DSLR Tips - Choosing an "All around" lens

The process of deciding on a "walkaround" - "carry around" lens is different for everyone but here is some talk on the subject.

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[panadesu]

I hope you have time to help me out a bit on what lens would suit me best? I usually shoot in studio, i would like to get up really close taking pictures of lips and get all the details without my lens acting up (like it does now, unable to focus) While being able to shoot from waist and up. sharp and crisp images (no blur) i have 3m of space infront of the model to move (if that helps) :)

[nate42nd]

@panadesu Most lenses can focus with 3M of space. I am not sure quite what you're asking but I have come to believe the 24-105 F/4L is the best "all around" lens for me. It can focus to .45M The 50mm 1.4 is also good if you don't need zoom. It sounds like a studio setting. The 24-70 F2.8L would also be a great choice. There are many more for less money if that's a problem.

[panadesu]

@nate42nd Thanks for replying.

My friends and i where talking about cropped cameras (i have an eos450d) and that it might not be a good idea for me to purchase a 85mm lens as it would "zoom in" (for a lack of a better word) giving me a hard time in my little studio . (im guessing thats what they meant) What im looking for is a lens suitable for macro (closeup of lips) and great for shooting models waist up. What do you think? Is the 85mm prime a good choice?

[nate42nd]

@panadesu Yes, the 85mm is a good choice. If you were going to get that one I would get the 100mm macro instead. That way you could use it for close ups AND portraits from the waist up. You would have to back up but it's a very sharp and well made lens.

[kshitijchavan]

i m beginner so which lens i should use. m basicaly lik natural photography.

plz reply

[nate42nd]

@kshitijchavan Depends on if you like close ups or landscapes when you say "natural" I would say a 17-55 Canon or maybe a 50mm macro or 100mm macro.

[ahsergio]

I'll buy a t2i by the beginning of march, im still in doubt about the lens of the starter kit. My doubt lies between 18-55mm IS or 18-135mm IS. In another video you recommended the 135 for beginners and so far i believe it will be my choice, but my concern is if ill be able to take family pictures with it (that wont be my main purpose, but eventually, i'd like to have a good quality pic of my family). In this case,would the 18-55 be more versatile than the 18-135? Great tutorials by the way!

[CAJUNNSC]

24 - 70 2.8 is going to run you 1800 bucks average. Again you are talking specialty lens. I thought you were answering the question " best walk around lens " and you mentioned a few more then one! Seems impossible to answer that question in one word. But I'll do it here for ya! The very best walk around lens is " 18mm - 105mm 3.5 - 5.G D VR " if your a Nikon shooter. Price average 400 bucks and it will be well worth your investment. You'll find yourself using it more then anything in your bag !

[CAJUNNSC]

You mentioned first of all the budget minded, the 17-55 2.8 is 1500 bucks plus and it's a specialty lens. Hence the price. Believe it or not one of the best lens you can carry is your standard kit 18-55 yep ! I'm telling you use it and you'll find out. The quality is very good and it will save you time and trouble in a pinch. VR is going to serve you well and if you carry a 50mm and 1 85 or 105 prime you're set for all except wildlife. Remember most watching this aren't pros! Thanks

[DoCWaSaBe]

God I love the 50mm 1.8, its cheap and has really good performance!

[poojuice123]

get a better screen saver :E

[charvelgtrs]

24-70 2.8 lens would work well for most shots even on a cropped sensor. 24 acts like a 38mm on a crop sensor, so it will be wide enough to shoot indoors without a problem. Also, if you ever plan on moving to full-frame that lens will still work where as the 17-55mm 2.8 will only work on cropped sensors.