Calling all Photography nerds!

Great shot

 

I read that completely wrong. You meant stills on film photography. Oops.

 

More on my IG: @backcountrybandit

 

Emerald Bay State Park

 

Watchman Campground
Zion National Park

 

Went aurora chasing last night and was rewarded with a pretty good show around 1am! Had to brave -35F, the KP did great (and so did my Tacoma, after sitting out at 4 hours at -30 and colder it started right up!).

Pentax KP, Sigma 10-20 f3.5 HSM, somewhere off the Elliott Highway, Alaska.

aurora 010619 web-2639 by David Dawson, on Flickr

aurora 010619 web-2587 by David Dawson, on Flickr

aurora 010619 web-2600 by David Dawson, on Flickr

aurora 010619 web-2620 by David Dawson, on Flickr

aurora 010619 web-2631 by David Dawson, on Flickr

 

Hey guys,

Going on a trip for my 30th birthday in a couple of months. What's a good inexpensive camera lens to get some good shots? I currently own a Canon SL2 with a 18-55mm lens.

 

Cheap or good, pick one lol.

 

Lol cmooonn, there's got to me some kind of good amateur lens that wont break the bank. Roughly ~$200. Not looking to sell my photos to magazines, just want to get some nice shots.

 

I'm not even sure I could recommend a lens at $200...not much clue about them. Are you looking for a particular focal range or something?

Maybe to complement your existing lens: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-55-250mm-f-4-5.6-IS-STM-Lens.aspx

I don't personally know much about the low end lenses, but that review site is decent for comparisons and such.

 

Kerry Park never disappoints! Shots like this makes me miss living in Seattle, then I see my rent bill in UT and know I made a good choice. Great shot @fergsonfire !

 

Just some quick googling gave me some insight onto this one.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1143786-REG/canon_0570c002_ef_50mm_f_1_8_stm.html

Would this be a good start?

 

Depends on what you want to do. That lens will get you a 1.8 aperture, but probably best stopped down a bit to 2.0 or 2.8. If you're wanting to do portraits it's not a bad lens to start with.

 

If you take a look on craigslist you might be able to find a Canon 50mm 1.4. It's a little more robust and less plastic-y than the 1.8
Both are super handy for portraits etc and the bokeh is decent. If you're looking for vehicle photography, or landscapes it's not going to be a go to lens often but ymmv.

Another route if you're looking at trying out different stuff is look at a nice wide angle for landscapes etc. It can add a different effect than your standard kit lenses. Canon makes a 10-22mm and I think sigma makes a 10-20 that would work decent.

Honestly tho at a $200 budget level, I'd look at getting a decent tripod so you can hold the camera steady for some long exposure shots, or better yet finding a local photographer than can take ya out for a walk about and show you the ropes. Tossing them $50-100 or so for an hour or 2 of their time and get them to really show you some good baseline techniques. Having a good baseline of skills will help you more when you're starting out than anything else.

 

I took this at my tire shop. I see things like this as art. I know, I'm weird.

 

You quoted the wrong guy, but thanks.

 

If you already have an 18-55, I wouldn't waste money on a 50mm. I agree with those above who said they can't recommend much in the $200 range. I just sent back a $1400 lens because it didn't meet my expectations.

 

If you get a "consumer grade lens get one made by Canon (Assuming you use Canon)-- buy a new one or check out Canon's recon program. That way you can test them out till you feel you have a good copy. In other words test the hell out of it as soon as you get it. Test it at all settings with good lighting. I found a great place is against a well lit brick wall that is consistent in it's texture. You can check focus across the whole focal plane of the lens. If it is soft anywhere (look closely at the outer edges) you can send it back easily and get another --till you get a really good one. Also use a tripod or something solid to set the camera on -that way you take the "operator shake" out of the evaluation.
The consumer grade lenses do not go through the QC checks that the "L" lenses do, but there are good copies of the lower priced lenses.
Good luck and happy shooting

 

One more thing -- not knowing what body you have -I will suggest a 17-55 2.8. Only if you have a "crop body" camera.
They are pricey new -- but worth it. Also you may be able to score a good used one from someone moving to a full frame body.
This lens does not work on a full frame. If a canon lens has a "EFS" in its description -- it can only be used on a crop body.
If it says "EF" then it can be used on any Canon EOS body (old film bodies included as well)
Good luck!