Canon 18-200mm zoom lense

[jazzman1]

I'm new here.  I have a Canon T3i.  Two kit lenses came with it in a bundle...18-55mm, 55-250mm.  I am considering getting the Canon 18-200mm.  Would the Canon 18-200mm be a good choice to replace both lenses, or are there better choices to replace them with and keep the 18-200mm also?

[jazzman1]

ebiggs forgot to say:

You asked before what kind of photography I like to do....landscape, wildlife (not birds) anywhere near water, and street photography.   I like to take pics of buildings, historic sites and such.  I like to capture people in my street pics and is why I like the long zoom lens.  Many people get irked if they know I'm taking their pic.  But it's almost impossible with alot of people on the street when taking pics, to not capture people.   When I'm at the park by the water there's always people around.  So I prefer to be at a distance so as not to upset people.   Also good for wildlife.  Most won't let me get close.  For now I just take pics for me, I'm not blowing any up or even making photo prints.   I evaluate my work constantly, looking for faults, and things and ways, to do better next time.  Everyday I go out and shoot, I evaluate my pics on my Pc when I get home.   I'm not using any editing sofware as of yet, and really want to do all my adjustments in camera if I can for now.  I don't want to artificially cover up flaws in my work, I want to try for the best pic straight from my camera.   Maybe later I will use editing sofware if needed, and I'm sure the time will come, when it would be.   I'm not doing any kind of work for pay, just my own enjoyment.  I do have servaral editing programs but they're just basic.  Of course I have Canon software that came with my cameras.

Take care my friend.

[jazzman1]

Fellas,

Just saw something with my camera T3i.  Looking in my settings I saw "Histogram"  .  It has 2 options   Brightness and RGB.  It was set by default to "brightness", I think that's the default setting I don't remember ever changing this setting.   What setting should I use, and what is this setting for???. 

[RobertTheFat]

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@jazzman1 wrote:

Fellas,

Just saw something with my camera T3i.  Looking in my settings I saw "Histogram"  .  It has 2 options   Brightness and RGB.  It was set by default to "brightness", I think that's the default setting I don't remember ever changing this setting.   What setting should I use, and what is this setting for???. 

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You're starting to jump ahead (which is good in its way). The histogram provides you information about the picture you just took; it's not a value that you can set. If the picture is too bright or too dim, or parts of it are seriously over- or underexposed, the histogram may help you figure out why. Then you can change the camera's settings and try again. There will come a time when you might find that information helpful and begin to act on it. But right now you're still learning what the various settings mean and what they do. So concentrate on that for now, and start reading about histograms when you're more comfortable with the camera.

The "Brightness" and "RGB" settings let you choose between two different histograms that provide information about the picture in two different ways.

[ebiggs1]

Yes, forget the histogram for now.  It is an indespensible tool in post editing.  And it can show where things have gone awray while shooting.

Forget most of what we've said until you are ready to forget about the green square on the mode dial.  And somewhat if you are not  ready to move off of the P.  You can do some adjusting with it.

As a side note as you may run into somebody with a brand-N camera. Their "modern" lenses still have the f-stops ring and the detents if they are the "D" version of the lens.  If they are the "G" version which stands for gelded, has no f-stop ring just like your Canon lens.

Enjoy the zoo!  

BTW, the little picrure icon right above this reply screen will allow you to u/l photos.  Look by the smiley face.  There is a size limit do you may get into post editing quicker than you thought!

[RobertTheFat]

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@ebiggs1 wrote:

As a side note as you may run into somebody with a brand-N camera. Their "modern" lenses still have the f-stops ring and the detents if they are the "D" version of the lens.  If they are the "G" version which stands for gelded, ...

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And "D" stands for "dorky", right? 

[ebiggs1]

Bob
Boston, Massachusetts USA

Ha, you may be right!  I will say that as a generalization, lens for lens, Canon lenses are better than Nikon lenses.  Of course there are stand outs in each line.  But as a general guideline, Canon owns the lens battle.

[jazzman1]

Thanks Bob, I had no idea.  I did know a histogram shows when I click on the info button next to the menu button.  Did not know this had anything to do with that.  You're, I've looked the ino histogram and do not know engough to properly understand the info.  As yousay, for now I won't bother with it.

[jazzman1]

Ebiggs will do as you guys say on the histogram. 

Just got back from the zoo, got some fabulous shots along with 1080P video.  Got the whole 15 minute Sea Lion Show, was nice.  It's my 1st time at this Zoo and had a terrific time.   I saw Lions, Tigers, and Bears...Oh My.  Almost everything but whales (LOL)   I was there 8 1/2 hrs.  I used my Canon T3i & 18-200 mm lens, and my Canon SX60 for video.  I like my SX60 better for video, I can use the power zoom and auto focus.  It has 1080P also.  But my T3i video does look a little better, just harder to work with. 

I have a before and after pic I would like you and Bob to look at.  1 pic taken in auto,  same scene in P mode.  Want you guys observation and opinion.   There's a drastic difference.  

I do have a few editing programs for pics and video, of course those from Windows (paint, movie maker, and photo gallery).  I have Gimp2, Wondershare converter, and the software from Canon that came with my T3i, and G20 camcorder  (VideoBrowser)  I am capable of basic picture editing, just have'nt done pics lately.  Have been working a little with video and dvd.  I really intend to step up my learning and skills.  I'm motivated to make my pics look better.  I do see some flaws, even in some I like.

[jazzman1]

No offense to Bob but I think you're right ebiggs.  I favor Canon over all others on a general basis myself.  Since I've used Canon gear most of my life, I'm very comfortable with Canon's menu and process.  Only a small learning curve from any of their cameras and camcorders. Not as knowledgeable about Canon gear as you and Bob though.  Just know what I like.

[jazzman1]

Bob...haha (LOL)