Holiday help.

ash_scotland88 · 29 Mar 2015 at 15:15

Made a thread before looking for bag recommendations, but sadly got reply

I'm also looking for a lens recommendation, I have a canon 550D.

I'm heading to Thailand (Bangkok then Phuket island). I know I'd like a wide angle zoom lens but not sure what to go for. I have a small budget for a second hand.
I'm currently looking at the Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4.5 DC Macro Lens, what are people's thoughts on this? What lenses should I consider?
I only have the standard Canon lens and the cheap 50mm prime. But thinking I may only take the one lens.

I'm also looking at upgrading to a 128GB card in hope I wont fill this up and may avoid taking my tablet to transfer photos from.
I'd also like a spare battery, any suggestions where to buy from?

Anything else I should be looking at? Reading up a circular polariser may be a nice wee addition.

I still need to decide how I'd going to transport the camera, a bag with in my jansport bag or something like the lowesport hatchback. Basically something I can add a padlock and carry on my back.
And randomly how do people deal with a camera on a excursion? Think we may do a koh Phi Phi tour, where I'd like to go snorkeling, would you and traveling buddy take turns or would you leave your bag with the boat crew/guide and hope it'll be ok?

Amp34 · 29 Mar 2015 at 17:41

I wouldn't really call the 17-70 a wide angle lens, as you have probably already worked out it's a replacement for the kit lens. It's a very good lens though and would be a good lens to take if you can only take one. The only negative is the focus ring rotates when focussing.

For a wide angle lens, or at least traditional wide angle lens, you'd be looking at something like the Tokina 11-16 or 12-24 (my preferences) or the Canon 10-22. There are loads of other options in that range though, but they're not really lenses you'd want to shoot everyday with, they are designed for astrophotography and getting up close and personal with things IMO.

ash_scotland88 · 29 Mar 2015 at 22:18

Thanks. True it's not a wide wide lense, I think the range of it would be ggood or at least beneficial.

Amp34 · 29 Mar 2015 at 22:53

In which case I think it's a good buy, The GF has one and she loves it, so do I. It's great optically and as a travel lens probably one of the best, unless you want a super on style one. I don't think you'll regret buying it. The macro function is surprisingly good as well, almost negates the need for a dedicated macro lens, depending on what you actually want to do with it.

Edit: Just noticed you haven't put OS on the end of that lens. All the comments I've been making are directed at the newer OS version, I think the older version is a bit ropey IIRC. If you can afford it I'd definitely go for the newer OS "contemporary" version.

ash_scotland88 · 29 Mar 2015 at 23:07

What do you mean by super on style one?

Didn't know there's a newer version. I'm basically shopping by trying to find specs by what I think I need and asking friends, and on here, their views of it.

Amp34 · 30 Mar 2015 at 10:48

Stupid phone autocorrect... Superzoom style - such as an 18-250mm lens.

Smeghead · 30 Mar 2015 at 10:52

I wouldn't get one big card. If it becomes corrupted, if you lose it for whatever reason or if anything else should happen to it, say goodbye to all those memories.

ash_scotland88 · 30 Mar 2015 at 15:50

Ah, good point smeg. I need to check what I currently have in their but think it's a 32GB.
An other one that's came up today searching is an 18-125sigma, but it drops down on aperature to f3.8

Abraxaz1 · 30 Mar 2015 at 16:48

Smeghead said:
I wouldn't get one big card. If it becomes corrupted, if you lose it for whatever reason or if anything else should happen to it, say goodbye to all those memories.

Also if the camera gets nicked like mine in Morocco you loose everything

, best to get a couple of cards and keep them in your bag or person.

ash_scotland88 · 30 Mar 2015 at 23:06

What sort of size would people recommend?
Or is it just budget dependent?

Genoma · 30 Mar 2015 at 23:29

For flash cards I like 32GB. On travels I also take a laptop to backup my pictures onto.

If you are going to see any animals have a look at the 55-250 IS STM, it's dirt cheap and you can get good results in good light, would give you some range to get close (ish) up.

For wide / scenery you will love a UWA, it's my favourite lens now, and the new budget EFS 10-18 is well regarded.

Both of those will complement your current lens well and give you lots more options for shooting and not break the bank!