Thank you very much. If the quality and versatility is there i would rather spend the money on a higher quality flash now vs replacing a lesser quality flash in a year or two spending more money overall.

I am real ugly new to photography and have a couple questions

What kind of a flash would you recommend? I’ve been reading about the 470EX AL and it sounds good but not sure if this would be the correct purchase?

I am also going on an 11 day river cruise on the Danube in a few months and am looking for recommendations on lens selections.

Thank you very much

Larry

I really appreciate everyone's feedback. It's both helpful and confusing because each response seems to contain a unique twist. Some like a combination of prime and zoom while other recommend just the zooms. The information is great, but my head is swimming with all of the information. The last person I spoke to, a professional photographer in Chicago suggested the Sigma 50mm F1.4 ART DG HSM Lens as a "go to" prime. The more I hear the more confused I get. If I've learned anything from all the information it's not to go cheap regardless of the lens. Buy the best you can afford which is something I subscribe to in every day life . My priority now is grandbaby pictures, the still unanswered question is which lens will provide me with the best outcome ???

How would you feel about the Signa 50 f1.4 Art? The quality seems unpresidented

I just purchased a new 80D which included the 18-135 and would like to add a couple lenses to assist me in my quest to become a good photographer hobbiest. I've done a lot of reading and it sounds like a good Prime lens is a must any suggestions? Canon currently has a lens kit available including a 10-18 wide angle and a 50 mm 1.8. Is the 50mm adequate or should I be looking for something better, Sigma??

I also hope to be vacationing later this year to Alaska and Hawaii and think a telephoto might be a good addition. How do you feel about the Canon 70-300 USM?

Thank you very much for your help.

Larry

i plan to go to Alaska, Australia and Hawaii in the next 2-3 years and would like a variety of lenses to allow me the freedom necessary to take great shots wherever I am. The only lens I have now in my new 80D is the 18-135. I don't have an unlimited budget guy am looking to add 2 additional lenses. Help!!!

To be used on an 80D would you purchase a Canon 55-250 f/4-5.6 IS STM or a 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM I already have the 18-135 IS USM that came with the camera.

I was about to pull the trigger on a new Canon 80D (new hobby and grandchildren on the way) but the salesman thinks the Sony 6500 would be a better choice. I'm totally confused.

Any thoughts?

Thank you,

Larry

Thank you for all of your help. How do you differentiate between the new and old lenses. What is it about the USM that you prefer over the STM?

I'd like to start by thanking all who have provided input. The information has been very helpful. I generally don't buy used for fear of getting stuck with others problems. That said, I think I will go with the masses and purchase the 80D which I can "grow" into. I am still a bit confused about the lense selection. Please tell me more about the two 18-135 IS Canon options. As originally stated I have 2 grandchildren on the way and I'm expecting I will be taking a number of pictures and video (another reason I think the 80D makes sense.

Your continued support will be much appreciated. Once I have the camera and finalize lens selections, I'm sure I will have a lot more questions,

Thanks again,

Larry

Thank you.

Thank you very much !!!

Thank you very much !!!

Thank you very much.

I would like to take up photography as a new hobby and am looking for a new camera. I've done a bit of research and seem to be settling in on the Canon 80D. Thoughts?

If I go down this path, I'm not sure which lenses I should purchase up front. I've been looking at the 18-135 and the 70-300 both IS along with the 10-18 (not sure if I need or not). My plan initially is to use the camera/equipment for vacation shots and to photograph my new grandchildren which are scheduled to be born in May and Sept. I was in the Tetons and the Baltics last year and missed out on many great shots because I didn't have a good camera.

I don't have an unlimited budget so your assistance would be much appreciated.

Thanks,