Expert: John Oliverio - 12/14/2005

Question
Recently. I bought my wife a Canon 350D digital SLR camera which came with a 'standard' 18-55mm lens. I was told by the man in the shop that the Canon's needed to use specific Canon lenses (EF type) due to the way they afix to the camera. My wife is now looking for a zoom lens (something about not being able to get a decent picture of our 5 year old son in his first school play due to being seated too far back !). My problem is that I know nothing about cameras and have no clue what I should buy her.

Could you recommend a zoom lens that I could buy her which would be most useful (by this, I think that I mean versatile ?!?). I know that they come in ranges, but I don't know what would be the best 'range' to get for her.

Any help greatly appreciated !

Thanks in advance,

Jeremy

Answer
Jeremy,

The next logical lens is a Canon 75-300.  At least for most folks.  You see, 300mm is that proverbial "line in the sand".  Lenses are relatively affordable up to 300mm, then they suddenly get very expensive.  There are 3 common lenses to choose from.  (Common here means most camera store will have them in stock)  The 75-300 EF, 75-300 EF-USM, and 70-300 EF-USM/IS.  The first two are just about identical....  but have different auto-focus motors.  The USM motor is the better one.  USM motors supply more torque and are quiter.  It usually sells for around $220.  Not sure what the non-USM goes for these days.  The USM/IS version also has an IMAGE STABALIZER, like in a camcorder.  It lets you hand-hold the camera while using slower shutter-speeds and still get a sharp image.  This version is more expensive, usually selling for around $650.  It also has higher-end optics.  After that you jump into "PRO" lenses.  The cheapest of these is the 70-200 f4 "L" series.  Not as powerfull as the first 3 but uses pro glass and is very bright.  Starts around $800.  Then you jump up to something like $1600 for a 100-400mm "L" series.  

So, as I said, the next logical lens for most folks is a 75-300.  For family use it is just about perfect. And unless she takes up photography as a hobby for its own sake, I can't imagine wanting one of the pro lenses.  

John