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Upgrade from kit lens advice please.


8 years 7 months ago #451468 by PaulSL
Hi,
I'm using a Canon 1200D and the 18-55mm non-is kit lens and whilst I'm getting some good results with it I really hate the focusing on it. I use a CPL filter a lot and it would be great to be able to adjust the focus without having to re-adjust the filter (due to the movement of the lens during focussing).

I don't really need a fast lens because I usually shoot landscapes, buildings, seascapes etc.

I don't have a lot of money either!
,
8 years 7 months ago - 8 years 7 months ago #451489 by Baydream
I believe that until you get into longer lenses (55m+), you may have trouble finding ones with non-rotating front lenses. That is the only way you can set your CPL first and then zoom. Unless you are shooting with the light to the side or into water, the CPL will only reduce your aperture.
You really should zoom first, then adjust CPL.  I use the Canon 18-200 for its versatility and love it.

BTW - If you primarily do landscape, you should look to a wider zoom (maybe a min of 10 or 12mm).
Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-g-schickler.html?tab=artwork
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The following user(s) said Thank You: PaulSL
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8 years 7 months ago #451497 by PaulSL
Thanks. Seeing as I have a very limited budget, would a Sigma or Tamron lens be ok? I'm looking to try and sell some photo's at some point in the future so I don't want to cripple myself from the outset by buying a lens that just won't cut it and having to buy twice!
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8 years 7 months ago #451498 by Screamin Scott
Depends on what lens.... Both make good lenses as well as crap lenses...
Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/
Photo Comments
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8 years 7 months ago #451502 by PaulSL
Thanks, I guess like everything it's just down to research before purchase!
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8 years 7 months ago #451515 by KCook

I don't really need a fast lens because I usually shoot landscapes, buildings, seascapes etc.

I have good news and I have bad news for you.  The good news is that the most economical landscape lens for Canon is the 18-55, which you already have.  The bad news is that there are no good, cheap alternatives.

Cheapest alternative would be the new Canon 10-18 zoom.  Only 10mm is not very practical for most landscapes, simply too wide.  The ideal landscape zoom for Canon APS-C would cover something like 14-35mm.  There are full frame designs close to that.  But full frame zoom lenses are usually a difficult choice for Canon.  As they are either terribly expensive, or very old designs packing lots of CA.

There is the Canon 15-85, which is hardly cheap.

There are 28mm and 35mm primes.  The cheap ones are old, soft designs.  The nice ones are f/2 or faster, kind of expensive for a tight budget.

Kick the polarizer habit (I hardly ever use one) and be happy with the 18-55.

nohelpKelly
Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/
The following user(s) said Thank You: PaulSL
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8 years 7 months ago #451577 by garyrhook

KCook wrote: Kick the polarizer habit (I hardly ever use one) and be happy with the 18-55.


Kelly, CPLs do wonderful things to the sky and are not to be so handily dismissed. Especially for daylight shooting. Agree that they are not necessary during the golden and blue hours.
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8 years 6 months ago #457533 by goodoldroute15
I've had particularly good luck with Sigma lenses. I have a 180 macro that is fast and sharp as a tack. As was stated earlier, you have to be particular about the lens you buy and generally speaking, you get what you pay for!
Photo Comments
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