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Lens for 20D

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fotik said:
Hello,

I just bought the 20D and am looking for a lens. I am new to
photography, but am eager to learn and to get into the field.

I am looking for advice on what Lens to start with. I realize that
the choice of a lens depends on what is beeing photographed - a
landscape, a tall building, a flower, a portrait etc.

Despite that realization, can some one recomend a starting lens
that would be (1) Good for most situations, (2) Economical (I am
open to 3rd party lenses) 3. Not too large.

I would like to be able to use the starting lens by itself for at
least a year before buying additional lenses.

Thanks
Click to expand...
--
Tim Yue
 
Canon 28-135mm IS > > > Wonderful lens. Good telephoto, nice build and IS (great feature). Isn't wide enough at 28mm with 20D's 1.6x crop factor.

Canon 17-85mm IS > > > IS (great feature). Good range for a 1.6x crop factor. Expensive for its medium quality.
fotik said:
Hello,

I just bought the 20D and am looking for a lens. I am new to
photography, but am eager to learn and to get into the field.

I am looking for advice on what Lens to start with. I realize that
the choice of a lens depends on what is beeing photographed - a
landscape, a tall building, a flower, a portrait etc.

Despite that realization, can some one recomend a starting lens
that would be (1) Good for most situations, (2) Economical (I am
open to 3rd party lenses) 3. Not too large.

I would like to be able to use the starting lens by itself for at
least a year before buying additional lenses.

Thanks
Click to expand...
 
fotik said:
Hello,

I just bought the 20D and am looking for a lens. I am new to
photography, but am eager to learn and to get into the field.

I am looking for advice on what Lens to start with. I realize that
the choice of a lens depends on what is beeing photographed - a
landscape, a tall building, a flower, a portrait etc.

Despite that realization, can some one recomend a starting lens
that would be (1) Good for most situations, (2) Economical (I am
open to 3rd party lenses) 3. Not too large.

I would like to be able to use the starting lens by itself for at
least a year before buying additional lenses.

Thanks

I have the EF-S 17-85 mounted on my 20. This is one nice lens, lite and sharp. I also have the 16-35 and the 70-300 DO, but the 17-85 is one great all around lens. Stay away form 3rd party, down the road you will be much happier.
Click to expand...
 
Based on my 35 years experience as an amateur photographer, I'd say wburychka offers very good advice. I'll try to answer your questions.
fotik said:
1. Do you think I should spend the extra money on the Canon 17-85
IS or go with the Sigma 18-125? Other than IS in what ways is the
Canon lens better?
Click to expand...
Buying the lens from the camera manufacturer is the low-risk way to go. As you are new to photography, it is important to get out there and take lots of good photos for openers. The Canon lens is the safe choice. If you later want to replace it with a better lens, the resale value of the Canon product will far exceed that of the Sigma.
fotik said:
2. Do you think I should "back-up" either of the above lenses with
a relatively cheap 50mm f1.8 for low light situations?
Click to expand...
I own a 50mm lens, but it spends most of its time in the camera bag. Even though it's a great lens, I wouldn't choose it as my second lens. If I were you, I'd get the 17-85mm zoom and see what its limitations are. For example, if you find 85mm is too short at times, you might want to add, say, a 70-200 or a 135 f/2L. On the other hand, if low light is the issue, then the 50mm f/1.4 might be worth buying. You won't know until you've taken some pictures.

Cheers,
Phil
 
fotik said:
Hello,

I just bought the 20D and am looking for a lens. I am new to
photography, but am eager to learn and to get into the field.

I am looking for advice on what Lens to start with. I realize that
the choice of a lens depends on what is beeing photographed - a
landscape, a tall building, a flower, a portrait etc.

Despite that realization, can some one recomend a starting lens
that would be (1) Good for most situations, (2) Economical (I am
open to 3rd party lenses) 3. Not too large.

I would like to be able to use the starting lens by itself for at
least a year before buying additional lenses.

Thanks
Click to expand...
Does anyone have any experiance of the Sigma 18-125mm?. I am also looking for a new lens and have arrived at the opinion that the canon 17-85mm is, although very versatile, average and highly priced. (this opinion is'nt however from experience but reviews and forum chat.)
 
I have both the 18-55 efs and the 17-85 efs is...the sharpness and contrast on 17-85 is so much better...IS is great...IS and 20d boosted
iso are hours of fun...the 18-55 is a great back up to have but...I'd

rather have a 17-40 f4 l in my bag as a back up or the main lens depending on what your doing...imagine after seeing the difference between the

18-55 and the 17-85 efs having to go back and shoot with the 18-55...you want to get better images not worst ones...I'm not using my camera as a pro...but I didn't spend 1500 on a body alone to take ok photos...if it's not in your budget right now...know that good and great glass should be in your future...ie 17-40 f4 l or 17-85 efs.
duffy1 said:
fotik said:
Hello,

I just bought the 20D and am looking for a lens. I am new to
photography, but am eager to learn and to get into the field.

I am looking for advice on what Lens to start with. I realize that
the choice of a lens depends on what is beeing photographed - a
landscape, a tall building, a flower, a portrait etc.

Despite that realization, can some one recomend a starting lens
that would be (1) Good for most situations, (2) Economical (I am
open to 3rd party lenses) 3. Not too large.

I would like to be able to use the starting lens by itself for at
least a year before buying additional lenses.

Thanks
Click to expand...
Does anyone have any experiance of the Sigma 18-125mm?. I am also
looking for a new lens and have arrived at the opinion that the
canon 17-85mm is, although very versatile, average and highly
priced. (this opinion is'nt however from experience but reviews and
forum chat.)
Click to expand...
 
Heck, for $400 you can get a Tamron 28-300, f3.5-6.3. It's all the lens any amateur would ever need. Why mess around w/ 18-50 for ... more ?
deepak rao said:
Dietmar Fichter said:
Dietmar
fotik said:
Hello,

I just bought the 20D and am looking for a lens. I am new to
photography, but am eager to learn and to get into the field.

I am looking for advice on what Lens to start with. I realize that
the choice of a lens depends on what is beeing photographed - a
landscape, a tall building, a flower, a portrait etc.

Despite that realization, can some one recomend a starting lens
that would be (1) Good for most situations, (2) Economical (I am
open to 3rd party lenses) 3. Not too large.

I would like to be able to use the starting lens by itself for at
least a year before buying additional lenses.

Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Deepak
Click to expand...
--
-Richard M. Hartman

186,000 mi/sec: not just a good idea, it's the LAW!
 
Hi you'll probably get the snobs saying get a 17-40 L series but really when your just starting out why bother.

I have

Canon 17-85mm EF-S IS f/4-5.6
Canon 70-210mm EF USM f/4-5.6
Canon 50mm macro f/2.5

I think this is a great range of lenses for the beginner. what I will eventually get is the canon 100mm macro f/2.8 and the 75-300mm USM IS lens. what I would like is the Canon L f/2.8 70-200 USM IS lens but thats just because it is a fast lens with IS
fotik said:
Hello,

I just bought the 20D and am looking for a lens. I am new to
photography, but am eager to learn and to get into the field.

I am looking for advice on what Lens to start with. I realize that
the choice of a lens depends on what is beeing photographed - a
landscape, a tall building, a flower, a portrait etc.

Despite that realization, can some one recomend a starting lens
that would be (1) Good for most situations, (2) Economical (I am
open to 3rd party lenses) 3. Not too large.

I would like to be able to use the starting lens by itself for at
least a year before buying additional lenses.

Thanks
Click to expand...
--
POAH - it's life

for photos see http://www.photo.net/photodb/user?user_id=1068849
 
Depending on your needs and budget, you could consider the 17-85IS lens for wide-angle to moderate tele. For more tele, at a very reasonable price, try the 70-200/F4 L lens from Canon. If you are on a smaller budget, you could try the new 18-125mm from Sigma as an carry all lens. I have the 17-85IS and the 70-200/F4, plus Sigma's 105EX macro lenses, and am extremely happy with all of those.
fotik said:
Hello,

I just bought the 20D and am looking for a lens. I am new to
photography, but am eager to learn and to get into the field.

I am looking for advice on what Lens to start with. I realize that
the choice of a lens depends on what is beeing photographed - a
landscape, a tall building, a flower, a portrait etc.

Despite that realization, can some one recomend a starting lens
that would be (1) Good for most situations, (2) Economical (I am
open to 3rd party lenses) 3. Not too large.

I would like to be able to use the starting lens by itself for at
least a year before buying additional lenses.

Thanks
Click to expand...
--
Olivia
http://public.fotki.com/NatureSpirits/
http://photos.yahoo.com/whispersfromspirit
 
Olivia,

Comapred to the Sigma 18-125 do you think the 17-85 IS USM is worth the extra money?

thx.
Olivia T. BvG said:
fotik said:
Hello,

I just bought the 20D and am looking for a lens. I am new to
photography, but am eager to learn and to get into the field.

I am looking for advice on what Lens to start with. I realize that
the choice of a lens depends on what is beeing photographed - a
landscape, a tall building, a flower, a portrait etc.

Despite that realization, can some one recomend a starting lens
that would be (1) Good for most situations, (2) Economical (I am
open to 3rd party lenses) 3. Not too large.

I would like to be able to use the starting lens by itself for at
least a year before buying additional lenses.

Thanks
Click to expand...
--
Olivia
http://public.fotki.com/NatureSpirits/
http://photos.yahoo.com/whispersfromspirit
Click to expand...
 
I use the Sigma 18-125 on the 20D and I am very pleased with it considering the range, build quality, lens hood, and low price.
duffy1 said:
fotik said:
Hello,

I just bought the 20D and am looking for a lens. I am new to
photography, but am eager to learn and to get into the field.

I am looking for advice on what Lens to start with. I realize that
the choice of a lens depends on what is beeing photographed - a
landscape, a tall building, a flower, a portrait etc.

Despite that realization, can some one recomend a starting lens
that would be (1) Good for most situations, (2) Economical (I am
open to 3rd party lenses) 3. Not too large.

I would like to be able to use the starting lens by itself for at
least a year before buying additional lenses.

Thanks
Click to expand...
Does anyone have any experiance of the Sigma 18-125mm?. I am also
looking for a new lens and have arrived at the opinion that the
canon 17-85mm is, although very versatile, average and highly
priced. (this opinion is'nt however from experience but reviews and
forum chat.)
Click to expand...
 
I don't know if you are familiar with the Canon 28-125IS lens? The 17-85IS, is, in my own opinion, a little better the 28-125IS. The 18-125Sigma lens is good, but not of the same quality. I don't own it myself, but have a friend who does. Mind you, the differences cannot really be seen with normal(up to 8x11") sized prints, or on your screen, and need to be really blown up to be seen. I am really happy with my 17-85IS(Canon), and can highly recommend it to you. If your goal is to eventually go with high quality L lenses from Canon, then a lens like the 18-125mm Sigma is going to be a great starter lens, and you won't break the bank for it.
Hope this helps a little?
fotik said:
Olivia,

Comapred to the Sigma 18-125 do you think the 17-85 IS USM is worth
the extra money?

thx.
Click to expand...
--
Olivia
http://public.fotki.com/NatureSpirits/
http://photos.yahoo.com/whispersfromspirit
 
The 17-85IS, and also the 28-135IS from Canon, are both image stabilized lenses and if you, like me, have very shaky hands, it can really help when using longer shutter speeds.
Olivia T. BvG said:
17-85IS, is, in my own opinion, a little better the 28-125IS.(sorry, I meant the 28-135IS from Canon) The
18-125Sigma lens is good, but not of the same quality. I don't own
it myself, but have a friend who does. Mind you, the differences
cannot really be seen with normal(up to 8x11") sized prints, or on
your screen, and need to be really blown up to be seen. I am really
happy with my 17-85IS(Canon), and can highly recommend it to you.
If your goal is to eventually go with high quality L lenses from
Canon, then a lens like the 18-125mm Sigma is going to be a great
starter lens, and you won't break the bank for it.
Hope this helps a little?
fotik said:
Olivia,

Comapred to the Sigma 18-125 do you think the 17-85 IS USM is worth
the extra money?

thx.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Olivia
http://public.fotki.com/NatureSpirits/
http://photos.yahoo.com/whispersfromspirit
 
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