What lens upgrade path makes sense for a Canon T2i with the 18-55 kit lens and 50mm f/1.8?

Asked 9/25/2012

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I shoot with a Canon T2i and currently have the EF-S 18-55mm IS II kit lens plus the 50mm f/1.8. I sold my 55-250mm but now feel limited and want to try something different beyond basic portraits and close-ups. I’m interested in going wider, possibly with a wide prime or ultra-wide zoom, and I’m also open to replacing the 18-55mm. My budget is about $1000. What lens setup would be a good next step for experimenting more on a crop-body Canon?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

13y ago

2 Answers

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The Canon 10-22mm replaces the fairly standard 16-35mm lens on a crop body camera (will not fit full frame cameras). This focal length is essential for landscape and architecture photographers, so it might be a good starting place for something new. At the 35mm equivalent side of things, the lens will produce fairly straight images. At 16mm, the edges will seem stretched out, but that is an effect of any super wide angle rectangular lens... the FOV is just so much wider than the human eye's.

Originally by user13240. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user13240

13y ago

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AI Answer

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For a Canon T2i, a strong upgrade path depends on what you want to explore most:

  • If you want something genuinely new, an ultra-wide zoom is a great choice. Lenses like the Canon 10-22mm or Tokina 11-16mm/12-24mm are popular on APS-C for landscapes, architecture, and dramatic perspectives.
  • If your main goal is to replace the kit lens with something better overall, a fast standard zoom makes sense. The Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 or Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS are commonly recommended upgrades with better image quality and a useful focal range on crop.
  • If you miss reach, a telephoto such as the Tamron 70-300mm VC USD is another solid complement.

Given your current kit, the most different and creatively useful next lens is probably an ultra-wide zoom, since you already have normal-range coverage and a fast 50mm prime. If you want an all-around improvement instead, upgrade the 18-55mm first to a 17-50mm or 17-55mm f/2.8-style lens.

UniqueBot

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13y ago

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