Recommended Travel Lens

[2evans]

Sometimes the environment just does not allow you to "used your feet". You must be a newbie also.

Everything is a compromise, you have to prioritize your needs and work within your means.

Actually I have both the 18-200IS and 70-200F2.8IS. And had used both on a crop before, at then end of the day it the result you are looking.

We are able to do shots like this on a 18-200IS (below 2 shots):

I just meant that some people don't want to lug around a 70-200 2.8 but that it doesn't mean one cannot achieve OOF with a 18-200. One needs to understand working distances.

 

[farbird]

can consider the 28-300mm vc from tamron

 

[cityhunter66]

I feel that the longer reach probably is not there. The bokeh effect of portraits seems not clear enough using the kit-lens. I've seen the 500D user guide and seems that the 55-250mm lens seems to be quite good in taking portraits and also cheaper.

Hm, shortest focal length is 55mm (~88mm on your camera) and it's good for taking portraits?
Am i missing something here? Or do you like to take ppl's picture from far away?

 

[evomclaren]

Hm, shortest focal length is 55mm (~88mm on your camera) and it's good for taking portraits?
Am i missing something here? Or do you like to take ppl's picture from far away?

I saw the 500D user guide and it shows that the bokeh is not bad with the 55-250 mm.

 

[evomclaren]

can consider the 28-300mm vc from tamron

How much is it? good for portrait and landscape?

 

[Anson]

I just meant that some people don't want to lug around a 70-200 2.8 but that it doesn't mean one cannot achieve OOF with a 18-200. One needs to understand working distances.

Hmm... I think I should understand abit about the term "working distances" in photography don't you think? :bsmilie:

What I meant is, there is a reason why most working photographer still willing to pay for a 70-200F2.8IS lens despite the weight.

Personally I often bring it along during my oversea assignments, however if I am traveling for leisure most likely a 18-200IS would be enuff for me.

 

[Aurorasea]

How is the bokeh effect? clear? what about the wide angle effect? I was just thinking this could be the lens i need.

The bokeh effect depends on few things - like the subject's distance from background, focal length as well not only the F-stop (OK, I'm also quite a newbie so can't really elaborate much on this aspect but suggest you do a google search on this).
f4 is not as good as f2.8 but IMO, I own a 70-200mm F4 the bokeh effect can still be impressive.
It's not a wide angle lens, hence 10-22mm becomes important.
Probably think what style of photography you want to try out first, get that lens.
Unfortunately IMHO no one lens fits all the criteria of a good zoom range + good wide angle + beautiful bokeh + portability + good build + high speed for shooting cars + good at indoor low light condition...and if it existed, we would be really happy cos we no longer have to get several lenses but it will definitely come with a eye-watering & heart stabbing price tag. :sweat:

 

[Anson]

For most casual photography using a canon crop body I would recommend the following setup:

10-22 + 18-200IS + 50F1.8

 

[Sleepies]

maybe for versatility , i will choose 18-200mm from canon..

but my current lens for travelling is 24-70mm f2.8L and still ok for me so far

 

[be2st]

I will suggest for 15-85mm, I use it and I found quite useful, it cover from ultra wide angle and zoom, although 85mm is not very high zoom, it's still very useful. The IQ is superb. You may check the review of it on the internet.

 

[EJW]

The kit lens has a useful range and is pretty good if you just shoot for fun. You can get a 50f1.8 and a Nissin flash and keep some change for the travel. If you really want the range, why not consider 3rd party lens such as the Tamron 18-270?

 

[2evans]

Hmm... I think I should understand abit about the term "working distances" in photography don't you think? :bsmilie:

I was using "working distances" loosely as I was lazy to type out the combination of aperture, the distance between your lens, the object and the background in order to get OOF. Is there an easier way to say distance between your focus subject and background? Probably should have not typed haphazardly and thanks for catching it!

 

[MRSAMO]

My vote goes to the 15-85mm if you can afford it. It really is incredibly sharp for a kit lens and versatile, probably the next "Nikkor 18-200 VR" wave if i can compare with another incredible walkaround lens. I may not even carry the Tokina 11-16mm if this one is good enough (in bright light there shouldn't be much difference at 16mm!).

 

[cityhunter66]

I saw the 500D user guide and it shows that the bokeh is not bad with the 55-250 mm.

I think you try borrowing some lens to try out first, the pics in the guide are set-up nicely and probably post-processed. Better still, try out the actual 55-250mm lens and see if you really do enjoy taking portraits of ppl at such a distance.

Btw, the post by Aurorasea is :thumbsup: :bsmilie:

 

[Pixelnica]

If im planning for a overseas hoidays as TS mention travel lens.. i would wana be as hassle free as possible. so my choice is
1. Kit lens(light and multi purpose but low light got to compromise no choice.)(Can shoot close and mid zoom and everything else, not gona shoot birds overseas rite....maybe? keke)
2. Better alternative 17-55 2.8 Canon(abit ex for the price but does everyting you need)
3. Lower pricing? get the Tamron 17-50 2.8 non VC or pay more for the Tamron 17-50 VC if need to take vids or hand too shaky.

TS Bro, personal preference is up to you so tink wisely when your overseas what you gona do. Visualize den consider and you buy, dun head plunge into making purchases.
Take Care

 

[rhema83]

I vote for the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM. (Notice I spelt out the entire name. The extra features are handy.) I had a very good time using it on my 60D during my vacation in Sabah. 95% of the shots were taken on this lens. Only a few required the 50mm f/1.8 II. And total cost of the lenses is <$1000 (used 15-85mm, 50mm on promo).