Second lens for dRebel Kit

PeterGar

I have a 300D Digital Rebel with the 18-55mm kit lens. I'm getting ready to buy my second lens and need some advice on what I should get.

I want a zoom lens that's good for nature and portrait shooting. One that will get me in closer to distant subjects. One that I can use handheld without too much shake.

The two I am considering are:

EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 USM

and

EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM

Any suggestions? Even a lens other than the ones I listed?

BridgeCity

My second lens on my 300D was a Sigma 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Macro. It runs about 200 bucks brand new and has a very broad range of capabilites. Do you have a maximum budget?

PeterGar

BridgeCity wrote:

My second lens on my 300D was a Sigma 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Macro. It runs about 200 bucks brand new and has a very broad range of capabilites. Do you have a maximum budget?

Thanks for the reply. Yep, I have a budget of about $200. I'm trying to stay within the $150 - $200 range. After all, I still need to afford a Speedlite flash and a good tripod.

PeterGar

Is Tamron and Sigma actually worth my consideration versus Canon? Does Tamron or Sigma offer something close to L series quality for much less moolah?

I'm soooooo confused on what lens to buy.

BridgeCity

What will you mainly be shooting? Do you want used or new? Is 200 your maximum you want to spend?

PeterGar

I'll mostly be shooting nature, landscape, and portrait. You know, the more I read the more I realize I'm going to have to pay over... well over, $200 for something good. New or used... doesn't matter as long as it is in good shape.

This is such an expensive hobby!!! :cry

BridgeCity

If you are in LA, I would rent a couple lenses from a photography place before you spend TOO much money on a lens. The good thing is, if you buy used, and keep it in good shape. You can almost sell it for what you bought it for

bkriete

I'm in a similar situation...I think my first lens purchase will be the 50mm either 1.8 or 1.4 (probably the 1.4). Why? I tend to find the zoomed end of the 18-55 is what I usually use in composing shots, and I'd like to have better low-light/indoor shooting capability. It seems like a pretty decent portrait lens also.

BridgeCity

I have the Canon 50mm f/1.4 and I love it!