450d next step, lens or body

**Duane Pipe** · 29-09-2010, 7:01pm

Gday. After reading Kiwis thread on best and worst lenses I am now convinced that the canon kit efs 18-55 lens is not that good, I have used it for the past 2 years and am still not 100% happy with its performance, the same goes with the efs 55-250.
So I am asking for advice on what would be the best lens to replace the 18-55 lens, I cannot afford the L-series so whats the next best choice in lenses.
I would love to up to the 7d but the budget cant stretch that far so I am after a replacement for the 18-55 that will also go well with the 7d in the future. Thanks in advance. Cheers Dave

**RaoulIsidro** · 29-09-2010, 7:11pm

Have a look at the Canon EOS EF 28-135mm IS USM lens brand new.
It will operate like 45-215mm (44.8-216mm) on your current camera body.
It is a full frame lens which you can use should you decide to go FF in the future.
It goes between f3.5 to f4.5 which is a nice range of opening.
It's a great value for money.

**Duane Pipe** · 29-09-2010, 7:45pm

Thanks Raou. I will check it out tomorrow, I have a early start 3am so I'm off to bed. Thanks for the prompt reply and advice, much appreciated

**ZedEx** · 29-09-2010, 7:50pm

Get a Tamron 17-50 f2.8. Not only is f2.8 max apeture throughout the zoom range, it is also fairly cheap, very very sharp (a lot more so than the kit lens) and you will have no regrets

**JM Tran** · 29-09-2010, 7:54pm

Originally Posted by RaoulIsidro

Have a look at the Canon EOS EF 28-135mm IS USM lens brand new.
It will operate like 45-215mm (44.8-216mm) on your current camera body.
It is a full frame lens which you can use should you decide to go FF in the future.
It goes between f3.5 to f4.5 which is a nice range of opening.
It's a great value for money.

I wouldnt recommend that lens at all. Its actually an f3.5 to 5.6 lens, not the 4.5. It is an old lens with the first generation IS - possessing only 2 stops of IS and more noisy than current IS lenses.

It is optically the same as the very average 17-85 for APSC sensor, hell put the 2 lenses together and they look the same due to the build and construction. It is ok on a crop camera, and meh on full frame, I used to own one.

Its not great value for money at all, your money is better spent elsewhere honestly.

**Gremlin** · 29-09-2010, 8:00pm

just got a tamron 17-50 f2.8 non VC, awesomely happy with it over kit lens!

**ZedEx** · 29-09-2010, 8:05pm

Originally Posted by Gremlin

just got a tamron 17-50 f2.8 non VC, awesomely happy with it over kit lens!

Exactly! It really is a fantastic lens

Further to what I said before: the title of this thread is next step, lens or body. Put it this way: what is the point of getting a new body with higher resolution, if you don't have a lens to exploit the extra pixels? If you body is outresolving your current lens, then your current lens will be even worse on a higher resolution body.

So my vote is definitely new lens (and get the Tamron too!)

**RaoulIsidro** · 29-09-2010, 8:49pm

Originally Posted by JM Tran

I wouldnt recommend that lens at all. Its actually an f3.5 to 5.6 lens, not the 4.5. It is an old lens with the first generation IS - possessing only 2 stops of IS and more noisy than current IS lenses.

It is optically the same as the very average 17-85 for APSC sensor, hell put the 2 lenses together and they look the same due to the build and construction. It is ok on a crop camera, and meh on full frame, I used to own one.

Its not great value for money at all, your money is better spent elsewhere honestly.

Yes, that's right, it is f3.5 to f5.6. (was thinking of the 28-105mm non IS)
Still on sale brand new despite being one of the first IS stables of long ago.
http://www.d-d-photographics.com.au/...ses.htm#28-135

**Gremlin** · 29-09-2010, 9:17pm

Ive also got a 450D as well, and with the new lens its kinda given it a "new lease of life" if i can use that expression.

**Allan Ryan** · 29-09-2010, 9:30pm

have a look here for reviews
there are all levels of lenses here and it makes for interesting reading

Maybe the 17-55 Warning near the price of an L lens

but you can see it compared to others.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/r...ns-Review.aspx

**Caring** · 29-09-2010, 9:56pm

Originally Posted by Duane Pipe

Gday. After reading Kiwis thread on best and worst lenses I am now convinced that the canon kit efs 18-55 lens is not that good, I have used it for the past 2 years and am still not 100% happy with its performance, the same goes with the efs 55-250.
So I am asking for advice on what would be the best lens to replace the 18-55 lens, I cannot afford the L-series so whats the next best choice in lenses.
I would love to up to the 7d but the budget cant stretch that far so I am after a replacement for the 18-55 that will also go well with the 7d in the future. Thanks in advance. Cheers Dave

Duane, before recommending any lens to you, what do you find that you use the 18-55mm mostly for?

I've had a look at the photos you have post on the forum, and you seem to use the wider end much less than the longer end. Is that about right?

**etherial** · 29-09-2010, 9:58pm

Originally Posted by Allan Ryan

have a look here for reviews
there are all levels of lenses here and it makes for interesting reading

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/r...ns-Review.aspx

I second this, great site with reliable reviews covering all levels of lenses and gear suitable for Canon.

My opinion FWIW, I had the exact kit you have. From reading all the reviews and making my upgrade decisions, I'm not sure you will notice that much difference stepping up to mid range lens. Anyway...

Ask yourself "what do I need"

**Mary Anne** · 29-09-2010, 10:10pm

I have seen photos taken with L series lenses that don't look too good.
And I have seen photos taken with kits lenses that blow me away.
What does that tell you..

**ZedEx** · 29-09-2010, 10:13pm

Originally Posted by Mary Anne

I have seen photos taken with L series lenses that don't look too good.
And I have seen photos taken with kits lenses that blow me away.
What does that tell you..

...that lenses don't make you a good photographer. However in the hands of somebody competent, better lenses give the photographer the control to create better images. True, it is no good giving a chunk of L glass to an amateur. Nor should somebody with no intent of learning the intricacies of photography go and purchase a Canon 5D.

**Duane Pipe** · 30-09-2010, 9:53am

Originally Posted by Allan Ryan

have a look here for reviews
there are all levels of lenses here and it makes for interesting reading

Maybe the 17-55 Warning near the price of an L lens

but you can see it compared to others.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/r...ns-Review.aspx

Way out of my budget Allan thanks any way

**Duane Pipe** · 30-09-2010, 10:05am

Originally Posted by RaoulIsidro

Have a look at thelens brand new.
It will operate like 45-215mm (44.8-216mm) on your current camera body.
It is a full frame lens which you can use should you decide to go FF in the future.
It goes between f3.5 to f4.5 which is a nice range of opening.
It's a great value for money.

I like this Canon EF 28mm f1.8 USM $543.00 is that a full frame lens.

Dose Tamron make a full frame lens, Thanks Raou

**Duane Pipe** · 30-09-2010, 10:12am

Originally Posted by etherial

I second this, great site with reliable reviews covering all levels of lenses and gear suitable for Canon.

My opinion FWIW, I had the exact kit you have. From reading all the reviews and making my upgrade decisions, I'm not sure you will notice that much difference stepping up to mid range lens. Anyway...

Ask yourself "what do I need"

I have quickly read through that link
I cannot afford a camera up so i would like to try a better lens
A sacrifice of around $500 isnt so bad. Thanks etherial

**Duane Pipe** · 30-09-2010, 10:18am

Originally Posted by Caring

Duane, before recommending any lens to you, what do you find that you use the 18-55mm mostly for?

I've had a look at the photos you have post on the forum, and you seem to use the wider end much less than the longer end. Is that about right?

Thanks Caring. Spot on

**etherial** · 30-09-2010, 10:21am

Sorry I should have checked that link. I wasn't referring to just that review. Try http://www.the-digital-picture.com/ and have a look at all the different reviews and articles. There are a few lenses that might be of interest to you like the 15-85, the 17-85, the 18-135, the 18-200 etc It is a great site!

**Duane Pipe** · 30-09-2010, 10:21am

Originally Posted by Gremlin

just got a tamron 17-50 f2.8 non VC, awesomely happy with it over kit lens!

I like the lens you have pointed out Gremlin
What do you think about this, Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f2.8 XR Di-II LD $349.00
Cheers Buddy

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