Canon 50d 18-135kit lens / lens upgrade options?

[donna68]

I was recently given a Canon 50d as a gift (lucky me), and it came with a 18-135 lens f/3.5, which I think is okay, but being a kit lens...maybe I should buy something different?? I have previously only operated a Canon Powershot P&S, so my understanding of slr lenses and their capabilities is limited.

I am mainly wanting to photograph family...candid, and pets. I also have a pet minding service and would love to offer photos of their pets, 1 or 2...not a sitting, as part of my package, so I would like to them to be of pretty good quality.

I read on the getting started section that the 24-70 f/2.8 can be a good starting lens and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on whether first to stay with the 18-135 lens for awhile, or if changing, whether the Tamron f/2.8 28-75mm or Sigma f/2.8 24-70 is a better choice....the Canon 24-70 may be a little out of my price range. Or considering the types of pictures I mentioned I will be taking, does anyone have any other suggestions for me to consider....Also, I just noticed on another thread the 24-105 f/4 was getting some great reviews...thoughts?

Cheers
PS. Im new to blogging and this site, I posted this under introductions earlier, and wasnt sure if I needed to do a separate one under this forum, to have some feedback on my lens choices. I have some photos uploaded on the the first thread to show you the type of photos I normally like to take. I apologise if I've double dipped:Doh:

[Imagenif]

Hi Donna, I'm in a similar situation to you only I have had slr's longer. I brought a 50d with the 18-200 kit lens. I'm seriously considering the 24-105 L series as my next glass.

[milspec]

I recently purchased a Canon 70-200 f4 L and am absolutely stoked. If your looking at taking candids and pet photo's, this would be an alternative option ... narrow DOF and nice bokeh.

[kevinj]

Hey Donna,the 24-105mmL is an exceptional lens and would be a great place to start your lens collection.

[dulvariprestige]

Hi Donna,
I'll go down a different path, maybe stick with the kit lens for now, and get yourself a 50mm 1.4, that shallow depth of field can make snap shots look good, you don't have much room for error, but when you get your focus right, (on the eyes) your pet shots will look awesome, maybe rent a 50 1.4 for a week and see if you like it, I've always had a 50 1.8, but recently i hired a 50 1.4 and then the 1.2 and really loved using these lenses so much, I went and bought the sigma 50 1.4.
Oh, and welcome to AP

[donna68]

Thanks everyone

The more I read, the more I'm tempted to just spend the money on the Canon 24-70 f/2.8. My camera was bought locally (as a gift), and they are prepared to exchange the 18-135 if I'm not happy with it. The store is 200-300 more than online, but as its my first big camera purchase, it's nice having an actual person to talk to. And I've noticed they're selling the 24-70 for only $50 more than the 24-105.

I have also noticed the 70-200 is highly recommended for people/pet photography, but I'm finding the actual length kind of daunting....but maybe I need to just pop it on and see how it really feels...esp as I know the 24-70 is quite heavy anyhow.

So, this is where I'm at....maybe the 24-70 over 24-105...or possibly the 70-200 after all, with those options.... thoughts?

[donna68]

Hi Donna,
I'll go down a different path, maybe stick with the kit lens for now, and get yourself a 50mm 1.4, that shallow depth of field can make snap shots look good, you don't have much room for error, but when you get your focus right, (on the eyes) your pet shots will look awesome, maybe rent a 50 1.4 for a week and see if you like it, I've always had a 50 1.8, but recently i hired a 50 1.4 and then the 1.2 and really loved using these lenses so much, I went and bought the sigma 50 1.4.
Oh, and welcome to AP
Thanks jayde...something to consider

[donna68]

By the way, here a few photos which show the type of photos I like to take. They're just shot on a p&s...auto mode, but at least you get the idea.

http://i901.photobucket.com/albums/ac220/donnamarie68/2nd/sized_IMG_0587_1a.jpg

http://i901.photobucket.com/albums/ac220/donnamarie68/2nd/sized_020-Copya.jpg

http://i901.photobucket.com/albums/ac220/donnamarie68/2nd/sized_012-Copya.jpg

http://i901.photobucket.com/albums/ac220/donnamarie68/2nd/sized_007a.jpg

http://i901.photobucket.com/albums/ac220/donnamarie68/2nd/sized_006a.jpg

[donna68]

Thank you everyone for your comments, but I've discovered the more I look into lenses...the more I realise there will always be bigger and better options. I also have a tendency to say what the hell...put it on my credit card, even if there's no room in the budget.:Doh:

So, I have decided to stay with the lens I have, learn what it and my canon 50d can do....then maybe in 4-6 months I'll know enough to make a reasonable decision on what's next. Wish me luck...

Cheers

[AndreaB]

Sounds like a great pla. it can get so daunting looking at all the different options.

I wanted to add that from what I have read if you want to do a lot of portraiture photography something around 80mm + is a good range to look for.

I recently bought the 90mm tamron in my signature, and It's a well reccommended portrait lens on a decent price range for a person who is just jumping in like myself. I am very happy with it.

[David]

I think you are being smart sitting on your hands and waiting for awhile before buying into 'better' lenses. It will take you awhile to find your way around the camera itself and that is daunting enough for most people.

For your portrait work a fast lens (2.8) will be a smart investment because they allow you to take the shot faster and with moving subjects like pussy cats you will reduce the risk of movement blur by investing in a 2.8 . I have the 24-105mm and 50mm 1.8 lenses and have owned the 70-200mm and all are very good lenses which work well on my 50D, but I would in your shoes be leaning towards the 24-70 2.8 you mentioned first because it is 2.8 and with the 1.6 crop factor on your body it would cover the portrait shot focal length range most use without IQ problems.