Digital camera accessories

[dtttrio]

I have a Canon Rebel XTI.  I bought a "package" deal that came with several lenses.   I also bought a 50mm lens seperately.  I've noticed the lenses that came with the camera do not take as crisp pictures as the one lens I bought alone.  None of my lenses are IS. I want to know what you would suggest to purchase as an all purpose lens that will help my pictures be more vibrant and crisp.  I've been looking at a Canon 17-85mm IS USM lens.  Is this something that will bring me the results I am looking for?  Do you suggest a lens that would be a better performer?  I have small children and I love to take close up pictures of them.  Is there a lens that is best for these types of pictures?  Thanks

[bdery]

Hi and welcome!

Lenses for DSLRs are numerous, especially with the Canon system. It would be very difficult to point out lenses without knowing what type of lens you want (prime or zoom, large zoom reach or small, wide angle or telephoto, large maximum apreture or not, etc). In addition, while some lenses are sharper than others, sharp doesn't always mean best. Color rendering, lack of aberrations and distorsions, are also to be considered.

I think your best bets would be to read reviews of the various lenses available, and make up your mind while considering your requirements. www.slrgear.com and www.photozone.de are two excellent resources for lens reviews, you could start there. Chances are that the lens you own are reviewed there, so it would make a good starting point for comparisons.