Upgrades for T2i starter lenses

Hi! I was wondering what would be the recommended upgrades to the T2i kit lenses: the 18-55mm and 55-250mm. I would like to have an all-around set of three, including a 50mm prime. Is there a tier to look at, maybe starting at a lower price range and moving up? I was thinking about maybe the Sigma 70-300mm instead of the Canon 55-250mm? I am interested in various photography, and wanted a zoom lens that would possible double as a macro. Thank you in advance!

I have a 24-105 f/4 IS that I love on both the 5d and t2i I own. I bought mine new from a member on here for $700 so they can be found fairly cheap. If that is to much a 28-105 usm II can be found for around $125 usually.

In the 70-200mm range and for around $500 give or take a few $, the Canon 70-200 f/4 is a sharp lens.

In the fast prime category, either the Canon 50 f/1.8 or Canon 85 f/1.8 are great performers at very affordable prices.

Most sugestions are probably going to be the canon 15-85mm (super lens but kinda spendy), and the tamron 70-300 vc. and 50 is pretty long for the only prime on a crop sensor but it is also the cheapest option with the canon 50 1.8.

The Sigma 70-300mm is more of a lateral move from the Canon 55-250mm than a clear upgrade.

hecto wrote in post #15987917
The Sigma 70-300mm is more of a lateral move from the Canon 55-250mm than a clear upgrade.

Yah I have read that the sigma is pretty bad but the Tamron gets great reviews.

The two lenses I still use quite often on my T2i are my Canon 60 and Sigma 150 (non-OS). Both macros, but do great double duty.

i like the Tamron 17-50 non VC and the Tamron SP 70-300 VC

For a low price upgrade but high image quality I second the Tamron 17-50 non VC, can be had for under $300 used and since you said Macro then the Canon EF 100 Macro f/2.8 for under $450 used. Later on you can add a Canon EF 70-200 f/4 (an IS version if you can save up, worth the price). An all purpose would be the Canon EF-S 15-85 f/3.5-5.6 ($$) or Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 (best but $$$).

The 50mm prime would be too tight for a crop camera. The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 is a good lens would be our version of a 50mm on a FF.

Canon 24-105 (white box) for $724.99 http://www.ebay.com …1051691491#ht_4​923wt_1083

Refurbished Canon 15-85 for $514.99 in cart and Promo Code DAD613 http://shop.usa.canon.​com …_269486_?WT.mc_​id=C126149

Refurbished Canon 70-200f/4 IS for $954.20 in cart and Promo Code DAD613 http://shop.usa.canon.​com …uct_10051_10051​_282314_-1
Non IS version is $442.99 but "Out of Stock"

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM A1 instead of a 50mm for $899.00 (ouch) at all dealers.
50mm might be right for you. Add me to the group that finds 50mm an ackward focal length on a crop camera. Some people love 50mm, not me. That's why there is such a variety of lenses.

Adding the Sigma 30 1.4 will give that T2i a new lease on life. Every crop owner (IMO) should have one ore these, especially at $300 and lower used.

mickeyb105 wrote in post #15998018
Adding the Sigma 30 1.4 will give that T2i a new lease on life. Every crop owner (IMO) should have one ore these, especially at $300 and lower used.

Quite true, the Sigma is a great lens to have and I've enjoyed it for the 5 months or so that I've had it. The only reason I'm selling it is because I want to try out full frame and/or get a good telephoto zoom.

It must be said that for light portrait work and macro capabilities though, the Canon 60mm macro is a fantastic lens to have if you can pick one up under $310.

Get a Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro:
- semi-macro lens (1:2)
- good for everyday tele lens (80mm equivalent)
- sharper than any other
- cheap $300

don't get a zoom unless it's f/2.8 (at all focal lengths)

1. Canon EF-S 18-135 IS -- the new one with the STM motor. Great lens for just about everything.

2. Canon EF 70-300 IS for longer focal lengths.

tgara wrote in post #15998048
1. Canon EF-S 18-135 IS -- the new one with the STM motor. Great lens for just about everything.

2. Canon EF 70-300 IS for longer focal lengths.

Not to be mean to criticize your suggestions, but how would the 18-135 be a significant upgrade compared to the 18-55 IS and 55-250 IS duo the OP has right now? 18-135 gives great range, and it certainly is no slouch, but its not that much of an upgrade from the kit lenses, IMHO. I agree that the 70-300 IS is a nice lens. However since the 55-250 is already pretty good for such a cheap lens I would say that the Tamron 70-300 VC is a great upgrade for the solid image stabilizer as well as in image quality for $350 new.

Thank you so much for all of your suggestions. This was very helpful!