Canon EOS Lens advice

[xfkirsten]

Well, I'm finally looking at upgrading to a Canon EOS 350D! At this point, though, I'm still trying to consider the best lens situation. I'm on somewhat of a budget, so money is an issue. But I'm curious as to whether I should buy the camera body with the kit lens, or just the body and buy a lens separately. If I buy a lens separately, does anyone have a particular lens reccommendation?

I'm into wildlife photography, so if I get the kit with the lens, I'd also be looking into purchasing an additional zoom telephoto. I'm curious as to how the 75-300mm Canon EF USM lens performs. At $190 from B&H, it's within my budget.

Any suggestions or advice anyone has on lenses is greatly appreciated! :wave:

 

[pisco]

I would definitely get the kit lens with the camera. You are not going to get a better lens for $90! The next step up from that would probably be the EF-S 17-85 IS but it is $500.

As for a long zoom lens, the consensus on the Canon Lens forums over at www.dpreview.com is that the Sigma 70-300 APO Macro is the best bet for an affordable zoom lens. TriState Camera (www.tristatecamera.com) has it for $169.99. It is typically rated better in sharpness and contrast than the Canon and is a little cheaper. Plus is does 1:2 macro shots which the Canon cannot do. The only Canon I would consider in that range is the 70-300 IS if only for the image stabilization. But you are looking at about $400 for that one.

If you do go for the Sigma make sure you get the APO version and not the DL version. The DL version is an older design and not as good optically as the APO version.

Good luck in your search. Deciding what lens to buy can be really confusing as there are so many choices out there.

 

[xfkirsten]

Thanks for the reccommendation on the Sigma! I'll definitely have to look into that one. I think I'm gonna get the kit with the lens - it'll be a good general use lens, and cover a decent range (18-55mm, with the 1.6x multiplier on top of that).

 

[disney2b]

I have the Canon 18-55 on my Canon 20D and it works great for me. Good Luck with the purchase.

 

[PhotoDave219]

Kirsten, if you can get the 75-300 EF from B&H go for it....

 

[disney2b]

Kirsten, if you can get the 75-300 EF from B&H go for it....

I agree with you there, especially for wildlife photography.

 

[pisco]

Kirsten, if you can get the 75-300 EF from B&H go for it....

Dave, I am curious why you would favor this lens? As far as I can see there is nothing about it that is better than the Sigma other than the fact the it is a Canon lens.

What would you say makes this lens the better choice?