New guy lens help

Bardi wrote in post #18651982
The 28-135 is my all around lens currently and for the most part it does what I need, with the exception of low light.

With crop bodies I'd be looking at something a bit wider than the 28mm at the wide end of that zoom. The field of view is effectively 45mm on the cropped bodies. I think I would be looking at a suitable replacement like the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro HSM Contemporary and then explore what new photographic areas you like to shoot. The wider field of coverage might be a revelation!

While the 40D and T2i are perfectly capable cameras, recent advances in Canon sensor tech has put the latest crop cameras a world ahead of past options from an IQ point of view. Of course, it will only continue to improve. Moving to full frame is not as clear of a decision as it has been in the past, and just buying a new crop (rather than going FF) will make a big difference in image quality.

When I bought my 6D I had to have 20+ MP for work, and no Canon crops offered that resolution. Now that isn't even a barrier with crop sensors.

I'd think hard about where you think you'll be in the future. If you stay with crop cameras you will be able to by much more glass for less cash. Obviously cameras will be a lot cheaper too.


My FF prime preferences are 35 and 85. 85 is long on crop, but makes a good tight portrait length. I hike with 24-105 on crop, and often find 24 limiting. I recently bought (again) the Tamron 17-50 2.8 "non-VC" for crop because I wanted a lightweight wide option for crop. It is a solid upgrade from the 18-55 kit lens. As a comparison, I have a Tokina 16-35 for FF that is easily twice as big, three times as heavy, and costs three and a half times as much. I picked up the Tamron for 125 or 150 bucks used.

Snydremark wrote in post #18651991
And *all* of this is predicated on sticking with a crop body for the foreseeable future.

John from PA wrote in post #18651993
With crop bodies I'd be looking at something a bit wider than the 28mm at the wide end of that zoom. The wider field of coverage might be a revelation!

Left Handed Brisket wrote in post #18652016
While the 40D and T2i are perfectly capable cameras, recent advances in Canon sensor tech has put the latest crop cameras a world ahead of past options from an IQ point of view. Of course, it will only continue to improve. Moving to full frame is not as clear of a decision as it has been in the past, and just buying a new crop (rather than going FF) will make a big difference in image quality.


I'd think hard about where you think you'll be in the future. If you stay with crop cameras you will be able to by much more glass for less cash. Obviously cameras will be a lot cheaper too.

I think this is where I'm swaying more in line to as time moves on. I saw FF as something I was missing out on, but as I read and learn more, I'm thinking I may just stay at crop for good. So it looks like I've got some decisions to make.

Bardi wrote in post #18651982
I should have perhaps clarified in the OP that I'm not looking for a single lens to fill any and all rolls possible, but something to compliment/ enhance what I already have going.

I realize it’s not what you asked and will probably add even more confusion to the discussion, but have you considered adding a flash/strobe/off camera lighting.

It is another good option if you’re looking to expand your photographic abilities. I know it really helped me to become more aware of light (direction, quality, etc).

And it could be beneficial for both your low light shooting and portraiture.

Street photography and sports photography are two very different beasts. I doubt you’ll find one lens that’s good for both.

Have you considered the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM? I love mine because it takes up virtually no space and gives good images. That might be good for street photography because it’s small and doesn’t stick out into people’s faces like the f/2.8 zooms. It’s also cheap. I see them all the time on Craigslist for around $100.

John from PA recommended the Sigma 17-70, and I’ll second that. It’s a great lens, definitely underrated. Solidly built and good image quality.

Mike

I have. I have a very basic manual flash I got from Amazon. So far, I haven't used it much. I'm finding the manual nature of it has a steep learning curve, perhaps increased by me not shooting in studio or controlled environment?

I don't have a decent tripod yet. Nor do I have any kind of off camera lighting equipment. Should I perhaps have labeled this thread, "What gear should I acquire next?"

My budget is limited and I'd like to get the best bang for my buck for my hobby.


Thanks again for all the participation!

Bardi wrote in post #18652025
I think this is where I'm swaying more in line to as time moves on. I saw FF as something I was missing out on, but as I read and learn more, I'm thinking I may just stay at crop for good. So it looks like I've got some decisions to make.

These days IMO crop is a terrific system and should fulfill everything you want to do unless you go pro or have specific photographic requirements.

If you DO advance to the point one day where you need FF, then you will most likely also need the crop system. One does not replace the other. They are complimentary, with each system having its strengths.

With crop, your gear will be lighter, smaller and much cheaper for lenses with equivalent focal length compared to FF.

Therefore, assuming you agree, forget FF for now and concentrate on building a crop system.

The newer kit lenses including the 18-55mm STM and 18-135mm USM are excellent and should be considered. They are much cheaper to buy in a kit, so if you are looking at upgrading your bodies, this could be an opportunity. The 80D has a great reputation, and will be a big improvement in many ways over your current cameras.

There is nothing wrong with kit lenses or liking a kit lens, because the current versions are great. The normal zooms cover the most useful focal lengths. With use they will show you what focal lengths you use the most, and what limits those lenses might be placing on your photography. Do you need bigger apertures? Longer focal length? Wider? Able to go closer?

There's no way we can know what additional lenses you might need, but you will know yourself after experience with the right gear.

Im getting the feeling that you probably shouldnt buy a lens at this point in time unless you actually have a use or purpose for it.

Indeed I think you may be on to something. I'm going to marinate on this data for a bit and circle back.