KindaSpikey Loc: English living in San Diego

So here we go. I absolutely love photography, but I am a complete amature. I'm slowly learning, and some of my results ain't half bad, (the other half are terrible by the way), lol. Anyway, I currently own a Canon T7i, which I realize is not the latest, greatest piece of equipment out there, but it's the best I could afford at the time, and I am on an extremely limited budget. I have the two "kit lenses" that were supplied with the camera, 18-55 efs, and a 55-250 efs. Both have served me reasonably well, but I'm somewhat disappointed with the lack of quality /sharpness, and would like to add another lens to what I already have. There's nothing in particular that I regularly shoot, just whatever happens to catch my eye in the moment.
So here's the question, which I'm sure some of you may find amusing. Could any of you suggest what could be a good choice for my next lens? I really don't know what I'm asking for. As I said, I'm on a VERY limited budget so I have no problem buying used. I'd just like something sharper, that has some versatility (some kind of zoom perhaps)? I also am not concerned about the brand, although I'd prefer it to be compatible without the need for adapters.
Any advice would be hugely appreciated, and I apologize for what is probably a dumb question for most of you. Thank you in advance everyone, and please stay safe and have a great day, all the best,
Ray.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Don't get any of Canon's EFS 75-300 lenses, they are as bad or worse than your 55-250. I take it you're not concerned about covering focal lengths you already have covered. The EFS 17-85 is a decent lens. My favorite EF-S utility lens is the 18-200 f/3.5-5.6, and Sigma makes a decent 18-250. Without knowing what you shoot most often, it's hard to make suggestions.

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

I would look into why your images are lacking quality / sharpness first. You don't want to be spending the spondoolies only to find the same problems. My neighbour had a 'poor' 75-300 EFS lens (ebay) and sent it to CANON - who took the filter off and it was perfect.

I would try the AF first (single spot) on any high contrast subject then look on the screen and enlarge to see if you can improve on the sharpness manually.

A club, or a shop, or maybe a more knowledgable neighbour might save you a fortune here.

KindaSpikey Loc: English living in San Diego

Thank you for the response and advice. I'm going to make a list of candidates based on the suggestions posted here, so every single response is valuable and greatly appreciated. As I mentioned, I really don't have any particular subjects that I shoot more than any others, (that's why I thought a zoom might be the best way to go for the versatility). I literally shoot anything and everything that I find interesting and pleasing, it might be a pretty bird, (flying or perched), an unusual building, a cool motorcycle, (actually probably my favorite subjects), wildlife, boats... Honestly I'll shoot anything that's pleases my eye in the moment. I realize that doesn't make choosing a lens any easier, but I suppose I'm looking for a kind of "do it all lens", in a limited way, that can capture sharper images than what I'm currently using. Anyway, thank you again for your time and your help. All the best,
Ray.

KindaSpikey Loc: English living in San Diego

Thanks for the comment John, much appreciated and makes a lot of sense! (by the way, Stokenchurch, nice part of the country, makes me feel a little homesick)! Have a great day mate,
Ray.

Jrhoffman75 Loc: Conway, New Hampshire

The 18-200mm lens is a good all around lens. Since you have the 55-250mm lens maybe consider the 18-135mm lens as a general lens.

I agree with John N - there is no reason the kit lens shouldn’t produce high quality images for normal uses like reasonable size prints or digital sharing. They won’t stand up to wall-size enlargements but the 55-250 (if it’s the STM version) can produce sharp 13x19 prints even with some cropping. Before you jump into lens expense determine if you have a technique problem. Make sure you are using a high enough shutter speed to avoid motion blur. I recommend twice your focal length - i.e. if you are using the 55-250 zoomed all the way out minimum shutter speed should be 1/500.

ghbowser Loc: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

I have a Tamron 28-300 that has become my favorite walk around lens on both my Canon 5d and 6d. Bought it used on ebay when I still had a functioning 60d. Don't remember cost for sure but probably less than $350. Light, compact, and with good IQ. Not any bigger or heavier than the Canon 28-135 USM I have. Works on both ACP-S senor and FF sensor. If you are looking for one all purpose lens, something similar would be a good choice.

rlv567 Loc: Baguio City, Philippines

You already have most of the normal use range covered with the two lenses you have, though in just general miscellaneous shooting, I can see probably quite a lot of changing back and forth as you need to go from wide angle to telephoto. You could eliminate that with one lens - which is a superb lens, optically, with great reviews, and should be available used for around $200. It's image stabilized, and is recommended for use with your camera body. It's the Canon EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM. I can't envision a better lens per your needs. (I have one - which came with my Canon70D - and use it a lot.)

Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City

KindaSpikey Loc: English living in San Diego

HI Jr, yup the 55-250 is the stm lens. And from the answers I've had so far, it looks like a good part of the problem is more operator error rather than equipment malfunction. Although it's kinda embarrassing to admit that, it won't hurt me to learn some more, and at the same time perhaps save some money! Truly guys, I appreciate and value every piece of advice you pass on to me, this is a perfect example of what UHH is all about. Have a great day guys and please keep safe.
Ray

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

"I would look into why your images are lacking quality / sharpness first"

In my humble opinion the lack of quality/sharpness of your images have more to do with your lack of photographic knowledge than with your gear. If I were you I would concentrate my attention in learning a little bit more about basic photography before spending my money.
One of this forum members by the name of Sylvia, also from the UK, uses Canon and almost exclusively her kit lens similar to yours for outstanding images and I am referring to the 18-55.

If there is a local camera club where you live and I am sure there is, your best bet is to join them. Explain to them what is going on with your photography and ask for help. Begin to learn some basic photography like metering and exposure and take some of your images to the club for them to evaluate and critique. I bet you are going to learn more about photography and your results will change for the better. A new lens, even a professional lens will not change the quality of the images you make now.

KindaSpikey Loc: English living in San Diego

Thanks for the comment gh. Some good advice there, that I'll definitely keep in mind! I realize that there's no true "do it all lens", but a general walk around lens is exactly what I'm hoping for, so, thanks again, and have a great day.
Ray.

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

So what part of the homeland are you from and what makes you remember sleepy Stokenchurch?

I had forgot about Sylvias work. Worth looking at her posts to see what can be done. I can't remember what she uses (other than Canon) but she usually lists at the end of her intro.

And I think there's a camera club in Ballboa Park. Pretty sure I saw a display of theirs in the park when we were there in 2011.

http://scacc.us/

KindaSpikey Loc: English living in San Diego

HI Loren, and thank you for your reply. The 18-135 has been recommended a few times now and it's definitely going to be on the short list now! Again, thank you, stay safe and have a great day.
Ray.

rlv567 Loc: Baguio City, Philippines

I don't know the quality of those lenses which came with your camera. but in the reviews of the lens I suggested, it's called a considerable upgrade over the lenses you're using, which would lead me to believe that their quality may not be the best. One never can rule out operator error (or lack of knowledge), but there are differences in lenses!!! Were that not so, there would be no rationale for having the reviews. I'm certainly with Paul's usual comments on that matter, but for me, a significant improvement would be worth $200, even with my financial condition being the same as yours.

Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City

KindaSpikey Loc: English living in San Diego

HI again John. I was born in Wimbledon, (South London), grew up in Wandsworth (again S. London), spent many years in surrey (Epsom), and lived in caerphilly (Wales) for 10 years (my happiest time) loved that place. I only know stokenchurch from traveling around the UK, but I do remember how picturesque some of it was, and wish photography was my hobby back then! Anyway, cheers again for your time and reply, have a wonderful day.
Ray. (by the way, I live about 5 miles from Balboa Park, and will definitely check out camera clubs)!