Travel + Video lens for T7i (Hobbyist)

Hey guys!

I have been advised to ask this sub-forum for more experienced and specific advice.

I'm a hobbyist photographer that wants to upgrade his current gear which I have had for about 8 years (Canon 1000d + broken Sigma 18-200 DC OS). To give you some perspective, I was pretty much satisfied with the camera body, and really satisfied from the Sigma lens in terms of focal range, but wasn't satisfied with the lens's IQ.

I'm looking for gear for travel photography + I want to start making videos.

After researching I am pretty set on the T7i (though I do consider upgrading the body to 77D, since the price difference might not be that significant in terms of buying options I have - is it worth the upgrade?)

I mainly need advice for the lens. I'm looking for one lens, so it must be zoom. It should be versatile enough, but I am willing to sacrifice some range for IQ (since sharpness is important for me). As I wrote above - the 18-200 range was really good. In terms of pricing I am looking for a lens around 400-650$.

After narrowing down the list, I have come to three options:

1. Canon 18-135 F3.5-5.6 IS nano USM
2. Tamron 16-300 Di II VC PZD Macro
3. Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM C

The Tamron gives the best range, but as far as I understand the IQ is less then the other two + I can live without the extra zoom range.

The Sigma is a quicker lens, and as far as I understand it has a better IQ then the two other lenses. However, the 70 zoom feels pretty limiting, and I'm afraid it will not be enough for me (when I reviewed my photos with the current gear I see that I do have some photos in the 70-135 range). I also understand that it is not as good for videos as the Canon.

The Canon lens seems like a good compromise of the two. It isn't quick as the Sigma, but it has a better range (which I think will satisfy me), and I understand that with the new USM it is really great for video.

Any advice on which lens to choose will be awesome! I am also open for advice on the body.

Thanks!

MickeyDSLR wrote:

After narrowing down the list, I have come to three options:

1. Canon 18-135 F3.5-5.6 IS nano USM
2. Tamron 16-300 Di II VC PZD Macro
3. Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM C

Strictly IMO here, but IMO the Tamron isn't going to deliver the IQ that you want and the Sigma is a much more limited range making the 18-135 the obvious choice.  I find that kind of zoom to be a super useful main lens.  You might also look at relative size and weight if those factors are important to you.