, look for something in the 80 to 100mm region. And if you want to shoot flowers, insects, or other small things a macro lens is best; they come with average focal lengths, but can focus much closer than other lenses.
A good all-around, everyday lens will have a variable focal length, so you won’t have to change lenses as often… and will save you money. Lenses like that include
Canon’s 28 – 200m f/3.5 – 5.6 ($340) and
Canon’s 28 – 105mm f/3.5 – 4.5 ($220).
Those quotes are from
B&H, a good company in NYC. They are fast, reliable and offer decent prices, but closed relatively often due to Jewish holidays. Their Canon lens gallery is
here.
Just a note about the thought of “saving money because you’re a beginner”: if you are shooting just for the heck of it, that thought is okay. But – given that you invested in an SLR, I’m guessing that you may someday want to get a little more serious. In which case, I’d say, if you can afford it, buy the good glass now. Good glass will last longer and provide better pictures from day 1, over the cheaper ones which may give you problems after a couple years of regular shooting.
Good luck and let us know what you end up with.