Need help choosing a lens please

[Lizzy257]

I got my first dslr just after Christmas, Canon t3i. I got the 18-55mm kit lens and the 50mm prime. Now I want to get a new lens, but the more I look at them, the more confused i get!

I need a bit more reach than the 55mm. It doesn't have to be 200 or 300, but if there's a decent not-too-expensive lens that has that kind of zoom, I'll take it My point and shoot goes to 120 and I've never felt I *needed* more. I've been happy with the quality of the pics I'm getting from the kit lens, even though I know others aren't happy with their kit lens.....so I guess I probably wouldn't notice much difference in a budget lens.

I mostly take pics of the kids, who are very fast moving. I'll be using it indoors as well as outdoors, so I'd like something that can handle indoor shots reasonably well. I don't have an external flash, and I know I have the 50mm for indoors, but it can be very tight at times, so really I'm lookin for something that I can leave on most of the time.

I'd love any suggestions you have for something that might suit what I'm looking for

[glumirk]

I have the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 on my Canon T2i and I love it! I don't think it's left my camera since I got it. I like it better than my 50mm f/1.8.

I should point out that my kids are constantly running at me, so I don't need more zoom than I've got. I imagine its different as they grow a little older.

[maryinaz]

Originally Posted by glumirk

I have the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 on my Canon T2i and I love it!

I have the same and love it. I take pretty much all my photos on it unless I'm shooting sports and then I use a Canon 75-300mm.

[nun69]

yep I have the Tamron too and I LOVE it....and honestly if you play around with your settings on manual mode, you would be amazed at how well just your pop up flash can do for low light indoors

[ripal]

After lots of going back and forth, I just bought one last week. I have 50mm and my zoom lens broke almost a year ago. I've finally replaced it with 18-135mm. I am hoping it will cover most of my needs. I do have 75-300 for sports, so didn't need anymore that what 18-135 has to offer.

I bought mine from Clickin Mom site. I just couldn't play the eBay game! lol Watched it for a week and lost my bids at last minute every time!

[rach3975]

I have a 30 mm that I use almost all the time and a budget 40-150 that I use for playgrounds and Little League games (plus a kit lens that I haven't used since getting the 30 mm). I really want a good zoom that could stay on my camera all the time, probably something like the 18-135. Given what you already have that you're happy with, would the 28-75 be enough extra reach?

[farrijc]

When I bought my t3i, I bought the 18-135 lens, which is the kit lens for some of the more expensive canons. In terms of versatility, it's great. Zoom is enough to take pictures at baseball, soccer, etc. but also has the wider angle.

As far as taking indoor pics, I would compare it to the kit lens you already have. If you're happy with the way it takes indoor pics, you'd be happy with the 18-135. But, it's obviously not going to perform as well as the 50 mm.

[jessica31876]

I love the 18-135 also. I have a couple lenses and use that plus another zoom I think is 75-300?? I dont use it very often it came with my camera. I use the 50 alot because it is a whole lot lighter then the other lenses I have and it takes decent photos. Oh all of mine are Canon. Maybe if you get a really good idea on what you want you could rent it and see if you really love it?

[Lizzy257]

Thanks for all your help ladies. Just had a quick look and the Tamron 28-75mm looks like a great lens, but I'm really not sure the 75mm would be enough. Will have to look more into the 18-135mm!

[navaja77]

How about the canon 85 f/1.8?