Newbie with questions about do all lens.

Hello everyone. I am very new to the DSLR thing. I purchased a Canon XSI about 2 months ago and am getting to know the camera. I bought the camera with the canon 18-55mm IS and 55-250mm IS lenses.

The problem I am having is that I find myself constantly switching lenses and I would like a simpler setup. It seem like I am doing the majority of my shooting is at the upper range of the 18-55mm lens and at the lower to middle end of the 55-250mm range. So I am interested in the 18-200mm lenses or 28-200mm, etc. I am confused as to which lenses are going to be the best bang for the buck for me. I have seen some great deals on the USM 28-200mm lenses, but my understanding is that these are older lenses and do not have the IS feature of the current lenses. Locally, the only lenses anyone seems to have in stock is the Sigma 18-200mm. How are the off brands vs the Cannon lenses? For my level of experience the kit lenses seem fine, so I am not looking at aything extremley high end. Thanks for any and all help.

Juan

Maybe you should just have a really good P&S camera. If you really want all the features and quality possible with a DSLR, get used to changing lenses. Or have 2 bodies. The super zooms are not really a good option IMO.

I'd suggest one of two things, and one is free!

First, consider either the Tamron 18-270 VC or EF 24-105/4L IS.

Or - just keep your 55-250 IS mounted and crop as needed.

Edit - my apologies - I meant keep the 18-55 IS mounted and crop.

Juan, The Canon 28-135 is a very favorable lens in the range you are looking for. I have one that came with my recent purchase of a 50D that I have never used (I instead use my 24-105L). I'm looking to sell it if you are interested.

+1 on the 28-135. If you're finding most of your shots are coming around the 40-70mm range, that'd be a decent lens for you. Don't buy new, however. There are enough "like new" copies of this lens on the secondary market that you shouldn't have to pay more than $250-275 for one.

If you do insist on buying new, then look at the Tamron 28-75mm 2.8. That one doesn't have IS, but it's so fast you won't need it at that focal length. And it's superior to the Canon 28-135 in almost all areas.

ylimehajile- I am very interested in that lens. Please let me know how much you would want for it.

Thanks for the other suggestions guys. I think I will stay away from point and shoots for now (thank for the suggestion). I do like the versatility of the 2 lenses when I have time to switch them, but on the fly (like my recent trip to Universal Studios) I found myself constantly frustrated by not having the right lens in the camera that I wanted for the shot I wanted. So I figured a do all lens for certain situations would be ideal for me. For planned shots, obviously I will just use the right lens.

Plus, I am still learning. lol.

I will also consider all of the other suggestions. This info is exactely what I was looking for.

Thank you.

I just bought a 28-135, new to the hobby and i find this lens works nicely for me.

Juan, PM sent to you with details. I also have an EFS 17-85 f4-5.6 IS for sale. This one is a bit older (around 3-years). It is also a nice lens (wider angle) but I think you would probably be happier with the 28-135 based on what you've stated in this thread.

Wide range zooms (like > 5:1) are optically compromised more than low range zooms (3:1 to 4:1) That is the reason why they are not fast, nor are they particularly great performers. If you understand and accept that, they can be great vacation lenses to carry, instead of a bag full.

Wilt wrote in post #7880068
Wide range zooms (like > 5:1) are optically compromised more than low range zooms (3:1 to 4:1) That is the reason why they are not fast, nor are they particularly great performers. If you understand and accept that, they can be great vacation lenses to carry, instead of a bag full.

This is exactly what I want it for. Thanks.