What lens to purchase for Canon DSLR

If photographing your children and family is a priority, and you will be relying on one lens for most occasions it is nice to get something that has a bigger zoom range. While the 17-55 lens is a very high quality lens you might find the zoom range is a bit limiting if, for example, you were trying to capture photos of your children on a ride a Fair, or if you want to be a greater distance away to capture a candid moment while they play. While I have not tried the new 18-135mmm STM, it seems to be getting some good reviews. Particularly if you could get it as part of kit, it may be a good, cost effective option. If you are buying the lens separately anyway, however,  consider the Canon 15-85mm lens as well. I have the 15-85 and I have found it be an excellent all around performer.

ma9alem wrote:

Hello All

I currently have the following Canon items:

1) Canon 550 Flashgun

2) Canon 50mm 1.8 lens (Primiarily used to take children portrait pictures)

3) Canon 350D with standard kit lens

I wanted to replace the 3rd item above for a Canon 650D, however, was not sure which lens to go for? Options are:

A) Standards kit lens 18-55mm

B) 18-135 STM

This lens has nice optics for its type, so if you want a longer range, I would suggest this lens.

C) 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

D) Any other suggestions

Instead of the 17-55 f2.8 IS USM I would opt for the cheaper but very good also Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 EX DC OS HSM. Equal optics, a bit better build quality and also f2.8 and IS and USM. And comes with lenshood standard (the canon has that optional, so it adds to the price).

Main usage will be to take photo's of children, family occasions and holidays.

Thank in Advance.

Has

For photographing children indoors I would use a 17-55 but outdoors when they are likely to be running around I would use a 70-200 F4 IS but they are fairly pricy options.

Thanks for the feedback. I like the idea of getting the candid pictures as currently as soon as they see the camera they stop or make an artifical face.

I will review all the options you have mentioned and evaluate what is the best option within my budget.

Once I decide I will update you all and thank you very much for the responses.