Help needed from Canon EF mount lens users!

[the_falling]

Hi everyone,

I once again need more of the valuable advice you guys always give!

I'm about to order a new Canon EOS Elan 7ne body and lens, but I really don't know which lens to get. I've chosen to pick the lens separately as opposed to buying a body+lens kit as I've read several reviews saying they're not good value for money.

I'm basically after a good all purpose lens (is there such a thing??) that isn't too expensive and will last me for a while. I'm only new to photography so I'm keen to shoot a bit of everything such as structures, buildings & bridges, people (I'm a performer so I'm interested in learning how to take good headshots). What I'm not too interested in shooting at the moment is close-ups of plants and animals, or wide landscapes. Hmmm...I hope this is helping you guys, I wish I could explain it better! I guess my price range is up to US$400, but if anyone can suggest a lens quite a bit under that I would be more than happy ;)

I would like to thank you all in advance for taking the time to read this thread and an even bigger thanks to anyone who replies with advice!

Love your work!

[Van A]

For a bit more than $400, the best choice would be the Canon 28-135 IS USM zoom. Although not a substitute for a tripod, the IS feature of the lens (and other Canon IS lenses) is just awesome and can be a lifesaver. Also, the AF is fast and quiet plus it allows full-time manual focus. Canon has a rebate on this lens right now so it's even more appealing.

Take a look:

http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/con...9&modelid=7337

[straightarm]

In Canon's own range, you should consider

24-85 f3.5-4.5 USD290

28-105 f3.5 -4.5 USD220 (Make sure you don't go for the 28-105f4-5.6) this is a nice lens,

Tamron's range

24-135 f3.5-5.6 USD370

28-75 f2.8 USD370 nice fast lens

sigma

24-70 f2.8 USD410

28-70 f2.8 USD330

all prices from the Adorama website, they are reputable

Simon

[Clemmie]

Sounds to me like a perfect candidate for a body/lens kit deal. For the range of shooting you're wanting to do, the 'good all purpose lens' is Canon's 'kit lenses'. For $90 (looking at $339 body only vs. $429 for body with 28-90 lens), you won't beat the price for the coverage.

(The prices quoted are US$ at B&H/New York. I understand things are higher in Australia, but it should all be proportional).

The criticisms you have heard about 'kit lenses', in my experience, usually comes from those who are rich enough to own nothing but exotic high-end pro lenses. It is a grossly unfair comparison, so don't fall for it. Kit lenses are what the majority of people are using - and if we weren't getting good results with them, we wouldn't be buying them by the millions.

If you want proof that cheap lenses do a fine job, just click the link below my signature and take a look thru my photo site. I own 10 lenses - not a single one the exotic pro stuff, or over $120. I think they do a fine job.