Travel lens for Canon 70D

[Yowie Wowie]

I just don't know why someone would go out and buy an 18-135 lens no matter how good it is.

Video. You're welcome.

 

[whakapu]

Good point, that's the STM forte. I forget that these things also shoot video, never having used that feature myself.

 

[yousaf]

cool down guys, it is just a lens.

 

[Yowie Wowie]

Good point, that's the STM forte. I forget that these things also shoot video, never having used that feature myself.

You can also enable digital zoom for video on the 70D (3x-10x). At 3x, there is little or no pixel extrapolation, as it just uses a smaller part of the image sensor. 70D sensor is 5472 x 3648, and 5472/3 = 1824 pixels. Not sure if it uses that or 1920 for the crop though, I haven't run any tests. Would make more sense to use 1920, and be approximately 3x (2.85x). At 135mm, it gives you over 600mm equivalent FF FOV.

 

[c h u n k]

No way. The price bump is $100 to $200. I ended up getting a brand new 70d with 18-135 from Canon direct for $899. Ridiculously good price and long story that amounts to "Canon has the best customer service ever", but I was shopping that kit for 6 months before I bit. I've never seen the price at a point where buying it separate was better.

Wrong. I did say "not always" and "here" and "can". Your experience does not negate that of others. And I don't appreciate being called a liar over something so stupid by someone who can't even comprehend plain writing.

Wow. A bit sensitive, or insecure or whatever you have going on. I understand perfectly what you said. I never called you a liar, but I did point out that you were wrong because, after all, this is all in response to someone asking for help buying something that some of us have already been through the pains of shopping around for. The specific lens/camera happens to be the same one I have and shopped extensively....and have been keeping my eye on for a second and for others that are buying a camera as a gift....Like I said, it's common knowledge that you save a considerable amount on that lens in the kit, ESPECIALLY if you want a warranty to come with it. Sadly, even when you buy as a split kit, grey market, or used-like new (no guarantee an warranty), or even refurb often you STILL pay more than the $100-$300 add on for kit (depending on promotions and sales)....But since you want to fly off the handle for no reason and throw insults about my supposed reading comprehension, I'd be happy to see where you can find that lens for under $300. I might buy one.

 

[Yowie Wowie]

Wow. A bit sensitive, or insecure or whatever you have going on.

Irritated by stupidity :/

I understand perfectly what you said. I never called you a liar, but I did point out that you were wrong because, after all, this is all in response to someone asking for help buying something that some of us have already been through the pains of shopping around for.

You didn't point out anything wrong, because I never said anything wrong.

The specific lens/camera happens to be the same one I have and shopped extensively....and have been keeping my eye on for a second and for others that are buying a camera as a gift....

So have I, wow.

Like I said, it's common knowledge that you save a considerable amount on that lens in the kit, ESPECIALLY if you want a warranty to come with it.

You CAN save. You don't always (like when I got my 70D, new for less than $600AUD). People live in different areas, have access to different vendors and sales, with different exchange rates, shipping, import taxes, and warranty to consider. All I said was "not always".

This whole argument is stupid.

 

[yousaf]

Wow. A bit sensitive, or insecure or whatever you have going on.

Irritated by stupidity :/

I understand perfectly what you said. I never called you a liar, but I did point out that you were wrong because, after all, this is all in response to someone asking for help buying something that some of us have already been through the pains of shopping around for.

You didn't point out anything wrong, because I never said anything wrong.

The specific lens/camera happens to be the same one I have and shopped extensively....and have been keeping my eye on for a second and for others that are buying a camera as a gift....

So have I, wow.

Like I said, it's common knowledge that you save a considerable amount on that lens in the kit, ESPECIALLY if you want a warranty to come with it.

You CAN save. You don't always (like when I got my 70D, new for less than $600AUD). People live in different areas, have access to different vendors and sales, with different exchange rates, shipping, import taxes, and warranty to consider. All I said was "not always".

This whole argument is stupid.

I also bought the camera from Australia.

 

[Metragnome]

Any recommendations regarding Travel lens for Canon 70D. Weight is not an issue.

My 70D came with the 18-200mm as a kit and it's perfect for a 1 lens travel companion. Very versatile.

 

[MikeJ9116]

The EF-S 15-85mm is about the perfect all around travel lens for a crop camera, IMO. The zoom range is ideal to cover landscape to mild telephoto lengths. The extra 3mm on the wide end makes a real difference with wide angle shots. Plus, the IQ, focus speed, IS and overall performance of this lens is excellent. It is a sleeper in Canon's lens lineup.

As a second choice, the Sigma 18-250mm Macro is a decent performer for a decent price. I have this lens and it delivers very good IQ for a lens with this range. Especially when stopped down a little.

 

[JamesJake]

Any recommendations regarding Travel lens for Canon 70D. Weight is not an issue.

Hello,

Another suggestion for the "Canon 18-135mm EF-S STM". I had read how good this lens is and I must say it is a great walk-around-lens.

I also have a "Canon 24-70mm L" lens but it is one very heavy lens as opposed to the "Canon 18-135mm EF-S STM". I recently got my barely used "Canon 18-135mm EF-S STM" for just a couple of hundred dollars and I couldnt be happier with my purchase.

Good luck with what ever you decide on and Happy Clicking!!

Heres a shot from my "Canon 18-135mm EF-S STM"

 

[nnowak]

The EF-S 15-85mm is about the perfect all around travel lens for a crop camera, IMO. The zoom range is ideal to cover landscape to mild telephoto lengths. The extra 3mm on the wide end makes a real difference with wide angle shots. Plus, the IQ, focus speed, IS and overall performance of this lens is excellent. It is a sleeper in Canon's lens lineup.

I think it is a highly overrated lens in the Canon lineup, and I have owned two copies (one good, one bad). Image quality isn't any better than the 18-135mm STM, but the 15-85mm is heavier and a LOT more expensive. The 15-85mm costs the same as the 10-18mm STM + 18-135mm STM. Those two lenses easily outperform the 15-85mm and both take standard 67mm filters instead of the slightly odd 72mm on the 15-85mm. Most annoying of all, the focus and zoom rings are swapped on the 15-85mm.

As a second choice, the Sigma 18-250mm Macro is a decent performer for a decent price. I have this lens and it delivers very good IQ for a lens with this range. Especially when stopped down a little.

 

[jp4]

I think it is a highly overrated lens in the Canon lineup, and I have owned two copies (one good, one bad). Image quality isn't any better than the 18-135mm STM, but the 15-85mm is heavier and a LOT more expensive. The 15-85mm costs the same as the 10-18mm STM + 18-135mm STM. Those two lenses easily outperform the 15-85mm and both take standard 67mm filters instead of the slightly odd 72mm on the 15-85mm. Most annoying of all, the focus and zoom rings are swapped on the 15-85mm.

I have the 70D 18-135 STM and wondered about that 15-85. Thanks for your thoughts.

BTW, my 18-135 STM blew my 17-55 /2.8 out of the water. The 17-55 might have been faulty because it seldom seemed as sharp as it's press said it should be.

 

[MikeJ9116]

I have used the 15-85mm on numerous occasions and found it to be pin sharp with great IQ. Focus is fast and accurate. The range is excellent and I find the extra 3mm on the wide end makes a big difference in framing a shot. I haven't used an 18-135mm STM so I can't say much about it. The STM lenses I do have all are good performers. Some better than others.

 

[whakapu]

perhaps the problem with all these lenses that got blown out of the water is that they never should have been in the water. Some of them claim no moisture sealing at all

 

[nnowak]

I have used the 15-85mm on numerous occasions and found it to be pin sharp with great IQ. Focus is fast and accurate. The range is excellent and I find the extra 3mm on the wide end makes a big difference in framing a shot. I haven't used an 18-135mm STM so I can't say much about it. The STM lenses I do have all are good performers. Some better than others.

The 15-85mm isn't a bad lens. The biggest problem is the price. Consider this... the 17-55mm f2.8 is $779, the 15-85mm is $799, and the 10-18mm + 18-135mm are $828 (all current prices at B&H). The 15-85mm isn't sharper than the other options and it definitely isn't built better than the 17-55mm f2.8.

Six years ago when the 15-85mm was introduced, it looked really good compared to the original 18-55mm IS and original 18-135mm IS of the period. The 15-85mm is still a good lens, but there are now better and/or more affordable options. The 15-85mm needs a price reduction or a redesign.

 

[MikeJ9116]

I have EF-S 17-55mm and it is a better lens than the 15-85mm. Canon has dropped the price on the 17-55mm from when I got mine several years ago. The 15-85mm is going for $350-$400 on the used market. For that price range it is worth it, IMO. The range of the 15-85mm is one I really like and is somewhat unique in Canon's EF-S lens lineup. For me it is ideal for covering landscape to a useful telephoto range on a crop camera.

Canon has really stepped up the lens quality for the STM lenses. Outside of the 18-55mm STM they all offer a great price/performance ratio. I would like to get a chance to use the 18-135mm STM but I don't know anyone personally that owns one.

 

[tabz]

No way. The price bump is $100 to $200. I ended up getting a brand new 70d with 18-135 from Canon direct for $899. Ridiculously good price and long story that amounts to "Canon has the best customer service ever", but I was shopping that kit for 6 months before I bit. I've never seen the price at a point where buying it separate was better.

 

[nnowak]

I have EF-S 17-55mm and it is a better lens than the 15-85mm. Canon has dropped the price on the 17-55mm from when I got mine several years ago. The 15-85mm is going for $350-$400 on the used market.

Wow! I can't believe how much that lens has dropped in price on the used market. A couple years ago when I was buying and selling both of my copies, they were going for $550-$600 used. I just checked prices, and even the 17-55mm f2.8 is starting to look inexpensive.

For that price range it is worth it, IMO. The range of the 15-85mm is one I really like and is somewhat unique in Canon's EF-S lens lineup. For me it is ideal for covering landscape to a useful telephoto range on a crop camera.

Canon has really stepped up the lens quality for the STM lenses. Outside of the 18-55mm STM they all offer a great price/performance ratio.

I haven't personally tried it, but from what I have heard, even the 18-55mm STM is pretty good.

I would like to get a chance to use the 18-135mm STM but I don't know anyone personally that owns one.

 

[MikeJ9116]

I have EF-S 17-55mm and it is a better lens than the 15-85mm. Canon has dropped the price on the 17-55mm from when I got mine several years ago. The 15-85mm is going for $350-$400 on the used market.

Wow! I can't believe how much that lens has dropped in price on the used market. A couple years ago when I was buying and selling both of my copies, they were going for $550-$600 used. I just checked prices, and even the 17-55mm f2.8 is starting to look inexpensive.

I had the same reaction to what the 17-55mm is selling for at B&H when I just checked. I paid well over $1,000 for mine and I got a bargain at the time. I have seen 15-85mm lenses go for as low as $325 on ebay. One has been on FM for $385 for quite a while and there are no takers for it. I thought about buying it but having the 17-55mm makes it a poor decision.

For that price range it is worth it, IMO. The range of the 15-85mm is one I really like and is somewhat unique in Canon's EF-S lens lineup. For me it is ideal for covering landscape to a useful telephoto range on a crop camera.

Canon has really stepped up the lens quality for the STM lenses. Outside of the 18-55mm STM they all offer a great price/performance ratio.

I haven't personally tried it, but from what I have heard, even the 18-55mm STM is pretty good.

Canon is really bolstering their budget lens lineup with the STM offerings. I read the other day that the EF-24-105mm STM is about as good as the L version for IQ. One of those is selling on CL here for $325! It keeps coming back up every few days and I am temped to buy it on the odd chance I go FF for my next DSLR purchase.

I would like to get a chance to use the 18-135mm STM but I don't know anyone personally that owns one.

 

[HighSierra]

I vote for this: Sigma DC OS 18-250mm Macro HSM.