Lens for Canon Rebel XTi

[David Shilman]

I've had the Rebel XTi almost since the day it came out.  It came with the stock 18-55mm.  I consider myself a decent photographer...this is my 3rd SLR in about 30 years.  I used to mess around with wide angles, telephotos, doublers etc.

What I want now is a multipurpose lens that I won't have to change very often.  Here's my purpose.  I want to be able to take regular "snapshots", but also have some zoom capabilities.  I don't need to be able to see every feather on an Osprey at 500 meters.  I DO want to get a good close up of something maybe 20-30 meters away without having to get too close.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thanks!

David

[Photoman]

Hi David

         I would recommend the Sigma 50-500mm lense. It's not a bad lense for the price ($1200-$1400)............ I think? Though I still use film, I had a chance to use a Rebel XT with a 50-500mm when I went to Point Pelee in May. Had a great time playing with it. Would recommend using a tripod, but you can also hand hold it if you have a steady hand. Got some nice shots with it. Great for close ups and great for zooming in and out. I was very impressed with this lense and recommend it to anyone who is looking for a zoom lense.
Good luck in your findings.
The pics in the Photo Gallery (New Photos added......Point Pelee Trip) were taken with this lense.

Good birding to all

Photoman
(Clemens)

[Kin Lau]

I have used my Sigma 50-500 for snapshots, but with the weight and size, you might tire of it rather quickly. As a general lens that can be used for birding, there really isn't anything else in its class.

At 20-30 meters, you actually do need a 500mm to get a good shot of anything Robin sized and smaller... and it won't be full frame either.

[David Shilman]

Thanks guys.  Yeah, I think that would be too big as an everyday lens.  Any other suggestions?

I guess the best thing to do would be to go into a camera shop, get some advice there, try different lenses and see what I like, then run it by you guys...the people with experience and no profit to be made by my decision.

Thanks again,

David

edit: Just checked out the web site of a major photographic retailer  :wink: ... any comments on the practicality of an 18-200mm or 55-200mm lens?

[Kin Lau]

The tough part, is that the longer the lens, the larger it needs to be to get enough light. I've done birding with the consumer 70-300mm zooms, and it's very limiting.

200mm is just way too short.

[Brian Bailey]

Back when I was shooting film, I got a lot of use out of a Tamron 28-300 lens.  The optics certainly weren't pro quality, but they were better than at least one of my Canon lenses (75-300).  I rarely changed lenses unless I was shooting macro or really wide.  They are often referred to as "vacation lenses" because they are very versatile and easy to carry.  The Tamron 18-250 appears to be the leader of the pack in this category for an XTi.

There are some good lens review sites.  My two favourites are http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/index.php
and http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/index.html

BTW, I now opt to carry 2 or 3 shorter range zooms, but the wide-range zooms can be very useful.

Also, keep in mind that with 10 MP, you can do a lot of cropping and still have a decent image.

BB

[David Shilman]

Thanks Brian...good points all.  (I'll check out those suggestions.)

David

[Michael Tam]

I am more a Nikon user without much experience into digital SLR because of the sensor conversion factor, ie I am hoping to use full-frame digital sensor.  So from a 35 mm equivalent point of view, what I found most useful multipurpose lens is my 24-120mm, then for your bird photography, it may be the expense 80-400mm VR within the Nikon line.  You may wish to compare the Canon line for the equivalence.  The 24mm is great for landscape, much better than 28mm but easier than the 20mm while the 120mm can double as close up nature without going into 105mm macro.  There may be even better combination for the newer lens but with zooms, one must watch for optical quality by limiting the range of the zoom (my 75-300mm non-ED was not very sharp) and spending a bit more.
In Toronto, there is the convenience to see all the pro camera shop at once along Queen Street, including the Downtown Camera, Henry, Vistek, etc.  Go to Digital Photography Review website to get more information.

[Anonymous]

I have been using the Sigma 50-500mm lens for a while. I like it, I use a monopod with a ball head as well as a shoulder brace. This helps with the weight of the lens while waiting for a bird to come out for a shot. I would definitely get another of these when this one wears out.

[Michael Tam]

There is an interesting possibility just released this summer which may be very useful for more causal bird record shots without the heavy SLR systems interferring with birding.  The Panasonic Lumix came out with a new bridge camera called FZ18 with 8 megapixel, 28 - 504 mm Lecia lens, Image stabilization as well as .44 mm EVF, all of which can be carried on a belt mounted Lewpro AW carrier.  Please read the review on www.Digitalphotographyreview on this camera and a full review on its predessor FZ8.  The best price for the camera is from Downtown Camera in Toronto for $489 whereas other stores may list at $559.  The lens filter size is 46mm which may be a special order.  One may also want to purchase a heavy duty wrist strap for the camera as oppose to the shoulder strap provided for ease of usage.

[Andreas Jonsson]

I too have been pondering getting a DSLR with a tele lens, but since I also carry binoculars, and often a scope on a tripod, carrying heavy photo equipment as well isn't really an option. I opted to get a super-zoom compact digital camera instead. So far I have been quite happy with the results. Of course, I use the camera mainly for documentation, not so much for shooting prize-winner photos.

I have the Canon Powershot S3, which has a focal length reaching up to 432 mm. It has builtin image stabilization, so you can pretty much shoot from the hip and still get decent photos.

I realize this is not for everyone. If I'd get more into photography I would certainly get a DSLR.

Some examples shot with the Canon from this fall are available here.

[David Shilman]

...here.

Interesting shot of the Sanderling.

David