best first lens for Canon Digital Rebel XT (350D)?

Question

I'm buying the Digital Rebel. The standard lens they say is poor. What would you recomend as the best 1st lens? I'm looking for quality first then flexability and the price.

Answer 1

It's good that you listed your criteria. If you are looking at quality first, I would consider a Canon L lens. I've found them to be top performers, and better in quality than most non-L lenses. This is from personal experience with the 17-40L, and two variants of the 70-200L



Image stabilization provides a lot of flexibility, allowing you to get shots you might otherwise miss.



My suggestion would be to get a Canon 24-105 L image stabilized lens. Although I do not have personal experience with this lens, it is well reviewed. I would keep the kit lens that comes with the camera, for the occassions where you need a wider focal length than 24mm.

Answer 2

If you are coming from a standard digital camera, the kit lens is going to be better than anything you've ever used before. IT's definitely worth having, and the 18-55 range (like a 28-70 in film camera terms) is extremely versatile.



The best quality lens (better image quality than a $2000 70-200 IS L, though far less flexible) is a $70 50/1.8 lens. If you are doing studio photography or wedding portraits, it is the best image quality lens that canon sells. On a Digital Rebel, it is also not very versatile, even though it has great low light capability. THis is because it's the equivalent of a 70mm non zoom lens, which is too long for most normal photography.



The best general purpose lens is the $600 Canon 17-85 IS lens. It's an amazing lens, with image stabilization that can rescue a lot of your shots. Another lens I'd recommend is the 28-135 IS.



But seriously, get the kit lens. Anyone who doesn't think it's good enough is either a serious amateur, a professional, or someone with a lot of money to spend. IT's a good lens to start with and is well worth the $100. Unless, of course, you spring for the 17-85 IS. Then you can skip the kit lens.

Answer 3

The package lens is actually quite a bit better than a lot of people say. I have it along with my Canon D300 Rebel. It takes some pretty good shots, I was actually surprised. I also have the 75-300mm zoom, which is a little powerful for everyday 'snapshot' type use. With the lens magnification of the cameras sensor you'll need to go down to 17 or 18mm. The 28-70mm also isn't wide enough (I also have that as well).

Answer 4

Use the B&H photograph internet site seek function (see link under). on the left component you have the means to make your recommendations up on thoughts to narrow down the checklist. in case you prefer huge attitude you'll want lenses that grant you 18mm or much less. you are able to look at best lenses without zoom means or zoom lenses that circulate into decrease focal lengths (18mm or much less) desire this helps. Mark