I have a canon eos xti. The only lens I have for it is the one that came with the camera, 18-55mm. I have been using this lens for a couple years now, but would really like to get a new lens. However, I don't have hundreds of dollars to spend on one. I have tried looking at lenses online but its hard to know where to start. Then just when I think I find what I want, I read the reviews and this guy thinks its the best lens ever made and the next guy is gonna throw it in the trash! I love photography and really just want something that will give me good pictures. I enjoy taking pictures of my family (the typical mom) but I also love macro photography and also like landscape type pictures. So...do any of you have any suggestions for a lens that would fit this criteria? Or a couple cheaper, yet still good, lenses that could be switched depending on the scene?

If you could describe why you want a new lens that would help. Do you want a macro lens, zoom lens, tele zoom, fixed focal, or not sure?

Well, I guess not sure. I like macro, but will probably lean toward something else so that I can do more with it. I don't mind the lens I have now, it takes good pix, but I want something I can really play with. I'm open to any and all suggestions at this point.

For macro, you could get an older model 50 or 100 mm EOS macro lens. The 100 mm is nicer. However, if you are really shooting macro then you will probably need flash gear and or a tripod which will rapidly become cumbersome in BWCA. I would stick with what you have, work on composition and exposure, and then you will have a better idea what you want based on the limitations of your gear.

I love my 28-135 IS (Canon) and it's constantly on my camera. It focuses fairly close, though I wouldn't consider it a macro.

If you want something halfway decent your going to have to pony up a little bit of money. More than $100.

Hi all! I just found this forum and thought I would respond to my favorite question....which lens.

When talking bang for the buck in the canon line.....the 70-200 f4L non-IS is the ticket. Good glass ain't cheap.....but for around 500 bucks used and 600 new you can get into a great lens that is very versatile. With good technique you'll find your keeper rate skyrocketing. It's light, focuses super fast and has superb iq. 90% of the pics that I took here were with that exact lens.
My Pictures

Bob