Just Digital

Hey guys! This is more like a questionaire/ help thing!

I'm thinking about getting another lens but something more for general use. I have a macro lens for my beloved close up photography, and I have my 18-55mm (which I tend to avoid using, I don't seem to like it for some reason!), however I am thinking something for "general use". Studio photography maybe, or something you just prefer to use for capturing you prettyful pictures!

So two questions:

1) What's your personal favourite lense (and what camera that fits to/ if available for Canon 450D)?
2) What lense would you suggest or recommend?

My answer will be of fat use to you..

My favourite lens if shooting action is my 70-200 2.8, if it's bugs it's the 150mm macro and if it's portraits it's my 50mm 1.4.

I'm not into landscapes too much, but I'd have a 10-20 ish as my favourite as Wayne if I was Perhaps a few years down the line I wouldn't mind the 24-70 2.8, but I'm now happy with the glass I have.

Honestly depends what you want to do... Why don't you like your 18-55 - is it the focal length, or are the pictures not good?

And my first two are Sigmas so Canon fit available. I think Canon make a 1.4 50mm as well..?

The main two lens I use on a regular basis are the 24-70mm f2.8L from canon & 70-200mm macro f2.8 from sigma.......... I do have a 70mm macro F2.8 prime lens from sigma, 16-35mm & 24-60mm f2.8 from sigma which are used now & again........ I also use with the 70-200mm ,1.4 & 2.0 sigma extenders which can come in handy if you need to get a subject closer to you, but this does change your F stop though from F2.8 to F4 using the 1.4 Extender & F5.6 using the 2.0 Extender, the later also does soften the image ever so slightly as well, but is a good comprimise to buying a bigger lens which you probably wouldn't use much.......... I would go for a 24-70mm L or 24-105mm L from canon, if funds allow as these lens are both good all rounders... with your camera crop of 1.6 either lens would be good.... Sigma are a good second choice as they are more affordable, but make sure you go for their EX range though....... I hope this is of help.

Alex, if you want a good all round general purpose lens the canon 24-105mm is pretty much it... its very sharp ..great for a walk about lens and for portraits too..
or alternatively the 24-70mm but as its shorter (although with a crop camera not that short) its perhaps not as good as a walk about lens..but its aperture is f2.8 the 24-105mm is f4 but has IS which comes in very useful in certain circumstances.... if it were me and I could only buy one of them..it would be the 24-105mm which I think would proabaly be the best type of lens for you right now IMHO.

as for favourite lenses 85mm f1.2, 24-70mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8 I'll stop now LOL...

So far you've all be great help! Done a little looking at the prices and so far they scream OUCH at my bank haha! I'd love the Canon as it's most probably going to come with Image stabalizing, but Sigma looks very likely to be purchased. I might need to pop into skeers or something unless someone is willing to let me try theirs out (if its the same fit for my camera?).



I don't know, something about when I use it makes me go "uggggghhh" but to be honest I haven't had a chance to use it at university yet

The sigma equivilent will be just fine.... you'll love it!
The kit lenses don't generally have the best reputation when it comes to image quality so may be thats what your not liking, the images may be aren't as good as with your other lens:-)

I think you're right Dawn, it's all about the quality of the image, so that could be why I'm steered away!
Looks like I will be needing to try some lenses out so I can decide what I want to drool over for the next months...