Canon Lens recommendation please!

[aztbs]

I can't make up my mind!!

I have an Canon Xti, the 18-55mm kit lens and the Canon 100mm f2.8 macro lens. I am going on a hiking trip in March to Sequoia and Kings Canyon and to Monterey Bay Aquarium. I am spending this weekend at the Grand Canyon and at Grand Falls.

I have $500 to spend (gift cards) at only Circuit City and I want to get the best lens I can for the trip. I am thinking I want something with good wide angle capability.

I was considering this lens

I like the versatility, but is 28mm wide enough? I have a really good rental place in town, I can rent just about anything to try it this weekend before I buy. What's your thoughts? Thanks!

 

[Phyl]

Since you already have the 18-55 you're not gaining much with the 28-135. You didn't say what you're trying to accomplish with the lens. Are you looking for one lens to do it all? Or an addition to your kit?

I'd recommend this or this instead.

 

[juniormc8704]

be sure to check online, as they usually have far more available. Also, not to sound hokey, but you can usually hang around the computers or tvs at the store and convince someone to trade you cash for your cards. Just be willing to wait around till they check out, so they know there is actually money on them.

 

[juniormc8704]

if you could get the cash, then i would say get a tamron 90mm macro lens.

 

[Phyl]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11855747#post11855747 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by juniormc8704
if you could get the cash, then i would say get a tamron 90mm macro lens.

Per the original post, he already has the Canon 100... not sure what good the 90 would be to him, especially since he seems more interested in a versitile zoom (looking at a 24-135).

 

[aztbs]

I am looking for an addition to my kit, but I want to get the most out of it for this trip. I can only afford to buy a lens once a year if I am real good.

I have a cheesey wide angle adapter that screws on to the kit lens that take decent pictures. I am still wondering if it is worth investing in a super wide lens,
like this one

I do want some versatile zoom, but I seriously see a lenslike this or something similar with long zoom this in my future.

I just need to buy both of them now. I will probably buy one and rent one for the trip, I just have to pick which. I have the hardest time finding the right combination to own, I am pretty new at this.

 

[aztbs]

It kills me how much cheaper everything is on bhphoto, but I don't want to scalp my gift cards. lol That would be creepy.

 

[Phyl]

You don't have a lot of room under 18 (12-17), so I'd DEFINITELY go with the 70-300 and rent a 12-24.

I just picked up a 70-300 as well and can't wait to use it skiing.

 

[aztbs]

I have rented the 70-300 before to shoot little league games and at zoos and I know I love it.

I take lots of panoramic composite pictures, so I shouldn't worry so much about wide angle. I put together this meteor crater shot with a old 1.6mpx powershot. It prints beautifully at 36in wide.

I just hate making expensive decisions. Thanks for your help.

 

[Phyl]

Now there's a pano to be proud of. Cool shot. If that's something you do often then I'd say look for a 12-24 lens rather than the 70-300 (and just rent the 70-300 again). Personally I'll get more use (at LL & Football games) with the 70-300 than the 14-24 (Nikon), so I went with that over the other.

Let us know what you end up deciding!

 

[Steeltowndubber]

How about the Sigma 17-70

Check out the images in this thread...

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=186589

Warning... can be a very addicting canon site...

 

[Phyl]

He has an 18-55. A 17 is not enough wider to bother with.

 

[Steeltowndubber]

You're right... after reading everyone else's responses I totally forgot what he already had... lol...

 

[AzMandella]

If your going to rent a lens try a L-series. The color and contrast is unmatched. Try a 70-200 f/2.8 IS it will knock your socks off. I'm still alittle upset that I settled for the f4. But it still takes awsome shots.

 

[aztbs]

I rented a 75-300 for this weekend, they did not have any wide lenses available on such short notice. I'll probably buy the zoom lens because it will be a good addition to the collection.

Any thoughts on the best lens to take to the aquarium?

 

[jedininja]

If you are looking for wide angle, check the 17-40 L lens. I dont know if circuit city carries it, but its excellent for the price.

 

[westhaven reef]

It really sounds list the 70-300 is the lens you need. I know the 70-200 is out of your budget so I would do the 70-300.

 

[swjim]

Another option for ultrawide at the $500 price range would be the Sigma 10-20. It gets good reviews and is about $180 less than the Canon 10-22 (also an excellent choice).

 

[jedininja]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11873790#post11873790 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by westhaven reef
It really sounds list the 70-300 is the lens you need. I know the 70-200 is out of your budget so I would do the 70-300.

I bought and returned the 70-300. Produces bad pictures, Not sharp at all.

 

[aztbs]

Well the 75-300 was just OK on this particular trip. I know it is a good lens, but the light/setting wasn't where it could shine. I can see where you would be disappointed jedininja. I think a lot of it was also forgetting my tripod for the zoom shots. But maybe I will save up for the 70-200 L series. I'll have to rent it.

Shooting Grand Falls is HARD. There is a fine mist of silt or clay blowing up constantly, so the camera is in a baggie and the lens has to be wiped every couple of seconds. lol It also is very monotone out there.

Here's my best shot of the falls with the 18-55:

And this is just a fun shot to show what the muddy air did to my sunglasses, hair, and face, and what it was doing to the lens (or actually UV filter).