What kind of lens should i get

[Huguenot]

I agree in principle, but I think JamesG is in the 'exploration' zone, and it'll be useful to find out more about, and experiment with, some other subjects or styles.

It's called 'having fun' - rarely available to people who take things too seriously! ;-)

I reckon JamesG will have a great deal of fun with a 50mm prime, just as I did, and Mockney did.

[*Bob*]

I've been trying to photograph the woman who lives opposite as she gets undressed late at night, but I'm running into technical difficulties.

Can anyone recommend a lens which doesn't get too steamed-up?

[felt-tip]

I'd recommend something with a good anti-motion blur function...

[mockney piers]

This zeiss 1700mm f4 has good zoom capability and is big enough to attach the windscreen wipers from your g-wizz after it's been sheared in half by a soft breeze

 

[tog_in_sox]

JamesG

So far you've said "no close-ups and no wildlife" and ?600 is too much. To be able to recommend much else we still need to know what photo subjects you're interested in and your budget.

If you like sport then you may well want a longer zoom option to reach the action from court/pitch side. You might also need a tele-extender.

If you are just happy snapping social subjects then a short zoom or prime would be best

If ?250 is still too much then you'll certainly be looking at second (or more) hand items and also consider looking at Sigma or Tamron to maximise value for some focal length choices.

If you want to try things out then hiring a few lens options and talking to pros will help assuming you can't borrow much.

Calumet are fine if a tad expensive at times. Somewhere more local to us is Fixation based in Vauxhall. www.fixationuk.com

Tell us more and we might be able to be more help

[LadyTaTa]

With my DSLR, I started off with the kit lens and then went on to buy a zoom lens.

I haven't used the zoom lens as much as I'd like, because of the generally bad light conditions in the UK. I learnt a general rule of thumb that seems to be true, in that your slowest shutter speed should be guided by your focal length i.e. if your lens is 100mm don't shoot slower than 1/100 second.

If you want to whack up the ISO or take a tripod it doesn't limit you, but otherwise in the UK I find it does - images are too dark or not sharp enough for my liking. Given that I'd tend to use the zoom to shoot wildlife I try to incorporate that on a walk rather than sit there all day with a tripod - whatever floats your boat really.

Last year I was very fortunate in that I was given a 50mm macro prime and I love it. The image is so sharp, and it keeps me happily entertained in the winter. Still life, icicles, etc. However, with hindsight I think a 100mm would have been even better.

I've bought 2nd hand kit from Amazon on various occasions and have no complaints at all.

[mockney piers]

A monopod can be useful for increasing your mobility, but I agree that good light is paramount.

Of course there are fast zoom lenses too, but by golly the prices are terrifying.