Writing my xmas list ....Advice needed.

I am asking for a lens from my OH for xmas. I have been reading some articles about them and I am trying to find something that would improve on my basic kit lens and would also do some macro shots. Am I right in thinking these lenses exist or have I mis-read the article?

oooh i lurv xmas lists Mines longer than my arm at the mo!

This write up may help Fudgley - make sure you do your research though as certain lenses will work better on different cams and read lots of reviews !

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/page.php?t=8089

Also something to think about - do you want a dedicated macro lens or one thats capable of macro?

When you say 'to improve on my basic kit lens' what do you mean? Are you looking for a greater focal length, better image quality, better build quality? Also what kind of budget do you have in mind and are you looking for a dedicated Macro lens?

I also love Christmas lists - trying to decide on what I want first though

Thanks K although I am a bit befuddled by it all. I will read it again....

I suppose I am looking for better image quality. I have a budget of about £250I think.

I have a Canon EOS 400D with a kit lens(18-55 mm) and then I have a Canon EF 75-300mm lens that I inherited from Phil.

Ok, so are you looking at wider than 18, something to cover the 18 - 75 range (and replace your kit lens), or a telephoto? Do you want a zoom or a prime?

Problem there is if Fudge decides on something wider than an 18, she looking at a wide angle, which isnt great fro macro - for macro she would realy need a large apperture cam.? A prime lens would be a good suggestion though.

Well that is why I asked if Fudge was looking for a dedicated Macro lens. The 60mm would fall in between the range she has now (18 -55 and 75 - 300) and would fit nicely within that price range or she could go for the 100mm, however this would be slightly outside the price range.

However they are both primes and some people might prefer the versatility of a zoom (though I love my Macro lens ).

I'm reading this with great interest, as I'm going to ask for money for Christmas to put towards another lens for my new camera, but I've been looking around and what confuses me is, what's the difference between a Tele lens and a Tele lens with zoom, apart form the price.
Sorry Fudgeley I hope you don't think I'm highjacking your thread, I don't mean to, hope my question helps you as well

The joys of chooing lenses. Fudge, you could have alot of fun with a wide angle, and as GH said, it will cover a range that you have not got already, but it wont perform with macro. you could always go for the 100mm as suggested and is a good starter for macro.

A prime lens would be good to use for macro too, maybe sigmas 105mm would be worth looking into - although a prime lens does NOT zoom in or out - you need to use your feet for that

I have the Tamron 70-300 telephoto macro 1:2. which can be used as a tlephoto lens or a macro and its not to expensive either.

Try and get the best glass that you can afford - its the lens that the most important part of your kit, not the camera body


Tele lens/ Telephoto lens are prime lenses. They have a fixed focal length so dont zoom in and out.

The tele lens zoom/ telephoto zoom - has a a varied focal length and does zoom in and out

HTH