Good starter lens for Rebel XT?

[vjack]

I've finally decided on a Rebel XT, and now I need to pick a decent starter lens. This is my first SLR, so I'm fairly clueless. Of course, the least expensive route would be to get the kit lens. While this might be a good lens for learning the camera, it sounds like I should expect to replace it fairly soon.

Many people are advising against the kit lens and suggesting the Sigma 18-125mm, Canon 17-85 IS USM, or Tamron 28-75. However, I don't think the Tamron is wide enough and it sounds like this lens has XT-specific problems. Any suggestions between the Sigma and Canon lens? Any others I should be considering instead?

[Bluedog]

I don't know what kinda XT/Tamron problems your talking about but as you can view my PBase gallery below and see my results which are very good if I say so but your right on the 28mm X 1.6 = 44.8mm which isn't quite wide enough. The Tamron is an awesome Lens. I suggest the Sigma 18-125mm for focal length and price. It too can produce very good images. All my lens purchases have come from Adorama.com without any issues to speak of.

[speaklightly]

Bluedog-

I went with Adorama also, and they have proveded excellent service. They even managed to get a rather hard to find Pentax lens for me. It was on back order for 7 weeks, but I got it. And I commend them as it is a difficult lens to find.

I agree with you that the Sigma 18-125mm lens is an excellent "walk around" lens.

Sarah Joyce

[Q B@LL]

I never really saw any problems with the kit lens as far as the pics I've taken with them... then again, the XT is also my first SLR and I am hardly an amateur photographer. In anycase, I just got the 18-125 and just like what you've heard so far, I'm pretty satisfied with the range and quality of the lens. Great "walk-around" as they say :D

[freedda]

See this other thread for more on this topic: http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9579

There's a link in my reply to a web site with Canon lens reviews for the Rebel and similar cameras.

I started with the 18-55mm kit lens and the 28-105mm lens. Both pretty good and reasonably priced. I'd say start there--you won't be disappointed and the price is right--and then get more lenses as you figure out what you need them for.

[Rhys]

Exactly - the kit lens (though shamefully poorly made) is good if you work within its limitations. Personally, I prefer fast apertures so I'll be buying prime lenses for the 18 - 50 (or even 200) range. Beyond that, zooms work out cheaper and better.

[24Peter]

I'm using the kit lens, Canon 28-105 3.5-4.5, Canon 75-300 USM IS and Canon 50mm 1.8II. None of these lenses are perfect but they work fairly well on my current budget and I'd recommend any of them.

FWIW - I returned my Tamron 28-75 Di XR because of the aforementioned XT issues. Tamron acknowledged the problem even after they "calibrated" it. Too many people are having problems with this lens on the XT for me to recommend it.