Best Lens for Baby Pictures.

[Jordan]

Hi Magijr,

L-Series lenses, in my opinion, are a great investment. They not only have the best quality glass, but are built well and often weatherproof. Also, as was pointed out above, I would definitely go with an L-series lens for a telephoto. However, for under 85mm, you'll be good with USM stuff. I own the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX and it's GREAT! Canon's 50mm f/1.4 is very nice too! The pancake looks attractive, and for an all-purpose zoom to replace your current lens, I'd go with the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM. This is a GREAT lens and is actually L-series optics inside, just not L-build.

Is the 70-200 worth it? Hmm.. well the version II is definitely unnecessary, especially for someone who isn't a full-time working professional photographer. If you can find a good-quality version 1 somewhere for less, I'd go with that easy! The 70-200mm f/4 is nice too, though f/2.8 would be nice for indoors. I might also recommend a Macro lens. The Canon 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM is a great lens! Now for less than half the price, you could get the Tamron 60mm f/2 Macro (I used to own this lens) which is FAST and takes absolutely amazing portraits! Macro is great for baby shots!

Personally, I'd get a 17-55 f/2.8 IS and Tamron 60mm f/2 Macro now, and save for a GOOD 70-200 or something down the road when your child is older and starts running around. That's my vote!

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[Magijr]

Hi Jordan,

I recently purchased the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM and the The 70-200mm f/4 L, and I love both of them. I purchased the 70-200 because I have two dogs that I love to photograph while hiking and such. From my minimal experience, the 70-200 also works well for portraits. The 17-55 was highly recommended and it has certainly lived up to the hype.

Regarding the macro lens, I may rent one after my baby is born and see how I like it. I am not familiar with macro photography and I'm not sure it would work well in my apartment. I feel like the 100mm macro would be too large on a crop lens in my apartment, but the 60mm lens would work well.

Thank you for your input, I appreciate it.