For a quick introduction to my equipment I work on a Canon Rebel XS and own the standard kit lens (18-55mm), 50mm f/1.8, 28mm f/1.8, and the 85mm f/1.8 all Canon glass. When picking a camera, it's important to think about the lens system you are buying into. I would say Canon and Nikon are extremely similar in quality, each taking turns being the "best." However, Canon offers a much larger lens selection, but many of these lenses may include some you may never have a need for such as the tilt-shift lenses. For your main uses, both Canon and Nikon will have lenses that suit your needs. That is not to say that other brands of lenses aren't decent, simply that I believe Canon and Nikon lenses are usually fairly consistent and clear. Another thing to be aware of is both Canon and Nikon offer IS (image stabilization) in some of their lenses while Olympus, Pentax, and Sony offer cameras with IS in the camera. This gives you the advantage of always having the ability to use IS in Olympus, Pentax, or Sony. These are all some things to keep in mind when purchasing a camera.
So once you choose your brand of cameras, now what lens do you use? The next general decision, no matter which brand, is zoom lens or prime lens? I may be slightly biased in this, but I prefer prime lenses without a question. The reason is simple. Zoom lenses work by having a an internal lens (sometimes more than one) that moves when the focal length is changed. However, it is hard to make all these elements precisely over a large zoom range. For example even with the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens, one of canon's best zoom lenses, doesn't go to as wide of an aperture as compared to many relatively affordably lenses. The EF 70-200mm lens costs about $2,500.
Therefore, I mainly rely on prime lenses. While a zoom lens may be useful in traveling, it may not serve you well in the typically darker churches and museums you may visit. A small set of prime lenses will provide better images especially in darker settings.
Here are my favorite three:
The follow shots were all taken in Manual mode, ISO 200, f/3.5, 1/320 sec at approximately 1.5 feet away from the subject. (Note that Canons have a crop factor of 1.6 so the focal lengths given are for a full frame sensor. Multiply the focal length by 1.6 (or your appropriate crop factor) to give the actual focal length as it would appear on a full frame sensor)
Canon 28mm
This lens is really good for street photography, groups, and smaller spaces. A fairly good standard lens for traveling. Another similar lens is the 24mm, which would also offer a very similar range. However, it is not my favorite portrait lens as there tends to be a bit of distortion which doesn't create a very flattering look for the face. The bokeh effect isn't really prominent with this lens either, which lends itself more to scenes, crowds, cities, rather than close ups and portraits.
Canon 50mm
This is one of my go-to lenses. With the 50mm f/1.8 being only around $100, it makes a great bargain especially for a first lens. It does great portraits and objects. My only complaint about the f/1.8 is that without the USM it has a loud mechanical sound when focusing, and I worry about durability in the many years to come. With the f/1.4 being only around $350-$400 it might be a much better investment (Nikon has analogous lenses). It really performs well in a variety of scenarios, but remember it may not be very useful in a more intimate setting without space to physically back up a take a picture.
Canon 85mm
In general, the 85mm may be overlooked. It is an "odd" focal length in that it might be too long for doing portraits indoors, or getting good city and scenery shots, yet it is barely long enough to really be a telephoto. I have fallen in love with this lens for several reasons. The focusing is superb on this lens, especially with the USM, it is quiet and fast. For outdoor photo shoots, I think it makes an excellent choice. (On a full frame sensor, it would be even better IMHO.) The bokeh effect is always beautiful.
One of its competitors would be the 100mm f/2.0, which would be another lens to look at or the 100mm f/2.8 macro. While I haven't had a chance to work with either one of those lenses, I still think the 85mm offers a bit more versatility. And besides, I managed to catch a shot of that beautiful dragonfly below!
Canon 135mm
I didn't want to leave this guy out, simply because I don't own it, but if you need a good prime telephoto lens for basic sports photography I would consider this lens. The Canon 135mm f/2.8 costs $530, so if you find yourself needing something longer than 85mm, 135mm may be what you need.
If you need more lens buying advice, feel free to contact me! I welcome any feedback as well.
Happy Shooting!
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