Picked up a T7 for a Maine trip next month and need one solid lens. I read that the 50mm f1.8 is a must-have but others say the 18-135mm is the king of travel.
My logic was the 50mm is cheap—budget is $250—but I'm worried it wont be wide enough for landscapes. What's the best all-arounder?
Late to the party but wanted to jump in since I was in your exact shoes last year. To add to the point above: going with a zoom is definitely more practical for a trip, but those prices for new gear can be steep. When I did a coastal road trip, I snagged a used Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM pancake lens for like 100 bucks. I was so satisfied with it... its tiny and fits the T7 perfectly without being bulky. It was wide enough for those big landscapes but still worked for street shots. No complaints at all for the price. Honestly, check out used gear sites for a Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM to stay under budget. Before you decide tho, are you planning to do more hiking and nature stuff or will you be mostly in the towns?
Totally agree that a zoom is way better for travel!! You definitely need that focal range for the coast. Honestly, just stick with Canon brand lenses. They are so reliable and the autofocus is always snappy. Staying with the same manufacturer is a total lifesaver for your trip! Just get any zoom lens from Canon and youll get amazing shots!
Saw this thread and had a question. What exactly are you planning to photograph most in Maine? Knowing if you want wide landscapes or tight shots of lighthouses makes a big difference for a one-lens setup. A couple reliability tips for the T7:
- Stick with lenses that have Image Stabilization (IS) because the T7 sensor isnt stabilized.
- Shop used to get better glass like the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM for under $250. A zoom is generally the most reliable choice for travel so you dont have to swap glass in the wind.
Great info, saved!
