Can't figure out which lens to buy for the Canon - EOS Digital Rebel XSi ?

Question

i am about to buy the Canon - EOS Digital Rebel XSi 12.2-Megapixel dSLR camera. what lens should i get for this camera? it comes with the Canon EF-S 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, but im not sure that is what i should be using. i will be using this camera for taking pictures of metal parts ranging from 3 inches to 3 feet. i am pretty sure i am getting a light tent as well. these pictures will be going in the company's catalog and uploaded onto its website. the pictures will need to be professional and sharp & the company wants the customers to be able to fully evaluate the parts & my only question now is if the lens given with the camera will be fine or if i need a different lens. i have been looking at the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens but am not sure if that is what i will need for the size of the parts i will be photographing. so can i use the lens that comes with the camera or if not what lens? PLEASE help me out, i am very new to dSLR's and could use all the help i can get, than

Answer 1

Yes, the EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro is a great lens. It will give much better results than the others you mention.

I'm sure Pooky will probably show you some examples of his work with this lens.

Check out the reviews of it in the links below...

Answer 2

You have a very specific purpose, so you should get the lens that will do the best job. For you, that will be the 100mm macro. It is far and away the best choice for the all-out macro photography you descibe. (By the way, it is great that you gave so much info.)

You could use the 18-55 and get decent results, but the macro lens will give the best results. It will focus down to one foot and will give life size (1x) images of your parts. This is the lens for you. Steer clear of the 55-250, which is a good general purpose lens, but far from the best choice for the macro work you want to do.

You probably also should consider a tripod, which will help you set up everything precisely and consistently and will allow you to use longer exposures without blurring the image because of camera shake.

Answer 3

the 100mm macro sounds like the lense for the product shot.

the 55-250mm is a great telephoto lens but not as good for the product shot  as the macro.

Answer 4

you definatley need a macro lense. i am sure the 100mm will be enough