Lens suggestions

[Cosk]

I'm going to revise my earlier recommendation. 

Since you are brand new to photography, 14 years old and learning, you need to bring gear you can use effortlessly, very fast, and without thinking about it. 

You don't want to be 'that guy' who has a duffle bag full of gear and is always fumbling with lenses and tripods, and holding everyone up.

You want to be able to capture a memory as quickly as possible - and get back into the action with your friends and family.

You don't have enough time between now and April to get comfortable with 3 lenses. 

Pick one lens, and get to know it.  You have a lot of trips ahead of you. 

I'll often take a trip and bring one prime lens (e.g. 50mm).  It forces you to think about composure rather than taking lenses on and off.

Read this:
http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2011/06/09/why-shooting-with-just-a-35mm-lens-can-help-your-photography/

I'd say bring one lens and learn it:

Either:  17-40mm f/4 if you want a zoom
Or... if you want to become a better photographer, bring only a 24mm 2.8 prime and learn composure (thats equivalent to a 38mm perspective)

[whatta]

I'd say bring one lens and learn it:

Either:  17-40mm f/4 if you want a zoom

I would say 15-85 then.

[stringfellow1946]

All my lenses are ROUND!! I've not had a square or triangle shaped one yet?

[AcinonyxJG]

I'm going to revise my earlier recommendation. 

Since you are brand new to photography, 14 years old and learning, you need to bring gear you can use effortlessly, very fast, and without thinking about it. 

You don't want to be 'that guy' who has a duffle bag full of gear and is always fumbling with lenses and tripods, and holding everyone up.

You want to be able to capture a memory as quickly as possible - and get back into the action with your friends and family.

You don't have enough time between now and April to get comfortable with 3 lenses. 

Pick one lens, and get to know it.  You have a lot of trips ahead of you. 

I'll often take a trip and bring one prime lens (e.g. 50mm).  It forces you to think about composure rather than taking lenses on and off.

Read this:
http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2011/06/09/why-shooting-with-just-a-35mm-lens-can-help-your-photography/

I'd say bring one lens and learn it:

Either:  17-40mm f/4 if you want a zoom
Or... if you want to become a better photographer, bring only a 24mm 2.8 prime and learn composure (thats equivalent to a 38mm perspective)

I see your point and it is very good, but as I'm not really sure what kind of situations I will be in during the trip, I don't really want to have one lens, and then regret not renting one that could have given me the chance to get that photo I need the other lens for.  I guess I could rent the lenses (only 2 or 3) for a bit of extra time, and get to use them for a few days before the trip, how does that sound?

[scrappydog]

For indoors, I would recommend the 50mm.  Ideally, a 35mm would be better due to the 1.6x crop on the 60D, but the 50mm is fine.  It is sharp, focuses quickly, and is light.

Although I have used my 10-22mm indoors, it's not fast enough for low light and it does not have IS.  At least the 50mm is fast enough to get a decent shutter speed in low light.

For all of the lenses that have been recommended to you, check out the reviews on the site URL below.  His reviews are great.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/Canon-General-Purpose-Lens.aspx

[AcinonyxJG]

For indoors, I would recommend the 50mm.  Ideally, a 35mm would be better due to the 1.6x crop on the 60D, but the 50mm is fine.  It is sharp, focuses quickly, and is light.

Although I have used my 10-22mm indoors, it's not fast enough for low light and it does not have IS.  At least the 50mm is fast enough to get a decent shutter speed in low light.

For all of the lenses that have been recommended to you, check out the reviews on the site URL below.  His reviews are great.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/Canon-General-Purpose-Lens.aspx

I have just had a look at the 35mm lenses canon offers, the L lens is very expensive, but it is f/1.4, so would be very good, the non L is f/2, and a lot cheaper, obviously it won't be as good regarding IQ and other aspects, but would the extra price be worth it, I probably won't be able to buy any lenses, but will hire, and the 35mm L would be expensive to hire aswell.  Thanks for recommeding these lenses they look great, and would be better on a crop sensor camera.

[Freshprince08]

I'm going to revise my earlier recommendation. 

Since you are brand new to photography, 14 years old and learning, you need to bring gear you can use effortlessly, very fast, and without thinking about it. 

You don't want to be 'that guy' who has a duffle bag full of gear and is always fumbling with lenses and tripods, and holding everyone up.

You want to be able to capture a memory as quickly as possible - and get back into the action with your friends and family.

You don't have enough time between now and April to get comfortable with 3 lenses. 

Pick one lens, and get to know it.  You have a lot of trips ahead of you. 

I'll often take a trip and bring one prime lens (e.g. 50mm).  It forces you to think about composure rather than taking lenses on and off.

Read this:
http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2011/06/09/why-shooting-with-just-a-35mm-lens-can-help-your-photography/

I'd say bring one lens and learn it:

Either:  17-40mm f/4 if you want a zoom
Or... if you want to become a better photographer, bring only a 24mm 2.8 prime and learn composure (thats equivalent to a 38mm perspective)

I see your point and it is very good, but as I'm not really sure what kind of situations I will be in during the trip, I don't really want to have one lens, and then regret not renting one that could have given me the chance to get that photo I need the other lens for.  I guess I could rent the lenses (only 2 or 3) for a bit of extra time, and get to use them for a few days before the trip, how does that sound?

I just wanted to back up Scrappy's point and reiterate mine from earlier. When I first started I made the mistake of buying lenses and kit I thought I needed but then found I didn't. You've got a few months before your trip, would strongly recommend you getting to know one lens well (I'd say either the 18-55 kit or the 15-85), and taking it from there. I totally get your point about wanting to be prepared for the trip, however you'd be surprised how effective one lens (even just a prime - I was in New York recently with my fiancee and used a 35mm 95% of the time) can be, and it forces you to think about composition too. I've also been in situations where I've missed shots and opportunities whilst faffing with lens choices! Getting pleasing results from your first DSLR (with any lens) is not trivial either, so there will be a learning curve from the outset.

If you are dead set on a lens/focal length then go ahead - but if you aren't sure then save the cash for now and pull the trigger later

All the best.

[aprotosimaki]

I'm going to revise my earlier recommendation. 

Since you are brand new to photography, 14 years old and learning, you need to bring gear you can use effortlessly, very fast, and without thinking about it. 

You don't want to be 'that guy' who has a duffle bag full of gear and is always fumbling with lenses and tripods, and holding everyone up.

You want to be able to capture a memory as quickly as possible - and get back into the action with your friends and family.

You don't have enough time between now and April to get comfortable with 3 lenses. 

Pick one lens, and get to know it.  You have a lot of trips ahead of you. 

I'll often take a trip and bring one prime lens (e.g. 50mm).  It forces you to think about composure rather than taking lenses on and off.

Read this:
http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2011/06/09/why-shooting-with-just-a-35mm-lens-can-help-your-photography/

I'd say bring one lens and learn it:

Either:  17-40mm f/4 if you want a zoom
Or... if you want to become a better photographer, bring only a 24mm 2.8 prime and learn composure (thats equivalent to a 38mm perspective)

I see your point and it is very good, but as I'm not really sure what kind of situations I will be in during the trip, I don't really want to have one lens, and then regret not renting one that could have given me the chance to get that photo I need the other lens for.  I guess I could rent the lenses (only 2 or 3) for a bit of extra time, and get to use them for a few days before the trip, how does that sound?

I just wanted to back up Scrappy's point and reiterate mine from earlier. When I first started I made the mistake of buying lenses and kit I thought I needed but then found I didn't. You've got a few months before your trip, would strongly recommend you getting to know one lens well (I'd say either the 18-55 kit or the 15-85), and taking it from there. I totally get your point about wanting to be prepared for the trip, however you'd be surprised how effective one lens (even just a prime - I was in New York recently with my fiancee and used a 35mm 95% of the time) can be, and it forces you to think about composition too. I've also been in situations where I've missed shots and opportunities whilst faffing with lens choices! Getting pleasing results from your first DSLR (with any lens) is not trivial either, so there will be a learning curve from the outset.

If you are dead set on a lens/focal length then go ahead - but if you aren't sure then save the cash for now and pull the trigger later

All the best.

I don't know. This whole thread seems to be kind of out there: a 14 year old buying his first DSLR along with a pile of higher priced lenses. The learning curve with a DSLR is pretty steep so I like the recommendation of keeping it simple and spending the time on learning how to actually use the camera. I love the recommendation of using either just a 35mm or a 50mm to master the craft. Any shots missed are more likely that you did not see them and not because you had the wrong lens!

[danski0224]

Hi, I am going to go on a trip to Iceland in April next year, I am also going to soon be getting my first DSLR (EOS 60D), I would like to know what kind of lenses I could take to Iceland, so far I have thought of getting a kit lens, although not sure which one, and also try and buy the 50mm f/1.4 lens, and the 70-200mm f/4 IS USM lens, I would like to take landscape photos e.t.c. but also portraits, so I would like a good range of focal lengths, also, I cannot go too expensive.

Thanks, James

If you want wide, the Tokina 11-16 is very nice. Keep in mind that the built-in flash will be useless with this lens due to lens shadow... and if you use a flash, you may need two of them.

I also like the Canon 16-35 L II on either a crop or full frame. The 17-55 2.8 IS is also nice, but only useful on EF-S cameras.

The 16-35 f2.8 stays on my camera most of the time.

The 35 f1.4 can get pictures without a flash that a 2.8 lens can't get. This is close to a 50mm view on a full frame camera on your 60D.

A 24mm lens will essentially look like a 38mm on a full frame. Useful for indoor stuff.

On the 60D, a 50mm will behave like an 80. Might be too much for indoor work.

I find a 70-200 too much for my indoor situations, especially on a crop camera.

I like wide shots, and sometimes you just can't step back some more. I've tried stitching, and it hasn't worked out very well for me yet.

Wide angle: Tokina 11-16.

Indoor stuff, maybe no flash, you will need something faster than 2.8. The prime lenses are much lighter than the 17-55 2.8.

I'd rent a 24 and 35 now and see which one you like... but you can always crop stuff out of a picture. Much harder to crop stuff into a picture.

Otherwise, I'd recommend the 17-55 f2.8 is.

$.02
 

[pj1974]

Having read all the posts so far, there is much great advice already offered.

My perspective mirrors that given by some others already - if this is a first DSLR (regardless of age, though probably particularly for a 14 year old) - I'd say that most enjoyment and the best 'learning' could be obtained with 1 lens. My suggestion is to get the Canon 60D with the 15-85mm lens - for very high image quality, wide angle (24mm equivalent) - and still capable of great portraits (in decent light).

Buy a 50mm f1.8 or f1.4 only if really really necessary. I might even suggest taking a tripod instead of more lenses, but that depends on the exact itinerary and travel plans. The convenience of 'just' having a camera with 1 lens attached can often not be underestimated for travel in many situations (and yes, I travel a lot).

Buy a lens hood to protect against flare / snow, etc (you can get a good quality one for about $5 to $10 - including shipping! - from Hong Kong / China). It also offers a bit more dust protection - ie prevents some of the dust from settling on the front element.

The suggestion given by one person to buy a Canon 5DmkII with the 24-105 isn't bad, however as the OP stated that he is on a budget, I would still be inclined to suggest the Canon 60D with 15-85mm instead, which is still very suitable for an Iceland trip.  The 15-85mm performs similarly on a APS-C to the 24-105 on a FF.  (And yes, I've used both).

The 24-105 is superior in build quality, but the 15-85mm is quite good - and the 60D is no slouch either in build quality & functionality (though I do admit that the 5DmkII has superior image quality).

The cost savings by staing with an APS-C (well over $1000) would be worth it unless the OP is SURE he is going 'pro' and requires a FF in the future.  There is so much scope to learn on a 1.6x 'crop sensor' camera - particularly as a first camera coming up from a P&S.

Paul

[AcinonyxJG]

Thanks for all the help, what I'll do is wait until I get the camera and kit lens, though I am not going to know which kit I would get with it, as I might get it for christmas.  Whichever lens it is I will practice with it and get to know it and the camera for a couple of months, and then decide on whether or not I think I'll need one or two different lenses, to get the different light conditions and focal lengths, sound like a plan?  (I would be renting the lenses, I'll probably invest in a tripod, or buy a monopod and other things like spare batteries and general accessories to get me started, then I can start deciding on exactly which lenses would suit my type of photography, (I am getting a job next year))

[Freshprince08]

Thanks for all the help, what I'll do is wait until I get the camera and kit lens, though I am not going to know which kit I would get with it, as I might get it for christmas.  Whichever lens it is I will practice with it and get to know it and the camera for a couple of months, and then decide on whether or not I think I'll need one or two different lenses, to get the different light conditions and focal lengths, sound like a plan?  (I would be renting the lenses, I'll probably invest in a tripod, or buy a monopod and other things like spare batteries and general accessories to get me started, then I can start deciding on exactly which lenses would suit my type of photography, (I am getting a job next year))

Sounds like a great plan definitely learn/experiment first, then add more kit when you are more certain about your needs.

[nebugeater]

If he is just starting and ends up with a crop sensor camera what are anyones thoughts on the 18 - 200 EF-S lens as a starting / learning lens.  Not an L by any streach but might give a range and single lense solution that I have not seem just reading the last couple of pages.

[Flake]

My advice to anyone buying an 18 - 200mm superzoom, is not to bother & to buy an SX30 instead.  The whole point of a DSLR is that you can change the lenses to optimise image quality, and because superzoom 'all in one' lenses are inevitably too much of a compromise.

You learn more from a lens & limits than you ever would from a point & shoot, if you really want to learn about photography for goodness sake get on a night school course and learn properly!  I don't know where this subborness comes from in some people, that they can somehow teach themselves and don't want anyone else telling them.  Maybe it's a man thing?  An outside pair of eye on your images will bring on your skills no end, and learning how & why things work the way they do helps in avoiding silly mistakes.

A DSLR is a complex piece of kit, and you're not going to get the best out of it without a little help.

[Maui5150]

Another route would be something like the t2i or t3i.  These can be bought fairly cheap, the extra money can go into lenses and even say a 430 EX II, and the difference from a t3i to a 60D is not that far off.   60D definitely is a little faster and better AF, so it all depends on ones needs and trade offs.   The t3i is probably a little better for video.  Spend a little more and the 7D might fit nicely.