Okay photography buffs, I need your input!
I had just taken this photo, from the Riverwalk in San Antonio,
My Canon EFS 18-55 lens took the brunt of the fall - along with my ego :)
It doesn't look too bad but it can't zoom or focus anymore.
This is the lens that actually came with my first Canon Digital Rebel camera TEN years ago and has taken many of my favorite pictures over the years.
The kit lens is great for an amateur photographer like me who wants to get great candids of my family, and capture nature and decent food photos for the blog. After a decade of owning decent cameras, I'm still learning the ins-and-outs of shooting off auto, but I do love to take pictures.
Since we are three weeks away from crossing something HUGE off our family bucket list - something we have been saving for and planning for and dreaming of for almost FIVE YEARS - a trip to Hawaii! - I need to replace my lens.
The only other lens I have in my arsenal is a good one - the Tamron AF 28-300mm. Mark gave it to me for Christmas a few years ago and I use it to capture the kids' sports. It's amazing at zooming into the action.
I am constantly trying to improve my very basic photography skills, and one of my resources is the blog Kevin & Amanda. For close ups and food photography, Kevin and Amanda recommend the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II ($110), but it doesn't zoom so that would be a bit of a lifestyle change for me after ten years with a zooming lens.
Do any of you have this lens and if so, do you like it? Do you have any other lenses that you would recommend for portraits and close ups?
Then there are external flashes to consider. I have never used one myself and hear they make quite a difference. The one recommended by Kevin & Amanda is $569….ouch….but on the flipside is this one for $39, and I fear I will get what I pay for. Do you use an external flash and is this something that is important to invest in?
How about a tripod or monopod? I have a table top tripod but am thinking it's time to invest in a full height one for family photos that I am actually in. :) Thoughts?
For my amateur, intermediate level photography, I love it! It's lightweight and has more than enough features to boggle my mind. I highly recommend it if you're in the market for a user friendly non-professional DSLR camera.
Thank you for any recommendations you may have as far as lenses, flashes and necessity of a tripod!!
I hope that if you're in the market for these items, this post will be useful to you too!
18 comments:
There are a few great camera shops in Harvard Square and downtown Boston. They often sell used equipment in great shape - maybe they have your old, favorite lense? Might be worth a few calls. Good luck!!
-Rebecca
I am so NOT the person to be handing out photography tips but I will tell you that I've had the 50mm lens for over a year now and I've probably used it twice. I can't get used to the non-zooming issue.
I am still learning the Canon Rebel T3i...it came with a bigger lens (Costco deal) that I have never even tried. I think you should get the tripod...your photos are so professional.
my lens that came with mine (same as yours) crapped out and won't auto focus so i need a new one. i got the 50 for christmas, BUT it is no the same at all- i can't get any good full room shots because it is fixed and i can't zoom out, so i am definitely replacing the one that won't work as well as still using the 50.
Sorry Lisa, I use the Canon G9Power shot...someday I will have a big girl camera!
I am so excited for you! Hawaii!
I have the same Tamron zoom lens. I love it!
Recently my kit lens 18-55 that came with the camera in 2005 just stopped responding too.
I got the Canon 50 fixed. Its an AMAZING lens. I was able to take my photography to a better place with it. I prefer it for weight over the Tamron (which is almost too heavy). For the price I do not expect it to last forever however. I read a lot of reviews that state its not a rugged lens.
And I just got a tripod for my birthday. I have used it to snap pics around the house and I am in LOVE! No more blurry photos. I would definitely get one!! (Just make sure it can handle the weight of that Tamron).
For the price - jump on that Canon 50mm :) I have used it during daytrips and I have yet to really miss a lot of pictures. You just learn to keep backing up ;)
I wish I could help you, but I'm quite camera challenged. So sorry about your little spill, but how darn exciting you're going to Hawaii! I could probably fit in your suitcase.....just sayin!
Hey Lisa,
Oh man I feel for you!
When I read the first part about how you fell and ohhhhh the lens... ouch.
My stomach just crinched.
Anyway...
I have the Canon Rebel T1i
I love it! (I have had Canon even before the digital version I have now - altogether about 20 years)
I also own the standard lens that came with it. Hardly use it!
I have the Tamron Macro Telelens!
Purchased it for 169.00 I love it.
I use it all the time.
About 10 years ago I purchased an extra flash! Do not go for it.
I have used it maybe a few times.
Total waste of my money.
I have the table top tripod.
Would have loved to have a nice Tripod (you know the big guy) that John can tow around for me wherever we go.
If I could turn back time...
I would purchase the tripod over the flash.
(Flash is not always great for the outcome of the photo's anyway... too much light) I love natural light.
But...
I would certainly not buy a lens that does not have an auto zoom.
I would suggest to look into Newegg.com They ship fast and prices are reasonable.
That is where I buy all of my geekery stuff and toys.
Well girl, I hoped it helped a little bit.
No hurry and research!
Hawaii is there before you know it!
YOU LUCKY GAL!
hugs,
Sandy
Since I have a cheapo point and shoot...I am no help here!
-Shelley
Oh girl, let's talk! First, I'm sorry about your lost lens, but this opens up the door of opportunity! And you need a nice one for Hawaii! I'm sooooo jealous! We went to Hawaii pre-kids, and it's one of my favorite places in the world (so far). What islands are you visiting? We went to Oahu and Maui, and Maui is absolutely amazing! If you go there, make sure you visit Lahaina and the road to Hana - gorgeousness!
Ok, back to the lens question. I have a 50mm f/1.4 that is probably my favorite lens in my arsenal. It does so beautifully in low light situations, and is great for portrait shots, as well as blog photos! You might also want to look at a 35mm f/1.8, which is probably priced similarly to the 50mm. The nice thing about the 35mm is that you don't have to "back up" like you sometimes need to with a 50mm, if that makes sense.
I do have an external flash, but don't use it too terribly often, but it is nice to have in a pinch! And it's funny you mention the tripod - I got one for Christmas! It's actually a tripod/monopod, and I love it. It's lightweight, and easy to carry - also handy for blogging!
Good luck! I'm sure you won't be disappointed with the 50mm, but take a look at the 35mm too, and you'll see what I mean. I'm still thinking about getting the 35mm myself! I'm a Nikon girl, but when you're talking lenses, I think we're all speaking the same language with the lenses!
Can't wait to hear about this trip! When are you going?
I have the 50mm prime lens and it is my favorite. You can not in a million years beat it for detail shots, low light situations, portraits, and bokeh. {Anywhere that you want to focus on something and have a blurry background.} While you can't zoom, you can switch the focal length to get more or less bokeh effect. It takes some getting used to to actually move yourself rather than zooming in or out with the camera. And a huge YES on getting a tripod. Skip the rest for now.
Oh, and I totally destroyed my lens when I fell on the hardwood floor. We sent it back to Canon and they were able to fix it {we had to pay, but it was considerably less than a new lens.}
Fun reading the advice ~ I still use my Canon Point & Shoot in Auto. I really should step it up and least use a DSLR!
Hawaii, how fun!!!
I wish I could help, but you've seen my pictures, right? I'm of no use in that department. Looks like some of the other gals may have something for you. Good luck!
I am so excited for your trip! Yay! I sure hope you are going to post about your financial journey. . . nudge nudge. . . ;)
So, this is just my personal preferences. I use the 50mm 1.4f. I keep it on my camera 95% of the time, and it is a grrrreat lens. I've also heard the 50mm 1.8f like you were saying is a great lens for 1/3 the price.
I know people were complaining about the fixed lens (it is a portrait lens with portrait quality-- all portrait lenses are fixed), but you just can't compare the quality to any zooming lens out there. You just. . .can't.
If you hear anything about a good tripod, let me know. I've been thinking about picking one up, but apparently they're not all made equal. Who knew?
I think you need to replace the one that's broken, but also invest in the 50 mm. I go back and forth all the time. I love the 50 and use it whenever I can, it's just so much clearer and makes prettier pictures. But, true, YOU have to move around to get the frame you want and it's not good for wide room shots. We're about to switch over from my Sony to a Cannon, so I enjoyed reading this post. We're trying to decide which model would be best, but I'll definitely be adding a lens or two.
Hawaii! Fun! I've never been but Ray just last week said that we'll probably go for our 20(!) anniversary next year. I look forward to reading lots of travel tips from you!
A full size tripod is a must! Plus a remote- it sure beats self timer!!!I couldn't live without my tripod- Always take a group picture when family is together especially if you have older family members!
We have the 50/1.8 and it is AMAAAAZING. My favorite lens ever. I couldn't believe the difference in photo quality and brightness between my kit lens and that one. I think it's a must have!
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