Direct kit lens upgrade, or different lenses?

[bentrinh]

I have a T2i that I take on vacations and hikes, as well as the occasional film project. I bought the Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM a while back thinking I could completely replace my kit lens - but after shooting for a while I found that the IQ seemed to be worse. Turns out the majority of my shots are at 18mm, some 30/50mm shots and the occasional 70mm shot - meaning that for the most part I've been using the Sigma at its extreme focal length. I typically carry a zoom lens and a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 if I need the low light capability.

I'm looking for an replacement zoom lens under $600 used, where I can expect consistently better IQ than my kit lens (this is ideal, since I'm moving so much, changing lenses is a hassle). Having a reach up to 70-85 is nice, but if I'd lose a lot of IQ on the wide end, I'll give it up. If this isn't possible, would it just be more viable for me to carry my Sigma 18-250 and perhaps the Canon 10-18?

Typical shoots: Mostly landscapes. Events with people. Infrequently, wildlife and plants.

I like: Sharpness, IQ. Good IS (helps with video).

Don't care about: Macro. Low light capability (usually have a prime for that). Full time manual focus. Moving focus elements.

Currently own:

- Canon 18-55mm IS (kit lens)

- Canon 50mm f/1.8 II

- Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM

- Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM

 

[axlastro]

The sigma 17-50 OS hsm has good is, but it's not very good for video, due to short focus throw. There is a sigma 17-70 art lens that should fulfill all your needs except low light indoor events. I have only primes and a wide angle zoom and I appreciatethe flexibility of a zoom lens, but love the image quality of prime lens.

 

[jvc1]

Look at the EF-S 15-85. It's probably in your price range used and fits the range you seem to want. I have it and really like it. A bit wider than the kit 18-55 with a lot more reach.

 

[l_d_allan]

bentrinh wrote:
I like: Sharpness, IQ. Good IS (helps with video).

For value and high quality, it is difficult (impossible?) to beat the Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS kit lens. Canon makes them in large quantities, so "economies of scale" apply. Kit lenses used to be mediocre, but no longer, and are almost "thrown in" with the camera.

You should be able to find a used one very reasonably. The EF-S 55-250 IS makes a nice "bundle" with the 18-55mm, and is also of high quality and very affordable.

I've got older versions of these lenses. My understanding is that the optical formula has changed with the STM versions. Or not?

 

[Abu Mahendra]

You want the best and latest iteration for both the 18-55 and 55-250, the STM versions.
--
>>That which is asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence<<

 

[ecologist1234]

agreed. I use the 15-85 on a 60d and it's great. Larger than the 18-55 surely, but it sharper. Can't say how it is for video.

If you want to stay cheap, then I agree with Abu below. Get the two new STM kit lenses.

 

[Mark B.]

I have a T2i that I take on vacations and hikes, as well as the occasional film project. I bought the Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM a while back thinking I could completely replace my kit lens - but after shooting for a while I found that the IQ seemed to be worse.

Of course it is. No superzoom is going to have equal or better IQ than a zoom lens with a shorter range.

Turns out the majority of my shots are at 18mm, some 30/50mm shots and the occasional 70mm shot - meaning that for the most part I've been using the Sigma at its extreme focal length. I typically carry a zoom lens and a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 if I need the low light capability.

I'm looking for an replacement zoom lens under $600 used, where I can expect consistently better IQ than my kit lens (this is ideal, since I'm moving so much, changing lenses is a hassle). Having a reach up to 70-85 is nice, but if I'd lose a lot of IQ on the wide end, I'll give it up. If this isn't possible, would it just be more viable for me to carry my Sigma 18-250 and perhaps the Canon 10-18?

You won't get better IQ with a superzoom. You either choose ultimate convenience, or better IQ. Can't have both. If you want the better IQ and still want a bit longer zoom, I'd suggest picking up the Canon 55-250 IS STM. It's about half the cost of the superzooms, but with better IQ. Yes, it means you'll need to change lenses for wider angle shots but the image quality will be better.

Mark

 

[bentrinh]

Thanks everyone, I decided on the Canon 15-85mm. It's rare for me to actually shoot above 85mm, and the lens covers my most used range while being consistently sharp any way you shoot it. I also considered the Sigma 17-70mm C, but I don't like its soft corners on the wide end.