Toronto Photography Meetup Group

i recently bought a t1i which came with the usual 18-55mm kit lens. i'd love to be able to have the option to zoom in more so i was wondering if i should upgrade to the 18-135mm lens?

i'm looking for a walk around lens, would this be a good option?


or should i just stick with the kit lens and get the 55-250mm, and switch when i wish to do close-ups? the convenience is gone but i'm getting better range with this one.

i'm not sure what to do. are there any other lenses i should consider?

thanks

L

i wish i could get a L lens, maybe if someone were to spot me the cash

I have seen a bunch of the 18-135's on CL of late as they come in one of the 7D kits. They seem to be 350-400 CDN on CL or 220-275 USD on Fred Miranda.

As PotatoEye pointed out, you won't regret an L but as you say, your wallet might

Keep in mind, that this lens has the same variable aperture as your kit lens.

Good luck!

I was in the same boat when I got my first Rebel. I just got the kit lens, found I didn't have enough reach and got the 28-135mm IS lens.
I still didn't have the range I wanted and finally got the 70-200L and it has been my favorite lens for the past 3 years. The 28-135 was shelved and hasn't been used since.

If you think you are going to get serious about this whole photography thing, don't buy cheap lenses; wait to buy and invest in some very good glass.

i say sell the 18-55, and buy the 18-135.. its a very good lens

The 55-250 isn't bad, but for walk around, you'll be surprised how many wide shots you want.

If its all you can afford right now, you'll be much happier with it than the 18-55

I have one, and its good for walking around... especialy if you can't afford L right now

^ well that's what i'm thinking. i really wish i could afford an L lens, but i can't and don't know when it would be in my budget to do so. are they're any other "economical" options to the 18-135 out there?

I cannot vouch for these lenses but perhaps with some of your own research you could determine if they would work for you.

The Canon 28-135 IS - seems to sell used for 350ish.
Sigma 28-135 - I saw one on CL this morning for 225.

Keep in mind that 28 may be a bit tight for a crop body depending on your shooting style.

Personally, given your financial constraints, I would either get the 18-135 or a Tamron 17-50/2.8.

I would second the motion on the Tamron 17-55 f2.8 ( with or without the VR), for your budget, without VR sells "used" in CL or Kijiji for about 350-400 bucks.... tried that lens before and its really good ..

thanks for the suggestion guys


i guess i should mention i also have a 50mm f1.8...if that makes a difference.

the tamron 17-50mm is a great lens. for your budget, the 28-135mm is always underrated... GL