Starter Lens?

[Skinner]

So if I come across a canon 20d w/o a lens what would be a good starter lens and what should I shoot for in the long run?

[Slider]

It totally depends on what you are planning on taking pictures of?

[Skinner]

Along the lines of what you guys are doing!  Field photos, wildlife, snow trips, fishing, and other misc. pics from my adventures!  I like to research a little, I'm not an impulse buyer unless I come across a great deal, but I would rather spend the extra money than waste it.  I take at least 1500-2000 pics a year with the point and shoot digital, just ready to step up. Thanks,
Matt

[huntnphool]

If you want to start out with a single lens that will allow you to shoot normal home shots and also shoot out at a little distance of game this one would be a good start.

EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

[Slider]

I would look at High end used. Try to purchase something that is not above f4 if possible? If you go Canon look at L series lens with IS. Even with a 420mm Digital lens I still need to get within 100yds.(just for reference) 60 yds being a lot better!!! Good Luck

[DesertBighorn]

Good entry level wildlife lenses for Canon include the 300 f4 with and without IS and the 100-400L IS f4.5-5.6.  The 300's can be used with a 1.4x teleconverter that will get you to 420mm at f5.6.  You can use a 1.4x teleconverter on the 100-400 lens, but will only get a center focus point with most cameras.  The 300's can be had for <$1000 used (there is one right now on Craigslist) and the 100-400's for around $1100.  Another lower cost (as far as Canon professional L lenses) is the 400 f5.6. 

Once you use those for awhile the your next step is a 300 f2.8 IS with teleconverters that will get you to 420 f4 and 600 f5.6 will still good quality.  These lenses are a little more than $3000 used.  I keep mentioning used because you can get good quality after someone else has taken the depreciation.  They drop about 20% and then stay there as long as you don't beat them up so you can use something and sell for about the same price as you paid. 

Craigslist has had a couple of the 300mm f4's and 100-400 lenses listed in the past couple of weeks.  Another place to check is www.fredmiranda.com, they have a very active forum for both nature and wildlife and Canon gear.  Search there and you can learn alot and spend some money!! 

And oh, after the 300 you get to 500, 600 and 800mm  in the $5k, $6k and $12k price ranges....be careful it can be addicting.   

Check out some of the lens rental places to try before you buy. 

-Doug

[Skinner]

Thanks guys I'll be all over it when I get back from vacation!
Matt

[whacker1]

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III - $160

I found this on Craigslist, wanted to know if it is going to suit my needs for a beginner taking some wildlife shots.  I can't aford many of the lens I saw on many of your posts, but thought this looked like a good deal. 

I plan to put it on a Digital Rebel.  purchasing from a friend if he is still interested in selling it to me.

Just looking for a little input.

Regards,
neil

[Slider]

Here are a couple reviews for what it's worth? I don't think you would be happy with the picture quality at 300mm? I have seen them on ebay for $150.00

http://www.photographyreview.com/mfr/canon/35mm-zoom/PRD_83424_3128crx.aspx

[robodad]

I am not a lens expert so I cannot tell you what will work for you in all situations so I do some research like you and here is a great site to read, very informative !!

http://photonotes.org/articles/beginner-faq/lenses.html#zoomprime

[whacker1]

Do you have any suggestions on a lens under $400 to get me out to 75 - 100 yards?  I see lots of options mentioned in other threads, but they appear to be primarily over $750.  This price range will likely be a few years.  Sorry, I blew all my $$$ on a new rifle & scope & reloading for new caliber.  I won't use the camera like many of you, but on scouting trips and at the lake during the summer, and of course the big animals I see when it is the wrong season.  Deer during Elk Season & vice versa.  Moose during - well I guess season is irrelelvant unless I get one of the few annual tags. 

Even if I am not happy with the quality at 300mm will I be happy with the quality somewhere between 200 and 300mm?

[popeshawnpaul]

It will get you in the ball game until you yearn for something more.  Go with it and see what you can do.  At that price it is hard to go wrong.  You can always dump it if you don't care for it for about what you bought it for.  If you can stop it down to f8 or so, it will be much sharper...

[huntnphool]

I have one of those lenses and it works okay. No "IS" makes it hard to hold at 300 and like Shawn asked you can stop it down to f8 and f9 you just have to bump your ISO a bit. Some of my deer shots were shot with that lens

[WDFW-SUX]

I have a Sony (alpha) DSLR-A200 with a 75-300mm Zoom Lens can I take pictures of deers with that?

[popeshawnpaul]

I have a Sony (alpha) DSLR-A200 with a 75-300mm Zoom Lens can I take pictures of deers with that?

Sure.