Best travel lens(s) for Canon 550D

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missjellyjane

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Hi All,

It's my first post :wave:

I'm quite new to DSLR photography I have recently bought canon 550D with a tamron lens 17-50mm 2.8. ( lens I got 2nd hand recommended to be as a step up from the kit lens ) I'm enjoying it so far and still trying to get the hang of it.

My question is that for travelling what lens(s) would you recommend ?

I'm going on a road trip at the end of may :D and was wondering what would get me well equipped for the trip.

There will be a lot of amazing landscapes and opportunity for street photography/ architecture etc. but I also love taking photos of food. I have found low light in restaurant a problems some times.

If there is a better lens(s) out there I would consider selling the tamron.

I had a Canon G9 before venturing into the DSLR world and I think I will probably take this on my trip to.

If any one has any recommendation it would be greatly appreciated

Many thanks

MJJ
 
Hi Jane, I have followed a similar path to yours. I had a Canon G11 and now I have a 450D and Sigma 18-50mm F2.8

I'd say that your Tamron is ideal for travel photography. In ultra low light I would also consider a Sigma 30mm F1.4 or Canon 28mm F1.8, this would be equivelant to a 50mm on full frame.
 
Or as an alternative to primes you could try getting a wide/standard zoom with IS/OS/VC like the Sigma 17-70 OS Macro? Obviously the OS would let you get away with slower shutter speeds in low-light situations, although this won't help if your subjects are moving. If so the primes are probably a better option.

The Tamron 17-50 is a great lens though, I love mine. I take it you have been using the widest aperture possible (i.e the f/2.8) in low light situations to get the fastest possible shutter speed? Sorry if that's a daft question :-)
 
Seems like you've already got a very good travel lens (although you might also want to carry something longer as well). :thumbs:
 
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Haa Haa sorry shows what a beginner I am, thanks for all the replies :) I guess i best stick with what I have.

I think what i was really wondering is that would it be better to have a lens with a wider range then the one i have? or like jackwow suggest carry a longer one too ?

I think maybe I need more practice before I go ( i'll have to check out the beginner section i think) .. I am finding it quite difficult to get sharp images some times...hmm

I think sometimes I just feel self conscious and when I take the picture I wobble. No image stablisation probably does help.

Whiters: Thanks yes hee hee I've been using f2.8 ( don't worry i like daft questions else how would i learn - i have some myself but i think i might go to the beginner forum)

DaveKing: thanks for the recommendation for the prime lenses I have consider getting the canon 50mm 1.4
Would you still recommend Sigma 30mm F1.4 or Canon 28mm F1.8 over the 50mm 1.4?


Many thanks again

MJJ
 
Not being funny/rude, but do you understand the basics of exposure: shutter speed, aperture & ISO and the effect they have on the image you are taking? Knowing that will guide you as to which lens you need.

We've just bought a Canon 15-85 for the 7D - whilst nowhere near as fast as the Tamron, it does have a great IS system, is sharp wide open and has great range. Where we're roadtripping (Arizona/California in August) I'm not expecting any low light or the need to take many pictures of things moving much. Range and IS were far more important....

For the low light, I'd suggest a canon 50mm f1.8. Cheap as chips.
 
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