Revisiting Purchase of What Lens? I've posted this at another forum as well, need all the opinions I can get. Been shooting for about 13 months with a Canon 60d just celebrated a...

steveo52 Loc: Rhode Island and Ocala Florida

I've posted this at another forum as well, need all the opinions I can get.

Been shooting for about 13 months with a Canon 60d just celebrated a birthday and due to the generosity of family I have a gift certificate for Adorama and some $$. My budget tops between $800 and $1000. 95% of the time the 18-135 kit stays on my camera.
What to buy?

L glass has my attention probably not a good thing for my bank account long term, but I'm confused. Should I spring for some L glass ? Been also eyeing the Tamron 70-300mm with VC, possibly Canon 70-200 f/4 L, Canon 24-105 L IS ? ( pushes the budget a bit) maybe the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens? All comments are welcome, thanks in advance!

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

I hate to answer like this, but you may be flailing at the wind unless you first tell us what you want to shoot.

For right now, I'd save your money and figure out where your interests lie (macro, landscape, birds, sports, portraits, etc.) and then and only then, go looking for the right lens.

steveo52 Loc: Rhode Island and Ocala Florida

Festina Lente wrote:

I hate to answer like this, but you may be flailing at the wind unless you first tell us what you want to shoot.

For right now, I'd save your money and figure out where your interests lie (macro, landscape, birds, sports, portraits, etc.) and then and only then, go looking for the right lens.

I'm all over the place, I like landscapes, vintage cars at one of the many car shows each year where I live. I also live in an historic city and there's plenty of hills from which to get photos of the city about quarter mile away. I'm also near Newport, RI and the coast, plenty of shots to take of boats and marine shots/beaches. I really have no interestin shooting people or doing portraits. Hope that clarifies things.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

steveo52 wrote:

quote=Festina Lente I hate to answer like this, b... (show quote)

What is the f/stop on your 18-135mm lens? You may wish to consider a 1.4x teleconverter?

Based on what you said, you have two directions to go - wider angle than the 18mm you have now or a further reaching telephoto beyond 135mm, like a 200 or 300mm.

So which end of the spectrum of your 18-135mm lens do you wish to expand?

Whatever you get, make sure it has a fast focus, fast glass (f/2.8 would be ideal) and a decent Image Stabilization system for a telephoto.

steveo52 Loc: Rhode Island and Ocala Florida

Festina Lente wrote:

quote=steveo52 quote=Festina Lente I hate to ans... (show quote)

My 18-135 is F3.5-5.6, it's the Canon kit lens that came with my 60D, I also have the 50 mm 1.8 I'm thinking expand the upper end of the spectrum above 135 MM. The Canon 70-200 F4 with IS looks appealing. Going to f2.8 would be nice but that blows the budget.

But maybe the 1.4x teleconverter, then an Ultra wide. I had been thinking about the Tamron 18-270 or 70-300, but after reading posts and the differences of opinion, some love it some say don't waste your money on Tamron. Seems I've got this fever for L glass can't understand why :roll:

Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

I have the Tamaron 18 270 it is not a bad lens, but it is not a good lens either. It has too many quirts for me. I have since acquired two L series lens and they make it look less desirable. I would advise you to save yor pennies and get a L series lens, which you will be happier with.

steveo52 wrote:

quote=Festina Lente quote=steveo52 quote=Festin... (show quote)

steveo52 Loc: Rhode Island and Ocala Florida

Thanks old timer, your reply is exactly why never purchased the Tamron, I've seen some nice shots with it but none have really blown me away to the point of wanting to run out to buy one.

Old Timer wrote:

I have the Tamaron 18 270 it is not a bad lens, but it is not a good lens either. It has too many quirts for me. I have since acquired two L series lens and they make it look less desirable. I would advise you to save yor pennies and get a L series lens, which you will be happier with.

steveo52 wrote:

quote=Festina Lente quote=steveo52 quote=Festin... (show quote)

I have the Tamaron 18 270 it is not a bad lens, bu... (show quote)

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

canon has a 18-200mm zoom,a trip to the camera store with your camera and tripod may be in order.

steveo52 Loc: Rhode Island and Ocala Florida

bull drink water wrote:

canon has a 18-200mm zoom,a trip to the camera store with your camera and tripod may be in order.

Yes, I'm convinced I just can't shop from my armchair and computer. Hopefully, I'll be able to get to the local Hunt's Camera and Video this weekend to try on a few lens.

romanticf16 Loc: Commerce Twp, MI

Don't forget that you can buy great used lenses too. Buy from a reputable dealer that has a 30 day return policy, and do test the lens for focus, sharpness and all functions during those 30 days.

steveo52 Loc: Rhode Island and Ocala Florida

romanticf16 wrote:

Don't forget that you can buy great used lenses too. Buy from a reputable dealer that has a 30 day return policy, and do test the lens for focus, sharpness and all functions during those 30 days.

Thanks for the tip.

:thumbup:

Reddog Loc: Southern Calif

I just bought the canon 70-200L f4 non IS and love it! Great lens for the money. I also have the Tameron 18-270 which is a great all around or travel lens.

steveo52 Loc: Rhode Island and Ocala Florida

Reddog wrote:

I just bought the canon 70-200L f4 non IS and love it! Great lens for the money. I also have the Tameron 18-270 which is a great all around or travel lens.

What type of photos are you shooting withe the Canon 70-200?

barbkelly Loc: Delaware

I'll second the Canon 70-200L f4 except mine has IS. It's a fabulous lens and I would buy that over that Tamron any day!

steveo52 Loc: Rhode Island and Ocala Florida

barbkelly wrote:

I'll second the Canon 70-200L f4 except mine has IS. It's a fabulous lens and I would buy that over that Tamron any day!

Thanks I've pretty much ruled out the Tamron at this point, now deciding whether I get a Canon 10-22mm and a tele-converter for my 18-135 or go with the Canon 70-200. Got have a hands on trial and will do that this weekend.