Which lens for a complete newbie?

just-joe

Hi,

I am hoping to finally get my first DSLR soon, and am fairly set on one (the Canon 60D). It has a couple of options though, and I'm wondering which is best.

You can get a double zoom kit, with 18-55mm and 55-250mm lenses. Or you can get one lens, 18-135mm for around the same price. I'm not sure whether this lens is better quality than the other two?

The last one would be to get just 18-55mm for a bit cheaper, and then get the 50mm 1.8 on the side, coming to the same price.

The last option wouldn't have any zoom, but I'm not sure whether I would miss it if I don't have it. Is it reccommended for a newbie to have some zoom potential?

Thanks very much for your help!!

PCPhoto

it really depends on what you want to photograph !

if you plan on taking pictures of landscapes then having a zoom is not essential, if you plan on doing sport having a wideangle is not practical (to capture the sport)

most people on here will advise getting the best glass (if you didn't know that means lenses) that you can afford, I suppose I should go along with that also - chances are if you continue with photography then you will want L-series lenses, keep an eye out on Ebay/Adverts and other online secondhand sources and you could find a bargain.

if I was in your situation I would go with the two lenses for the extra option of having a zoom, the quality difference between the lenses will probably not be noticeable.

its usually pointed out that prime lenses are better than zoom lenses in terms of image quality/sharpness.

Best of luck with your photography - dont forget to post some pics in the random photos section.

just-joe

Thanks!

I think the lenses are of the same quality. I'm not really sure what type of photography I'll get into, but I will hopefully take some snowboarding pics so zoom might be necessary for that. So I might go for the 18-135 to have some zoom, and not have to switch lenses often..

I'll definitely put some pics up when I've taken some!

CabanSail

If you are just starting then maybe give yourself as much variety as possible. The two lens kit would do this. When you settle in to your own niche then you will desire better glass which is suited to your needs.

5uspect

I'd go with the double zoom kit. They're both decent enough inexpensive lenses and if and when you do decide to upgrade you'll want to put that cash into a narrower range of focal lengths leaving you with these lenses to cover everything else.

alfalad

I got a Canon 60D last week as a present and ordered the 15-85 for it as reckoned it was as good as I would need any time soon and has a nice range for an every day lense.
Reckon it will cover 90% of the shots i'll want to take in the next couple of years. May add on a nice prime lens like the sigma 30 if i can pick one up second hand or cheap for the low light situation or portaits (bbq's etc) and maybe a cheap second hand longer reach for some sport/wildlife but that's if i ever decide i need it. Think something wider would be nice for landscape but think the 15 end should be fine for a good while. I'm sure i'll love the 15-85 as it will be my first lens so my feedback may not be the best but it seems to get great reviews.
It should arrive today as it's currently in a Fedex truck so can't wait to get started with it.