Another Camera Lens Thread

blueren

blueren

Explorer
Hi.

I'm looking for macro as well as better zoom lenses for my 550D. I don't know which exactly to go in for.
My dad will be visiting Singapore soon so he said he'll get me the lenses if he finds it cheap there. I have no idea about the lens so I can't give much specifications. I'm basically looking for a zoom lens which is better than the stock 18-55mm that I have. (i'm looking for more zoom AND more wide angle) I'm also interested in macro photography so I'm also looking for a good macro lens.

I'm also looking for the RC 5 remote which is currently unavailable locally here in b'lore.

So the list is:
1 macro lens
1 zoom lens
1 remote

Also, please suggest some good deals on eBay or any other trusted sites where I can buy the 3 items.
 
Zoom - the 18-55IS canon kit lens is very good. For extended range, get the 55-250IS canon, its another great lens.

There are a number of 'good' macro lenses, it all depends on your budget, if you have the budget, consider the canon 100mm macro, which gets consistently great reviews everywhere.

The other options are the third party manufacturer macros.
 
Thanks. The 55-250 sounds good but i'll have to swap lenses depending on the situation right?

The thing is i'd like to retain the wide angle (18mm) or get a lens having an even wider focus. How is the 18-200mm?

Also, what are extension tubes? How do they help?
 
Extension tubes are just empty tubes that sit between your lens and the camera. This increases the distance from the lens opening to the sensor and thus allows for closer focussing than normal. This will allow you to do macros. As they dont involve any optical parts, there is no degradation of image quality as compared to snap in macro lenses which are bad.

Another option is to get a lens reversal adapter and use some lens like the 50mm F1.8 reversed for macros. This will work out cheap!
 
Oh! I was under the impression that the tube will provide more telephoto!

Lens reversal adapter sounds interesting. 350 bucks on ebay!
 
Do remember that you wont be able to use auto focus while using lens reversal adapters.

Though, some manufacturers make extension tubes which have circuitry in them to allow the lens to auto focus. You can try online at ebay.com (US Site). You may find Hong Kond dealers who ship to India.
 
Yes, I'm aware that AF isn't possible with the ring. I'm planning to order one on ebay india. (will there be any additional charges if i ship it internationally?) Also, I've not seen how the images via a reversed lens looks like. So i'm kinda lacking more info.

How is the 18-200mm canon lens? Tamron 18-270mm VC - is this a better option? Will there be any difference if I go in for a 3rd party lens? (image quality)
 
I've used the 18-200 for a bit - it was pretty soft, especially at the corners. Its great as an all-round lens, but you'd be better off going with the 55-250 which is tack sharp.
 
100mm f2.8 Canon Macro.(non IS)

70-200 f4L/70-200f2.8L if you have monies.

And get a cheap remote, you won't be using it much but it is your call.
 
ashvarybabul said:
or both things in one lens ??

also, how much money is to be shelled off??`
Click to expand...
Does such a lens exist?

I haven't decided on any budget. Since my dads going to Singapore ( which I believe is a cheaper place to buy electronics) he told me he'd get stuff if they're affordable. I frankly have no idea how much athey cost there.

As of now I've shortlisted

1. 55-250mm canon

2. Tamron 18-270mm IF affordable

3. Macro yet to be researched on.

I'm still not in a position to decide on a macro lens or a zoom lens. I'm weighing them out
 
dont get the 18-200 type of lenses, changing them out is much more fruitful :)

i have no idea about the cost of the canon 100mm f2.8, but tamron 90mm is good too. Reversing a 50mm will never get results as good as a dedicated macro lens.

Do buy some extension tubes as well, then you can use the macro lens, with the extension tubes to get better magnification.

i'd say

1) 55-250 canon

2) tamron 90mm/ canon 100mm macro (5k or so price difference)

3) extension tubes (that allow autofocus)
 
If you are a not going to be printing larger than 8x12 or viewing at 100% the whole time, I'd highly recommend going with the Tamron 18-270 with some quality (Hoya/Tiffen/B+W) close-up filters. This will work for 80% of what you're looking for.

Don't get caught into all the "a dedicated telephoto/macro is always better" generalization. Yes they are better, but only after a point. For the casual user, the above option is still a very very good deal.

The only REAL issue with the 18-270 is that it's slow at focusing. I used a Sony 18-250 for a long long while and was really happy with it.

Check this page for my photos + some macros: Flickr: Joseph R's stuff tagged with sony18250
 
blueren said:
Does such a lens exist?
Click to expand...

Not, not till date...
But some people compensate with few third party lenses which have zoom and also gives you the magnification of 1:2 (decent for closeups)
-D.Payne- said:
If you are a not going to be printing larger than 8x12 or viewing at 100% the whole time, I'd highly recommend going with the Tamron 18-270 with some quality (Hoya/Tiffen/B+W) close-up filters. This will work for 80% of what you're looking for.

Don't get caught into all the "a dedicated telephoto/macro is always better" generalization. Yes they are better, but only after a point. For the casual user, the above option is still a very very good deal.

The only REAL issue with the 18-270 is that it's slow at focusing. I used a Sony 18-250 for a long long while and was really happy with it.
Check this page for my photos + some macros: Flickr: Joseph R's stuff tagged with sony18250
Click to expand...

Though you are right at some point Joseph.. I dis agree with you on above note....

after buying a 18-200mm kinda lenses a casual photographer remains a casual photographer.....
I personally feel them as growth hampering lenses... no footwork, no perspective hunt.. nothing... just zoom it and shoot....
(though exceptions like U always exists...:))

moreover, one must not forget that a big advantage of DSLR is that U can anytime change the lens.. so why avoid it....
 
Considering the fact that I don't travel the world hunting for wow pictures, whatever you've said holds good. :) Thanks for the advice. I at most have printed on A3 sheets. I mostly might go in for the Tamron 18-270 or canon 18-200 subject to availability in Singapore. I'm also specific about the wide angle coverage
 
ashvarybabul said:
Though you are right at some point Joseph.. I dis agree with you on above note....

after buying a 18-200mm kinda lenses a casual photographer remains a casual photographer.....
I personally feel them as growth hampering lenses... no footwork, no perspective hunt.. nothing... just zoom it and shoot....
(though exceptions like U always exists...:))

moreover, one must not forget that a big advantage of DSLR is that U can anytime change the lens.. so why avoid it....
Click to expand...
- I am not the only exception - check iGo's magic with his 18-200 as well.
- "Changing lenses" with the DSLR is not an advantage till you use quality lenses. And 18-55 + 55-250 gives you the same aperture range as an 18-270 or 18-200 overall.
- A 55-250 + 18-55 is not even substantially better than any of the modern 18-200/18-270 lenses. In fact, the Sony 18-250 I used to use was far better than the kit-lens!
- All low-end zooms are inferior at 150+mm.
- Zooms don't teach ANYthing. You are right. So whether it's a telephoto zoom or a standard zoom, they all suck equally. :D Its just that they are convenient and the 18-200s are the most convenient of the lot.

For me, one of the best starter packages is a 18-270 lens + 50 f1.8. You learn discipline, dof and composition with the 50 and have a convenience and versatility of the 18-270.

Cheers!
Payne

PS: A lens like the 18-200/18-270 is a boon in a dusty environment! ;)
 
-D.Payne- said:
- I am not the only exception - check iGo's magic with his 18-200 as well.
- "Changing lenses" with the DSLR is not an advantage till you use quality lenses. And 18-55 + 55-250 gives you the same aperture range as an 18-270 or 18-200 overall.
- A 55-250 + 18-55 is not even substantially better than any of the modern 18-200/18-270 lenses. In fact, the Sony 18-250 I used to use was far better than the kit-lens!
- All low-end zooms are inferior at 150+mm.
- Zooms don't teach ANYthing. You are right. So whether it's a telephoto zoom or a standard zoom, they all suck equally. :D Its just that they are convenient and the 18-200s are the most convenient of the lot.

For me, one of the best starter packages is a 18-270 lens + 50 f1.8. You learn discipline, dof and composition with the 50 and have a convenience and versatility of the 18-270.

Cheers!
Payne

PS: A lens like the 18-200/18-270 is a boon in a dusty environment! ;)
Click to expand...

I forgot to list iGo in the exception list... :bleh:

I never mentioned 55-250mm IS lens in the post... :D

I didnt mentioned any lens in the post coz the TS didnt opened the budget... so its useless to poke the lenses...

However, I personally feel that if he is ready to shell off $ 600 for a zoom its better to buy Canon 70-300nn IS lens ($ 550) than Canon 18-200mm lens ($ 595)
 
Lemme bump this up.

I locked on to the Tamron 18-270.

Since its gonna be bought by my dad from Singapore, I just need two other lenses that can substitute this one just in case this isn't available. Also, is it ok to get electronics from Singapore? Will there be any customs?
 
dont think there will be a chance that tammy 18-270 lens will no be available...

but in case U dont get, i still stick to my word of Canon 70-300mm IS lens...

its a way way better lens than tammy 18-270...
 
Back
Top