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recommendations versatile lens for canon 550D

tequekama
Apprentice

my current cam body is a rebel eos t2i (550D) and i regulary use just the kit lens for my coverages (events, concerts). it lacks a lot especially with the zoom ability.

ive been wanting to upgrade my body to an r10 but im still saving up. for now, i want to get a lens that works well with the t2i but also the r10 (ofc with a adaptor) when i can upgrade.

i appreciate any suggestions and recommendations, thank you

3 REPLIES 3

stevet1
Authority
Authority

tequekama,

Perhaps an.EF 18-135 with an EF-RF adapter for when you get your R10.

They run about $500 new at an authorized dealer, $350-400 at Walmart or Amazon, and around $150 used.

The 18-135 is a good lens and would give you good flexibility at your events depending on how close you are.

Steve Thomas

SignifDigits
Mentor
Mentor

Just adding a few notes on the Stevet1 suggested.

Note that there are three generations of the EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6.  The oldest is the original from 2009 (DC autofocus motor), then the STM (stepping motor) introduced in 2012, then the nano USM (Ultrasonic Motor) in 2016.  I've never owned one.  They look to be the same optically (maybe some coatings changed, but maybe not?0 and IS is advertised as 4 stops on them all.  I would recommend the USM version as that's the motor Canon puts into it's better lenses and will delivery quieter, faster autofocus.  That version has a used price of about $260.  Canon support for the STM version is scheduled to end in 2027.  The USM is "undecided", which means it will be beyond 2027, almost certainly.   See the USM at https://www.usa.canon.com/support/p/ef-s-18-135mm-f-3-5-5-6-is-usm

Canon, as far as I can tell, no longer markets this lens directly, and but there are "new"  "White box" (not your standard Canon box) version in the $300-$350 range.   I'm guessing that these lenses were leftover stock and/or grey (aka non-US) versions.  BE CAREFUL, as a LOT of those that I took a quick look at are NOT the USM version of the lens.  Amazon has a lot of less that super-reputable resellers, so I avoid Amazon personally if you get that lens. 

I can personally recommend B&H or Adorama for new and used.  B&H has one new for $599 and open box for $499 and used for $330.  Adorama has new (same price) and used ranging from $373 to $258.  MPB has them used for $260.  I recommend MPB for used (they don't sell new, only used) as well.  MPB posts a picture of the actual lens that you will get and specific details about items included and not included (you can decide if you want to pay extra for an original Canon box for instance).  MPB and Adorama offer 6-month/180 day warranties and B&H is 90 days. I'm guessing they all probably offer the opportunity to buy an Allstate-owned protection plan.  If not, and you want one you can purchase it yourself.

28.8-216mm  will be the effective field of view on your cropped sensor with this lens.  That's an excellent wide range.

SignifDigits,

I have USM version, and it stays on my camera 90% of the time.

Steve Thomas

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