Shutterstock Photographer Forum :: View topic - Questions about new lense for Canon EOS 300D Rebel

gcam77 · Joined: 13 Jan 2006 Posts: 221 Location: Newmarket, Ontario

I'm thinking about upgrading from the standard 18-55mm kit lense that came with my camera.

I'd love to get one of everything, macro, wide angle and zoom, but can only afford one.

What do you think the best upgrade would be? (reasonably priced, rather than really high end).

Is it even worth it for a 5mp camera or should I be upgrading to a new camera as well?

mephitblue · Joined: 11 Jan 2006 Posts: 47

The 300D is capable of taking excellent images. If money is tight, invest in lenses. The camera will eventually become obsolete, but your good lenses will stay with you for a long time.

As for where to put your money, ask yourself this question: What do I want to create pictures of that my current lens keeps me from doing or makes it difficult to do?

Do you find yourself wishing your current lens was more telephoto when you are shooting? Then look at a high quality telephoto lens. Wish it went wider? Than go for a wide angle lens.

If you want to shoot in low light situations the 50mm 1.8 is a great lens and extremely cheap. I've used it to shoot concerts with good results.

Think about what you shoot and that should tell you what type of lens to get. Once you've narrowed it down to a certain type then we can give you advice on good lenses to meet that need.

thorsten · Joined: 05 Dec 2005 Posts: 30 Location: Sydney, Australia

Agree, if you can't have both upgrades (camera and lens) go for new glass.

The 50mm 1.8 for about 100$ is best value for money. If you want to substitute the kit lens, check out these two:

- EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
- EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

I summarised my findings on Canon lens choices in my personal blog. You might want to have a look:
http://tr-photo-blog.blogspot.com/2006/12/what-lenses-glass-to-choose-for-canon.html

supertramp · Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 9:02 pm

Very informative blog, thorsten. My wife uses the 28-135mm IS. Great lens. Very sharp and you can focus quite closely. 135mm on a 1.6 FOC Canon translates to about 216mm on film, so it reaches out nicely also. Its an excellent starting point for a good quality lens.

On the tele end, the new 70-300mm IS is also a great piece of glass without costing an arm and a few toes. Had a chance to play with one this past summer for a few shots and i think that if i didn't have my 70-200mm f2.8L IS I'd be looking very hard at this lens.