Help with next lens to buy

a used Tamron 17-50 f2.8 non-VC (Vibration Control) since its cheaper and sharper than the VC model would fit that description as well as you're going to find, and is significantly better than the kit lens

fish eye bruv

You can get the canon 24mm (EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM) pancake for a little over 100 bucks brand new.
The Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 is going for between 200-350 on ebay depending on the version.

That 24mm looks like a decent option. Thanks for the options.

While I’m here and if anyone is reading still, what would all recommend for a possible camera upgrade in the near future? I’m an armature for sure but love taking pics on all adventures I go on. Lots of desert, lots of wildlife, some fancy pics of wife, she loves it.

My struggle is night time star pics, and getting light and colors right for landscapes. Not sure if nicer/newer camera will help with that.

SkiBum.That 24mm looks like a decent option. Thanks for the options.

While I’m here and if anyone is reading still, what would all recommend for a possible camera upgrade in the near future? I’m an armature for sure but love taking pics on all adventures I go on. Lots of desert, lots of wildlife, some fancy pics of wife, she loves it.

My struggle is night time star pics, and getting light and colors right for landscapes. Not sure if nicer/newer camera will help with that.

the canon 6d can be found for $800usd, its full frame which will help with lowlight and capturing stars.
Also, you could look at getting an ND filter and start editing your pictures in lightroom to help with colors.

SkiBum.That 24mm looks like a decent option. Thanks for the options.

While I’m here and if anyone is reading still, what would all recommend for a possible camera upgrade in the near future? I’m an armature for sure but love taking pics on all adventures I go on. Lots of desert, lots of wildlife, some fancy pics of wife, she loves it.

My struggle is night time star pics, and getting light and colors right for landscapes. Not sure if nicer/newer camera will help with that.

Honestly your lenses are far more important. The saying we used to use when i sold cameras was that "you date your camera but marry your lenses." for star pictures you would generally want a wider lens with a large maximum aperture. Full frame will help in most cases with those kind of Higher ISO applications, but a tripod can reduce the need for that greatly. One thing to consider if you are thinking about upgrading is full frame (EF) vs crop (EF-s) glass. If you buy a lot of EF-S glass and then buy a 6D or 5D etc, you will need to buy new lenses.

For what it sounds like you like to do I'd recommend buying a lens or two and a nice tripod. hold off on thinking about a new camera for at least a year because better lenses will make a remarkable difference. I'd look into both of those lenses I mentioned earlier as well as eventually a 70-200 f/2.8. The newer Canon ones are expensive, but they are all good lenses. A 70-200 is very useful for Wildlife, Sports (we are on a skiing forum after all). and even some landscape work. Better lenses will have a much bigger impact on your impact on your image quality then a new camera body.

84westHonestly your lenses are far more important. The saying we used to use when i sold cameras was that "you date your camera but marry your lenses." for star pictures you would generally want a wider lens with a large maximum aperture. Full frame will help in most cases with those kind of Higher ISO applications, but a tripod can reduce the need for that greatly. One thing to consider if you are thinking about upgrading is full frame (EF) vs crop (EF-s) glass. If you buy a lot of EF-S glass and then buy a 6D or 5D etc, you will need to buy new lenses.

For what it sounds like you like to do I'd recommend buying a lens or two and a nice tripod. hold off on thinking about a new camera for at least a year because better lenses will make a remarkable difference. I'd look into both of those lenses I mentioned earlier as well as eventually a 70-200 f/2.8. The newer Canon ones are expensive, but they are all good lenses. A 70-200 is very useful for Wildlife, Sports (we are on a skiing forum after all). and even some landscape work. Better lenses will have a much bigger impact on your impact on your image quality then a new camera body.

I second this!! (although i did recommend the 6d that was because you asked)
a year ago i almost upgraded to full frame/switched to Sony, but instead bought a sigma 20mm and it was such a great idea. It's become my most used lens and helped me get such amazing night time photos. As well, so many new cameras have come out since then that have great new advancements and made the cameras i would have bought both cheaper and look like less of a good idea

Good info. Thanks all!

Honestly the 'shit kit lens' isn't even that bad.



Set it at f8 or f11 and you're good all day.

IanAvery-Leafa used Tamron 17-50 f2.8 non-VC (Vibration Control) since its cheaper and sharper than the VC model would fit that description as well as you're going to find, and is significantly better than the kit lens

this.

also get magic lantern for your t3i if you are past your warranty date. makes a world of difference

I went with the 24mm. The field of view of about what the eyes see and sharper and cleaner then the kit lens sold me. And it was $129. Hope it’s a good replacement from the kit.

SkiBum.I went with the 24mm. The field of view of about what the eyes see and sharper and cleaner then the kit lens sold me. And it was $129. Hope it’s a good replacement from the kit.

Primes are nicer for shooting with anyway since they don't weigh a ton. I mean, I sometimes get annoyed having to put an 85mm prime on my camera because it weighs "too much".