My prophecy about switching to an SLR camera has become self-fulfilling; I spend way too much time obsessing over future lens purchases. A lot of it is one-step thinking: what would the next lens be and how would it fit with what I already have? Taking a step back to thing about what overall system of lenses would be useful led to the following more sensible list (in order of purchase):
- 50mm f1.4 prime $300 - quality low-light, indoor, and portrait lens (on a small sensor). An easy choice since I already own it
Though it sometimes feels a little long, I’m finding it still takes a lot of compelling shots. - EF-S 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS $485 - general purpose travel medium zoom, higher quality than the kit lens with a little more reach and image stabilization. I just bought a slightly used one at a discount, and I can now sell the kit lens to offset the price a bit more.
- 70-200mm f4 L $540 - long zoom, not to mention the undeniable appeal of having a white L lens! There are a lot of lenses in this range; this one seems to be a good middle ground in cost, quality, and reach.
- 100mm f2.8 macro $450 - debatable, which puts it last on the list. Since I’m my father’s child, I enjoyed doing a bit of macro work with my point and shoot, but I haven’t missed it as much as I thought since switching to an SLR.
It’s not on my list, but I have to include it to show just how crazy you can go with camera accessories: a camouflage cover for your lens. I guess the only thing more extreme than waving an L-series telephoto around is stalking your subjects with a camouflage one and a ghillie suit!
del.icio.us/mbotos
