All-purpose lense

[jasonaphotography]

So I got this T3i for $300, which I think is good, as it's mint, but it didn't come with a lense.
I plan on starting out with just one, but I'll spend $200-300 on it. As it'll be my only one it should be versatile.
Which would you guys recommend? I have no problem buying either new or used. Thanks !

[Iguanasan]

Go get you a nifty-fifty. 50mm f1.8. Brand new they clock in around $100 depending on whether or not they are on sale. You have to "zoom with your feet" but it's totally an awesome fast lens that will serve you well in many situations. For the price, you can't beat it.

[Marko]

agree w/iggy.

You almost can't touch a F/1.8 lens for under a grand and the shallow depth of field is oh so creamy and dreamy.

[Runmonty]

I beg to differ here. If you can only have one lens I think you should be going for a zoom lens. It may also depend on the subject matter you intend to shoot though.

Yes the lens Iggy is saying is excellent, and would be a great lens to have, I think it is better to have a versatile zoom if it is going to be your only lens.

I don't know the going rates in Canada, but you could be lucky enough to pick up a Canon EFS 18-200mm zoom second hand. This is a very good, very versatile lenses. Be aware though that it wont be any good if you decide to upgrade to a full frame camera (and for that reason a lot of people sell them quite cheap when they upgrade to full frame cameras)

Just another take on this.

[jasonaphotography]

Does the Nifty-50 have decent macro chops? A decent amount (maybe 50%) of my shooting is gonna be macro.
That said, as the Nifty is only $100, I could perhaps buy another lens.
Thanks guys

[jasonaphotography]

What are the advantages/disadvantages of a 50mm against a 28-80mm?

[Iguanasan]

Not having lots of money for camera gear, I learned to do a lot of things inexpensively. The 50mm f1.8 is what I've used for probably 90% of my macro photos. You can get a peek at my results here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/euloth...57627342063753

I generally just flip the lens around backwards at around f11, f16 and hand hold the lens against the body of the camera, however, you can purchase reversing rings on eBay for around $4 so you can properly mount it backwards.