Ordering New Canon 600D Just need Lens advice for video please

R

rossagrant

Member
Hi guys, Been scouring the forum for info and come across a fair bit relating to older kit lenses but I was just after some simple advice.

I'm ordering a Canon 600D in order to film video interviews for the web as well as pieces that I will present to camera on green screen for my site.

Therefore everything to begin with at least will be shot indoors.

I know I want a 50mm prime lens and will go for a 1.8 or a 1.4 but I have no idea IF I should get the camera with a kit lens or not.

the ptions are the 18-55mm IS II

or the 18 - 135mm IS II

I will only be using this camera for video, maybe the odd photo but mainly for video.

is it worth me spending the extra cash on a kit lens with more range or should I buy a better lens for video shooting.

I suppose I'll need a more general purpose lens to go with the 50mm prime so what would you suggest as a lens to compliment the prime that is a good video performer?

I'm pretty new to this so sorry if I have missed this in the stickies but I have been through them thoroughly.

Cheers :)
 
You'd be fine with the 50mm f1.8 Canon and a constant aperature zoom (not the kit lenses). Upgrade the 50 mm f1.8 to a 28 mm f1.8 if you can afford it, as it's a "neutral" lens on a DSLR like the 600D. The 50mm is a portrait lens. Note that if zooming while shooting with the 18-135, the iris will close by itself when you zoom in, which would probably rule it out for interviews. For a zoom, you'll need a fixed aperture zoom lens like the Canon 17-50 IS f2.8. Note: it costs about $1,120.00. Or else, look for a used lens, or something like the new Tamron 17-55 f2.8 (can't vouch for its optics). A very wide zoom is not a bad idea for interviews as well, like the 10-22 Canon, the Tokina 11-16 or others in that range.
 
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I'm with Dcloud on the Tamron, but i say get the VC model if you'll be doing any handheld stuff. I currently have the Tamron 10-24, and Canon 50mm 1.4, VERY happy with both on my 60d. I primarily do interviews and wide landscape photo shots. A constant aperature is always nice for video on a lens to do zooms at it's best aperature. Go to a good camera store and pop some lenses on to see what you like and what you don't.
 
Cheers guys, that's great advice! I will indeed have to go and try some lenses out in the flesh to see what I like the look of!

Thanks again!
 
If prime
Sigma 30mm 1.4 or Canon 28 1.8 (forget the 50mm 1.8, sharp lens but pretty telephoto) Close to 30mm is the same as a 50mm on the 60d.

If zoom
Canon 18-55 f2.8 IS (Constant aperture) Spend the money on this and it is money well spent.
 
One option you might want to consider is getting some older manual nikons. Personally I hate them for still work but for video they look very nice (to me).
I picked up a nik 50 1.8 and a 24 2.8 at the local camera shop for $80-90 each.
 
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