I need help with lens upgrades, replacing 35mm lenses.

Hello all,

I think it's about time to upgrade one, or maybe two of my lenses, as I'm not 100% happy with the image clarity I'm getting but I cannot decide which.

The lenses in need of the upgrade are:
28-80 f3.5/5.6 II (kit lens supplied with the EOS500n 35mm SLR)
70-210 F4 (manufactured in the late 80s)

Both will be used on a EOS500D, and I think I've read so much that I've confused myself. I also do not have a massive budget for these - probably about £200, so I think only the one will be changed at the moment.

The shorter zoom is used the most, so I'm erring toward that. However it is newer than the larger zoom.

I've been considering the newer 18-55 IS kit lens supplied with various EOS bodies, but I'm concerned that there will be too big a gap between the 55mm end of the short zoom and the 70mm end of the longer zoom. However the shorter end of it will be better for scenic stuff.

I do not have a problem with 3rd party lenses (I have 2 Tamron lenses as well, the 90mm SPAF macro and a 500mm MF mirror lens) but cannot decide what to do. I take mainly everyday scenic stuff if I'm out and about, but really like wildlife stuff when I get the chance.

Cheers all, and I'm sorry if this has been done to death in the past.

Noel.

The 18-55 IS is a very good lens for the price. I used to have a 17-55 and a 70-200 and didn't miss the 55-70 focal lengths, but that's me. If you use Lightroom, you can see how many of your shots were taken in the 55-70mm focal length range. There are also a good amount of freeware programs that will evaluate the focal lengths that you use most.

OP...
You are right that about the gap between the 18-55 and the 70-210...and in terms of quality it's wider than the lens itself...the 18-55IS drops in IQ after 40mm unless you stop down to F8, making it useless indoors without a flash...though I expect it's designed for onboard flash users...

My solution was to get the 28-105/3.5-4.5 for $50....that's a bit less than half the cheapest on ebay, but even at $100-125 it makes sense as the gap filler...(the 3.5-4.5 series of lenses was a step up from the 3.5-5.6 lenses)...another "gapper" is the high IQ 50mm F1.8 which is useful indoors and outdoors. It's also about $100

Do you shoot in between 55-70 often? The gap may not matter. I mean you don't have to have a lens to fill in EVERY gap...

I have a 17-40 and a 70-200 (w/a few primes) and NEVER miss anything in between. In fact, I sold my 50mm prime because I never touched it. Everyone is different - I'm just playing devil's advocate. If you do use those FL's (most people with a crop do because it is a natural portrait length) - by all means, fill it - just something to think about.

Cheers all,
I've been doing some more investigation - what is the thinking of the 17-85 f4-5.6 IS USM?
These seem to be available on e-bay for the budget I have in mind, and from what I have read they look like a good bet.

I'm just getting back into SLR photography after a long break away from them, so please forgive me for some very silly questions. I tend to go throughout the zoom range - with varying results - but then it's also what is available on the camera at the time.

Cheers all,

Noel.

I have the 70-210 f/4, and I like it quite a bit. The zoom and focusing systems could use some improvement, but the picture quality is quite good. I would update your shorter zoom if I were you.

Not the 17-85. Sell your 28-80, 70-210, 500D. Get: used T1i, 18-55 IS , 55-250 IS.

gasrocks wrote in post #11247908
Not the 17-85. Sell your 28-80, 70-210, 500D. Get: used T1i, 18-55 IS , 55-250 IS.

Yes, but add the 50mm 1.8 or 1.4 for higher quality @ 50 and for low light shooting...

gasrocks wrote in post #11247908
Not the 17-85. Sell your 28-80, 70-210, 500D. Get: used T1i, 18-55 IS , 55-250 IS.

Why not the 17-85? Just curious really.

Because it's not "fast" and it not an "L".
According to the pundits, it's a terrible lens that's not worth it's weight in feathers.
On the other hand, I use this lens a lot and for every day picture taking, including portraits, it works just fine. It seems well built, has a good range and is inexpensive enough to give it a try and decide for yourself. I haven't tried the 18-55IS, the range seemed too limiting to me.

I would probably just get the 18-55 and keep the 70-210.

Have you looked for a deal on a used Tamron Di-II 17-50mm f/2.8?