Lens question

Nancy Wett · 05-21-2008

I have a Canon Rebel XT though that doesn't really matter for my question. My hubby has agreed to buy me a telephoto lens for a belated mothers day (quilt maybe? or just to shut me up more likely)gift. Any way here is what I hope to photograph. my son's graduation from high school and then Marine Bootcamp he will be far away for each event. One indoors one outdoor. Wild life, candid portraits where people wont be aware of me taking their pictures by being in their faces and some sports, wedding and other such events held indoors. I might want to sell my pictures someday...way down the road. But not go into a photography field.
I would like your opinions about buying a prime lens or a telephoto. I know I need a stabalizer one as I am to shaky for my normal lense somedays but what else do I have to think about? Any preferences. I know I can't cover all bases but any ideas would be great. I've read that prime lenses give you clearer detail but they are a fixed range. The telephoto isn't as sharp but you have more range. Then there is the question of if I get either what would be the best mm to get? I have a kit lens now that is 18 to 55 mm and is 3.5 to 5.6 . I will want to get a Macro lens someday too!
thanks for any ideas . Nanc

**Tamlin** · 05-21-2008

Nancy: I think you asked this question in a comment on a photo in the Gallery. I replied there but I'm guessing you didn't spot it. Here's what I wrote:

My advice (for what it's worth) would be to choose a zoom if you want to do both portraits and wildlife photography - especially the latter. With a prime lens, you have to rely on being the right distance (more or less) from the subject to get the perfect shot, which is not always possible with wildlife. Also, the kind of long lens that is ideal for wildlife would not be appropriate for portrait photography, which is usually better suited to a short telephoto (about the equivalent to a 135mm lens on a 35mm film SLR).

If you want Image Stabilization, then your hubby is going to have to go for a Canon lens (and be prepared to sell a kidney - the Canon EF 70-200mm IS USM retails for around $1300), but another option is to go for the combination of a Tamron or Sigma lens and a good tripod. I own a Tamron AF 18-200mm zoom (Tamron AF 18-200 mm F3.5 - F6.3 Di-II: Digital Photography Review) and it's rarely off my camera. It's also considerably more affordable - around $480.

Telephoto zooms in general are not appreciably poorer quality than primes other than at their extremes (maximum focal length and maximum aperture).

Hope this helps a bit.

Nancy Wett · 05-22-2008

Thanks Tamlin, yes I must have missed it. i always try to go back and look when I post a question but life did get a wee bit hectic around here lately. I did try a canon telephoto with no stabalizer and I admit I could rarely take a shot with out a tripod. It might not have had a low enough f stop either. can't remember what I tried but returned it knowing I needed a stabalized one. I tried it from Best Buy so I am able to check what it was. I have been reading about the different ones but there is so much information. Your reply was very helpful and sorry I missed your response . I am enjoying reading about which camera do you use in the forum section.

wombie · 05-22-2008

I would highly recommend the Canon EOS 70-200mm f/4.0 L lens. It doesn't have image stabilzation but is fantastic with a tripod. the rrp is pretty high but you can pick them up for £350 without too much trouble if you look around. It is also usm so focus' nice and quickly as well as silently.

Nancy Wett · 05-25-2008

Thank you both. We will start looking as soon as that darn income tax check comes. Better get here before Graduation! Ugh!