Every since I got the new camera, I had been wishing I had about 3 or 4 grand to get a nice zoom and a nice prime lens.  Since I don't have that kinda money ATM, and since I really needed a zoom and a prime, I opted for some lenses that were much cheaper until I can afford the better lenses.

I spent about 2 weeks reading reviews after reviews after reviews for various lenses.  I must have started to order online from Amazon 10 - 15 times and always cancelled my order at the last minute.  I just couldn't make up my mind what I wanted.

I knew it was something in the zoom range of 250 - 300MM and a prime around 50MM.  I made a mistake when I did order lenses because I forgot the 35MM equivalents for the lense make this different.  First, let me explain.

You will often see lense reviews stating a 35MM equivalent.  The reason is simple.  Photographers already know what a 50MM lense does for a 35MM camera.  The same lense will be 50MM on a full-size sensor digital camera (way out of my price reach).  There are 2 other sensors available on digital cameras.  My new Canon XSi / 450D has a APS-C sensor.  In order to get the 35MM equivalent of an APS-C sensor, you have to multiply the camera lens range by 1.6.  So the kit lens states it is 18 - 55, when in reality it is 28.8 - 88MM.  The reason a 50MM lens is important for a prime lense is that many state that a 50MM lens is pretty close to what human eyes see.

With that out of the way, I ordered a cheaper Canon EF 75-300 f/4-5.6 III zoom lens (a non-IS and non-USM model).  The 35MM equivalent is 120 - 480MM.  I ordered it because amazon.com had several customer supplied images taken with it that looked really good.  And the price was less than $200.  I figure this will hold me over until I can shell out the 2 grand or so for a much better zoom lens.

The prime I ordered is where I got confused.  I got a Canon EF 50MM f/1.8.  This is an exceptional lens for the money, at less than $100.  I really wanted the 1.4 but it is about $350 and again, I figured this will keep me happy until I can get something better.  Oh, that mistake, I really wanted a 50MM prime, but when you do the 35MM equivalent, my 50MM is really a 80.  Oh well, nothing like taking a step or two back to get a shot.

I also bought 2 new filters, both 58MM to fit the 18-55MM and the 75-300MM lenses.  I got a standard UV (ultraviolet) and a CP (circular polarizer).  The UV filters basically filter ultraviolet light just like the UV sunglasses.  This makes hazy skys look clearer.  The polarizer is great for taking shots of water and not having a reflection in the shot.  I took some pictures last week at the reccreation park and pond and I will take some newer ones soon and put them up for comparison.  I also took some night shots of the moon tonight with both the 18-55 and the 75-300 zoom lense.  I used both filters on the 75-300MM lens.  You wont believe the differences.

The 50MM prime lense wont be here until thursday.  It will really be about the highest quality lens I own (image quality and low light wise).  The most expensive lens I own up to now is the kit lens.

Here are some links if you want to check out pictures from other owners of the lenses I bought.

Amazon.com - Canon EF 75-300MM f/4-5.6 III Product Information

Amazon.com - Canon EF 75-300MM f/4-5.6 III Customer Images

Amazon.com - Canon EF 50MM f/1.8 Product Information

Amazon.com - Canon EF 50MM f/1.8 Customer Images