What should be the next lens I purchase?

[Candiz23]

I have just purchased the Canon Rebel T3i, and it is amazing being the first D-slr camera I've owned. I've been using it non-stop any chance I get and I am begining to feel limited by the lens that came with it in the kit. The lens is a zoom lens EF-S 18-55mm, and takes amazing shots however i think i would like to purchase a telephoto lens and increase the range of pictures im able to take. What would be a good telephoto lens to start with that isnt too expensive? Thanks!!

[chris-p]

Hi Candiz, welcome to the forum

You have several options for a longer telephoto zoom but it depends on your budget. The most popular options are the Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS, the Canon 70-300mm IS and various Sigma 70-300mm lenses. But the one I'd buy is the Tamron 70-300mm VC. It's cheaper than the Canon version and has a much better autofocus system, the stabilisation is also more effective than the Canon models.

[The Littlest Hobo]

I bought my 1000D in January and got the kit lense package including a 75-300mm lense. Although it gets slated a bit for its quality, i have found that it has let me practise my sports photography with satisfying results. Enough to stop me having to hanker after buying another lense of that type.

Personally my next lense is the nifty fifty type thing because my portraits are downright dissapointing and i feel it would give me a much faster lense for the situations i am finding myself in.

What i am getting at is what type of pictures do you feel like you are missing out on or would like to concentrate more on. You may find that when you think about it the lense choice narrows down considerably.

This is from a total beginner btw

[donoreo]

Chris has good recommendations. I have the Canon EF-S 55-250 and it is a great lens.

[Candiz23]

Thanks for the help guys! I'll look into your recommendations.

[aisha_209]

If you are on budget than go with Canon EF-S 55-250mm. It can produce pretty sharp pictures if the subjects don't move fast.Image stabilization does a VERY nice job but the construction is pretty cheap, but generally nothing to worry about if handled gently.