help - lenses recommendations

[tomchook]

Hello everyone,
I'm about to buy whe Canon Xsi (D450) when it will release, but I'm a newbie with DSLR cameras, and I have no idea which lenses I need. It seems that there are so many to choose from. What I would like is a lens where I can have a very wide view, a "normal" lens a macro lens. Is there a single lens that include these features? If not, which is the best from those categories, and which brand would you recommend?

Thank you!
Tom

[Paradox]

Well what's your budget? If you have the money, but a specialised lens for each and be very happy with them. If you're on a tighter budget, an all-rounder will suit you better. For an example of an all-rounder lens I have the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 Macro. It has an equivalent focal length of around 27-75mm on a 1.5 factor body - Which gives you a reasonable wide angle, covers the standard zoom range, and has reasonable Macro abilities. Don't expect miracles - But it's proved to be a good little workhorse of a lens, and it's not that expensive either. :)

[bauerman]

I agree with Paradox's lens recommendation - depending on your budget. You could also look at the Sigma 17-70mm lens - great, usable range and a macro mode as well. Both of these lenses are affordable and provide excellent image quality.

[palermo22]

Just wondering how these two lens compare with the new kit lens (18-55i) and whether it would be worth while investigating the new Sigma 18-125 lens? I am also awaiting the xsi arrival (which according to another site that arrival date could be within the next few weeks).

[tomchook]

and what exactly do these numbers mean? for instance, 18-125 Sigma lense (that palemo22 mentioned) sounds like it has a bigger range, so would that mean I could have a wider angel / closer macro?
and what would be the different between the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 Macro and Sigma 17-70mm ? I guess there is no need to have them both.. or am I mistaken?

How would I know if these Sigma lenses would fit the Xsi D450?

[TheWengler]

and what exactly do these numbers mean? for instance, 18-125 Sigma lense (that palemo22 mentioned) sounds like it has a bigger range, so would that mean I could have a wider angel / closer macro?
and what would be the different between the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 Macro and Sigma 17-70mm ? I guess there is no need to have them both.. or am I mistaken?

How would I know if these Sigma lenses would fit the Xsi D450?

Get the lens in Canon mount and it will fit. For macro you need to look at the magnification ratio. On a standard zoom lens it's usually something like 1:3 or 1:5 but on a dedicated macro lens it's 1:1. On a 1:1 lens an object the same size as the image sensor will fill the frame.

Here's a lens tutorial (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8089) another member put together.

[AlexMonro]

To get an idea of how wide a view you get with various focal lengths, you might find the Tamron focal length comparison (http://www.tamron.de/Focal-Length-Comparison.238.0.html?&L=2) useful. The Tamron website has specifications for all their lenses, and you might be particularly interested in the figures quoted for Maximum Magnification Ratio and Minimum Object Distance - measured from the sensor, not the front of the lens.

Sigma also have a website (http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/lenses/index.htm) (there's a US one as well, but I don't have that bookmarked), with similar specifications for their lenses. This shows that the 17-70 would be better for macro work, giving a magnification of 1:2.3 (i.e. an object 52mm wide at 20cm would fill the frame on the 450D) compared with the 1:3.8 magnification of the 18-125 (requiring an object 85mm wide at 35cm to fill the frame). For some subjects, such as live insects, it helps if you don't have to get too close, so a longer focal length can be helpful.

[tomchook]

Thanks for your help! So I think that the 18-200mm would be the best fit for me, because it's sort of "all-in-one" solution. Now regarding other details and brands:
I've noticed big price differences between the 18-200mm lenses. I heard that there is some sort of image stabilizer, which lets you have sharp pictures when you prolong the exposure (for example when taking pictures at dark places). I think it is necessary. Which other features are necessary/useless?
Is there a way to permanently protect my lens by adding a thin filter of some sort (to aovid scraches, water drops etc.) ? Do I need such a think?

[TheWengler]

Thanks for your help! So I think that the 18-200mm would be the best fit for me, because it's sort of "all-in-one" solution. Now regarding other details and brands:
I've noticed big price differences between the 18-200mm lenses. I heard that there is some sort of image stabilizer, which lets you have sharp pictures when you prolong the exposure (for example when taking pictures at dark places). I think it is necessary. Which other features are necessary/useless?
Is there a way to permanently protect my lens by adding a thin filter of some sort (to aovid scraches, water drops etc.) ? Do I need such a think?

Image stabilization isn't going to work miracles. It only stops camera shake, not subject motion. You won't be able to do long exposures with just IS, but it can help in less than perfect light.

You can use a protective filter if you want. There are differing opinions on the subject. I'm sure you'll find a thread already on the topic if you do a search.