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"daily driver" camera lens

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Blake.P
Posts: 9894 - Karma: 3,585
so next year im going abroad (location tbd, either amsterdam or copenhagen) and intend to take a lot of pictures when im there. so i need a lens that will be good for a lot of different situations around a city. i dont really know my budget yet but under 500 for now

i currently use a t2i with a 18-55 kit lens (thinking about upgrading to something better), tokina 11-16, and im getting a 50mm prime soon.

so basically, if you were going somewhere and could only bring one lens, what would it be (excluding a 50mm)
Feb 16 2014 2:39PM
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SeanTom
Posts: 7936 - Karma: 1,747
with a t2i i'd look at this array of focal lengths. 20mm, 24mm, 28mm, or a 35mm


Feb 16 2014 3:14PM
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No.Quarter
Posts: 5257 - Karma: 16,965
28-135mm or 18-135. The 28-135 will be cheaper and i think it is technically better. But isn't that wide on a crop sensor.

Use the money you save to buy hookers and blow on your trip
Feb 16 2014 3:18PM
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Superduploman
Posts: 227 - Karma: 505
I have a sigma 18-55, best all around lens i've used ever. It's a pretty basic lens but I find it very professional, dno why haha. Great colors and dof, takes brilliant b&w, vibrant pics etc. I wouldn't leave it at home no matter what.
Feb 16 2014 3:59PM
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123+ski
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
When I went, I typically shot with a 50mm (equivalent), and a fisheye. The fisheye was good for some shots, and I really liked the 50mm. With that said, I was really glad I had the kit lens with me for some shots, especially for taking pictures with my friends etc. I think a 24-70 f2.8, or an f4 and then a fast prime shorter than 50mm (equivalent). The extra reach can be really nice.
Feb 16 2014 5:18PM
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BlackcountryBill
Posts: 955 - Karma: 576
18-135, focal range over sharpness/speed anyday
Feb 16 2014 5:51PM
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slt.shred
Posts: 176 - Karma: 198
i really like using my 35mm for daily driver
Feb 16 2014 6:03PM
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raymondcabral
Posts: 747 - Karma: 1,094
this. My 28-135 never comes off of my camera. I like it more than my moms 18-135 STM.
Feb 16 2014 7:41PM
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raymondcabral
Posts: 747 - Karma: 1,094
this. My 28-135 never comes off of my camera. I like it more than my moms 18-135 STM.
Feb 16 2014 7:42PM
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Lou.
Posts: 1787 - Karma: 3,876
I use my 50mm as a walk around lens. But its prob not what you want if you want versatility
Feb 16 2014 7:57PM
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gengar.
Posts: 1042 - Karma: 1,641
my tamron 17-50 almost never comes off
Feb 16 2014 8:48PM
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Blake.P
Posts: 9894 - Karma: 3,585
the reason im not considering something like this is i already have the 18-55, so i have that range covered. im looking for something with a wider range (like the 18-135) that would work for most situations

how much would i regret not having the 17-27 range covered if i got the 28-135 instead of the 18-135? those are honestly looking like the best options that ive seen so far, and they are within my budget
Feb 16 2014 9:04PM
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Gnarwall
Posts: 1180 - Karma: 50
When I travel I always have a 24-70 f/2.8 and a 70-200 f/4. You could get by decently with a 18-135ish range, but I really do like having the tele option for certain times.
Feb 16 2014 9:18PM
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No.Quarter
Posts: 5257 - Karma: 16,965
Probably not that much, but it really depends more on how much you feel you want the wide angle. I am not too educated on the optical quality of the 18-135, but because it is more of a "superzoom" than the 28-135, I would assume that some optical quality would be lost for the extra zoom range. The 28-135 is also ergonomically superior; bigger focus ring, no need to flip a switch for MF, has a focus scale which is just a nice feature, and is a little smaller depending on which 18-135 version you are comparing.

Here is really why I would want one (if I still used my EF camera), you can get one for well under $200 (I found that price on KEH). If you really want the extra wide angle you can get with the 18-135, I think they are around $200-$300 used.

Either lens is a pretty good choice, but they both have their advantages and downfalls
Feb 16 2014 10:47PM
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DIPED_IN_SAUCE
Posts: 858 - Karma: 2,256
OP it would be helpful if you told us what you where planning on shooting. It sounds like mostly city stuff? Honestly I use a 50mm prime for my urban shooting, I don't really see a need for another daily lens on top of that.
Feb 16 2014 10:57PM
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Blake.P
Posts: 9894 - Karma: 3,585
i dont really know what ill be shooting, but yeah it will most likely be city stuff, but the lack of foresight is why i want something versitile. im going to get a 50mm prime regardless but i just want something that i can make my daily lens (besides a 50mm)
Feb 17 2014 12:21AM
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