Help me choose a lens for my new T4i

Oh, and take NO less than TWO extra batteries...minimum

Thanks much folks for all the input.I went to the camera store a little while ago and tried both the 15-85 and the 24-105. Liked both but liked the wider 15-85 better plus it's a little smaller which is nice. Never gave that much thought before. With the 24-105 it gave me the felling of being right on top of everyting which I am not used to.

As for the 18-135 STM, like I said I haven't bought anything yet. The reason I was so high on the 18-135 was I had this video thing in mind since the STM has continuous AF for video. Not so sure about that now though.

I'm also intrigued with the 70-300L after seeing those photos above. Since it will be a rental situation I have time to go mess with both the 70-300L and the 100-400L and see which might be best suited for my trip, I have quite a bit of time.

I actually really love the T4i even though it's a little more money. Honestly (don't laugh) the touch screen is pretty amazing and it won't be hard to get used to having that feature.

I am going to go back in a day or so and test drive those two lenses again. I just wonder if once I get the DSLR I will be wanting more reach. Hmph. No way of knowing but from reading this forum I'm guessing I better keep my VISA handy.

Please keep the information and suggestions coming as I can see how easily one change change their mind once there is more information available from people who know what they're doing.

BrickR wrote in post #14763857
Oh, and take NO less than TWO extra batteries...minimum

Already in the budget!

How about the 70-200 2.8? Seems like it would do well!

jbatphoto wrote in post #14763973
How about the 70-200 2.8? Seems like it would do well!

You mean for walk around lens or for my trip to Africa?

Both. Seems like a lens that would suit you well. It's an awesome lens.

jbatphoto wrote in post #14764101
Both. Seems like a lens that would suit you well. It's an awesome lens.

Not a bad idea but not sure I want such a large lens for every day carrying around!

Gotta give that some thought though! Thank you.

Wait a minute...70-200L 2.8 = $2,300. Budget broken.

Edit: ooops...I see they have a less expensive variety. The "II" model is too pricey for me. Hmmmm.

You can find the Mark I for about $1200

So now i read this...

5.4 Shelby wrote in post #14765090
Sorry I wasnt clear. Fishfinder was asking earlier about my impression of the T4i with the 18-135 STM lens. For the most part, that is what I am leaving impressions of. I did use my 75-300 for some photos. The reason I mention it is because I used it on my XT and I felt that gave a fair body to body comparison.

I have no experience with the 15-85. The 18-135, in my opinion, is a great all around (walk around) lens. It is not too large to be comfortable, yet, it offers fair range from 18 to 135. There is a big zoom difference between 85 and 135. I think the IQ is fantastic on the 18-135. Even if the 15-85 offers better IQ, I would think the 18-135 would offer enough increase in versatility to make it worth a small decrease in IQ.

If you have any interest in video, the STM lens is a better choice. IT is very quiet when focusing. I have seen some videos made with other lenses. You can clearly hear the focusing motors.

From your statement about confusion on which lens to get with the T4i, I gather you dont have a collection of lenses and are looking for 1 lens to do as much as possible, I think the 18-135 STM is a good start. You can always add other specialized lenses later.

Good Luck with whatever you choose.

I'm really getting confused. I liked the 15-85 but wonder if it will be versatile enough as my only lens.

What do the proponents of the 15-85 think about the comparison in IQ between the 15-85 and the 18-135?

Funny how this afternoon I was pretty sold on the 15-85 now I'm wondering again about the 18-135.

i-G12 wrote in post #14765172
So now i read this...
I'm really getting confused. I liked the 15-85 but wonder if it will be versatile enough as my only lens.

What do the proponents of the 15-85 think about the comparison in IQ between the 15-85 and the 18-135?

Funny how this afternoon I was pretty sold on the 15-85 now I'm wondering again about the 18-135.

Roger Cicala over at LensRentals did some Imatest-ing of the 18-135 and compared the IQ (unfavourably) with the 15-85:
http://www.lensrentals​.com …m-is-gets-an-stm-makeover

i-G12 wrote in post #14765172
So now i read this...
I'm really getting confused. I liked the 15-85 but wonder if it will be versatile enough as my only lens.

What do the proponents of the 15-85 think about the comparison in IQ between the 15-85 and the 18-135?

Funny how this afternoon I was pretty sold on the 15-85 now I'm wondering again about the 18-135.

15-85 has much better IQ in my opinion. The IQ on the copy I had was comparable to my 24-105 L.

The 15-85 has great IQ. Brian on the-digital-picture.com considers it to be one of the top four Canon walkaround zoom lenses (with the 24-105, 24-70 and 17-55) and that, even if he can be quite fastidious about IQ if you read his other reviews.

I can't give special insight as to how you will find the 15-85 in terms of versatility, but as for myself, I rarely find it too short in most situations when I'm shooting in a city. If you're worried you might not have enough reach, you might want to pick up a 55-250mm, it's quite cheap and portable, and has really good IQ (and I'd still rent a high-end L lens for a trip to Africa!).

dodgyexposure wrote in post #14765367
Roger Cicala over at LensRentals did some Imatest-ing of the 18-135 and compared the IQ (unfavourably) with the 15-85:
http://www.lensrentals​.com …m-is-gets-an-stm-makeover

amirg wrote in post #14765444
15-85 has much better IQ in my opinion. The IQ on the copy I had was comparable to my 24-105 L.

Apricane wrote in post #14765595
The 15-85 has great IQ. Brian on the-digital-picture.com considers it to be one of the top four Canon walkaround zoom lenses (with the 24-105, 24-70 and 17-55) and that, even if he can be quite fastidious about IQ if you read his other reviews.

I can't give special insight as to how you will find the 15-85 in terms of versatility, but as for myself, I rarely find it too short in most situations when I'm shooting in a city. If you're worried you might not have enough reach, you might want to pick up a 55-250mm, it's quite cheap and portable, and has really good IQ (and I'd still rent a high-end L lens for a trip to Africa!).

I feel better. Gonna go and play with the 15-85 again today or tomorrow! Thanks a lot guys for the additional information.

15-85. I got one for a trip to yellowstone and I was very impressed. Very sharp and very good colors. Range is great.