Snap away!

[shane25]

Finally bought my 1st DSLR after much deliberation.
Canon 400D with Sigma f2.8 18-55mm lens.
Did away with the canon lens that came with it cos my friend advised that it's probably of not much use after i progress out of my newbie stage.

i'm thinking of adding another lens to my arsenal, which should it be? telephoto?
my budget is around $1k. Please advise.
Oh, and i'll need a flashlight too.
should i buy that white bowl-like diffuser as well?
I'm using my camera mostly for portraits and the occassional scenery shot.

 

[J-Chan]

congrats on your new purchase.. a telezoom lens to complement your current lens would be Sigma's 50-150 2.8.. starts where your 18-50 ends and gives you constant 2.8 aperture.. cost about $1K iirc..
or the other option is to get a prime lens, Canon's 85mm 1.8 is a good choice.. leaves you with cash to get your flash..

edit: it should be 18-50 not 55..

 

[cantaresg]

How about a 70-200 F4 L? It's less than 1k 2nd hand.

 

[Dithiolium]

Hi Shane

Could you borrow a friend's telephoto to try out? Then you know if you really need a telephoto, and also what focal range/price range.
Consider getting a flash first.

If you want to get a lens with 1k - EF 100mm/2.8 Macro

 

[shane25]

thanks for all the advice guys
I think i'll get my flash first and save up a bit for my next lens, whichever that may be.

what are the things to look out for when buying flash? My friend recommends that i get the 580EX. what's the diff between Mkii and non-Mkii?
The guide distance?
And to do portrait shots with the flashlight, what else do i need to get?

 

[shane25]

also, is 18mm considered good enough for wide angle shots? and group shots?
or do i need to get something wider like 10mm etc?

i also bought a polarizing filter, what other filters will i need?