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Old 28-02-06, 09:31
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Norfolk
Age: 50
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It's an interesting question... I use a 350D and have lenses that cover these ranges.

Macro - as Tannin has said there are a lot of good macro lenses out there so it's important to decide what focal length you want. I tried two Sigma lenses - the 50mm f2.5 and the 105mm f2.8 and ended up with the 105mm. I found that the 105mm was easier for shot of insects as I didn't need to get quite so close, I also far prefered the feel of it in the hand. Thous a 50mm macro lens would also double up well as a portrait lens.

Standard - I went for a cheap mid-range zoom as I really only use it for shots of the family so don't need top quality glass. I use the Sigma 28-135mm f3.8-5.6 and have been very happy with it. It's not the sharpest, but is nice to use has a convenient zoom range and out performed a couple of moire expensive lenses that I tested. I paid about £70 for mine and it's probably the best value lens I've bought.

Telephoto - I use the Sigma 500mm f4.5 and love it, it's very sharp and fast focusing, but is big heavy and expensive. I'd probably recommend starting with either the Sigma 170-500mm or the Tamron 200-500mm - I used to use the Sigma and was very happy with it. It has a nice zoom range and delivers good images (espeically when used around f8), reviews suggest that the Tamron is equally good.

Best advice with any lens is to try before you buy, it's important to be happy with the handling of a lens as well as the image quality. Be warned that lens buying can get adictive - as well as the lenses mentioned above I also have a Tamron 19-35mm for landscapes and a Sigma 100-300mm f4 as a mid-length zoom... and am now considering a portrait lens too.
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