I have a Canon Rebel t8i (recently upgraded from t2i). I buy lenses on a budget, so what I have is the 18-55 that came with the cameras, a 50mm f-1.8 ($125 3 yrs. ago), and a 55-250 (I think $150 2 years ago). I love closeup shooting, but didn't want to fork over big bucks for a more powerful prime macro lens, so I went the cheap route and bought the Yongnuo extension tube set, which lets me zoom in really close with the 50mm and connects to the electronics so you can auto-focus if needed. You can use it on the larger lenses, but have to watch to make sure your front lens doesn't touch the subject.
For wide shots I use the 20mm distance on my 18-55 and am pleased with the results. It'd be nice to have a wider angle but that's not my thing, so I won't spend the money to get one.
I can actually get closeup shots sometimes with my 55-250 if I'm trying not to scare away a dragonfly or don't want to bend over a flower close enough, but the tubes with the 50mm give better sharpness.
The one thing you need to get used to if you're out in the field and often switching from closeup to far away shots is how to switch lenses on the camera. It takes practice and care to make sure dust doesn't get in. I always point the camera down and get the lens attached quickly, never in blowing wind and dust situations.
BTW, I also bought the front screw-on magnifying filter set from Pro-Optic that fits my two larger lens. It's just fine for me, but doesn't really help me that much in my closeup work. At least I didn't spend much.
So I would buy a 50mm f-1.8 and a set of extension tubes to add to your repertoire if you're on a budget and concentrate on doing closeups with those on your Rebel. I spent three months with my 50mm as my only lens on my t2i and grew to love it.
Now, if you're not on a budget, get a longer macro lens, but they're too pricey for me.
No matter what the weather, your shots are great. We were there in 2008 just a month before the Wall Arch fell. Husband can't hike anymore, but I'd sure like to go back.
smussler wrote:
As far as the wild pony shots, what you have is fine. You can walk right up to them in the parking areas. Bird shots - the longer the better. The longer, the steadier your hands have to be for hand held shots. I just purchased a used Sigma 100-400mm. For me I think, I'm at my limit for hand holding. The 100-400 is a fraction of the weight (my reason for selecting it) compared to the various 150-600's There are a lot of reviews posted on this forum recently on those longer zooms and Primes.
Thanks. I've read the UHH reviews and many in here like the Tamron. Tony Northrup's video review mentioned the lighter weight of the Tamron vs the sharper prime and/or OEM lenses, but for me good enough is OK. Don't want junk but don't need high-end.
I already have my argument ready - "Happy wife, happy life".😁
Will prob go used from B&H or KEH. Don't want to worry about quality from an unknown seller.
67skylark27 wrote:
I have had both the first version and the G2. Either is great. You will not regret have this length and it will quickly become a favorite. While I shoot Nikon, the you will enjoy the results just the same. I like it so much it stays on my D7200 permanently and I bought another body for everything else - the D750. Get it, and get it now! If you don't like it, you can sell it no problem and will have been cheaper in the end than renting one.
Thanks - Didn't think about the resale potential. I thought about rental but decided it didn't make sense for a relatively low purchase price.
Every time I think that if I just buy this one more thing my photo life will be complete, GAS rears its head. We're going on vacation to Chincoteague Island in May and will be on the Assateague Channel with a great view. I'm hoping for some bird shots while there, and wild pony shots. The longest lens I have is a 55-250mm right now.
My camera is an EOS t2i, and at my level it suits me just fine. I'm not interested in competing with the excellent wildlife photographers on here, just in making the best of what I have.
Just FYI I've already researched the lens, and though not rated as sharp as prime lenses the Tamron looks to be one I can shoot handheld, my preference and has good i.s. I'll pick up a lenscoat for it and a case, too.
Water looks like paint splashes! Somehow I prefer this over-the-top effect over enhanced HDR.
Great shot. Makes me miss being able to drive down to the coast when we lived in Portland. Cape Perpetua is absolutely my favorite stop.
You're a braver person than I! I only made it down to the third step before turning back. Mule ride would have been too much for me. I'm jealous.
Besides your lovely portait, my favorite is the view of the Canyon between the mule's ears.
Live like we do: no credit, only debit cards, mortgage paid, donations made but not tracked, no taxes because we take out from our retirement only as much as will keep us at zero tax level. Bills are mostly paid online or automatically. Vacations, house repairs, cars, etc, paid in cash from savings. Last thing bought in credit was our house, which we paid off eight years early. Our last four vehicles were paid for in cash.
I really like this one! The DOF is just right to separate the little guy from the background.
That's the rare Midwestern Fierus Hydrantis! Good catch!