Hey guys, I'm probably getting a Canon EOS 400D soon with any luck. My dad used to be an avid photographer, about 20 years ago, and so he can help me with some stuff but not a lot. I need to know what lenses would be best to get, keeping in mind I have a 14 year old with no job price range. Any ideas?
It depends on what you want to take pictures of - architecture, animals, landscape, indoor?
You could start with the kit lens EF-S 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 (together with the camera it is not expensive). When you start taking pictures you will see which features you miss most - aperture, focus length, etc., and then you can expand according to your preferences.
Generally, be aware, choosing the right lens is quite a challenge!
If you have more money to spend, there are many alternatives - you should also think about if you don't mind changing lenses or if you prefer a single lens with wide focus range (in this case the Tamron 18-200mm is very popular).
The kit lens is a good place to start (18-55mm). I've got a 350D that came with that lens. Even though I've got a Sigma 10-20mm and a 70-300mm I find myself using the kit lens the most. It's fairly economical when you purchase it with the body. Like mia04 said, once you've played around with the kit lens you'll see what sort of features you're most interested in.
"To photograph is to hold one's breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality. It's at that precise moment that mastering an image becomes a great physical and intellectual joy."
~ Henri Cartier-Bresson
The best value you can get is to buy your camera with the kit lens. It is the ideal starter lens, especially for those on a budget and its able to give you very decent results.
Thanks, appreciated :)
Gem xx