Rebel T5i, best zoom lens for upcoming press trip to Galapagos

[JoanneYenn]

I am a travel writer and will be taking part in a press trip this March to the Galapagos islands. I recently upgraded from a T1i Rebel to a T5i with a Canon 18-135 zoom lens, and am loving the quality of the images.  However, I believe I do need a stronger zoom to capture close ups on this trip. Caveat:  I am much more of a writer than a photographer, to be sure, but these days, editors want your own photos to accompany articles, so I am truly learning the trade as I go along. I need an easy, light, and SHARP lens, within a budget.

I didn't come to this site before doing an extensive on-line search for recommendations. Despite my efforts to come to a consensus, I am getting so many varied recommendations, I thought I would reach out to the kind photography experts on this site who graciously donate their time to help neophytes like myself. THANK YOU in advance for your guidance.

Here is what I gleaned from a week-long search:

All these zoom models seem to have good reviews:

Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 VC PZD All-In-One Zoom Lens for Canon DSLR, Model BOO8E Filter Size 062mm

Sigma 18-250mm f3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

Canon 70-200mm f/2.8

Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 lens also got stellar reviews, but how would that improve upon my current EFS 18-135 mm lens (which is awesome!I ) I don't know how close I will get to wildlife, so that is an issue. Another issue is the fact that I need to travel light--backpack and carry-on, and cannot bring a slew of lenses with me. 

I would be so grateful for some directions from experts. 

Thank you so much for your feedback. This forum is wonderful, and I appreciate it very much!

[JoanneYenn]

Thanks so much for your thoughts. Since I don't know if the Tamron will make a noise during the video, I think I will go with the 55-250 IS STM. It is also very reasonably priced. I will save up for an "all in one" lens as suggested, but I can't do it this year, alas. 

THANK YOU EVERYONE!

[amfoto1]

The 55-250 STM is a nice lens for the money, but if it were me I'd want something considerably longer for use with wildlife.

Something you might consider.... Rent a better lens just for the trip. If that's an option, I'd suggest the Canon EF 100-400L IS USM for your purposes. A couple things about rentals: You might want to get it a couple days in advance to be able to learn to use it well. There also might be limitations on some rentals about travelling internationally with them.

If you prefer to buy, for a bit more money than you've budgeted you could get a Sigma 120-400 OS USD, which is also a good lens and a lot cheaper to buy than the 100-400.

Neither of the 100-400 or 120-400 are as small/compact/light as the 55-250, but they also aren't all that big. They are "handholdable".

I don't agree with ebiggs about not buying used 3rd party lenses. I have done so many times without problems, although the majority of what I currently use with my Canon cameras are Canon lenses (some bought new, some bought used). You only have to be extra careful with older 3rd party lens models, that might not be compatible with newer cameras. If you were buying a used version of a lens that's still in production (such as the Sigma 120-400 OS), there's little to be concerned about.

With any used gear, you have to be careful about the source and return/warranty policies of the seller. Reputible stores such as KEH.com, Adorama and B&H Photo Used Dept.carefully check out gear before selling it, offer a condition rating system that's quite conservative, give a 14 day right of return no-questions-asked, and in most cases give you at least a 6 month warranty.

I've bought more than a few things off Craigslist, too.... Which has to be done in a safe, public place (such as a bank lobby). This has the advantage that you can try before you buy. You do need to know how to check out whatever item you are considering and be ready to walk away if it isn't up to expectations.

***********
Alan Myers

San Jose, Calif., USA
"Walk softly and carry a big lens."
GEAR: 5DII, 7D(x2), 50D(x3), some other cameras, various lenses & accessories
FLICKR & PRINTROOM 

[JoanneYenn]

Very good advice, Alan. I will definitely consider the rental aspect, too. And when I return, I might look into some of the companies and a used lens.

 I'll also be in the market for a "one size fits all" Canon lens. I used a Tamron 18-250 mm lens on my T1i that I absolutely loved for its versatility, but it wasn't nearly as sharp as it should have been, in comparison to my new Canon lens. But if I could save up and get a relatively sharp lens that could cover that focal range, I would be such a happy camper. So often when I visit cities and countries in my travels, spontaneity is the key to the best photos.....I might see a glorious landscape and then a great close up of a person in a matter of seconds, so I can't deal well with changing lenses so often. But I do know that quality suffers with such a lens. 

Thanks again. This has all been so incredibly helpful.