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Best all around lens for canon t3i
Dec 2, 2011 13:00:23   #
Kennethbratt Loc: New Hampshire/Arizona
 
I recently acquired a Canon t3i with the stock lens. I would like to buy a good "all around lens" in addition to the one that came with it. I don't have specific limits on what I want to photograph (still leaning everything) so right now I am limiting (tongue in cheek) to portraits, nature, wildlife, flowers, insects and landscape. Money is an object but I don't want to buy junk so I will save as needed - just want the best for my buck.

And what is a Macro-zoom? Does it work well?

Thanks for all the help - this is a great forum.

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Dec 2, 2011 13:18:32   #
renomike Loc: Reno, Nevada
 
Kennethbratt wrote:
I recently acquired a Canon t3i with the stock lens. I would like to buy a good "all around lens" in addition to the one that came with it. Thanks for all the help - this is a great forum.


Kenneth ... Canon makes an 18-135 f/3.5 IS that is a great all around carry lens. I use one all the time, and love it. I bought mine used for $246.00. I think the new price runs around $399.00 + or -, you'd have to check around for any holiday deals. Just google that lens.

Mike

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Dec 2, 2011 13:23:41   #
Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina
 
If you can swing it, Canon's 24-105 f4 L lens is a top notch sort of all purpose lens.
Gonna cost you a grand or so though.

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Dec 3, 2011 09:52:37   #
kstan Loc: Utah
 
Check out the Canon 15-85mm lens. I have been very happy with its image quality and build. A little on the high end price wise, but the performance is worth it.

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Dec 3, 2011 09:55:08   #
Allen Loc: Plainfield, IN
 
I use the Canon 15-85mm zoom. The ratings on this lens are tops. It is a little heavy, not cheap, and many say should be rated as an L lens. I use mine about 95% of the time. It lets me capture group photos in small rooms, and does great for landscapes like Alaska.

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Dec 3, 2011 09:57:37   #
Ruthlin Loc: Long Island New York
 
Ialso have the T3i. I use a Tamron 28-70. I use it all the time. It is a very versitile lens. I have a 18-250 and a 50mm lens. But I keep the 28-70 on my camera most of the time. Great lens.

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Dec 3, 2011 10:52:32   #
Awagner Loc: St. Louis
 
Have to agree with kstan and Allen; I have the 15-85 lens on my Canon 60D most all the time. The IQ of this lens is awesome and really should have a red ring around it ( L status). It runs around $800 from a camera shop; maybe a bit less if you can find one on E Bay, or maybe B&H or Adorama. Might try KEH; they sell a ton of used equipment with a great reputation.
If you are looking for a bit more reach than 85mm (136 on a 1.6 crop sensor), the 24-105L is the way to go at around $1K.

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Dec 3, 2011 11:03:50   #
anotherview Loc: California
 
Sigma AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC HSM OS macro:

http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/517-sigma1770f284osapsc

http://www.lenstip.com/223.1-Lens_review-Sigma_17-70_mm_f_2.8-4.0_DC_Macro_OS_HSM__Introduction.html

http://www.dpreview.com/products/sigma/lenses/sigma_17-70_2p8-4_os

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Dec 3, 2011 11:09:09   #
CAM1017 Loc: Chiloquin, Oregon
 
Kennethbratt wrote:
I recently acquired a Canon t3i with the stock lens. I would like to buy a good "all around lens" in addition to the one that came with it. I don't have specific limits on what I want to photograph (still leaning everything) so right now I am limiting (tongue in cheek) to portraits, nature, wildlife, flowers, insects and landscape. Money is an object but I don't want to buy junk so I will save as needed - just want the best for my buck.

And what is a Macro-zoom? Does it work well?

Thanks for all the help - this is a great forum.
I recently acquired a Canon t3i with the stock len... (show quote)


You never mentioned what your stock lens was that came with the camera and what do you like to photograph. What your photography habits are would really help to make recommendations on lens. Their are many excellent choices. Knowing your photography habits would help.

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Dec 3, 2011 11:22:26   #
Ruthlin Loc: Long Island New York
 
The 18-85 I am sure is a great lens. I have the Tamron 28-70. Less expensive about 500-600. Also a great lens.

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Dec 3, 2011 11:53:06   #
Ruthlin Loc: Long Island New York
 
My Tamron lens is 28-75. Use it all the time

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Dec 3, 2011 12:44:03   #
Kennethbratt Loc: New Hampshire/Arizona
 
CAM1017 wrote:
Kennethbratt wrote:
I recently acquired a Canon t3i with the stock lens. I would like to buy a good "all around lens" in addition to the one that came with it. I don't have specific limits on what I want to photograph (still leaning everything) so right now I am limiting (tongue in cheek) to portraits, nature, wildlife, flowers, insects and landscape. Money is an object but I don't want to buy junk so I will save as needed - just want the best for my buck.

And what is a Macro-zoom? Does it work well?

Thanks for all the help - this is a great forum.
I recently acquired a Canon t3i with the stock len... (show quote)


Cam1017 - the stock lens is a canon 18-55. I am not sure of what I want to photograph, as a newbie, I want to photograph everything. I travel a bit between the east and west and would love to do some landscapes, I have six grandchildren, and I love the desert flora and fauna.

You never mentioned what your stock lens was that came with the camera and what do you like to photograph. What your photography habits are would really help to make recommendations on lens. Their are many excellent choices. Knowing your photography habits would help.
quote=Kennethbratt I recently acquired a Canon t3... (show quote)

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Dec 3, 2011 18:41:00   #
CAM1017 Loc: Chiloquin, Oregon
 
Canon has a nice 18 to 200mm IS Lens for around $700.
If you wanted to continue using your 18 to 55mm lens, you might consider the Canon 75 to 300mm IS lens which is reasonably priced and a very good optic. These last two would be a nice combination that would allow you to do a lot with a minimal investment.

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Dec 3, 2011 18:51:26   #
Ruthlin Loc: Long Island New York
 
I use a 28-75 lens which is my main lens. I also have a 18-250 lens for telephoto work or wide angle.

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