What is a good "every day" lens for T2i?

[catte]

I have been using an Olympus C750 UZ point and shoot for several years and recently bought a Canon EOS Rebel T2i with just the body. Many years ago I had a Canon EOS non-digital with a EF35-80 mm F/4-5.6 III lens. I had planned on using that old lens with the new camera until I could figure out which new lens to buy. It turns out that the photos with the old lens are not too good so I am very anxious to buy a new lens. Does anyone have a recommendation? I want an "every day" lens but one that is better than the 18-55 that comes with the T2i camera. I am a newbie with SLR and am an amateur photographer (my focus is mainly on macro/insects so I am researching macro lenses, too). Thanks for any help. It is very much appreciated!

[corkpix]

Originally Posted by catte

Does anyone have a recommendation? I want an "every day" lens but one that is better than the 18-55 that comes with the T2i camera.

The recent IS versions of the 18-55mm are quite good. The difference
between the humble 18-55mm IS and the more expensive lenses might
not be as great as you expect.

If you want a wide to normal zoom lens, the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 (non-VR)
is one of the best in this category. I bought one just a few weeks ago
after I received some good advice on this forum. It is measurably sharper
than the Canon kit lens. There are a few images here:
http://pix.ie/corkpix/album/416187

If you want something with a greater range of focal length. The
Canon 15-85mm IS USM is a good lens, but it is quite expensive.

I am a newbie with SLR and am an amateur photographer (my focus is mainly on macro/insects so I am researching macro lenses, too). Thanks for any help. It is very much appreciated!

There are several good options for macro shooting. I have a Canon 50mm f/2.5
Compact Macro lens. This is one of my favourite lenses. It is one of the sharpest
50mm lenses made by Canon. It has all the good characteristics of a macro lens.
Very sharp, low colour aberration, low distortion.... This means that it makes an
really excellent general purpose 50mm prime lens. The AF is a bit slow and noisy
compared to the more recent Canon USM lenses.

Canon 50mm Compact Macro



Canon 50mm Compact Macro. Three shot panorama. Click on the
image to find the full 29MP high resolution version.


The most popular macro lenses are the various 100mm f/2.8 macro
lenses. Both of the Canon 100mm macro lenses are very good. The
excellent Tokina 100mm macro is worth looking at. The Sigma 105mm
and Tamron 90mm are also highly regarded. Have a look at this recent
thread: 100mm Macro Choices (Tokina, Canon, Canon IS 100mm)

I have just bought a Sigma 105mm f/2.8. I'm very pleased with the quality
of the images it produces. It is very sharp and generally has very good
optical qualities. It is well built. Auto focus is slow and noisy. Manual
focus is smooth and accurate due to the large and wide focus ring.

Sigma 105mm macro lens

[iowa_jim]

The new kit lens is good. To do better, a person has to spend quite a bit more. Your budget for this will be an important consideration. What are you looking to spend?

[JeannieBug]

I have the new kit lens and I think it's terrific for everyday use. It has a decent range and produces very clear photos. Granted, there are other lenses that I need/want/desire, but for general-purpose use, the 18-55mm IS lens is great.

[wave01]

I have just got a new lens for my 550d/t2i its a sigma 17-70os its quiet a bit heaviver than the 18-55 but it does take some great shots

[catte]

Thanks, everyone, for the good info and quick responses. I have pretty much decided on the EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM and the EF-S 15-85 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM. I am watching prices, kind of leery of eBay and also buying used equipment but that does look like the place for the best prices.

[Shutterbug74]

Catte, I have the 15-85 and love it. The lens performs exceptionally well and is close to `L`quality. I have the 60D/T1i and have found that it is a great focal length for crop bodies.

[pj1974]

Hi Catte

I have the Canon 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens as well as the Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro (non L) lens, and am very happy with both.

Both are sharp & contrasty (also wide open) - and have good build quality. They pair well with my 7D. The 15-85mm is such a useful focal range on an APS-C Canon camera body, and I'm quite sure you'll use it lots. The 100mm macro is a very good lens, though as for most macros, get a sturdy tripod to match.

When I go out and want to shoot ultra wide, I use my Sigma 10-20mm HSM, and when I am searching for wildlife, I take my Canon 70-300mm L IS USM lens. The Canon 15-85mm is my current 'go to' / walkaround lens though.

Do please let us know how you go with your purchase decision / process... hope you get a good deal for one - and will then share some photos.

Regards

Paul

[peterbj7]

Agreed on the 15-85. I also want to buy one of the 100mm macro lenses, but I think I might go for the "L".