Best Lens for Baby Pictures.

[EricPvpi]

I recently started pretty similar to you and went through a lot of the same decisions. I started with the t3i and 15-85. I ended up returning the t3i and getting the 60D. I think it is a great camera to learn with and I liked the size and better manual controls. I think it is still too early for me to decide if long term I keep this or go the 7D or full frame route. I think it is better to learn more before deciding and invest in lenses in the short term. This forum shaped many of my decisions.

I thought the 15-85 lens was great, but ended up selling it for the 17-55 f/2.8. I do a lot more indoor shots and like the wider aperture as well as the constant aperture. It makes it easier for me to think about how I am setting up the shot rather than wondering the affects on aperture as I zoom. Either way, both great lenses.

On the zoom range, I went with the 70-200 f/4 L IS. I use that more outdoors, so the f/4 was good for me along with half the weight and half the price.

I would say to start with your 17-55 and the 70-200 of your choice. Add a flash (I have the 430). Play around and then see what prime you want to go with. I tried the 50 f/1.4. At least on my end, I found it too soft. Maybe it was just a bad copy, but I didn't like length enough to work through that. I ended up with the 35L and love it so far. Try your first lenses at different lengths and see which suits you better.

I use Lightroom for photo management. I still have a lot to learn on the post processing end.

Good luck!
Eric

[Magijr]

Thank you for your reply EricPvpi. While I was reading your post it felt like I was listening to myself.

I owned the t4i when this forum started. One week later I returned the t4i and purchased the 60D (body only). I then purchased the 17-55. Then 1 week later through additional research, forums and a camera class, I purchased the 20-700 f/4.0, 430 flash and lightroom adobe from B&H Photo.

Recently I have been experimenting with different shots with the camera and the lenses; including shooting them at all different focal lengths. So far, I love the 55mm length, and therefore would love to try the 50 1.4. I also love the closeup / portrait shots at 70-200mm; I am interested in two macros by cannon, the 60mm and the 100mm L.

I am looking forward to learning more and more about photography, and ultimately be ready to photo my newborn, which is only 49 days away... but who's counting


Thank you again,
Bruce