Lens recommendations for Canon 550d

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rogertb

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Roger
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Hi chaps- I've read through as many threads as I can but thought I'd ask again ... I'm very tempted by the 550d and it's coming down in price but have heard that, as ever, the kit lens is pretty poor. I'll probably try and buy a body only and get a 50mm prime but would probably like s short zoom as well - I don't have a lot of money but, of course, want the sharpest glass there is ! - I can find lots and lots of reviews but would like to narrow down my starting point with a few recommendations from you clever people ... many thanks Roger
 
On a budget the Tamron 17-50 non VC is probably the best lens you can get. I use one on my 550D and the level of detail you can achieve is staggering.
 
Thanks for that sam ... the first on my, hopefully, short list ... having spent some more time looking around i don't think there's much about for less than this (money-wise) - best Roger
 
Yup, Tamron seems to get good reviews (the non-VR one). Also one that has come in under the radar is the Canon 15-85. Sharp as but a slower lens (3.5-5.6).
 
Thanks Andy - is that a price thing with the 'non-VR' ?
 
Roger, I had the 50mm 1.8 on canon which everyone raves about. Although it produced some nice images it fell apart in the first couple of months. I recommend you save up a little and get the 1.4. The build quality is much more rugged and the images are superb.

Good luck with the 550d, awesome bit of kit :)
 
Thanks again milspec and andy - Roger

... and that comparison is dramatic andy !
 
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milspec78 said:
Roger, I had the 50mm 1.8 on canon which everyone raves about. Although it produced some nice images it fell apart in the first couple of months. I recommend you save up a little and get the 1.4. The build quality is much more rugged and the images are superb.

Good luck with the 550d, awesome bit of kit :)
Click to expand...

Lol did it actually fall apart?!

Ok, the build isn't great (its plastic fantastic) but its solidly 'glued' together, I should imagine you'd have to give it some abuse to actually make it disassemble itself!

I've heard (not used it mind) the 1.4 isn't that stellar, and the Sigma 50mm f1.4 is significantly better, maybe you should consider that? Both are a lot more expensive than the Canon 50mm 1.8 though.
 
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Isnt the Mk1 50mm 1.8 a lot better build quality? Have no idea on the pq but would guess its around the same.
 
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