Better (used) lens for 600D

[matt3001]

So i'm still running an old Canon 600D and have a trip to the US coming up so thought i would dust it off. I have the standard kit 18-55 and also a 55-250 (from memory).

Is it worth picking up a used better lens (EFS 17-55 2.8) or just stick with the kit lens? I don't really want to consider a bigger upgrade unless its something cost effective - thoughts?

The only other camera I have is a Sony RX100 M3 and my iphone 12 pro. I'm off to the Indycar at Texas Speedway hence wanting to give the SLR a run out which I haven't done since a trip to Africa in 2018!

[NNH]

I got a used Sigma 70-200 f4-6.3 IS years ago for about US$350. It's a bit battered, but it's pretty lightweight and excellent for daytime motorsports. It looks like the slightly newer 70-300s from Sigma and Tamron are available used for less than GBP200 these days.

As an alternative, you could rent from someone like www.lensrentals.com. I rented a gorgeous Canon 70-200 f4 IS for Sebring, though I'm not sure my own talent level made best use of it!

Edited by NNH on Sunday 9th January 15:56

Edited by NNH on Sunday 9th January 15:57

[Simpo Two]

The best reason for buying a new lens is because the current lenses won't do what you want.

This may be inadequate max aperture (for faster shutter speed or shallower DOF), or image quality (eg edge/corner sharpness, vignetting, chromatic aberration), or you need IS/VR, or you need shorter/longer focal lengths. Have you reached the limits of your current set-up?

[matt3001]

Simpo Two said:

The best reason for buying a new lens is because the current lenses won't do what you want.

This may be inadequate max aperture (for faster shutter speed or shallower DOF), or image quality (eg edge/corner sharpness, vignetting, chromatic aberration), or you need IS/VR, or you need shorter/longer focal lengths. Have you reached the limits of your current set-up?

Put like this there is no reason to change. When I went to Africa in 2018 I hired a 28-200mm 2.8 L lenses and the images were fantastic. I don't really feel the need to do that again for this trip; but wondered if anything cost effective could be done just to go up a notch on image quality.

Maybe just sticking with the kit lens will be fine

[757]

EF prime lens (be more future proof if you want to go to full frame in the future), maybe a 300mm, far superior IQ from a fixed prime, love using them - in fact thinking about it most my lenses are prime now.

I have a 300mm L which I use 1x4 tele converter, very nice combo and on a crop sensor giving you 600mm+

[Simpo Two]

matt3001 said:

Put like this there is no reason to change. When I went to Africa in 2018 I hired a 28-200mm 2.8 L lenses and the images were fantastic. I don't really feel the need to do that again for this trip; but wondered if anything cost effective could be done just to go up a notch on image quality.

Maybe just sticking with the kit lens will be fine

Well, as you've seen what a good lens can do... perhaps something s/h would be in order, rather than be disappointed. You can always sell it when you get back (or keep it and sell the kit one).

[Craikeybaby]

They are decent lenses for travel in that they are flexible and fairly lightweight. Unless you have specific shots in mind that cannot be achieved with those lenses I would stick with them.