The Canon EOS and Photography Forums

Hi guys,

I'm an (extremely) amateur photographer who just bought a Canon Rebel XT, and I'm wondering which lens to buy for it. I go on a lot of backpacking/surf trips in foreign countries, so I want a lens with a good zoom and not too much of a delay, so that I can shoot my friends while they surf. Basically, a nice lens that would be good for photographing both wildlife and sports, and that wouldn't break the bank (well... at least not TOO badly!) is what I'm looking for. Any suggestions? I'll take any!

Thanks,
Stephanie

You don't say which lens you already have, but the Canon 70 - 300 IS is a pretty good deal.  If you need more reach, and have more money to spend, check out the Sigma 50 - 500 Bob reviewed recently.

For surfing, you will need to really sharpen your technique.  You will need to pre-focus and follow the action and learn to anticipate the best time for the shot.  Also, most of the delay is in the *camera* not the lens.

I'd have to agree that the Canon EF 70-300/4-5.6IS USM (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0007Y794O/bobatkinsphotogr) probably comes top of the list of lenses which are (a) relatively inexpensive (b) small and light and (c) have a useful telephoto zoom range.

Other leses to consider might be the Canon EF 100-400L IS (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00007GQLS/bobatkinsphotogr), the Sigma 50-500 OS (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B003980YK6/bobatkinsphotogr) and, if finances are limited and (lack of) weight is very important, the Canon EF-S 55-250 IS (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0011NVMO8/bobatkinsphotogr). All these lenses have image stabilization (which you will want).

If you want one lens to cover everything from wideangle to telephoto, I'd look at the Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC  (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001DYE1B6/bobatkinsphotogr). It's small, light, not too expensive, stabilized and covers a remarkable focal length range. Optical quaity is pretty decent for such a wide range zoom.

Thanks guys for your reviews; you've really helped a lot. I bought the body used by itself so currently have no lens. I plan on experimenting more with different lenses when I get back to school, but for now I just need a good one for my upcoming extended surf trip. After researching for myself and considering the options, I decided to go with the Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS. I decided I really need the Image Stabilization, and also didn't want to invest too much in the lens- though it will be taken care of, the camera DOES have to make it through a few months in Costa Rica (my phone didn't survive the last trip...). I'll let you guys know how the lens holds up!