So, I am planning to go on a holiday tour at the end of next year (Egypt and Europe) and am starting to think of everything very far in advance. (Gotta make the budget work!)
What is the best all around Canon travel lens to purchase? I would prefer one fairly good quality lens that would more or less cover most aspects of photography. I think something like a 20-100mm or so would be perfect. Can you guys recommend anything particular?
I want something of a better quality than my kit lenses and preferably within the maximum price range of $500-$600.
For the record, I have a Canon 600D and the following lenses:
Kit lens:
18-55mm
55-250mm
Prime lenses:
Macro 100mm f2.8
50mm f1.4
I LOVE both my prime lenses and was wondering if perhaps my 50mm would be okay? Have any of you ever done traveling with just a 50mm?
Yes, I have, and I definitely missed the vario. For a certain period of time I just had the Macro 100mm f2.8 and 50mm f1.4 ... Then I had to sell my 50mm and bought a 15-85 :)
@velina The 15-85 is a bit out my price range, although I will keep it in mind in case I can't get anything quality at a cheaper price. Are you happy with the lens?
While I do not shoot Canon, the Sigma 18-250 performs nicely for a general "super zoom." Its Optical Stabilization is reputedly as good as any on the market. It comes in a "standard" focus and a new "macro" version (it isn't a macro so I don't know why the moniker). It covers the combined range of your two current zooms. It has a good reputation in the literature, significantly better than the "equivalent" 18-270 Tamron, and both versions are currently available at great promotion prices, well within your price range. Check Amazon.com for instance. The "macro" tips the scale at just over 16 ounces, so is easy on the shoulders, very little more than your current 55-200 Canon. It appears to be improved over the "standard" in a number oways. Speed of AF being one, weight being another.
The issue I personally have with a 50 on an APS-C camera is that is effectively a 75 at a full frame equivalent, and this I find for a prime is often too long or too short. I am always wanting to move back or forwards to frame properly. Your experience might of course be different. I think you will miss a lot if you travel with just one prime, no matter its length. IMO.
I have a 28-135 (ef mount) that came with my Canon 7D it takes some awesome shots seems to be a good all around lens to me. It cost less than $500. They also have a 18-135 for about $500 but it's an ef-s mount so if you ever upgraded to a full frame it wouldn't work.
@frankhymus This definitely looks like a great option Frank - thank you so much for the recommendation! Unfortunately I cannot get the lens at the Amazon price as they won't ship it to South Africa, but it is still within my budget. I'm marking this lens down as a strong contender!
would you be happy with a second hand lens? the 24-105L is a brilliant travel lens in terms of speed, sharpness, weight and image quality. The only thing that it just lacks is the extra sharpness (being a f4) but its rarely given me a problem while travelling
If you are considering non-Canon lenses, I sold off my two kit lenses and got the Tamron 18-270 last year. All photos that aren't with my 50 ate with it. I love it for traveling, though I don't think it's much "optically better" than the kit lenses. (You pay mega bucks for really good glass.)
The Canon EF-S 18-200 IS got me started using my DSLR again. I was fed up with carying a bag full of lenses and constantly having to stop shooting to change to either a wider or longer lens. I bought a Sigma 18-200 first. Didn't like it and couldn't get decent pictures from it. Got a good deal on a second hand Canon and was surprised at how much better than the Sigma it was. Besides it has IS and that helps a lot.
My "Oink" shot yesterday is done with the Canon EF-s 18-200 IS lens. It is a great all-round lens with decent IQ.
@victorypuzzle Yes, I'm very happy with it - it has an excellent focal length range and it focuses very fast! Still ... I miss my 50mm f/1.4 lens, but I've promised myself I will buy it again when I can. :)
I agree with @frankhymus, I have the Sigma (macro - but not proper macro) mentioned. It really gives great flexibility without the burden of too much weight. I suppose I use it for about 80% of my project if you want to take a look. I also have the Canon 100mm f2.8 which I adore, and I by no means use it just for macro, and I have the 50mm f1.8. But if I was doing a trip such as the one you are going to do, and was only going to take one lens then I think I would find either of those a bit restrictive.
I recently bought a Canon 60D and it came with a 18-200mm lens. I was on a trip when I bought it (my Canon Rebel xs quit working) and I love it. It is a bit heavier than what I was used to but I have gotten used to it pretty quickly. It has been a really good fit for me. It is a bit overwhelming to choose because it is personal preference. Good luck!
Shame about the 15-85mm being out of your price range. It's a great walkabout lens with good IQ and IS and the extra 2 or 3 mm at the wide end makes a big difference to landscapes and the like.
If you'd thought about the 50mm, had you thought about a 30mm prime - on an APS-C it works a treat (like a 50 on a FF). There are a couple of options from Canon, and a Sigma. Much more usable than a 50 on a crop IMHO.
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The issue I personally have with a 50 on an APS-C camera is that is effectively a 75 at a full frame equivalent, and this I find for a prime is often too long or too short. I am always wanting to move back or forwards to frame properly. Your experience might of course be different. I think you will miss a lot if you travel with just one prime, no matter its length. IMO.
Hope you have the best time when you go.
My "Oink" shot yesterday is done with the Canon EF-s 18-200 IS lens. It is a great all-round lens with decent IQ.
If you'd thought about the 50mm, had you thought about a 30mm prime - on an APS-C it works a treat (like a 50 on a FF). There are a couple of options from Canon, and a Sigma. Much more usable than a 50 on a crop IMHO.