Lens suggestions anyone?

[youngbirder92]

Hello all,

I am new to photography and am looking into buying either a Canon EOS 20d, or a 350d, but will probably end up going with the 350d because of the price. I would be very appreciative if i could get input as for the lens i should first buy with it. It needs to be very cheap in price (below 150 or so USD) and will be used for macro shots and of birds in the hand (banding), and needs SHARPNESS. Any suggestions welome.


EDIT: forgot to mention that it needs to be either Canon or Sigma

[Henry B]

Sigma 70-300mm super macro.The one with the red ring around it...hb

[youngbirder92]

Thanks a bunch for your quick reply Henry!! Will definetly check that out. Much appreciated

Michael

[Tyler Vargo]

The one in my signature, the Sigma 70-300 APO Macro Super II can only focus to about 36" and only from 200-300mm so it is out of the question for in hand shots unless you stand 4 or more feet away... For really good sharpness it needs to be stopped down to f8... I rekon you won't find much in the way of sharp lenses other than 50mm primes that focus under a foot for under $150.00... Maybe a "kit" lens would do? You know, the one that you can buy in a kit with the 350 or 20D?

[youngbirder92]

Maybe a "kit" lens would do? You know, the one that you can buy in a kit with the 350 or 20D?

Hi Tyler

Was thinking about the kit lens that would come with the 350d, which would be the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6. have read some reviews about it on the web and a thread or two here on BF and from what I gather it is not nearly the quality of a top-of-the-line Canon L-series lens (well duh, of course not :bounce: ) but it is a great value for what you would pay for it. That would definetly be a good cheap option that would suit my needs (for now anyways). Thanks for your input Tyler

Michael

[youngbirder92]

Also what about the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II? Would this serve the purpose good? I have read that it is inexpensive as well, under 100 USD