Canon Lens Suggestion

Hi! I currently own only one single lens, the Canon EF-S IS II 18-55mm. Can anyone suggest a good second lens? I'm wanting one that I will use often, that's versatile, and proven to take fabulous pics. Any suggestions are HIGHLY appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Honestly, the single most important question is what do you want to shoot? Second: what price range do you have in mind?

If you want to keep using your 18-55 and get something in addition for when you need longer focal length (i.e., more zoom), you might be interested in a telephoto lens. On the low end of the budget you could pick up an EF-S 55-250, which in my experience is a little sharper than the lens you currently have and produces nice images. On the more expensive end, a 70-200L is a fantastic telephoto lens -- and it can be used with less light because it has an aperture of f/2.8. Telephoto lenses are helpful if you want to shoot subjects at a distance, such as wildlife. Also for sports, but you'd want the faster aperture to capture action shots.

On the other hand, if you want a lens specifically for portraits, you might want to look into a 50mm prime. Canon has 3 that are very popular and all are very sharp. The 50mm f/1.8 can be bought for a little over $100 and is a common choice for a second lens.

If you're looking for an all around lens (to replace your 18-55 and add some more zoom at the same time), there are lots of options. You can get a used Canon 28-105 lens for under $200, which gives you a lot of focal range but the image quality is just OK. You can get a 24-105L lens for around $900-1,000 and get similar range with excellent image quality. (That's the lens I have on my camera about 80 or 90% of the time, FWIW.)

But if you want something that's better for lower light, you might look at the 24-70. Less range, but you get f/2.8 aperture. It's also a very versatile and excellent quality lens. IMHO, that lens is a very nice compromise between a walk-around lens and portrait lens all in one, due to the aperture and the zoom range. However, it's also over $2K.

I think that kind of gives you the idea...you need to know what you want to shoot and what you want to spend in order to really get a good recommendation.

Roy has done an excellent job in responding to your initial post. Hopefully you will come back to this thread and offer more information
1) what do you like to shoot
2) what do you want to shoot
3) budget

The dummy's guide: If you find you are shooting a lot with the aperture wide open, you may need a faster lens. If many of your shots are at 55mm, you likely need a longer lens. If many are at 18mm, then go for a wider angle.

Nobody recommends UWA lenses, ever. But my 2nd lens was a Sigma 10-20. Now I no longer fear shooting in tight quarters. Ended up using it more than I expected to. Different strokes for different folks.

Kelly Cook

Thanks! I was considering going with a EF-S 55-250. You kind of supported my thinking. I would like to be able to zoom more. I was trying to keep it under $300.

BrandyMaeD wrote: Thanks! I was considering going with a EF-S 55-250. You kind of supported my thinking. I would like to be able to zoom more. I was trying to keep it under $300.

This is a really good Lens

KCook wrote: The dummy's guide: If you find you are shooting a lot with the aperture wide open, you may need a faster lens. If many of your shots are at 55mm, you likely need a longer lens. If many are at 18mm, then go for a wider angle.

Nobody recommends UWA lenses, ever. But my 2nd lens was a Sigma 10-20. Now I no longer fear shooting in tight quarters. Ended up using it more than I expected to. Different strokes for different folks.

Kelly Cook

Never thought of explaining it that way, but that was great advice.

BrandyMaeD wrote: Thanks! I was considering going with a EF-S 55-250. You kind of supported my thinking. I would like to be able to zoom more. I was trying to keep it under $300.

I still like that lens even though it isn't compatible with my current camera. Whenever I go to a baseball game where they don't allow professional cameras, I'll grab my old Rebel with the 55-250 and always come away with shots that I'm happy with.