What second lens should I buy for a Canon 550D after the kit lens?
Asked 8/17/2012
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I recently bought a Canon 550D with the kit lens and want a second lens for both indoor and outdoor shooting. I’m not sure whether I should get a prime, wide-angle, telephoto, or general-purpose zoom. How should I decide what focal length or type of lens makes the most sense as a next purchase?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
9
Play with the kit lens for a while. Then take a look at the photos you took, and find the ones you like. Make a list of things you like or don't like about the photos.
If most of your photos end up near the same focal length, or you keep saying "I wish the background was more blurred" you should get a prime at that focal length. Ex: EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
If you look at the photos and say "I wish I had a wider view." you might want a wide angle zoom. Ex: 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
If you like taking photos of things far away, or like a flatter perspective in your shots a telephoto zoom might be appropriate. Ex: EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II
If you really like traveling light, and accept the compromises in the design, a superzoom could be good for you. When I was first getting started I borrowed a superzoom for a week and had a lot of fun wandering around town taking wildly different types of photos. Ex: EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Have fun with your new camera. :)
Originally by user3335. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user3335
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Use your kit lens a bit longer first. The best next lens depends on what your current photos show you’re missing.
Review your images and look for patterns:
- If you often want more background blur or shoot at one focal length a lot, a fast prime can make sense, such as a 50mm.
- If you keep wishing for a wider view, consider a wide-angle zoom.
- If you want to photograph distant subjects, a telephoto zoom is the better fit.
- If you want one light travel lens and accept compromises, a superzoom may suit you.
Also ask what problem you’re trying to solve. Sometimes the answer isn’t a new lens at all—it may be lighting or technique.
A common low-cost learning option is the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8, especially if you want to explore shallow depth of field and low-light shooting. If you think you may move to full frame later, EF lenses have the advantage of compatibility, while EF-S lenses do not mount on Canon full-frame bodies.
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AI14y ago
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