M50 + Sigma DC 18-250mm OS HSM

I got an OG Sigma 18-25mm lens to go on my M50 and essentially replace my EF-S 18-55mm and EF-S 55-250mm lenses (both IS II). I'll still keep the Canon lenses as I'm sure I'll continue to use them, but my idea with the Sigma is basically a well rounded travel lens. The only real issue I see so far is that it's quite heavy - 630g compared to just 390g for the EF-S 55-250mm. With the camera, it's about 2.5 lbs. But that's okay... I'm used to having heavy stuff hanging off my neck and shoulders (I have a 7.5lb Telecaster that I wear a lot!)

What do you guys think? Is it worth the extra weight to cut down (especially on vacation) swapping lenses around? Or am I better off sticking with the lighter EF-S lenses and using a camera bag when on I'm vacation?

Canon M50 with a Sigma DC 18-250mm OS HSM zoom lens

Cheers!

Rick

I would buy the Canon EF-M 18-150 mm and be done with it. I love this lens. Once you match this with the Canon EF-M 11-22 mm, you have a super compact light package that almost covers all the bases. Personally, I hate carrying around heavy camera equipment, not just on vacation, but anywhere. I own a ton of Canon EF lenses along with a Canon 80D, Canon 5D III, Canon M, Canon M50, and Canon M6 II. I also own a bunch of M lenses.  Love the M series (now on the way out) precisely because they are light and super compact and, of course, take great photos. I find myself using my DSLR less and less. Unless I need to mount one of my EF or EFS lenses for a special purpose on my M bodies, I keep M lenses on them. I think you have to make a choice first on what you can afford and the type of photography you do. For me, less weight, without sacrifice, is heaven.

thetoolman wrote:

I would buy the Canon EF-M 18-150 mm and be done with it. I love this lens. Once you match this with the Canon EF-M 11-22 mm, you have a super compact light package that almost covers all the bases. Personally, I hate carrying around heavy camera equipment, not just on vacation, but anywhere. I own a ton of Canon EF lenses along with a Canon 80D, Canon 5D III, Canon M, Canon M50, and Canon M6 II. I also own a bunch of M lenses. Love the M series (now on the way out) precisely because they are light and super compact and, of course, take great photos. I find myself using my DSLR less and less. Unless I need to mount one of my EF or EFS lenses for a special purpose on my M bodies, I keep M lenses on them. I think you have to make a choice first on what you can afford and the type of photography you do. For me, less weight, without sacrifice, is heaven.

These are some good ideas - thank you! I did ponder going with EF-M lenses, but aside from the 22mm, they are quite expensive. I didn't actually buy into the M system on purpose. I asked for a new camera for Christmas, and the M50 is what my wife came up with - for which I'm thrilled! The camera is just about perfect for me. I also use it on my telescope and so far it's excelled at that too.

But I bought the EF-S lenses because they are far less expensive that the M equivalents. I think I paid $200 total for BOTH my EF-S lenses (they were used, obviously but in great shape). I don't mind the Sigma being heavy... although lets see if I fee the same way after going on a trip with it.

I'd like to get some more M lenses, but that's going to take some time. I'm a small budget photographer who just happened to get stunned by his wife's generosity (the M50 is by far the most expensive camera I've ever had!).

Thanks!

Rick

I have been taking photos for many, many, years now and choices have to be made when you are following a budget. The M50 is a great camera, and it will serve you well int the future. Mounting EFS lenses on an M camera is a great choice for the very reasons you gave, namely that they are cheaper and smaller and lighter than EF lenses. Just know that the M lenses will probably get cheaper over time too, though nearly all of them by then will end up to be used, and they far more compact and lighter than EFS. They will be there when you are ready to spend the money and go even lighter.

If you like the photos coming from the 18-250,  go for it. I settled on the Sigma 17-70 and adapt to my M50ii. I like this combo. If I need more reach, I put the 55-250 in the bag.

Rick T-137 wrote:

I got an OG Sigma 18-25mm lens to go on my M50 and essentially replace my EF-S 18-55mm and EF-S 55-250mm lenses (both IS II). I'll still keep the Canon lenses as I'm sure I'll continue to use them, but my idea with the Sigma is basically a well rounded travel lens. The only real issue I see so far is that it's quite heavy - 630g compared to just 390g for the EF-S 55-250mm. With the camera, it's about 2.5 lbs. But that's okay... I'm used to having heavy stuff hanging off my neck and shoulders (I have a 7.5lb Telecaster that I wear a lot!)

What do you guys think? Is it worth the extra weight to cut down (especially on vacation) swapping lenses around? Or am I better off sticking with the lighter EF-S lenses and using a camera bag when on I'm vacation?

I think it’s definitely worth considering tradeoffs between lightness, convenience, and image quality.

My take on this is to use the EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM when lightness and compactness is a premium and the EF-S 18-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS STM when I can carry a little more. I have the EF-S 55-250 IS STM, but since I got the 18-135 I tend not to pair it with the 18-55 but rather just use the 18-135. If I’m going to carry an extra lens, I tend to carry the EF-S 10-18.

We can spend all day discussing the advantages and disadvantages of these lenses — the EF-M 18-150 or the EF-S 18-135 or your Sigma 18-250 or others — but if this lens works for you then it works for you.

Regards,

Alan

Not to change lenses is a great joy while traveling. Less issues with sensor dust, missed shots and no trouble with travel companion(s)!

I loved the convenience of the Tamron 18-400 mm, but not so the balance on my M6, so I switched to Sony RX10IV for travel.

Give your Sigma a chance and go along with it and add EF-M lenses when you have money to spare.

Rick T-137 wrote:

I got an OG Sigma 18-25mm lens to go on my M50 and essentially replace my EF-S 18-55mm and EF-S 55-250mm lenses (both IS II). I'll still keep the Canon lenses as I'm sure I'll continue to use them, but my idea with the Sigma is basically a well rounded travel lens. The only real issue I see so far is that it's quite heavy - 630g compared to just 390g for the EF-S 55-250mm. With the camera, it's about 2.5 lbs. But that's okay... I'm used to having heavy stuff hanging off my neck and shoulders (I have a 7.5lb Telecaster that I wear a lot!)

What do you guys think? Is it worth the extra weight to cut down (especially on vacation) swapping lenses around? Or am I better off sticking with the lighter EF-S lenses and using a camera bag when on I'm vacation?

If the size and weight aren’t a bother for you (and it has sufficient IQ), then go for it.  The extra zoom would be nice.

One note, if that’s a protection filter on it, I’d remove it in order to preserve as much contrast and color as possible, and reduce flare (which that lens is somewhat prone to).  Use a hood instead.  Happy shooting!

R2

Maxmolly7 wrote:

Not to change lenses is a great joy while traveling. Less issues with sensor dust, missed shots and no trouble with travel companion(s)!

I loved the convenience of the Tamron 18-400 mm, but not so the balance on my M6, so I switched to Sony RX10IV for travel.

Give your Sigma a chance and go along with it and add EF-M lenses when you have money to spare.

I think that is my plan - I'm going to use the Sigma for a while, and start saving up to build up my EF-M lenses.

Thanks!

Rick

R2D2 wrote:

If the size and weight aren’t a bother for you (and it has sufficient IQ), then go for it. The extra zoom would be nice.

One note, if that’s a protection filter on it, I’d remove it in order to preserve as much contrast and color as possible, and reduce flare (which that lens is somewhat prone to). Use a hood instead. Happy shooting!

R2

Good eye! That is a protection filter - the seller put it on the lens because they didn't have a lens cap for it. I bought the Canon lens cap (a Sigma 72mm lens cap was weirdly much more expensive!) and I never thought to remove the filter.

Thanks!

Rick