what to buy

[philcoop]

hi, just wondering if anyone out there can help me, if got a 350D and im wanting to get a nice lens, one that i can use to take sharp macro shots, nice portraits and close up animals and birds, flowers etc. if there is anyone that can help me or has one that they can recommend to me, can you please show me the types of pictures that the lens takes. can anyone recommend anywhere i can purchase one and the approx. cost i would be looking at?

thank you

[young_einstein]

The Canon 100mm macro is my favourite "jack of all trades" lens.

It can do everything you've listed, and more.

<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/young_einstein/272042991/">Sharp macro shots</a>

<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/young_einstein/191476516/">Nice portraits</a>

<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/young_einstein/60201507/">close up animals</a>

<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/young_einstein/201595914/"> and birds</a> ....


Great lens ....

[Yi-P]

I would like a 10-800mm f/1.4 lens too... where can I buy one?


Well, there is no such 'do it all' lens that meets every criteria. If it is fast, it is big, it is expensive. If it can do much reach, it might not be great in one area as well.

Generally a macro lens is a good 'portrait' lens, as said above the 100mm Canon, or the cheaper 90mm Tamron. It is fast at f/2.8 constant, but you wont have enough reach for animals or birds. Nor wide enough to be at any stage you need a wider lens.