Santa needs help

[spincast]

I don't know of a better group to ask, as the photos on this page are a constant source of admiration for me, and the other half.

I am camera challenged - if it don't point and shoot, it don't look like a photo when I'm done - and even a lot of those don't, yet I have been tasked with sourcing he next lens for my photo obsessed wife.

So here's what we have :

 

a Canon EOS Rebel T3 camera..

we have 3 lenses...55-250 mm, 18-55mm, and a 50 mm.

 

As with most photo buffs, nature, birds and scenery are a constant source of material, so I am looking for something that will get her virtually closer, with crisp detail and (hopefully) not look like a tank cannon when hanging around her neck. Our daughter does synchronised swimming competitively, so we also have needs for indoors, high speed stuff. I realize it is unlikely a single lens will do both so suggestions on either are welcome

 

Price range - 500 give or take

 

thoughts on (her suggestion)

EF 17-40mm f/4L USM ?

 

Any input greatly appreciated,

Thanks

 

[BillM]

That really is a tough one.... What kind of distances are you shooting when you're at the pool? You'll want something with a low aperture (f stop) in order to get as much light as possible into the lens and have the fastest shutter speed (So the pics are nice and crisp).. There are lenses that will do that and double up as great birding/wildlife lenses but there's no point in evening mentioning them as they are over 2k.

 

I'd be looking at a Canon EF 70-200 F/4L. Now, it's a pro grade lens (With the L designation) but for the price it's a bargain. Absolutely fantastic IQ (Image quality), weather sealing, built like a tank.. You can pick these up used for around $500 (New $650). It's not the smallest lens, and it stands out. But at the of the day, who cares, you're worried about the pics, not whether or not people are thinking your wife is now a pro photographer

 

I wish you were closer, I could let you hand hold a bunch of the lenses I've got.. If there's a Henrys near you take your body in and try some lenses out.

[spincast]

Thanks Bill

 

That will get me rolling in the right direction. Got a Henry's around the corner from work.