good zoom lens for a n00b

[arcticreaver]

got a canon rebel t1i and looking for an affordable zoom len. someone from another forum suggested a l 1.4 or l 1.8 but not really sure which one...

sorry meant macro instead of zoom...

[TheWengler]

someone from another forum suggested a l 1.4 or l 1.8 but not really sure which one...

Those aren't macro lenses either. They're primes.

Prime = fixed focal length
Zoom = variable focal length
Telephoto = long focal length
Macro = close focusing distance

If you're just looking for a prime to get you started then get the 50mm f/1.8. Can't beat the price. If you're looking for a macro lens then maybe something like the 60mm f/2.8. The choice depends on what you intend to shoot with the lens.

Edit: You should state more information than just the aperture if you want people to know what lens you're talking about. Usually the brand, the focal length and the aperture is enough. Sometimes you might need to list more info.

[tim11]

With such wide aperture F/1.4 and F/1.8 I think you will only be looking at the fixed focal lenses; that is... fixed at 50 mm, 85 mm; etc. Is that what you want?

Ahhhh.......... macro! Just notice the correction.

Macro normally are F/2.8. F/1.4 and F/1.8 are prime lens but not macro. They are great for portrait works - very bright and sharp but don't bring out minor details like macro lens.

Here is a link to some Canon mount line up, both macro and non macro but all fixed lenses. It's an Aussie site but that will give you some idea what's available.
http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/category700_1.htm

[arcticreaver]

thanks for the tips guys. looking at those 60mm f 2.8 lens, and getting shocked at the price.

this is going to be an expensive hobby.

[SpecialK]

thanks for the tips guys. looking at those 60mm f 2.8 lens, and getting shocked at the price.

this is going to be an expensive hobby.

f-number goes down, price goes up :-(

Some people like a 100mm or longer macro for the extra camera-subject distance to work with (for lights, etc.)

Also, in many shots you stop down quite a bit to get the depth of focus, so a super-fast macro is not always needed.

Many people prefer focusing manually (more precise than autofocus in critical macro shots, perhaps) as well.

So basically, I guess I am saying try www.keh.com for a used manual-focus longer-focal length slower-aperture macro lens (in the correct Canon mount, of course). You might find one relatively cheap.