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Thread: Best Lens for Baby Pictures.

  1. #11
    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?

  2. #12
    Senior Member neuroanatomist's Avatar
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    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!

  3. #13
    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

  4. #14
    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

  5. #15
    Senior Member neuroanatomist's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Magijr View Post
    I really do not have a budget (my wife cant see this can she? LOL) , I would rather buy a lens that I will have for many years and take the best quality pictures.
    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.

    Quote Originally Posted by Magijr View Post
    I am going to take a course in photography in the Fall to lean about the camera and the lens that I choose and get the most out of both.
    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.

    Quote Originally Posted by Magijr View Post
    Do you think the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens is a crazy purchase, or a good investment?
    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.

  6. #16
    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

  7. #17
    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

  8. #18
    Quote Originally Posted by neuroanatomist View Post
    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.
    "Thank you again for your advice and input"

  9. #19
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    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

  10. #20
    Quote Originally Posted by ahab1372 View Post
    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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