The "Magic Three"

Glad we could help!

As it turns out, I chickened out. Bought the body (Rebel T1i) with kit lens. I got a good price so the lens only cost me $30 - so it was well worth it.

It was just too hard to decide. Also, renting lenses is not very easy since they are on the other side of Toronto.

I will buy more lens, but it will be one of my tomorrows.

Happy New Year.

Well you've made a good start! Is it the 18-55mm lens?

Yes - 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS. Soon as the battery charges, I will start playing.

Good little landscape and portrait lens to kick off with :)

Have a look at Chantelle's photos here at ph.ca ... 400D with a non IS version of that lens.

Originally Posted by Fortytwo
1. Tamron 17-50mm f2.8
2. Tokina 50-135mm f2.8
3. Tokina 12-24mm f4

Thanks 42 for the reseach you've made to come up with the three lenses you mention.
Any reason why you went to Tamron (instead of Tokina) for the 17-50 mm ?. My first SLR was a Pentax SP II and the sharpness of its 50mm lens was so impressing that I would without any hesitation buy a Tokina lens ... and I will buy very shortly the 12-24 F:4 you listed.
Thanks again for mentioning it.

Keep in mind everyone's needs are different.

My 3 lens choices (14-24, 24-70 and 70-200) are based on my needs which is a little bit of everything :). Your needs may well vary and this is NOT the perfect solution for everyone.

Many people forgo the 24-70 favour in favour of a 50mm prime; but having shot weddings for years, that lens is a must have.

My 3 lens choices (14-24, 24-70 and 70-200) are based on my needs which is a little bit of everything . Your needs may well vary and this is NOT the perfect solution for everyone.

Yeah that's a real nice trio of lenses as long as you don't mind schlepping them around. It's hard to leave it at only three though, as I wouldn't mind adding the 85/1.4 "cream machine" for portraits and such. And of course if birds or wildlife is your thang you might want one of the longer lenses as well. All I've been able to justify cost wise so far is the Nikkor 300/4 (older version with slower AF). But I don't do a lot of bird/wildlife type shooting. I'm currently saving up for the 14-24. Maybe next summer.

Just so it's clear....those lens choices are based on a 'choose only 3' scenario. There's puhhhlently of other desirable lenses. I also own a 24mm 2.8 prime that is superb!

Thank you and yes it was clear. I'm glad I bought the kit lens - because it gives me a chance to see what distance is and what I can and cannot shoot. My Lumix had 12x zoom but I haven't a clue how that would equate to distance. I do know 12x was often not enough. I think the DSLR will provide different photo opportunities.

Did you have a good New Year's eve. I hear they might call the last decade the knotties (oo) although they may spell it like naughties.