New lenses to buy for SL1

I'm fairly new to the SLR game, but I've been shooting manual for quite some time, starting with an SX110, SX260, SX700, SX50, G7X, and now my SL1 (I still have the last three).

I bought the white SL1 with the 18-55 STM kit, and I also got the 50mm f/1.8 STM prime, which is a gorgeous lens.  I don't have a "need" for a telephoto lens, per se, especially with an SX50, but I'd like one for my SLR.  I was told to go for the 55-250mm over the 70-300mm, IQ-wise.  I'm also looking at a 10-18mm, because I want a shorter focal length than 18mm, which I think I do need, and even with the EF12 II, I've found myself wanting a wider angle for macros/closer shots in general.  I also kind of want the 24mm pancake, but I feel like that can wait.

I do a lot of indoor shooting for listing things on eBay, but I also do a lot of other random shooting, as people might have seen with the photos I've posted.

So my questions are:

1. Prioritize the 55-250 and the 10-18?

2. Go with the 55-250 and spend the extra money over the 70-300?

3. Are there any comparable Tamron lenses I should consider?  I mean comparable in features, IQ, and price.

*I'm most likely buying them Canon refurb to give you an idea of my price range.  The SX50, SL1, and the 50mm pancake are all refurb direct from Canon, so I'm totally comfortable with it.

Thanks!

Kaso wrote:

SL1 + 10-18 IS STM + 18-55 IS STM + 50 STM + 55-250 IS STM

Heavenly. (bold = have now; regular = to buy)

You can do a whole lot with the above (relatively inexpensive) collection. Stop shopping around.

BTW, as you take pictures of (small) products for sale listings, you may want to consider a macro lens. One option is Canon 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM.

Thanks, so it looks like I'm right on the money with what I'm thinking.

The macro is a bit out of my price range; I've spent more than I can afford already between the camera and the 50mm; my birthday is next month, so I'm thinking of asking my parents if they can swing the other two or most of the cost for me (even though I'm in my early 30s, haha).

As I mentioned, I do have the EF12 II extension tube, so that helps, since I'm still able to use autofocus if I want or need.  I picked it up open box on Amazon for about $35, so I can't complain about that!

Jon_T wrote:

Ashleigh919 wrote:

... I was told to go for the 55-250mm over the 70-300mm, IQ-wise....

... 2. Go with the 55-250 and spend the extra money over the 70-300?...

You must be referring to the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM ($189 +/-) and not the
EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM ($649 +/-).

IQ wise the 55-250mm IS STM is much better than the 75-300mm, and has IS.

As you can see HERE the 55-250mm IS STM overall IQ compares quite well the the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM.

To get good prices visit the Canon Refurbished Lenses periodically as at times Canon offers specials on the regular refurb price.

At the time of this post you can get the 55-250mm STM IS for $129.99 (regularly $239.99).

All Canon refurbished items come with the Canon USA 1-Year Warranty.

I've purchased refurb cameras and lenses; all have performed without any issues and looked good as new.

Cheers,
Jon

Thanks for the helpful comparison, Jon.  You are correct that it is the 75-300 STM that I meant; there is no way that I can afford a $649 lens.

I do frequent the Canon refurb site, and as I mentioned, I bought my SX50, SL1, and the 50mm pancake all refurb from there, so I'm comfortable and confident doing so.  In fact, the only way I can afford any of these would be to buy them refurbished.  I tell people about the refurbished site all the time, because they didn't know.  I think that they are better than new sometimes, because any kinks in new equipment that existed (which can happen to any electronic item) have been worked out and refined, and you get the same warranty anyway.

- Ashleigh

I agree. This 3-lens combo delivers huge bang for the buck. These are excellent lenses and you should be very happy with the results.

Note: If you're taking a lot of product shots for eBay, you might want to allocate some funds to appropriate lighting (lights or flashes, soft boxes, grids, and stands) and backdrops/light tents if you haven't already done so.

Excellent choices with those three lenses - truly a frugal-gourmet collection where image quality is concerned.

If I can weigh in, I might add one more value-for-money winner, and that would be the 24mm f/2.8 STM prime, another EF-S lens. It's a pancake lens, barely half an inch long, and is by all accounts as light and sharp as the 50mm - even lighter as it's barely there! (I had and loved its full-frame twin the 40mm 2.8, also a pancake.)

The 24 pancake is very versatile for night and indoor shooting, and for the small outlay, I can't think of a reason not to add it to your kit eventually. And it too is a regular at the Canon refurbished store.

HowardLive wrote:

Excellent choices with those three lenses - truly a frugal-gourmet collection where image quality is concerned.

If I can weigh in, I might add one more value-for-money winner, and that would be the 24mm f/2.8 STM prime, another EF-S lens. It's a pancake lens, barely half an inch long, and is by all accounts as light and sharp as the 50mm - even lighter as it's barely there! (I had and loved its full-frame twin the 40mm 2.8, also a pancake.)

The 24 pancake is very versatile for night and indoor shooting, and for the small outlay, I can't think of a reason not to add it to your kit eventually. And it too is a regular at the Canon refurbished store.

Thanks, the 24mm pankcake has been the third one on my list, as I feel like it's the one I need the least.  It's also been sold out via Canon refurb for weeks.  I just got the go-ahead from my parents/mother specifically to buy the 10-18 and I'll be paid back, and that's my birthday present this year.  My mother asked me yesterday if I bought it yet, and I said no, that I thought she said she was going to buy it for me, so long as I told her what to buy.

Even though it means I'll wait a little longer for it, I'm going down there next Tuesday.  So it's getting it Thursday-Friday vs. Tuesday for a lower tax rate...I think I can wait a few more days, even though I'd like to have it for next weekend!  It's about a $6 difference, so I'm thinking about it...

As others suggested, the full set of STM lenses (10-18, 18-55, 55-250, 50) are a perfect fit for the SL1/100D. Reasonable price, good IQ, good autofocus, and with the 50 f1.8 you also have something to use in low light.

Tamron/Sigma don't have comparable lenses in terms of price/performance. Some of their lenses are really good, but we're in a different price range.