Recommend a lens for a kid and a 40D

austinado16 · November 19, 2012

For the last couple of years, my daughter (now 13) has been developing an interest in photography. She's actually becoming quite good, is very skilled at the basics of PSE, and even entered a handful of shots in a recent National Geographics Kids, photo contest.

Decided a real camera would be a fun xmas present. I've picked up a 40D as-new, in the box. Need a suggestion for a lens. I'm going to give her an old school Canon 70-210 slide zoom lens that I don't use, and need advice for the rest of the range. Was thinking about the 28-135mm that came as a kit lens for the 40's, but wanted to hear from you folks.

I'm thinking a "walk-around" type lens, and something that allows fun shots of flowers, sort of up close, and landscape/scenary. Should I be looking at something in the 18mm+ range instead? Not looking for L glass by the way. Have plenty of that I can share, including some good non-L primes.

I'm clueless about "other" lenses because I only shoot gymnastics so something that's f3.5-5.6 is worthless to me.

Thanks!

ziggy53 · November 19, 2012

I suggest a Tamron SP 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD IF as a standard zoom lens.

Review

austinado16 · November 19, 2012

Thanks! Hadn't even thought about non-Canon glass. f2.8 would be really nice.

Art Scott · November 19, 2012

Might I toss in the Sigma 17-70 ... also a very good lens.

austinado16 · November 19, 2012

Yes, and thank you!

austinado16 · December 5, 2012

Craigslist to the rescue, as always. Today I picked up the Tamron 17-50/2.8, as new, in the box, for $300, and a week ago, came home with a Tamron 28-70/2.8 for $240.

ziggy53 · December 5, 2012

Excellent.

paddler4 · December 7, 2012

If you mean the Tamron 28-75 /2.8, it is a superb lens on a crop sensor. It is one of my standards on my 50d. And that is a very good price.

Recommend a lens for a kid and a 40D

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