Good lens for a Canon rebel XT

[stephj03]

I decided to make the jump from point and shoot to DSLR. I purchased a used canon rebel xt body. Now I need a lens or two. Hoping to mostly dabble in shots of my tank macro and normal, but would also like to use this camera for family events, road trips etc, maybe scuba. Price is a concern, I would like to spend just a few hundred bucks on some used stuff if possible. Any suggestions?

PS. Yeah yeah, check photog hobby forums. I'm in the proccess of doing that right now, just want a little direction from some reef minded people.

 

[Pny]

The Canon 100mm macro lens is very good for aquarium photography:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-100mm-f-2.8-USM-Macro-Lens-Review.aspx

 

[jedininja]

For tank shots, you can't beat the 100mm macro. Unless you want to get the 100mm IS I guess.

If you just want family shots and general shots, the 28-135 IS would be a good choice. Its a decent lens for general photography just to capture memories. Not a good lens though if you want to be able to sell prints. But if you don't need zoom, I really like my 50mm 1.8. Probably the best bang for you buck at $100 and its sharp. Great for indoor photos too.

 

[t0p_sh0tta]

I agree with the macro lens if you're going to primarily be shooting tanks. For day to day carry, I usually use something in the 24-80mm range, I don't currently own anything wider than 24mm, but a wide-angle zoom (17+mm) is nice to have also.

Canon's 24-135 IS is a decent lens and can be had for ~$200 as it's the kit lens on several of their offerings.

 

[reefman23]

I'd suggest taking a look at the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8. I picked up a used one for my xsi and I love it. You might also like the canon 50mm f1.8. It retails for $85... built as so but is pretty good optically. I like to use it for indoor family functions.

Jesse

 

[BlueCorn]

I don't recommend the 28-135 IS to anyone. It's a terrible lens that should never have been built.

The Tamron 18-200 is a pretty reasonable all-around lens.