50mm 1.8 and 18-55mm 3.5 - 5.6 on 7D

[killjon]

I'm thinking about getting a Canon 7D and using two cheap lenses for it, a Canon 50mm 1.8 and 18-55mm 3.5 - 5.6. Just using the 18-55mm for day light stuff and the 50mm for low light and getting good DOF with it.

I understand these lenses are super cheap and there are others that could be better, but I'm thinking that I could possibly save a good amount of money for just the amateur stuff that I do then eventually get some better quality lenses. Any suggestions/advice?

[Lkorver]

I think its very smart to go with cheap lenses first. I would get them uses so you can always get rid of these for about what you paid granted you take good care of them. I would say you might want to splurge on a wider prime to go with your 50mm (which is really an 80mm on the 7d). Maybe grab a cheap 28mm (very rare, but if you see one grab it, might have to look for minolta or something to fall in your price range).

[Duke M.]

I bought the 50mm f1.8 canon lens. Partly because its so cheap ($99 new from Amazon) and partly it has a reputation for good images and low light use. http://www.amazon.com/Canon-50mm-1-8-Camera-Lens/dp/B00007E7JU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1255569722&sr=8-1

Supposedly this is because a 50mm fixed lens is the easiest and cheapest one to build.

It shoots great images for both video and photographs. It does wonderful in low light.

The construction is really cheap plastic housing, plastic mounts, a noisy, slow motor and a weird manual focus (its on the front edge). I wouldn't want to drop it or even pack it tightly in a suitcase.

That being said, I love it. I have the kit 28-135 lens, which is much sturdier, but I actually like the 50mm images better, but you have to get close, like 3-4' for a portrait. I think its a must have though.

[JFreshInEffect!]

That 50mm f/1.8 is awesome in the dark! Great with lens poor build quality.

[killjon]

Hmm, what about something like a Sigma 28mm 1.8 just for an all around use lens?

[Rakesh Jacob]

50mm f1.8 is an awesome lens, way too good to be that cheap. The 18-55mm is ass! Worst lens they make. I got it with my T1i at the same time as the 50mm and I shot a bunch of stuff with both but only used the 50mm clips, the 18-55 just looks bad, very soft. It's ok for stills, but if you want it for video, total waste of money.
On the other hand the 28-135mm kit lens for the 7D is really nice. Suprisingly so! I thought it was gonna be a waste of $200 bucks, but I'm glad I bought the kit. Good overall sharpness and nice color and contrast.

[arges03]

I have those two lenses and I get by. Would like more, but I can borrow others when needed. They are OK. I got what I paid for.

[Rick Rock]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/Lanaah/amero1_bw_sample.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/Lanaah/tuldyp.jpg

My friend Rebecca took these with her Canon 40D using a Canon 50mm F1.8. I'd say the lens is an excellent first choice if price is a factor.
.

[Rakesh Jacob]

Tell Rebacca nice pics! The second one is really cool

[JFreshInEffect!]

The 50mm f/1.8 is excellent for its price. The low light at 1.8 is way better than your eye. An excellent lens for walking around the hood and doing dramatic DOF shots on unknowing the passerby from a distance. Also a great lens for a bar room setting.

[khina]

the 18-55mm might be cheap, dirt cheap but beware of the excellence sharpness the glass produces. :)