Versatile macro-ish walkaround zoom for dad

[278204]

Xmas is coming soonish and I want to buy my father a new lens. Currently he uses my old Rebel with kit lens, so anything would be an improvement. At over 80 he would have trouble changing lenses so a nice big range would be good. He also likes taking photos of small critters so some degree of macro is needed. IQ is not a major priority, versatility and usability (together with weight and cost, as well as passable AF speed) is. Saw the Tamron - Aspherical [IF] MACRO AF 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD for 140 pounds on Amazon UK which looks ideal. Any thoughts?

 

[c.d.embrey]

I'm not much younger than your father. For me, weight is a Big Deal. And it's the main reason that I seldom use my Canon DSLRs outside the studio. I much prefer something like my Sony NEX 5n as a walk-around camera.

Something like a Sony a6000 with some sort 18-200 lens could be good. Or maybe a Super Zoom (Sony RX-10, Panasonic FZ1000).

Hope this helps.

 

[ajfotofilmagem]

Lenses that are truly Macro has 1X magnification (life size) and does not zoom. Some zoom lenses Tamron and Sigma as 70-300mm reach half that magnification (0.5X) but lacks Image Stabilizer. Recommend the new lens Canon STM, which has better image quality and more durable mechanics.

Canon 18-55 STM has magnification 0,36X
Canon 18-135 STM has magnification 0,28X
Canon 55-250 STM has magnification 0,29X
Tamron 18-200 has magnification only 0,27X and does not deserve to be called Macro

 

[278204]

Thanks for the reply. I'd say the first doesn't go long enough and the third doesn't go wide enough. The second is an interesting option, though quite pricey at over 300 pounds. Not as much reach but it is half the weight, which is much appreciated at that age. Not looking for true macro, just enough to make the butterflies more than 1px. IQ not a major issue, though knowing my father build quality is.

Lenses that are truly Macro has 1X magnification (life size) and does not zoom. Some zoom lenses Tamron and Sigma as 70-300mm reach half that magnification (0.5X) but lacks Image Stabilizer. Recommend the new lens Canon STM, which has better image quality and more durable mechanics.

Canon 18-55 STM has magnification 0,36X
Canon 18-135 STM has magnification 0,28X
Canon 55-250 STM has magnification 0,29X
Tamron 18-200 has magnification only 0,27X and does not deserve to be called Macro

 

[278204]

Definitely agree. I think the Tamron is about 1kg, which is pretty heafty. The Rebel is light enough for him, plus he knows how to use it. Changing camera might result in confusion (and a lot more cost). I'll have a look around for something lighter in the lens department.

I'm not much younger than your father. For me, weight is a Big Deal. And it's the main reason that I seldom use my Canon DSLRs outside the studio. I much prefer something like my Sony NEX 5n as a walk-around camera.

Something like a Sony a6000 with some sort 18-200 lens could be good. Or maybe a Super Zoom (Sony RX-10, Panasonic FZ1000).

Hope this helps.

 

[278204]

I correct myself - the Tamron is 400g which makes it slightly lighter.

Not as much reach but it is half the weight, which is much appreciated at that age.

 

[278204]

Oops, that is the boxed weight. The lens is only 400g, which is pretty good.

I think the Tamron is about 1kg, which is pretty heafty.

 

[lintoni]

I don't know how steady your father's hands are, but I know that I really appreciate having Image Stabilisation if I've had a long day hiking and am feeling tired - I can still take photos!

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

He might rather use something like the G1X which has a close up mode as well as a 24-120 equivalent zoom mode. The Sensor is almost as large as a crop, so it has good IQ. I'm not much younger than your father either, and I'm starting to find it useful as a walk around camera.

Attached are some photos, original and a severe crop. It will focus closer than that, but I did not want to get the hornet angry.

 

[skoobey]

Absolutely 24-105 F4 IS.

It's near macro, it's not too heavy, and has dropped in price recently, has a great range, especially on a crop body, has IS...

 

[andrei1989]

also another option, in my opinion, the sigma 17-70. it's also faster: f2.8-4

 

[Mr_Canuck]

Ditto the Sigma 17-70. Focuses very close and has great range and quite fast aperture. Nice lens, good price.

 

[mwh1964]

Agree on the 24-105L. Or you could by the 7DMkII plus 24-70 at Canada Camera discount and keep the 7DII for your own purpurse!