pappy0352 Loc: Oregon

I'm trying to make a decision buying a new lens. Right now I have a 50mm 1.8, 24mm-85mm 3.5 and the kit lens 70mm -300mm. I've been looking at the 18mm-200mm3.5 but I love shooting with my 50mm moving myself to get into position to get the shot I want. I'm torn between going with the 18mm-20mm or going with another prime and keeping the lens I have. I can not and will not ever be able to afford L glass. (unless I hit the lotto). I shoot with the Canon T2I.

Can I please get some advice and thoughts from some of you more experienced photographers on the site. If you are going to suggest prime which one. I do not have one set subject type. When I go out for the day I just shoot what catches my attention. I will say I like shooting flowers and birds if this helps.

Thank you
Pappy

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

The lenses you have cover a nice range. I'm not sure why you would want a prime at this stage. Between your fast 50mm f/1.8, a good "walk-around "24mm-85mm f/3.5 and the telephoto 70mm -300mm, you have 90% of what most folks ever need without something specific in mind. If you get into macro, wide angle landscape, or long telephoto, then you may want something different.

But if you are in a lens buying mood, I'd opt for the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Autofocus Lens so you have a wider angle for your crop sensor. Good for interior shots and landscapes, and offers a creative depth of field. About $175 steet.
See the following link for more information:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/519475-USA/Canon_2042B002_EF_S_18_55mm_f_3_5_5_6_IS.html

ohallboyz Loc: Boston, MA

How about a macro??

outsider Loc: Antelope Valley, California

Hi Pappy, I'm Chris. Just read your question and it's a good one. First I see that you already have a zoom, the 70-300. You said it's a kit lens. I'm not familiar with a 70-300 kit lens. If it's the 70-300 USM IS lens then getting the 18-200 lens is not a step up. What the 18-200 lens is meant for is a every day type lens. It's pretty wide for landscapes and such and it has a decent reach for those wildlife shots, etc. The image quality is good to very good, but if you do go for this lens make sure you get a good copy of it. I went through 2 copies before I got a good one and other reviewers have had the same experience. On a scale of 1 to 10 I'd give it a 7 1/2 to an 8. Now, the second part of your question, the prime lens. The prime is going to be much better in image quality over the 18-200. Primes are almost always better than zooms as far as IQ. Which one is dependent on what you want to take images of. Landscapes, wildlife, portraits, macro. Whatever prime you get It's going to be good. I don't know of a bad prime lens, but I'm sure some other people do. I'm saving for the 100mm macro. It's good for portraits too, but not so good for general shots around the house or what-not. Well Pappy, I hope you find what you're looking for and are happy with whatever you decide. Don't hesitate to ask me anything if you have any more questions, I'm happy to help. Good luck.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

I was in about the same delema. I was looking for a lens that would lighten my load in the bag, and be a easy carry on a European Cruise. I finally got rid of two lenses, and bought a Tamron 18-270mm zoom. The lens worked great on the cruise, and on a trip to Seattle, and the Cascades. I now use it for my walkaround lens. I also has enough reach for some wildlife shots. Lately, I bought a Tamron 200-500mm zoom for wildlife. It is a bit heavy, and has a tripod connection. I did not lighten my load though, at about 4 lbs. The Tamron 18-270 fills the bill for just about everything. I kept my 50mm for those closeups and portraits.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I know a few guys that use the relatively new Canon 18-200mm lens because they can usually take it with them and not have to bring an assortment of other lenses. This is the prime feature of this lens. But your equipment already covers 24-300mm focal lengths. So do you think you might want to carry only one lens instead of two when you're out and about?