What Canon lens upgrade?
Discussion
Hi all
I’m looking for an upgrade to the kit lens 18-55 for my Canon 500D, a compromise type lens with greater range all in one (aware of drawbacks but think this is best choice for beginner). Considering the Canon EF-S 18-135 (for £269ish) or the EF-S 18-200 (for £409ish). Is the 18-200 worth the extra? Are there any others I should consider? My wife and I share use of the camera and are both beginners/amateurs. Typical use family/kids shots, she does landscape stuff, I will do some beginners motorsport, Le Mans etc.
Any input welcome, I did do a search couldn’t find much, and googling takes me to full on photography forums where most of the advice & jargon goes straight over my head!
thanks
I’m looking for an upgrade to the kit lens 18-55 for my Canon 500D, a compromise type lens with greater range all in one (aware of drawbacks but think this is best choice for beginner). Considering the Canon EF-S 18-135 (for £269ish) or the EF-S 18-200 (for £409ish). Is the 18-200 worth the extra? Are there any others I should consider? My wife and I share use of the camera and are both beginners/amateurs. Typical use family/kids shots, she does landscape stuff, I will do some beginners motorsport, Le Mans etc.
Any input welcome, I did do a search couldn’t find much, and googling takes me to full on photography forums where most of the advice & jargon goes straight over my head!
thanks
A bit more expensive but I have just bought a Tamron 18-270 and am very happy with it. I believe it is the best superzoom around just now and it has a bit more range than the 18-200 which might be useful. Downside is that it's nearer £500.
If interested I can show you a few sample shots or attempt to answer any queries
If interested I can show you a few sample shots or attempt to answer any queries
You've got two very different usage models there. The 18-55 kit lens is not bad at all for basic portrait and landscape shots so you probably want to look at a decent zoom for the motorsport/event photography. Your best bet would be to do into a local store who will normally have some lenses you can try. Polite request though; Don't take all their advice and then buy online!
Sigma, Tamron etc, all good third party brands. Every couple of months one of the magazines will do a group test, just keep an eye on the shelves. Have a look here, this site uses simple to understand language... http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2010/04/13/super...
Sigma, Tamron etc, all good third party brands. Every couple of months one of the magazines will do a group test, just keep an eye on the shelves. Have a look here, this site uses simple to understand language... http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2010/04/13/super...
Podie said:
Are you wanting to replace the 18-55, or add further options?
In the early days, we added a 70-300 to the 18-55.
This is the key point - if you want one lens to do it all, then I would stand by my suggestion of the Tamron 18-270. However if it's in addition to the 18-55 then I would go with the 70-300 as per Podie's suggestion In the early days, we added a 70-300 to the 18-55.
(Obviously there are a myriad of more expensive choices as well but that's a whole other can of worms!
)eastsider said:
Thanks chaps. Looking for one lens to stay on the camera most of the time really, so replace the 18-55 rather than accompany it really.
Personally, I wouldn't. I'd keep the 18-55 and add a lens to it, maybe the Canon 55-250 or 70-300. If second hand is an option then plump for a Sigma 70-200 F2.8 or Canon 70-200 F4, as mentioned previously.The OH would benefit from the 18-55 and you moreso from which other lens you buy. My first buy was a ONE-LENS-DO-ALL (Sigma 28-300) and it wasn't really the best purchase I ever made. Not used it in a few years - I'd rather swap lenses and gain better image quality.
Can't see the trade value being enough to warrant getting rid.
Just IMHO.
Scott
kybo said:
eastsider said:
Thanks chaps. Looking for one lens to stay on the camera most of the time really, so replace the 18-55 rather than accompany it really.
Personally, I wouldn't. I'd keep the 18-55 and add a lens to it, maybe the Canon 55-250 or 70-300. If second hand is an option then plump for a Sigma 70-200 F2.8 or Canon 70-200 F4, as mentioned previously.The OH would benefit from the 18-55 and you moreso from which other lens you buy. My first buy was a ONE-LENS-DO-ALL (Sigma 28-300) and it wasn't really the best purchase I ever made. Not used it in a few years - I'd rather swap lenses and gain better image quality.
Can't see the trade value being enough to warrant getting rid.
Just IMHO.
Scott
If you insist on going one lens, I'd want something like a 24-105 - although that particular one might be out of budget.
Some interesting SH options here - http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/us...
I've bought "Mint" and "Exc+" from them before and been very happy.
I've bought "Mint" and "Exc+" from them before and been very happy.
Podie said:
Some interesting SH options here - http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/us...
I've bought "Mint" and "Exc+" from them before and been very happy.
I can vouch for the above having bought a 1D2N in great condition from them....also a friend has just ordered a 1DS.I've bought "Mint" and "Exc+" from them before and been very happy.
Google London Camera Exchange too, they have a lot of stock.
Podie said:
Some interesting SH options here - http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/us...
I've bought "Mint" and "Exc+" from them before and been very happy.
Another customer, I had a mint 70-200 F2.8 IS from him. The lens hood was still in a sealed bag!I've bought "Mint" and "Exc+" from them before and been very happy.
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