During my recent attempt at photographing sandhill cranes, I realized the time has come to invest in a more powerful zoom lens. I have intended to buy one for almost as long as I’ve owned the camera, which has been over 10 years now. The camera in question is NOT the one in the photo above. Rather, it’s a Canon EOS Rebel T3i and I’m looking to upgrade to at least a 500 mm lens. I decided to start my search by going directly to Canon’s website. Ho. Lee. Shit. They offer quite a few options that would suit my needs, but the least expensive one is NINE THOUSAND dollars! So with tears in my eyes and pimples on my spleen, I pointed my web browser at Amazon, to see what kind of after-market options may exist. Ho. Lee. Shit. There are LOADS of options – and the least expensive one I saw was a little over ONE HUNDRED dollars! Seriously, WTH Canon?! There are in fact so many choices at so many different prices that I truly don’t know where to begin.

This is where you come into the picture. (Get it? Picture? Camera? Hardy har har!) I know many of my readers have serious photography knowledge / skills, so I ask you…What brand(s) of camera accessories do you recommend? What brand(s) of camera accessories have you had problems with? Is it even worth investing in a new lens for a 10-year old Rebel, or would I be better off getting a whole new camera (along with the desired lenses)? Please let me know your thoughts in the Comments section below.