Advice on DSLR Lens?

[Fat Homer]

Okay, i'm planning on getting a DSLR in the next day or two, but still haven't quite decided on what lens i should get... basically i'm planning on possibly picking up a Canon 5D but have heard that the kit lens is pretty average/rubbish depending on the people i've talked to...

With that all being said and done, i decided to ask some of the photographers here what do you think is the best all round lens for taking pictures of Fish (obviously) but more importantly People (Street shots, portraits), Scenery (outback, nature, mountains etc), Close ups and stuff like that... so in simple terms, something with a bit of zoom, but more importantly to take pics within the 2 - 20, 30ft range...

Any ideas are much appreciated...

 

[greenterra]

I suggest just getting the kit lenses and working with them 1st, especially if you are new to the DSLR world. Personally, I wouldn't purchase dearer lenses until you can get the best out of the kit lenses. Once you feel you can't improve, then purchase better glass. Every one of my shots are with the Canon 18-55 AF/IS and 55-250 AF/IS kit lenses. See sig for examples. If you want to spend some extra money though, I recommend the purchase of an overhead flash and trigger before expensive glass.

 

[Fat Homer]

Thanks for the advice... to answer your question, although i'm far from professional i'm not completely new to DSLR's or photography just sadly never owned my own DSLR, so now i'm looking to get one before i head overseas for a holiday...

I know when i asked whats the best all round lens for what i want to do its like asking for a car that can both run on the ground and fly in the air, but i just wanted to to really give any one reading this thread an idea of the types of things i'm planning on shooting, and therefore whats the best type of round lens...

Anyway, so far i've been recommended the Canon EF 17-40mm f//4L USM Lens (OR) the Canon EF 24-79mm f/2.8L USM Lens

 

[zypher]

5d and a 24-70 2.8 I a great combo!

 

[Fat Homer]

^ Yeah, thats what i'm personally leaning towards myself atm... so thinking i'm pretty much going to go that direction as long as it doesn't shoot over my expected budget...

 

[EastBay]

Whatever lens you decide to get, make sure that it has an apeture setting of 2.8 or lower (smaller). That way, it will allow you to take pictures without a lot of light.

 

[Fat Homer]

^ well, i ended up with the kit lens to start out with, only because i went to every store i could think of that sells the f2.8 lens for a decent price but every single shop was sold out, even all the chain electronic stores were out of stock...

Oh well, i guess i'll just have to wait for the lens i really wanted and deal with what i have so far first.. although shouldn't be too much of problem... especially living in HK...

 

[HiImSean]

i currently have the canon 55-250 and tamron 17-50. i use the tamron religiously, i love that lens. i wish it had a bit longer reach because i hate changing lenses. i used the canon 28-135 when i tried it before. the 24-70 f/2 would be something i'd love to test out

 

[jcardona1]

if you shoot fish at all a speedlight is a must. dont even worry about getting a new lens right now. i dont know canon lenses, but with my two nikon lenses i pretty much have my basic needs covered:

17-55 f/2.8
70-200 f/2.8

my goal is to get a nice macro lens like the 105mm f/2.8 and something longer than 200mm, like a 300mm or 400mm one day

 

[haynchinook334]

if you shoot fish at all a speedlight is a must. dont even worry about getting a new lens right now. i dont know canon lenses, but with my two nikon lenses i pretty much have my basic needs covered:

17-55 f/2.8
70-200 f/2.8

Agree with Jcar on the lenses. But, I would also add that a good prime lens is good to if you don't want to lug the two lenses mentioned above. I also shoot with the 17-55 f/2.8 and the 70-200 f/2.8, but I also use my 50 f/1.4 for the lower light still shots. And a Speedlight for sure.