Need advice on lens for new Canon T2i

[photo_chick]

I've heard that lens hoods are becoming increasingly obsolete and, in fact, somewhat problematic, especially with crop sensors. Your mileage may vary, though.

Other than with the flash what kind of problems with crop cameras? I can't see them becoming obsolete unless stray light ceases to exist. No matter how trendy flare is right now.

 

[reimero]

I know they tend to cause problems with flash and longer lenses. I'm trying to remember the exact page, but I know Ken Rockwell (of www.kenrockwell.com) considers them "throwbacks" and never uses them. If there's a need for shielding, he uses his hand or a baseball cap. I wish I could remember the other sources.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I know they tend to cause problems with flash and longer lenses. I'm trying to remember the exact page, but I know Ken Rockwell (of www.kenrockwell.com) considers them "throwbacks" and never uses them. If there's a need for shielding, he uses his hand or a baseball cap. I wish I could remember the other sources.

I shoot with professional sports photographers almost every weekend during the race season. Everyone of them to a person uses a hood for their lenses. I am talking about lenses out to 300mm. We don't usually need anything more than that. And we all use external flashes. This past week, one of the photographers dropped his camera straight down striking and breaking the hood, but the lens and camera survived. I would not call hoods "throwbacks"! When I have to remove my hood(s), I get extremely nervous!! I just remembered last season when I was covering a Team Demolition Derby, a huge flying mud clod struck my hood at an oblique angle. Had it not been there, it would have struck the front of my 70-200 f2.8 lens and probably damaged it. I go nowhere without my hoods attached to my lenses.

 

[photo_chick]

Ken Rockwell... You know, he's one of those people who sounds good on the surface but when you really get into things there's a lot of cracks in his foundation. Take everything you read online with a grain of salt because anyone can create a website that makes them look like they know what they're talking about.

 

[reimero]

Ken Rockwell... You know, he's one of those people who sounds good on the surface but when you really get into things there's a lot of cracks in his foundation. Take everything you read online with a grain of salt because anyone can create a website that makes them look like they know what they're talking about.

Some of his stuff is good, some of his stuff is definitely more of the "opinionated" variety. And I realize there's a lot of stuff that is firmly in the "fall into one of two camps" variety (seriously, trying to decide between the Canon and Nikon platforms... yeesh!) But you're definitely right, I try to get a diversity of points of view about these things.

For what it's worth, I certainly do not paint myself as any sort of authority, I'm just an interested amateur.

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

Hello OP -

I am about a year ahead of you and wanted to share an opinion -

Consider saving the $200 package upgrade cost of getting that 18-135 and take the kit lens...or maybe even just buy the T2i body for even cheaper.

And then put that $$ towards an 18-250 Sigma or 18-270 Tamron. ($480 roughly).

You will be very happy with the extra reach and I do believe those lenses are just as good optically as the 18-135...maybe better. Plus you get the USM motor or whatever Sigma/Tamron calls it. Nice and quiet and smooth.

that's all you'll really need on your camera while you figure out where you want to go from there (fast prime, wide angle, macro etc).

Best regards -
Mike

 

[photo_chick]

I've used the Sigma 18-250. It's not nearly on par with the Canon 18-135 when it comes to sharpness. And it's an elephant at longer focal lengths that's only really useful in bright sun.

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

I've used the Sigma 18-250. It's not nearly on par with the Canon 18-135 when it comes to sharpness. And it's an elephant at longer focal lengths that's only really useful in bright sun.

Do you find the 135 reach is enough? Said another way...is the difference between 135 and 250 (plus USM) a big plus or really not that big a deal in practice.

I suppose it's implicit in your reply above that the drop off in sharpness is not worth the extra reach, but I'd love any other thoughts you might have!

 

[photo_chick]

Do you find the 135 reach is enough? Said another way...is the difference between 135 and 250 (plus USM) a big plus or really not that big a deal in practice.

I suppose it's implicit in your reply above that the drop off in sharpness is not worth the extra reach, but I'd love any other thoughts you might have!

The Canon 18-135 is already about as soft as I'd go with a lens and you do see it in everyday use. But a lot depends on what's acceptable to the individual.

The reach... For me one lens is not enough to do it all. I'd rather carry two lenses to cover the focal range and not sacrifice as much sharpness or speed for the sake of convenience. I use an older Canon 28-105 (f/3.5-4.5) on my crop body and it fits my everyday shooting style very well. But we're all different.

 

[WDWAtLast]

Ordered the Canon T2i with the 18-135 mm lens and the 55-250 mm lens from B&H Photography. With the rebate bundle, I only paid $105 for the 55-250 lens. The only thing I added at this time was a San Disk 16 GB card (10 class) No long trips planned anytime soon, so I will have time to add an extra battery, flash and other "necessities" as budget allows. I can't wait for it too arrive!!! Thanks for all your help!!!

 

[mom2rtk]

Ordered the Canon T2i with the 18-135 mm lens and the 55-250 mm lens from B&H Photography. With the rebate bundle, I only paid $105 for the 55-250 lens. The only thing I added at this time was a San Disk 16 GB card (10 class) No long trips planned anytime soon, so I will have time to add an extra battery, flash and other "necessities" as budget allows. I can't wait for it too arrive!!! Thanks for all your help!!!

Congrats!

I think you'll be happy with that setup for some time. Have fun watching for that brown truck...... and be sure to let us know what questions you have when it gets here!

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

The Canon 18-135 is already about as soft as I'd go with a lens and you do see it in everyday use. But a lot depends on what's acceptable to the individual.

The reach... For me one lens is not enough to do it all. I'd rather carry two lenses to cover the focal range and not sacrifice as much sharpness or speed for the sake of convenience. I use an older Canon 28-105 (f/3.5-4.5) on my crop body and it fits my everyday shooting style very well. But we're all different.

I want a f/2.8, super sharp, 12-300mm, USM, IS lens. For under $1000.

Is that really too much to ask for in this day and age?

 

[mom2rtk]

I want a f/2.8, super sharp, 12-300mm, USM, IS lens. For under $1000.

Is that really too much to ask for in this day and age?

Don't forget it needs to be under a pound in weight.

 

[photo_chick]

I want a f/2.8, super sharp, 12-300mm, USM, IS lens. For under $1000.

Is that really too much to ask for in this day and age?

Let's not forget great color reproduction, good contrast, low CA and a fast silent focusing motor. I want it all!

 

[KCmike]

Ordered the Canon T2i with the 18-135 mm lens and the 55-250 mm lens from B&H Photography. With the rebate bundle, I only paid $105 for the 55-250 lens. The only thing I added at this time was a San Disk 16 GB card (10 class) No long trips planned anytime soon, so I will have time to add an extra battery, flash and other "necessities" as budget allows. I can't wait for it too arrive!!! Thanks for all your help!!!

Congrats.
Keep an eye out for the 50mm 1.8 for your third lens. Called the nifty fifty and usually sells for around $100. I personally think its a great lens. I get amazing shots straight out of the camera.

Be sure to post some photos on this thread!

 

[WDWAtLast]

My camera arrived at 6 PM last night!! I have the battery charged and hope to play some today. Will post some pics on this thread today or tomorrow.

 

[ireland_nicole]

Enjoy! I have the same camera and I <3 it!