Ugh, I feel so lost. I just bought a used Canon 90D and the kit lens is already bugging me because I cant zoom in enough for my kids soccer games. I have a trip to Italy in three weeks and really need something that can handle landscapes and zoom without me having to constantly swap lenses since I have no idea what Im doing yet. My budget is like 600 bucks max, maybe a little more if its worth it.
- Needs to zoom pretty far
- Not super heavy
- Good for a total beginner
Is there a specific lens that wont break the bank? I dont want to buy the wrong thing and waste my money...
> I have a trip to Italy in three weeks and really need something that can handle landscapes and zoom without me having to constantly swap lenses Honestly, I totally feel your pain. I bought the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM when I first got my 90D because everyone said it was the ultimate travel lens. Unfortunately, it fell short during my niece's track meets. It is super light and great for Italy landscapes, but honestly, zooming in for soccer matches left me disappointed because it just doesnt have the reach I expected. It is basically the definition of a jack of all trades, master of none. If you really want to reach those kids on the field without blowing your budget, take a look at the Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM. It is a bit heavier than the Canon, but the extra zoom range makes a huge difference. I had issues with sharpness at the very end of the zoom, but for a beginner, it is way more versatile. Another solid pick is the Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD. It is slightly over your 600 limit if bought new, but you can find it used. It is honestly the only lens you would ever need for a trip. Just be warned, it is not as good as expected in low light, so keep that in mind if you are shooting late games...
Honestly, I had a pretty rough time with the super-zooms when I first started. I picked up the Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Contemporary a while back hoping for that one-lens magic, but honestly? It was super soft at the edges and just not as good as I expected for soccer shots. It felt like a constant battle with the focus motor too, which was super annoying when the kids were running around. If you really want to avoid swapping gear in Italy, maybe look at the Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS. It wont win any awards for speed, but its way more consistent than those third-party all-in-ones. Just watch your shutter speed, or your shots might look a bit mushy. Good luck with the trip!
Honestly, I tried the Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD for my first Europe trip and was disappointed. The reach was great for soccer, but the sharpness really fell off at the long end and focusing was hit or miss in low light. You might have better luck with the Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM. Just keep your shutter speed up for sports, or those soccer shots will be blurry.
