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Lens setup to cover 10-300 around $1100

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Mohit Garg

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Hi DPReview,

First thread here, so I'd like to give a little background first so it's easier to make suggestions. I'm not a professional photographer by any definition, not even an enthusiast, I'm a slightly serious amateur I guess. Also, I'm located in South Africa as of posting this thread.

I've owned the Canon Rebel T3i for the past 15months or so, it came with an 18-55 non-IS kit lens. It is my first DSLR. I didn't want to rush in and spend a whole lot on glass and other accessories straight after buying the camera, not because I wasn't aware of them (I was well aware as I have a few friends who are quite involved in photography), but I wanted to explore first what I had and then see what I needed.

After using the setup for a while, I've come to know that I'm not too good at photography, my composition isn't that great (Hahahaha), however having said that, I do enjoy the hobby and get some good clicks every now and then which are good enough for family prints, online sharing, etc. I enjoy photography, I honestly do, but I need to practice more. However I do find myself limited by the resources at my disposal, now this is because I've been on a few safaris and knew I didn't have the reach and while visiting some beautiful landscapes, I felt I needed something wider.

I'm also not too happy with my 18-55, for one I miss the IS (I've used the IS version on someone's else camera), and also not too impressed with the IQ (I know my compositions need work, but I can spot issues with IQ).

So, I decided to spend some money and get a new glass. I know from research that all-purpose lenses are a compromise, so I'm not really looking to get them. I looked at the various options that provided VFM while giving decent IQ. I shortlisted the following:
  • Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM - $300
  • Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 VC - $400 ($340 on eBay from HKBN)
  • Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM - $500($405 on eBay from HKBN
The total is about $1100-$1200. And that is really about as much as I want to spend.

Besides this I am also looking to get the a Canon 50mm 1.8 (For the portraits) and a Yongnuo YN-560 II. I already have a decent tripod, bag and strap. I'm not looking to get any filters right now, but if I did, I'll have a separate budget for that.

Idea is to have the UWA and Tele for their special cases which can be a few, especially down here in Africa and have the Sigma general purpose as a daily lens.Is this a worthy upgrade over the 18-55? The 50mm for portraits and low light general usage.

So, my budget is about $1100, absolute max is $1200, and I'm looking for decent IQ to cover the whole range of 10-300mm, I know, I can't get exceptional quality, and honestly right now I don't deserve to use those lenses either, so what are my best options?

P.S Sorry for the long post.
 
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Mohit Garg said:
Hi DPReview,

...

So, I decided to spend some money and get a new glass. I know from research that all-purpose lenses are a compromise, so I'm not really looking to get them. I looked at the various options that provided VFM while giving decent IQ. I shortlisted the following:
  • Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM - $300
  • Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 VC - $400 ($340 on eBay from HKBN)
  • Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM - $500($405 on eBay from HKBN
The total is about $1100-$1200. And that is really about as much as I want to spend.

Besides this I am also looking to get the a Canon 50mm 1.8 (For the portraits) and a Yongnuo YN-560 II. I already have a decent tripod, bag and strap.

..., so what are my best options?
Click to expand...
That would be the
  • Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM
  • Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 VC
  • Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
;-)

I wouldn't get the Yongnuo YN-560 II. It's a manual flash, basically usable only in M and Av exposure modes. Spend a minimal amount more for the YN-565EX which gives you ETTL automatic flash in all camera exposure modes, as well as manual output if you want to get creative.

IMHO, YMMV

--
Unapologetic Canon Apologist :-)
 
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Your best option is:
Canon 10-18
Canon 18-55STM
Canon 55-250STM or Tamron 70-300
 
Thanks for the replies.

I think the 10-18 IS STM is a pretty much certain.

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I'm still on the fence about the 55-250 STM vs 70-300 VC, I will most likely be using this lens at the longer end, 200+, and have read the Tamron really gets soft in that range, whereas the Canon holds fairly well. The VC I've read is really really good vs the IS on the Canon, having said that, how good is good enough? I'll be usually shooting wildlife and maybe some sport with the tele, in those cases, I'll be shooting pretty fast in any case, so the VC/IS shouldn't really be making a big difference. I know, either lens are great for their price, but if I had to get one, which one and why?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The other thing, and really the big one that has me confused is the general purpose zoom. I'm confused among these:
  • Canon 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
  • Canon 18-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
  • Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 OS HSM
  • Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 OS HSM
I'm not looking for too much range, and I believe I'll be happy with the 18-55mm range, anymore on either side is a bonus. What I'd like is better low light capability and better IQ overall. Is there any other lens in the same price range which I need to confuse myself more over.
 
EF-S 15-85mm f3.5 - 5.6 IS USM + EF-S 24mm f2.8 pan cake lens + EF 70-200mm f4 L non IS

EF-S 15-85mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM -> The 15mm vs 18mm is noticeably wider. Since u have said your compositions are not good enough at this point, I suggest you to postpone getting the 10-18mm for now. 10mm on crop is fun to use. And the perspective distortion is fun to use.

EF 70-200mm f4. Well, there is no IS. Understand that you need IS. However, you can use this lens for outdoor portraits. It also accepts a 1.4 extender which means you can use it at 280mm.

The pan cake is recommended just becauase of its optical quality over the 50mm f1.8
 
Abu Mahendra said:
Your best option is:
Canon 10-18
Canon 18-55STM
Canon 55-250STM or Tamron 70-300

--
>> I love the Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens! <<
Click to expand...
My vote:

10-18 STM

18-55 STM (or 18-135 STM)

55-250 STM
 
I think you have done your research and 2 of those 3 lenses are the exact same that came to mind when reading your post title. The Tamron 70-300mm is the best in its class and a very decent lens over all. While the Sigma 17-70mm is quite nice as well and is the best lens given your budget.

I was thinking the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 USM, but it does not give a high resolution scores as the Canon and it lacks IS. The sigma has much nicer build and a tiny bit more range for about $100 more.

Jay


My adventures in nature photography are found at: www.sheridanphoto.com
 
I'm really starting to lean towards the 55-250 STM given the price difference and performance on the longer end. I think I might need some convincing to pick up the Tamron over the Canon.
 
Damoo said:
EF-S 15-85mm f3.5 - 5.6 IS USM + EF-S 24mm f2.8 pan cake lens + EF 70-200mm f4 L non IS

EF-S 15-85mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM -> The 15mm vs 18mm is noticeably wider. Since u have said your compositions are not good enough at this point, I suggest you to postpone getting the 10-18mm for now. 10mm on crop is fun to use. And the perspective distortion is fun to use.

EF 70-200mm f4. Well, there is no IS. Understand that you need IS. However, you can use this lens for outdoor portraits. It also accepts a 1.4 extender which means you can use it at 280mm.

The pan cake is recommended just becauase of its optical quality over the 50mm f1.8
Click to expand...
I'v been unable to come to terms with buying the 70-200 f4 non-IS, partly because the cost is so prohibitive. Also, of the lenses I'm looking to buy, I will be upgrading the kit lens the last.

I have looked into the mentioned path of buying a good general purpose and tele now and a wide angel later, but the overall costs just do not allow me and I am expecting a possibel need for the wide angle soon-ish.

The 24mm pancake, surely does look interesting over the 50mm, I would be convinced, but I'm having reservations over the DOF. I've played with the 50mm and the bokeh at 1.8 is very nice looking for portraits. The 24mm just won't give that shallow DOF.
 
As Jason says, you've done your homework and these are all good choices. The Tamron 70-300 VC is better than it has any right to be. You should be able to buy it new and with rebate for $350. My only caveat is that it took me 5 tries to get a good copy. L owners don't like to hear it, but the IQ can be just as good depending on conditions. It doesn't like working against light (inexpensive coatings), and it has a slow AF motor. If you buy used, run it through its paces to make sure you don't have AF issues, or screwy VC. I would take this lens in a heartbeat over the 55-250 or regular Canon 70-300. I love mine as the size is nice and compact.


Tamron 70-300

Sigma 17-70 is a great lens. I lived just fine for a long time with no overlap between 50 and 70 using my Sigma 17-50/2.8 OS. The lens is far superior, and easily matches the EF-S 17-55 in IQ and AF performance.


17-50 wide open - note corner performance

The new Canon UWA is getting raves everywhere. The only thing I'd consider substituting here is the Sigma 10-20/4-5.6. It's a dynamite little lens that's quite sharp and I've owned one for about 5+ years. I always thought I'd replace it and never did - and since I shoot interiors my UWA's get pretty nearly daily use. This lens can be had very inexpensively now as it's been out for ages.


10-20 on XTi

Other than that - your choices are quite sound. If you're considering video - STM is handy if you use on-board audio. Older cameras will appreciate the focusing.
 
Sorry for the slight mess of posts, they were awaiting approval :(.

Anywho, funny thing is, I started off the thread fairly certain of what to get, but now I'm torn between the below (But that's is why I started the thread)

Tele:
  • Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 VC
  • Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
Prime:
  • Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
  • Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
Walk-around:
  • Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
  • Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM
  • Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
  • Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
My line of thinking is to pick-up the Canon 10-18 STM (One lens I'm completely certain on), Canon 55-250 STM and Canon 40mm STM for now. Maybe I'll add in a Yongnuo 50mm just for the fun of it when I want the really shallow DOF.

Use the 40mm as walk-around and if I miss the general purpose, then I'll comeback to my options and evaluate what I want then.

Also, I'll take the YN-500EX for it's smaller size, auto and HS.
 
Mohit Garg said:
Sorry for the slight mess of posts, they were awaiting approval :(.

Anywho, funny thing is, I started off the thread fairly certain of what to get, but now I'm torn between the below (But that's is why I started the thread)

Tele:
  • Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 VC
  • Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
Click to expand...
The Tamron is more solidly built and optically does as well/better at all focal lengths except at the minimum zoom. See photozone below:

http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/592-tamron70300f456vceosapsc?start=1

http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/878-canon_55250_456isstm?start=1

Do not underestimate the importance of the extra 50 mm (20%) of reach in the Tamron. You will have to crop away over 30% of your resolution with the Canon to match the 300mm setting. As soon as you start using telephoto lenses you can almost never have too much focal length. I have the Tamron 150-600 mm on a crop body (960 mm equivalent) and many times it is still not enough. See below

http://www.sheridanphoto.com/?page_id=1692

These fox photos were all taken with my then new Tamron 150-600 mm. Despite using the lens at or near full extension they are almost all crops between 40-80% of full frame on the Canon 50D.
Mohit Garg said:
Prime:
  • Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
  • Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
Click to expand...
What would the 40mm give that you will not already have in other lenses, except a smaller form? The 50mm I understand as it offers something your other lenses don't, shallow depth of field.

Walk-around:
Mohit Garg said:
  • Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
  • Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM
  • Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
  • Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
Click to expand...
All of these lenses will give nice results. Pick the one that matches you needs/budget and get out and use it! I have the Sigma 17-70 OS and really like it.
Mohit Garg said:
My line of thinking is to pick-up the Canon 10-18 STM (One lens I'm completely certain on), Canon 55-250 STM and Canon 40mm STM for now. Maybe I'll add in a Yongnuo 50mm just for the fun of it when I want the really shallow DOF.

Use the 40mm as walk-around and if I miss the general purpose, then I'll comeback to my options and evaluate what I want then.

Also, I'll take the YN-500EX for it's smaller size, auto and HS.
Click to expand...
You should really get the 10-18 as it offers more performance and feature for less money than other ultra-wide angle choices.

Jay

--
My adventures in nature photography are found at: www.sheridanphoto.com
 
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jason sheridan said:
The Tamron is more solidly built and optically does as well/better at all focal lengths except at the minimum zoom. See photozone below:

http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/592-tamron70300f456vceosapsc?start=1

http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/878-canon_55250_456isstm?start=1
Click to expand...
I really have to question the how much sample variety the Tamron 70-300 has. I have seen many posts here and reviews showing that 70MM is the Tammy's strong point and it tanks at 300MM.

Here is the Tammy 70-300VC versus the 55-250 and the 55-250 STM is severelly handicapped being on a crop sensor compared to the FF sensor on the Tammy and the STM is still sharper.

Loading…

www.the-digital-picture.com
jason sheridan said:
Do not underestimate the importance of the extra 50 mm (20%) of reach in the Tamron. You will have to crop away over 30% of your resolution with the Canon to match the 300mm setting.
Click to expand...
I wish I could remember the guys name, but a guy on DRreview posted a comparison shot of the 70-300VC at 300mm native versus the original 55-250 cropped out to 300mm effective and I could not tell the different in IQ
jason sheridan said:
As soon as you start using telephoto lenses you can almost never have too much focal length. I have the Tamron 150-600 mm on a crop body (960 mm equivalent) and many times it is still not enough. See below:
Click to expand...
http://www.sheridanphoto.com/?page_id=1692

Now that's a Tamron I would stand behind, just not the 70-300VCnature photography are found at: www.sheridanphoto.com
 
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Sorry I had the 40mm and the 24mm mixed up, I will be going for the 24mm prime, not the 40mm, as it's more "standard" for the APS-C sized 600D. Regarding what it offers, well for one, I'm not looking to for the standard just right now, so it offers better IQ and is faster over the kits lens.

So yeah, 10-18 STM and 24 STM for now. Still looking for a consensus on the Tamron vs Canon tele (Although I don't think we'll ever get one). I'll get a quality general purpose zoom later once I save up for one (Most likely the Sigma 17-50 2.8).
 
I have no acquired the the 55-250 STM and the 18-55 STM, I will be buying the 10-18 STM soon too.

I am really enjoying shooting with these lenses and want to thank the everyone who helped out in the decision making process.

Cheers!
 
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