Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Lens for Canon EOS Rebel T2i

by Fatfishblue Jan 7, 2011 11:13PM PST

My wife would like to upgrade to a SLR camera for more professional looking pictures. I have already chosen to buy the EOS T2i (18 mp) but am having trouble deciding which lens to purchase. The 55-250 lens seems perfect for the beginner SLR user, but the reviews state it doesn't work well in low light. I did some more searching and found 2 other lenses that might work better; the 18-135 and 15-85. I am looking for a lens that has good image stability, auto focus, good zoom and works well in low light as well as regular daylight. Which lens would you recommend? Thank you.

Discussion is locked

2 Posts

- Collapse + Expand Details

- Collapse -

Lenses

by snapshot2 Forum moderator Jan 7, 2011 11:59PM PST

An explanation of lens specifications:

The specification of 55-250mm only covers the zoom range of a lens.
The specification that tells you about the brightness of a lens is: f/4-5.6

That means the aperture (when not zoomed) is f/4.0 and when fully zoomed is f/5.6
The lens loses light as you zoom.

The brightest zoom lens is one that has a specification of f/2.8
That means the aperture is f/2.8 (a small number is brighter than a large number).
And since the specification does not have a second number, that means the lens does not lose light as it is zoomed.
It also means - expensive.

I suggest you look at this location for Canon lenses:

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup

Here is a link that explains the meaning of aperture settings:

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/fototech/apershutter/aperture.htm

..

- Collapse -

Zoom lenses for low and regular light

by hjfok Jan 10, 2011 5:20AM PST

My 2 favorite lenses are Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS and EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS (now they have an improve version II). I use these 2 lenses all the time on my old 30D. They are great for low and regular light, take care of >90% of my need. But they are on the expensive side, more than the camera body. For less expensive options, you can look at Sigma, Tamron and other 3rd party options.

Back to Cameras forum