yobri

iTrader: (2)

A lot of people recommend the 24-70mm f/2.8L USM as a first (versatile) lens on various photog boards.

stu46

Sigma 18-50 f2.8 EX DC
Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 EX DG Macro
Canon 24-70 f2.8 L USM
Tamron 28-75 f2.8 XR Di
Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS

But these are very good, too.

Canon 17-40 f4 L USM
Canon 17-85 f4-5.6 IS USM
Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4.5 DC Macro
Canon 24-105 f4L IS USM

stu46

This was taken with my Sigma 24-70 f/2.8

stu46

This was taken with my 50 f/1.8

Roger V

iTrader: (4)

Out of the above lenses...which would focus the fastest? I would think one of the USM lenses.

stu46

Yup.

Roger V

iTrader: (4)

Looking at all those lenses, is there anything I can get <400$ that still focuses quickly?

stu46

These three will AF quick. Not quite as quick as a USM, but still a lot quicker than the kit lens.

Sigma 18-50 f2.8 EX DC
Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 EX DG Macro
Tamron 28-75 f2.8 XR Di

Check out this link for info.
http://www.pbase.com/lightrules/lenstests

trackmjt

Mine is an 04.

GTNPU Z

iTrader: (17)

For the newbies like me, I found this to be pretty helpful for basic knowledge.

http://www.canon.co.jp/Imaging/enjoydslr/index.html

vantage350z

iTrader: (9)

Rebel XT 18-55. Still new to the camera, I shot most of these on landscape mode.

GTNPU Z

iTrader: (17)

Hey cyberz350,

What lens & setup are you using for your pics? Are you still using the 18-55mm kit lens or are you using something else? Also, what settings did you run during your photoshoot with that G35? Are you always using a tripod? You definitely take some beautiful shots. You're my idol...hahaha.

stu46

I believe those are from the kit lens and only resized in PS judging from his post.

yobri

iTrader: (2)

GTNPU Z

iTrader: (17)

^ Very nice Brian. What lens did you use for those shots?

yobri

iTrader: (2)

Thanks James. These were shot last year with the kit lens. I've since learned that I should've taken them in RAW rather than straight to JPEG b/c of white balance correction in post processing, etc.

I have some shots taken with a 17-40mm f/4L USM (my only other lens right now ) that I'll try to dig up and post when I get home. For comparisons sake.

GTNPU Z

iTrader: (17)

Yeah, I'm looking around for another lens as well to take the place of my kit lens. As I mentioned earlier in this thread, I'm looking into replacing my kit lens with the Canon EF-S 17-85MM f/4-5.6 IS USM & also get the 50mm f/1.8 since it's only $75 (might as well & it's probably good to have anyway due to the f/1.8). I think these will suit my needs for the type of shooting I'll be generally be doing. I don't think I really need a hardcore telephoto lens right now but maybe in the future. Those damn things are expensive!

yobri

iTrader: (2)

No kidding man... I was always recommended the 24-70mm f/2.8L as a good all-purpose/general lens (to upgrade from the kit lens), but I just couldn't shell out the dough for a lens that cost so much more than the 350D body...

Perhaps in the future when I have more money though...

GTNPU Z

iTrader: (17)

Damn Brian...I did some research on the lens you mentioned & it definitely got some great reviews. The pictures I saw from this lens were amazing! Other than the fact it's a bit heavy, there was nothing but compliments about it. I may end up getting that lens instead. It's a bit pricey though but it definitely has better reviews than the one I was planning on getting. They were pretty much were saying the wide angle sucks on EF-S 17-85mm but everything above the 20mm+ mark was really good. So here's what it looks like I'm getting...

Primes:
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 (Just because it's only $75 & having a f/1.8 is a plus)

Future lenses...

Macro:
? (Any recommendations)

Telephoto:
? (Any recommendations)

BTW...did that lens come with a hood lens Brian? If so, any recommendations on where to get a nice hood lens besides eBay?

BriA5

iTrader: (3)

As a heads up... the 24-70 would not be classified as a prime lense. A prime is something like the 50 f1.8 which you mentioned, or my 35 f1.4 L (my favorite lense in my kit). Primes have a fixed focal length.

I have the 17-85mm IS don't think it a bad lense. I agree it isn't the sharpest when at its widest and like most lenses it should be stopped down a touch to keep it at its best, but then you will get some nice, sharp shots out of it. I honestly don't use it that much, though, b/c I default to using primes alot. When I have some excess cash that I don't feel could be better spent elsewhere, this will probably be replaced in my bag.

I don't have any experience with the 50 f1.8, but from what I hear you won't want to use it wide open to get the sharpest results. Also, the O.O.F. areas behind the subject (bokeh) when using the 50 f1.8 sometimes suffer from a slightly unpleasant effect. These are little problems that are well within reason considering the pricetag on the lense and the sharp images you will get. I have the 50 f1.4 (approx $400) and it gets rid of these minor problems), but you have to decide if it is worth it or not.

If you are looking for a longer telephoto, I would suggest checking out the Cannon 70-200mm f4.0 for a relatively inexpensive L-series. Not great in low light, but image and build quality is great.

I hope this has helped at least a little...