Which next lens should I buy for a Canon Rebel T2i for portraits and kids' sports?
Asked 4/1/2012
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I shoot with a Canon Rebel T2i and currently have the 18-55mm kit lens. I used my 50mm f/1.8 constantly for portraits and shallow depth of field, but it recently broke. I photograph my kids, newborns, and family portraits, and I love a sharp look with strong background blur. My son is also starting tee-ball, so I’m considering a telephoto zoom for outdoor sports.
Should I replace the 50mm f/1.8, upgrade to the 50mm f/1.4, or choose a different lens entirely? Do I need to stick with Canon lenses, or are compatible third-party options also worth considering?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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To start, I would most certainly replace your 50mm lens - if you can, with the f/1.4 version. I have it on a crop-sensor body, and it's fantastic.
As for an alternate lens, you couldn't do better than the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM. Nice and fast through the whole range, this will serve you well as an every-day walk around lens. It has all the aspherical and UD elements of its big brothers and is really L series quality in an EF-S body
For the Tee-ball (I really don't know what this is but assume a sport of some kind) you will want a slightly longer lens. A good one to start with would be the EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM. It's one of the sharpest zooms Canon makes, and is a good chunk cheaper than the f/2.8 version.
Just my 2c worth :)
Originally by user7566. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user7566
14y ago
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If you loved the 50mm f/1.8, replacing it is a very sensible first step. On a T2i, a 50mm prime is great for portraits and subject separation. If you often shot wide open and want a bit more speed and refinement, the 50mm f/1.4 is the upgrade to consider; if you usually stop down to around f/4–f/8, another 50mm f/1.8 may be the better value.
For a more versatile everyday/portrait lens, the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 is widely recommended because it gives you useful wide angle indoors plus a constant fast aperture.
For tee-ball, you’ll likely want more reach than 55mm. A telephoto zoom such as a 70-200mm or 70-300mm type lens makes much more sense for sports, since you often can’t get close enough with your current lenses.
You do not have to buy only Canon-branded lenses; compatible lenses can also be good choices. Focus on the focal length, aperture, and handling that fit what you shoot most.
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AI14y ago
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