cynthia_griffiths Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 <p>Hello - I am looking for some opinions on how I should go about upgrading my current setup for an upcoming trip to the Amazon in Brazil. My current camera and lenses are: Cannon EOS Rebel XTi (body is about 10 years old), cannon 18-55mm lens that it came with, cannon 50mm lens, and a cannon ultrasonic 70-200mm zoom lens. I was considering upgrading to the T5 or T5i. The T5 has a bundle deal that comes with a 75-300mm lens in addition to the 18-55mm. I was wondering if it would be more worthwhile to get the T5i and a better zoom lens. I was also researching getting an all in one lens from Tamron16-300mm or 18-270mm so that I do not have to switch lenses on the go, but again am not sure if this will fit my needs or not. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks so much.<br />Cindy G.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcstep Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 <p>Why not just buy a new body and forget about any "kit" lens? Your 70-200mm (which one is it?) is likely better than anything that'll come in a kit, or that Tamron. Get the i-version. </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Smith Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 <p>The Canon T5i is a worthwhile upgrade (more pixels and better low light capabilities) and has articulating LCD screen etc. I would buy it with the current 18-55mm IS STM kit lens which is considerably better than the one you have that came with the XTi (even though they look very similar) and the IS will help when the light gets dim.</p> Robin Smith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcus Ian Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 <p>I'm not sure if any of these plans will fit your needs either. I think it depends on your level of photographic expertise, and how much of your trip is dedicated to photographing it.</p> <p>For example, if you want a good balance of quality vs. ease, a 16-300 w/ a T5i (or a similar setup) is a great compromise. Not ideal IQ, but certainly good enough for very good imagery, and simple and easy to carry around with your, while have enough range to pick small animals out of the trees, or capture smaller landscape/natural features at the wide end.</p> <p>If, OTOH, the<em> point</em> of the trip is the photography, then you'd want great lenses and a backup camera. a 17-55/2.8 or 15-85 plus a backup camera, and maybe even an UWA zoom (10-20/22/24mm)... </p> <p>If you want to focus on the experience of the travel, a good quality bridge camera might be a better choice, which will be easy to carry and stow when not in use. It still should be capable of getting good scenic shots, and snapping pics. </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james_elwing Posted August 25, 2015 Share Posted August 25, 2015 <p>Concur with Robin. STM lens has fixed front filter, good with polariser, and is optically better. Kit 70-300 may well be as good as 70-200 and more versatile, but weight, size etc the decider?<br> Do you need a real wide angle? look up the 10-18 EOS lens if you do; bulky but light. </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cynthia_griffiths Posted August 25, 2015 Author Share Posted August 25, 2015 <p>My 70-200 is an L series so I am hoping that with the T5i upgrade I will see a big difference in my image quality and maybe even reach. I am getting mixed reviews on the "all in one" Tamron lens 16-300 - I like the idea of not having to change lenses when I am in a small canoe or on a walk in the jungle but don't want to sacrifice image quality if there is a big difference, I am used to changing lenses on the fly if that would be my best bet. The focus of the trip is not necessarily the photography but I am the most "photosavy" of the group and love shooting wildlife and birds.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cynthia_griffiths Posted August 25, 2015 Author Share Posted August 25, 2015 <p>OK - so in looking at the current packages that are available these are some of my choices in my price range:<br> <br />1. T5i with EF-S 18-55mm IS STM and EF-S-55-250 IS II <br> 2. T5i with EF-S 18-135mm IS STM<br> 3. T5i with EF-S 18-55mm IS STM and EF 75-300mm F4-5.6 III<br> 4. T5i with EF-S 18-55mm IS STM<br> Any thoughts?</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcstep Posted August 25, 2015 Share Posted August 25, 2015 <p>You've got an excellent 70-200mm, so go for the 18-135mm kit.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phule Posted August 25, 2015 Share Posted August 25, 2015 <p>Cynthia,<br> It would be easier if only one thread were open instead of two. I'd recommend consolidating in one or the other:<br> http://www.photo.net/beginner-photography-questions-forum/00dSJH</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcstep Posted August 25, 2015 Share Posted August 25, 2015 <p>James said:</p> <blockquote> <p>Kit 70-300 may well be as good as 70-200 and more versatile, but weight, size etc the decider?</p> </blockquote> <p>No way, not even close. There's an L-series 70-300mm that gives the 70-200mm a run for its money, but not the kit. The 70-200mm is one of the very best zoom lenses that Canon makes. It's great for portrait, macro and telephoto.</p> <p>Dave</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2d Posted August 25, 2015 Share Posted August 25, 2015 <p>what's the weather going to be like? I just finished a backcountry tour for fun the best images came during the worst conditions. Yes I am a long time user of Canon and understand you have prior lenses, however if I were to make a major upgrade for a trip through a rain forest or outdoors hiking in general I would look seriously at Pentax's offerings with their water resistant build. </p> <p>Again I am a long time Canon user I just feel that I am constantly up against wet conditions when camping over several days. Of course I know nothing about your trip's itinerary.</p> <p>Have Fun</p> -------------- My Architectual Photography: Architectural-Cinematographer.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcstep Posted August 25, 2015 Share Posted August 25, 2015 <p>Why would a Canon user consider a Pentax. If one needs water sealing, Canon offers that. Someone invested in L-series lenses isn't likely to switch to Pentax, good as they are.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2d Posted August 25, 2015 Share Posted August 25, 2015 <p>It doesn't read that the OP is invested in L-series lenses. And while I have used Canon gear (their professional level 1n) in all out downpours (florida style) and only because I was working for a publication and the images <em>needed</em> to be captured I personally wouldn't trust any of Canon's APS-c gear to the same water resistance level Pentax is claiming.</p> <p>I truly was not trying to start a camera war (I don't use Pentax) I was suggesting an option that I personally would look at more because of the potential locations conditions. I do know with electronics that no matter how good a lens is if the electronics don't work due to water then you're carrying extra weight and Yes I have seen this in person ($$$$) - actually a couple of times on different journeys with very experienced well invested professional photographers.</p> -------------- My Architectual Photography: Architectural-Cinematographer.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcstep Posted August 25, 2015 Share Posted August 25, 2015 <p>Sorry 2D, she's running two threads on the same topic and answered that in the other thread. Yes, confusing.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neill_farmer2 Posted August 26, 2015 Share Posted August 26, 2015 <p>Two other options not canvassed. Do nothing and go the whole way.<br> There is not a lot of difference, for viewing on the web and printing A4, and taken in good light, between the XTi and the current Rebels. In low light, the IQ and AF are much better, but this difference disappears in good light.<br> I see you have a 70-200L. that signifies you wish to do some serious photography. If you wish to leap ahead then the 6D is the go. But it IS more money and there is a need for a 24-105L or something similar. You will be set for years to come tho'.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kerry_grim Posted August 26, 2015 Share Posted August 26, 2015 I would consider purchasing silica-gel in a very wet, humid rain-forest. I don't have any experience with that, but perhaps others can add to this. Not meaning to change direction of the post, but fell this could be an important issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cynthia_griffiths Posted August 26, 2015 Author Share Posted August 26, 2015 <p>Ok - I have decided to go with the T5i with the 18-135mm IS STM lens. I am still worried about reach since other forums I have read suggest at least 400mm length for shooting along the river in the trees and just in general for birding. The Canon 100-400mm L lens is out of my price range for now so I am thinking about getting the Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 SP Di VC USD XLD and maybe the Tamron 1.4 x teleconverter for it?</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orly_andico Posted August 26, 2015 Share Posted August 26, 2015 <p>having just gotten back from a holiday...<br> i think the 18-135 is ok. use the 70-200 when you need more reach. and if you need even more reach, just crop. The T5 has lots of pixels.<br> but i bet you will not be using the 70-200 much. It's a hassle swapping lenses particularly in precarious situations, and the 70-200 is no lightweight. you may often find cases where you head out the door, think about bringing the 70-200, and decide not to.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcstep Posted August 26, 2015 Share Posted August 26, 2015 <p>I don't think she told us which 70-200mm she has. If it's the f/4 version, then it's plenty light. If she's got the f/2.8, then it is a pain, but she could put a 2x TC on it and work at 400mm. </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cynthia_griffiths Posted August 26, 2015 Author Share Posted August 26, 2015 <p>David - I have the Canon EF 70-200 1:4 L non IS lens.<br> I just feel I want to have something in case I really want to zoom in a particular subject, not to keep on full time during the trip - I will likely use the 18-135mm with IS that the T5i body comes with. I am planning on getting the Tamron 70-300 with VC as well for the extra reach and stability. </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcstep Posted August 26, 2015 Share Posted August 26, 2015 <p>Okay Cynthia, I think the 70-200mm plus a 1.4x TC is the way to go. You'll put it on when you're going on the river. It's also excellent for macros of flowers with the 1.4x attached. Buy a used EF 1.4x TC-II and you'll get excellent results. The 18-135mm will cover all you other needs.</p> <p>This will give you some idea of what you can do with the 1.4x on the 70-200mm:</p> <p><a title="Honey Bees Love Lavender" href=" data-flickr-embed="true" data-header="false" data-footer="false" data-context="false"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/319/20213385811_1e09e3b56b_c.jpg" alt="Honey Bees Love Lavender" width="640" height="800" /></a></p> <p>Here's a wild bird with the same rig:<br /><br /><br /></p> <p><a title="Red-crested Cardinal" href=" data-flickr-embed="true" data-header="false" data-footer="false" data-context="false"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4024/4274895985_bd7bb3ea9b_z.jpg" alt="Red-crested Cardinal" width="576" height="640" /></a></p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcstep Posted August 26, 2015 Share Posted August 26, 2015 <p>Cynthia said:</p> <blockquote> <p>I am planning on getting the Tamron 70-300 with VC as well for the extra reach and stability.</p> </blockquote> <p>At the long end, you're already at f/5.6 and adding a TC is going to slow the AF waaay down. You should be shooting at ISO 800 or so to get the shutter speed up over 1/1000-sec., so the VC will not be much advantage for these shots.</p> <p>A used Tamron 150-600mm will give you the reach that you long for and you can hand hold it. If you're going to continue shooting birds, then that's an investment to consider. Consider selling the 70-200mm to raise funds.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cynthia_griffiths Posted September 1, 2015 Author Share Posted September 1, 2015 <p>I have my T5i and 2 new lenses - the canon 18-135mm IS and Tamron 70-300mm VC. What are general thoughts on protective lens filters? Do I need to go high end or is there a decent budget filter to fit my needs? (for protection of the glass)</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james_elwing Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 <p>I usually just go for a clean multi-coated filter, recognisable brand, and prefer it to filter most UV.<br> A number of cheap 'UV' filters are uncoated and don't filter UV. I only have a few because they were added as a sweetener to new lens purchases at shop.<br> I have been happy with Hoya. Here they are widely available and moderately priced. I guess you do need a sacrificial filter if you are travelling. I don't know if any have tougher glass.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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