Got my 50mm 1.8, what next?

[cam1986]

I got a 50mm 1.8 for my Canon 50D. It is the only lens i have.

Not had the camera long so should i just use the 50mm for now and learn or should i get another lens to compliment it? I was toying with getting the 18-55 IS.

[silversnapper1]

A lot depends on what you are looking to shoot but the 18-55 is a good starting point as this is the kit lens supplied with most cameras.

[cam1986]

Another point, my wife uses the camera more than i do and she complains that the 50D is too heavy for her!! Would a 500D be a close match to the abilities of the 50D?

[cam1986]

Nobody?

[David Davis]

It would obviously depend on your needs and budget. Are you into portraits, landscapes or wildlife or Are you on a tight budget ...... ???? This will very much determine which lens is next

I enjoy having more than one lens and the different options it gives me and a zoom lens is very useful as you don't have to move to frame your subject lol

I've a canon 450d and 60d, 18-55 is, 50 1.8 and 55-250 is.

I don't like the 18-55 much its been very hit and miss. Outside its fine and produced some good photos - but only in good light and doesn't always focus where i want it to.
Can't wait to change it. Focal length useful for general walkabout use though.
I've always found mixed reviews, on forums, over the kit lens - very much love or hate

I love the 55 - 250. Pics always sharp and will focus where i ask it to everytime and only cost £200. If it broke I would definately replace - no questions.
had some lovely portraits with it as well as the usual telephoto zoom uses

Just hired the 17-55 to try on my 60d and every shot could be a keeper - just my composition to sort out there !!!!!
Big and heavy but I loved the feel on my 60d - it just felt right
only problem is the cost £750-800 seems a little steep and I may look at " L " glass instead if i'm paying that to guarantee the build quality and optics

Canon 15-85 may be a good choice - lots of rave reviews just a few slight problems at its wide end but apparantely easily fixed in post processing and some say no problems at all.
focal range seems ideal for general use as i often find 50 mm just not quite long enough and certainly one i'll be checking out
and also sigma 17-50 always gets a mention

Can't comment on your other point too much only that the 500d and 50d use same size sensors etc and do have some similarities and the 500d is smaller and lighter which could probably suit your wife better.
but then the 50d has fast shutter speeds and burst, wireless flash, weather sealing etc
500d has video so what are your needs ???
I found some difference between my 450d and 60d in size and weight.
but only trying one will tell

hope this helps

[silversnapper1]

Originally Posted by cam1986

Nobody?

If you answered my question it may help gain responses. If we don't know what subjects you want to shoot, how can we recommend a lens. At the end of the day, it's no good someone saying a 300mm f2.8 when you want to shoot portraits.

[cam1986]

Portraits mainly

[cosmicma]

the 50mm f1.8 is a good lens and for portraits you should get some decent images
i think it's an ideal lens to practice with it will make you move around to frame your subject rather than relying on zoom to do it for you
at f1.8 the depth of field is shallow enough to get some really creative results it also allows you to make the most of natural light

in some ways it's a really versatile lens and can teach you a lot because of the simplicity of it
no zoom , no IS just you and the camera

have fun with it and i think you will be surprised at the results

another lens to add to your arsenal if your budget allows i would recommend the canon 24 - 105 f4 L IS a nice walkabout lens with good optics although i have to say this is going to add even more weight

unfortunately it seems the better the kit gets the more it weighs

[cam1986]

Cheers guys