A bit of advice needed

[MarkHodson]

Hi all, very new to DSLR Photography and I am after some advice on a lens. I have a 1yr old 450d with the Canon 18-55 and with it came a Tamron 70-300 but I am wondering if anyone can point me towards a reasonably priced all purpose lens if that makes sense. I have looked around and things like the 35-105 or a Tamron 28-200 would seem to fit the bill but it's all a bit confusing. I use the 70-300 for my sports photography and am after a lens to leave on the camera if we went to London or just out for the day sightseeing or walking that offers more than the 55mm on the standard. Hope this makes sense and someone can give me a pointer or two.
Mark

[Undercrank]

Re: A bit of advice needed

Hello Mark,

Everybody's an opinion of course, but I've found that in practice the Canon EF 28-105mm f3.5-4.5 II USM is an excellent lens for everyday use -- lightweight and versatile. I'm fussy enough about my images and I'm pleased with the results. The crop factor may be an issue for you -- I use a 5D.

See here: Canon EF 28-105mm f3.5-4.5 II USM

[roost]

Re: A bit of advice needed

Hello Mark,

Everybody's an opinion of course, but I've found that in practice the Canon EF 28-105mm f3.5-4.5 II USM is an excellent lens for everyday use -- lightweight and versatile. I'm fussy enough about my images and I'm pleased with the results. The crop factor may be an issue for you -- I use a 5D.

See here: Canon EF 28-105mm f3.5-4.5 II USM

hello mark try tamron18-270 great everyday lens have a nice trip to london

[colin C]

Re: A bit of advice needed

Hell Mark

It really depends what you do with your shots at the end of the day. If they only go on your computer, or shared on the internet, then one of the multi times zooms is perfectly good. Tamron, Sigma and canon can supply you with 10x or 20x zooms that will cover everything you want out of a city trip.

The only fly in the ointment is if you get that stunning shot, that you want to print large, or submit for publication etc. that's where the compromises in design and manufacture of a multi times zoom would in all probability let you down. As a general rule, any zoom over 4x is likely to jeopardise quality.

But there is good news and better news:

The Good News: You have two existing lenses that will cover everything you need and it's not that much of an inconvenience to change lenses.

The Even Better News: Your legs are the cheapest zoom lens going. If convenience is a major issue, just use the 18 - 55mm and walk a few metres forward, or backward as required.

If I go on a city walk about, I use three lenses to cover what you are looking at.

Colin

[EOS_Jim]

Re: A bit of advice needed

I agree with Colin. You have two lenses that will be as good as any of the 18-200 type lenses. I do see what you mean though and if you really can't be bothered with the hassle of changing lenses or walking, then I'd sufggest look at something like the Canon 18-135 with image stabilisation. All depends on your budget.

Regards
Jim

[briansquibb]

Re: A bit of advice needed

From personal experience the Canon 55-200 gives good results and is not much bigger than the 18-55

Brian

[MarkHodson]

Re: A bit of advice needed

Thanks all....budget is low at the moment due to a lack of overtime. I am happy with what I have but I was looking for a lens to use for good general everyday pictures (I publish mine on fotopic at the moment and the odd one has made it into the local rag) but I was looking for one to leave on to save me taking my bag everywhere but maybe a rucksack camera bag would be a cheaper option lol
Due to the wonders of Ebay I am looking at a few options....

Sigma 18-125mm 3.5-5.6 DC Lens £90

Tamron AF 28-200mm F3.8/5.6 LD LENS £69

Canon EF 35-135mm 1:4-5.6 USM ULTRASONIC Zoom Lens £92.50

[EOS_Jim]

Re: A bit of advice needed

None of these are great lenses - slow and all need a bit of sharpening. I used to have the Sigma and it was ok. Neither the Canon nor the Tamron from those you note are wide enough.

[MarkHodson]

Re: A bit of advice needed

Thanks Jim, much appreciated