I currently have a Rebel XTi (well it's in repair right now) but when I get it back I have been wanting to get another lens. I should note that I will probably upgrade my camera next spring to a T3i or T2i (depending if I can ever make up my mind about the swing out LCD display)
I own the kit lens 18-55mm non IS, 75-300 mm non IS, and the 50mm f/1.8. I find I take most of my shots with the 18-55 mm and for the most part works well. I like the 18 mm end, but I find I am not thrilled with the 55 mm end. I always want to go for a bit more zoom! I rarely use the 75-300 because I am shaky and most of the photos turn out blurry.and the 50 mm I had only a few weeks before the camera broke.
I have researched and bookmarked and perused the websites (this one and others) and reviews until my head is spinning. I think I have it narrowed down to two lenses.
Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Standard Zoom
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS UD Standard Zoom Lens
The first one is ax +$240 more. Cost is a factor but not the deciding one.
Any suggestions/cautions/warnings? Advice?
I never plan to do photography for a business. It's a hobby. I like to shoot landscapes/scenery/buildings/gardens/animals and sometimes people if I can get the shot without them knowing!
I will prefer the 18-135mm rather than the 18-200mm is I think 18-200mm is more expensive but not providing huge different in term of image quality when compare with the 18-135mm
I have a Tamron 28-300 IS that I love! I bought Tamron because I wanted to save a little $$. Since you have the 18+lenses, why not go past 200mm to 300? Gets you a little closer, but I must say, i still find that it's not close enough, at times! I hope this helps you, Julie!
Canon has awsome IS on their lenses. I use L series lenses, but the Canon site says that the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM has 3 stops of shake protection. I have 100-400mm f/4-5.6L IS lens and can do AEB [3 bracketed shots] at 400mm without a tripod. To me, it sounds like you need a better tele capability with IS. Get Canon: their IS is the best. Why do you want to overlap your mm coverage so much with the 18-200? You already like the 18mm on your 18-55 and you do not need IS that much on wide angle anyway. You said you like your 50mm, so you are covered there. That is why I do not see why you want to get an overlap of what you already like and do well at. You need the 70-300 IS, imo.
@morrisroos Both of my camera repairs have come about due to my changing lens constantly. Dust on the mirrors, lint, trying to clean them, breaking the springs etc...
So I was trying to get one lens that covers most of what I use the MM for.
And IS is a definite must for me now. I know this. My camera kit lens didn't come with IS back then as they do now as a standard feature.
The opposite of your dilemma is that what you gain in convenience to avoid lens changes you pay for dearly in continual heavy weight on your neck. If you go the route that you mention, you will want to look at the Cotton Carrier, pictured in my profile image.
I am no help in the lens department, but I just bought my Canon T3i right before Christmas. I actually purchased the T2i and then returned it for the T3i that was on a great Black Friday special. I have used the LCD display in all different positions...way more than I really expected to. It has really come in handy on several occassions!
I've had my strap off for years now and when my camera is out of the bag, I carry the camera in my left hand (cradle style). I had a bad experience with the strap. It swung around and hit a nearby rock so i started just carrying it. It works for me :)
FYI: I learn this from an ex Canon tech would optically aligned most of my glass a few months ago that non-IS lens are generally sharper than IS lens. I would expect this to be true especially on non-L glass.
@juleswoome I wanted Canon 18-200mm ($600) but it was a little over my budget, so I ended up getting a Tamron 18-270mm ($470 after in-mail rebate) and I love it. It's very versatile. :-)
@juleswoome Hey Julie, I'm curious about what you decided. I currently have a Rebel xti with 18-55 lens and 70-300 is. I too desire the convenience of not having to switch lenses (my camera is filthy). I was trying to decide between the 18-135 and 18-200. I'm also upgrading my camera to the 60d I think. Thanks!
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So I was trying to get one lens that covers most of what I use the MM for.
And IS is a definite must for me now. I know this. My camera kit lens didn't come with IS back then as they do now as a standard feature.
Thanks for the suggestions though!