You may have just answered my question. Is the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens also good for photographing a baby?
You may have just answered my question. Is the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens also good for photographing a baby?
Welcome, and congratulations!
What's your budget? The EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS is really an excellent lens - it covers the same basic range as the 18-55mm kit lens that came with your camera, but the IQ is much better (equivalent to L-series lenses, and so is the price tag!), and the constant f/2.8 aperture is very useful. You won't find an L-series lens that covers wide angle to short telephoto (what you need for a general purpose zoom) on an APS-C sensor like that in the T4i.
I also really like the EF 85mm f/1.8 - IMO, it's one of the best values in the Canon lineup in terms of IQ for price. The wide aperture and compression make it great for tight portraits on an APS-C body.
I wish I'd had a dSLR when our first daughter was born, but I lumbered along with a slow-focusing super zoom P&S until close to her second birthday. I started with a T1i, 17-55mm f/2.8, 85mm f/1.8, and a 430EX II. An external flash is very useful - the on-board pop-up flash is only direct light, which is a bit harsh and leads to red-eye. A Speedlite flash (270EX II or 430EX II) allows you to point the head up and bounce the light off the ceiling, meaning a larger light source for much softer, more flattering light.
Here are a couple of early shots, the first one was literally my first trip out with the new camera:
Rebel T1i, EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM @ 50mm, 1/50 s, f/2.8, ISO 100
Rebel T1i, EF 85mm f/1.8 USM, 1/2000 s, f/1.8, ISO 100
Look forward to seeing some pics!
Thank you for your detailed answer. You are certainly right in regards to "investment," I am probably being over zealous.
The EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM looks great, and a few people have suggested the same lens.
Thank you again, your information is very appreciated.
Bruce
Thank you for sharing your photo, all I can say is beautiful eyes!!
Thats amazing clarity with the pancake, and the price of the lens you suggested are very affordable, thank you for your input.
Bruce
Great philosophy. I can tell you from personal experience that 'taking better pictures of your child' is a justification that usually has a lot of traction with a wife, at least with mine.Originally Posted by Magijr
That's a great idea. Some introductory books can be great as well - Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure and some of Michael Freeman's books are great places to start.
Definitely a good investment, but perhaps not something you need right away. My experience with the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II was that on an APS-C camera, the focal length was rather 'awkward' - it was too long to use conveniently indoors except right near the wide end. As a result, I really didn't use it that much on my 7D. After getting a 5DII, though, it became my second most-used lens - on FF, it's a great focal range indoors and out, living room to backyard to beach.
Thank you for your response, you were not kidding; the Canon 35/1,4 L is much pricier.
Thank you again, I appreciate your response.
Bruce
Thank you very much for all your information. You suggested the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS which seems to be the leading lens from the current forum.
I did not realize the flash was so important, I am now going to research the suggested flashes and most likely purchase with a lens to avoid the direct light, great input... thank you.
My budget is flexible; I just to make sure I purchase the right lens at the right price and get the most out of the lens and camera.
By the way, the pictures of your daughter are wonderful and I will certainly share when my child arrives sometime in late October.
Thank you again and I'll keep you posted.
Bruce
"Thank you again for your advice and input"Great philosophy. I can tell you from personal experience that 'taking better pictures of your child' is a justification that usually has a lot of traction with a wife, at least with mine.
"I am thinking the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS seems to be the smart choice, not cheap though, but a good buy"
That's a great idea. Some introductory books can be great as well - Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure and some of Michael Freeman's books are great places to start.
"I agree, I have purchased a few books from Barnes and Noble and Understanding Exposure is on its way."
Definitely a good investment, but perhaps not something you need right away. My experience with the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II was that on an APS-C camera, the focal length was rather 'awkward' - it was too long to use conveniently indoors except right near the wide end. As a result, I really didn't use it that much on my 7D. After getting a 5DII, though, it became my second most-used lens - on FF, it's a great focal range indoors and out, living room to backyard to beach.
I agree with the 17-55. My neighbor has it and it hardly ever leaves the camera. I personally got the EF-S 15-85 f/3.5-5.6 instead because I preferred the greater focal length range over the constant 2.8 aperture, but my kids are older and most of my pictures are outside. With a newborn I suppose you will take more pictures inside where the larger max aperture will be a greater advantage. It will also allow more nice background blur.
I would also add an external flash before you add a tele, the 430EX II is a great choice. It makes a huge difference over the built-in flash.
Arnt
"Thank you for your information, I am going to now purchase an external flash, another response suggested the same flash, the 430 EX II. Thank you again."
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