Upgrading kit lens

[*pixie*]

I currently have a Canon XS with the 18-55 kit lens and the Canon 50 mm. I love the 50 mm for indoor sports, but obviously it doesn't work very well when I want to photograph something 5 feet away, lol. On our last trip, I only had the kit lens, and it worked fairly well for me.

I don't have any aspirations to try and take indoor ride shots. Mostly just pics of my kids with the characters, outside shots of the various attractions, maybe a few parade shots, and then general pics during our cruise. I also know that I'm not going to want to switch lens frequently, and I am okay with not getting spectacular shots due to that.

I know I want something with at least 18 mm, and maybe a little bit more reach than the 55 mm. Right now I'm looking at the Canon 18-135 and the Tamron 18-200.

Are either of these much better than my kit lens, or should I just stick with current kit lens until I'm ready to make the jump to higher priced lens?

 

[photo_chick]

The 18-55 really is not a bad lens. I totally don't think it deserves the reputation it has. The lenses you listed aren't going to be any better image quality wise than your kit lens. IMO they're a little worse at some focal legnths. Two that have a little more reach and are a little better than the 18-55 are the 28-135 IS and the older 28-105 f/3.5-4.5. The 28-135 IS is sold as the kit lens with the mid-line Canon's like the 50D and 7D. Be aware that these lenses are also a good bit heavier than your 18-55 as well.

But really, if you're not sure what you want then don't buy yet. Research and make sure you buy a lens that will really do what you need it to, not what someone else needs it to. Know what I mean?

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

The 18-55 really is not a bad lens. I totally don't think it deserves the reputation it has. The lenses you listed aren't going to be any better image quality wise than your kit lens. IMO they're a little worse at some focal legnths. Two that have a little more reach and are a little better than the 18-55 are the 28-135 IS and the older 28-105 f/3.5-4.5. The 28-135 IS is sold as the kit lens with the mid-line Canon's like the 50D and 7D. Be aware that these lenses are also a good bit heavier than your 18-55 as well.

But really, if you're not sure what you want then don't buy yet. Research and make sure you buy a lens that will really do what you need it to, not what someone else needs it to. Know what I mean?

Lately, there have been many requests for help deciding on what lens folks should buy. The best advice is to research your shooting style. In my previous non-retired life, in every report we submitted we had to answer the questions who, what, where, why, when and how. If you take that and apply it to your photography, you should be able to determine the type of equipment required to get the shots that you are actually shooting or those that you want to shoot. Create a lens/equipment "road" map for yourself. An example is, I currently do not shoot studio work. It would be foolish for me to go spend money on studio lighting equipment that would just sit in the back of my closet. On the other hand, I have become obsessed with getting images from the WDW dark rides, therefore in three weeks, I will arrive at POP Century with a new camera body (new low light capable sensor) and a Sigma 30mm f1.4 lens! I also use that lens and camera when I shoot events for my part-time staff photographer job at the speedway. They serve two purposes. All of my purchases are evaluated for need first and want second.

I agree with photo_chick that the "kit" lenses somehow get a bad reputation. I do not choose to follow that logic. I recently shot a drag race event almost entirely with my "consumer" 18-55 lens. Those images have been praised, copied and posted on the raceway's website. Obviously, the lens couldn't be too bad. If you want more length, then what you need to do, is determine whether changing lenses is something you want to do or not want to do. IMHO (my opinion only) it is a waste of money to have two lenses covering same focal lengths with the same variable aperture settings. Since I don't mind changing lenses, my purchases all cover different focal lengths and aperture openings. If you don't mind changing lenses then I would go for something I don't have a focal length for. Otherwise then go for an all-in-one. Anyway sorry for the long answer (rant). Good shooting!!

 

[krb2g]

The other option to consider is to rent both of those lenses (not necessarily at the same time, but preferably when you know you're going to be doing the kind of shooting that you want that extra reach) and see which one you like better from experience. I shoot Nikon, but right now I'm working with the kit 18-55 (which I actually replaced after it broke--it was insured, and I knew I missed having that lens but didn't really think about upgrading at the time), a 35 mm f/1.8 prime, and the basic 55-200 telephoto. Every so often I think about adding a zoom with a wider range of focal lengths, or a faster zoom, or a UWA, or a fisheye, or a longer telephoto, or a fast 50 mm prime, but then I think about my budget and look at the shots I'm getting with the lenses I have and I decide I'm not ready to upgrade yet.

I read somewhere that if you have to ask "should I buy [insert piece of camera equipment]," the answer is no. If you really need it, you'll know you need it without having to ask.

 

[mom2rtk]

I read the OP's post again, and I think they are looking for more reach than her 55 offers. They say they don't have aspirations of taking dark ride photos (so don't necessarily need a faster lens) but doesn't want to spend a lot of time changing lenses.

I think the OP is the perfect candidate for an all-in-one. I used various all-in-ones through the years and was happy as a clam. (you know, until I HAD to ask here why I couldn't get better night parade photos. Then there was no looking back!)

Anyway...... OP, I think you should consider the Tamron 18-270. It has a pretty good reputation for an all-in-one.

 

[SrisonS]

I have the Canon 18-135mm and am very happy with it. And I don't think you'll notice any glaring differences in image quality between that and the kit lens.

Also, I' also suggest keeping your kits lens, even if you get a new lens. It's a good backup (and you probably won't get much for it anyway). And on occasion, I'll use it when I want to travel a little lighter.

 

[KCmike]

Happy to hear that the 18-135 is on par with the smaller kit lens. Some others have said that it is inferior on the canon boards which worried me.

 

[jillgunter]

I recently upgraded my XS to the Canon 60D, and it came with the 18-135 mm lens. I really like it. Think it takes great pictures!

 

[*pixie*]

Thanks everyone! I will probably take the advice to wait since I don't really know what I want yet!

 

[WilsonFlyer]

I wrapped all around the space outside my kit lens before I ever even considered replacing it. Only after I had most of the other lenses that I wanted, did I redo the space occupied by my kit lens (18-55). My 10-22 wide angle had a little overlap at the short end.

Like everybody above has said, the 18-55 gets a bum rap. It's a great little lens, for exactly what it's intended to be: an introductory lens. It's very versatile. I think it mostly gets a bum rap because everybody has one and most new photographers feel looked down on by more seasoned photographers if they are using a kit lens. The proof lies in your pictures, not what you look like taking them.

A lot of new (D)SLR owners go out and buy lenses just for the sake of buying new lenses and because they can.

Decide why you think you need a new lens and what you want it to do and then decide what you need to buy to make those criteria successful.

 

[photo_chick]

I think it mostly gets a bum rap because everybody has one and most new photographers feel looked down on by more seasoned photographers if they are using a kit lens. The proof lies in your pictures, not what you look like taking them.

Exactly. If you ever get looked down on for your gear ignore what that photographer says. Seriously, I have little respect for gear snobs. People who are that way usually have some kind of gear envy or are compensating for something. High end equipment is nice to have and it makes life easier, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting it. But it's not necessary to make good images. It really is the final image that counts. I don't care if it was take with a ten year old point and shoot or the latest medium format DSLR. A good shot is a good shot.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Exactly. If you ever get looked down on for your gear ignore what that photographer says. Seriously, I have little respect for gear snobs. People who are that way usually have some kind of gear envy or are compensating for something. High end equipment is nice to have and it makes life easier, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting it. But it's not necessary to make good images. It really is the final image that counts. I don't care if it was take with a ten year old point and shoot or the latest medium format DSLR. A good shot is a good shot.

 

[bob100]

Thanks everyone! I will probably take the advice to wait since I don't really know what I want yet!

good move !