Zoom lens recommendation for Canon Rebel T4i

A friend has a Canon Rebel T4i with kit lens. Her husband asked for help in buying her a zoom for a present. She's ~60 and did a lot of photography when young, now is getting back into it. I am a photographer, but am currently affiliated with the Church of Sony, so I need some help choosing a Canon lens. Here's what I think she needs:

• All in one lens she doesn't have to switch out much.
• She's seen my Sony 18-200 in action and I think would like something equivalent.
• Mid-range price. Not pro, but not bottom-of-the line either.
• Not too bulky. Should be reasonable for an everyday shooter to carry around.
• Jury's out on whether it should be Canon glass or Tamron or ??? Thoughts appreciated.

Thanks for any help.

Ed B

I'm currently in the same boat (metaphorically) having recently picked up a Canon 700D with the 18-55 STM kit lens.

I'm currently looking at the following:

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

CANON EF-S 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 IS LENS

Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD

I like all in one lenses because of their versatility, I became used to this style of lens from a long association with Fuji Bridge cameras and not having to tote a bag of lenses around is a huge plus especially when travelling.

The four lenses I listed above are what I have narrowed it down to. If you dont need a huge amount of reach then the 18-135 or 18-200 would work well. The 18-135 has an excellent reputation and is generally the most expensive.

The Tamron lens has been around for almost 10 years and has a respectable history as being a good if not stellar performer.

The Canon 55-250 STM lens, this is the latest model is an outstanding lens, rivalling some of the much more expensive L lenses in similar focal lengths. Its also rated as one of the better video telephoto lenses as well, with very good stabilisation and focus response.

I'm going with the Canon 55-250 STM lens due to the following:

1. Very good AF response.
2. Excellent optics for a consumer lens
3. Not too big or heavy ( lighter than the 18-135 )
4. STM focus means no rotating lens barrel.
5. Very little vignetting
6. Very little barrel & pincushion distortion.
7. Excellent colour and contrast response.
8. Excellent image stabilisation.

Theres a few minor things that that could be improved but they dont detract from the use or performance of the lens. As I'm now 64, weight in my camera bag takes on a much larger consideration than it used to. I dont mind toting around the 18-55 in my camera bag, you hardly know its there and from my days of using the 55-250 IS II version on my 650D, it was relatively rare for me to switch to 18-55, so my advice is go for the 55-250 for now and change later if you feel its necessary. As an added bonus the price new is less than the price of the other three lenses so you get a great lens and its the cheapest.

If size is more of a factor then try the Tamron, it may be more suitable.

http://akiwiretrospective.com/
Fuji HS20EXR,S5700
Canon 700D, EF-S 18 - 55 mm

Ralph McKenzie wrote:

The Canon 55-250 STM lens, this is the latest model is an outstanding lens, rivalling some of the much more expensive L lenses in similar focal lengths. Its also rated as one of the better video telephoto lenses as well, with very good stabilisation and focus response.

I'm going with the Canon 55-250 STM lens due to the following:

1. Very good AF response.
2. Excellent optics for a consumer lens
3. Not too big or heavy ( lighter than the 18-135 )
4. STM focus means no rotating lens barrel.
5. Very little vignetting
6. Very little barrel & pincushion distortion.
7. Excellent colour and contrast response.
8. Excellent image stabilisation.

Theres a few minor things that that could be improved but they dont detract from the use or performance of the lens. As I'm now 64, weight in my camera bag takes on a much larger consideration than it used to. I dont mind toting around the 18-55 in my camera bag, you hardly know its there and from my days of using the 55-250 IS II version on my 650D, it was relatively rare for me to switch to 18-55, so my advice is go for the 55-250 for now and change later if you feel its necessary. As an added bonus the price new is less than the price of the other three lenses so you get a great lens and its the cheapest.

I agree, The 55-250 STM is a great one to go with the kit 18-55. Very good image quality at a very low price, and doesn't weigh much.

I like my older all around 18-200 mm sigma lens. They have an interesting lineup. I had a not so good experience with the extra wide lens but the telephoto works great.

Also look at the Sigma 18-300. It has been an overachiever.

canonaimer wrote:

Also look at the Sigma 18-300. It has been an overachiever.

Even my older Sigma 18-200 still does a very good job.

ejbSF wrote:

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I'm researching your suggestions now.

Looking at the 18-135 first, I see it comes in two flavors - USM and STM.

What is the difference?

Which would be more useful for still as opposed to video?

Are they overkill for the Rebel T4i?

Thanks,

Ed

All the reviewers seen to favour the USM version. Its the later generation lens and apparently optically it noticeably improved over the older STM lens.

Its certainly not overkill, but it is quite heavy and If weights an issue then the 18-270 Tamron may be a better option, or the 55-250 which is the lightest of the bunch.