I'm taking the plunge on a new DSLR.

I'm trying to decide between a walk-around zoom and a prime as a first lens.

I'm torn between an 18-50mm and a 30mm. Both are great lenses, but I'm torn between the learning curve of the prime (and the added stop-and-a-half of aperture) versus the flexibility and ease-of-use of the zoom.

Somebody smack me in the head and snap me out of it.

Thanks,

Teh P.

Either would be good, but I think if you're just starting out a zoom is a bit more versatile to get you started. That'd be my choice, but others would say go with the prime to learn more.

^ agreed with J, A zoom is going to be best to start with. Will give you a little wide and a little long. Once you find out what your shooting at mostly, you can move on from there.

I have a 50mm prime and it's great, but I wouldn't want it as my only lens.

I have a similar range zoom right now on a Nikon D40.

I just realized that the new zoom I'm looking at has a macro mode... that sold it for me, 18-50 it is.

Thanks guys!

get the zoom, then a prime down the road

That was easy.

Originally Posted by thechickencow

That was easy.

Originally Posted by b84wm

get the zoom, then a prime down the road

I am. Good call, guys... thanks for knocking sense into me!

I was just conflicted for a moment because I loved my 50mm on my old Canon when I used to shoot film regularly.

i know what you mean P, i always fight with myself about what to get

Originally Posted by Porter

I have a similar range zoom right now on a Nikon D40.

I just realized that the new zoom I'm looking at has a macro mode... that sold it for me, 18-50 it is.

Thanks guys!

I'm guessing it's more of a "macro" mode than any actual macro capability. Macro is good marketing, so a lot of brands just slap it on there anyway

What body are you getting? Just remember the crop factor when selecting lenses.

Originally Posted by emorphien

I'm guessing it's more of a "macro" mode than any actual macro capability. Macro is good marketing, so a lot of brands just slap it on there anyway

It's definitely a macro-equivalence, not a real fixed macro. 7.25in minimum focal distance, the magnification factor is 1:4.96 at 18mm to 1:2.59 at 50mm. This was as tested on a Canon XTi.

Originally Posted by Geekybiker

What body are you getting? Just remember the crop factor when selecting lenses.

It's a "digital only" crop-oriented lens.

Originally Posted by Porter

It's definitely a macro-equivalence, not a real fixed macro. 7.25in minimum focal distance, the magnification factor is 1:4.96 at 18mm to 1:2.59 at 50mm. This was as tested on a Canon XTi.

Yeah, so it gets kinda closeish.