More lens advice.. I'm an amateur, 100% and would like some professional advice on a buying new lens. I'm going to Rome on a once in a lifetime vacation in August. I have a T3i with...

Dml1127

I'm an amateur, 100% and would like some professional advice on a buying new lens. I'm going to Rome on a once in a lifetime vacation in August. I have a T3i with the 18-55 kit lens and a 70-300 lens. I asked for advice a while ago about a lens for the trip and the answer I got seemed to overwhelming point me towards a wide angle 10-20, 11-16, 10-24 etc. Here's the question... Can I get the same results with an all-in-one lens like the Tamron 18-270? I'd really like to spend $500 only once. Remember I'm only an amateur, but like all armatures I constantly read UHH hoping to get possessional results. Thanks all.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I can only speak for myself but I think you are set up pretty well as is. Of course there is always a situation where you might want another focal length lens but with those 2 lenses you, in my opinion, have it covered. If you can squeeze in a lightweight tripod OR find a steady place to set the camera you could even use the 18mm to take 2 panorama shots to stitch together. You might want a wider lens inside a cathedral or someplace similar but for the most part I think you are all set.

Dennis

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I like the Sigma 17-70 to replace the kit lens , or look at the new Tokina 12-28mm for a wide range wide angle.....

amehta Loc: Boston

Dml1127 wrote:

I'm an amateur, 100% and would like some professio... (show quote)

The all-in-one could replace your two lenses, but it will not fit the wide-angle range. If you add the wide-angle, you have a nice range for the trip. The all-in-one is a convenience, but not an improvement in image quality or photo options.

Dml1127

Thanks. Good advice!

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Dml1127 wrote:

I'm an amateur, 100% and would like some professio... (show quote)

Your existing lenses will cover just about all your needs if you don't mind changing lenses and carrying the gear. The Tamron will be fine too and make your trip a little more enjoyable.

Alternatively, a small fixed lens zoom camera may be even better for travel. There are plenty available for under $500.

JimGuy

Dml1127 wrote:

I'm an amateur, 100% and would like some professio... (show quote)

Does canon have a super zoom such as a 18-200? I think 18-270 might be a bit of a stretch, and maybe they are trying to do too much with one lens.
I shoot Nikon and have gotten good images using a 18-200 f3.5-5.6 lens that printed fine at 16x24. If I remember correctly the big horn sheep I entered in the weekly contest was shot with a 12mp d300 and an older 18-200vr.
When you dont know what you will be running across a lens like that can be handy. The operator often makes more of a difference than the tool.
It looks like Canon has a similar lens. Maybe ask around about this one....get some feedback from people that have used it.
I suspect the Canon lens has better quality control than third party. Heres a link to look at http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/582444-USA/Canon_2752B002_EF_S_18_200mm_f_3_5_5_6_IS.html

denwin580 Loc: Kettering, Ohio

I use Nikon stuff regularly but I bought a used Canon SX 30is for $120 bucks on ebay and the images are almost equal to the nikon. it will zoom from like 18- to 800 mm !!! and it almost goes in my pocket. Go that way then concentrate on you photography hobby with your DSLR when you get back.

anotherview Loc: California

I toured Europe with a Sigma 17-70mm lens mounted on a Canon Rebel T4i. It served just fine for this kind of photography.

I recommend one camera and one lens, along with necessary accessories like a spare battery, a spare memory card, and a lens cleaning kit, all in one bag. You will thank yourself.

You might consider bringing a flash unit. The Canon 320ex speedlite throws out plenty of power for most situations. Its smaller size allows it to fit in a pocket if not in your bag. Of course then you will have to concern yourself with carrying and perhaps buying AA batteries, unless you have rechargeable batteries.

Make sure you have a way to download your images to an external hard drive. I took a laptop computer and a 1tb external hard drive as a backup for my images.

You will find Rome highly photographical.

Enjoy.

Dml1127 wrote:

I'm an amateur, 100% and would like some professio... (show quote)

JimGuy

denwin580 wrote:

I use Nikon stuff regularly but I bought a used Canon SX 30is for $120 bucks on ebay and the images are almost equal to the nikon. it will zoom from like 18- to 800 mm !!! and it almost goes in my pocket. Go that way then concentrate on you photography hobby with your DSLR when you get back.

The small sensor of the point and shoot isnt capable of producing the same quality as a good dslr in the hands of someone that knows how to use it. At a small size you may not be able to see a lot of difference if both are shooting jpg, but the raw files from the dslr will be much more flexible, it will perform better in lower light with its larger pixels etc. When I go on a trip the main thing I have in mind is the photos I want to bring back, so I take some pretty decent gear. I guess it depends on priorities.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Dml1127 wrote:

I'm an amateur, 100% and would like some professional advice on a buying new lens. I'm going to Rome on a once in a lifetime vacation in August. I have a T3i with the 18-55 kit lens and a 70-300 lens.

possessional Thanks all.

Dml, Your problem is that all of your lenses are slow, but they will all be fine outdoors.
When I travel, I always take my 70-200, but it's pretty rare I ever use it. For me an 18-270 would be pretty useless for the few times I would use the long end. My 24-105(on a FF) does 75% of all my shooting.
My advise would be to spend your money on a 35/28mm f1.4 or similar, to handle all of the indoor duties that one finds in cathedrals, churches and museums in Europe. Your other lenses will be fine outdoors. Personally, I also find any of the 2.8 zooms too slow as well, so I use a fast prime indoors. You will always have to give up something!
It's just my 2cents, but it works for my style. Good luck. ;-)
SS

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Dml1127 wrote:

I'm an amateur, 100% and would like some professio... (show quote)

No.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Dml1127 wrote:

I'm an amateur, 100% and would like some professio... (show quote)

What you have will do the job.

Save the 500.00 on memories, not other lenses.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

if you have shot a lot of photos with that rig then you know what quality if is capable of. if you live in or near a big city, then take your rig there and act you at a hot tourist spot. spend the day and take a couple hundred shots , and decide for your self if your set-up is up for the task.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

bull drink water wrote:

if you have shot a lot of photos with that rig then you know what quality if is capable of. if you live in or near a big city, then take your rig there and act you at a hot tourist spot. spend the day and take a couple hundred shots , and decide for your self if your set-up is up for the task.

:thumbup: :thumbup: