Wide man needs Average

[RiverCottage]

Hello :-)

I dont realy consider myself a photographer as such, more an artist using photography as a medium if that does sound too pompous! so ive not been too bothered about sharpness and colours and contrast and correct exposure etc from me and my lenses. But Im going to be do a little bit of 'regular' photography on the side, portraits, family portraits, maybe on locations such as parks or gardens etc, and am looking for a good average lens for the job, this time good quality being an issue :-)

I currently have a tokina 12-24 (which is ace), and a 50mm 1.8

Im thinking the tokina is far too wide, from reading around the 50mm 1.8 seems to be upto the job but i do find it difficult to focus, im not sure what to do, either get a good regular zoom such as the sigma 24-70 im hearing so much about, or upgrade my 50mm to the 1.4 or perhaps get the 85mm 1.8 everybody raves about, but maybe rather long for group shots, my budget is upto £400

Sorry if ive rambled on a little too much, any advice would be most welcomed

:-)
RiverCottage

[bcascio]

if I were you, I would look at the sigma 24-70 or the Tamaron 28-75 f28

[Big Hands]

Since you have the 12-24 covered already, the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 XR Di may be a good choice. A good copy is sharp and more than usable at f/2.8. It's biggest compromises are not going to bother you too much; not the most usable range on a crop camera now that so many 17-xx and 18-xx lenses are available and autofocus that is not as lightning quick as Canon USM. And it's strengths play right into your hands IMHO.

Regards,
Jeff

[Mr. Clean]

Personally I'd suggest the Canon 85mm 1.8 and the Sigma 30mm 1.4 since you said you were going to concentrate on potraits. Again, and it's only my opinion, I like the shallow DOF you can get with primes, f2.8 at some times can give too much DOF, 1.8 and 1.4 can give a heck of a lot of pop.

[Rhinotherunt]

I would look into the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8. The Sig 30 1.4 is nice as well. I am considering selling mine to fund the Tamron 28-75 f2.8. I do not need the 1.4 and would rather have a zoom. Still debating... will see after testing the Tamron.

[Andy_T]

The Sig 30 1.4 is nice as well. I am considering selling mine to fund the Tamron 28-75 f2.8.

Check the Tamron out first.

My copy is less than optimal, and there is no way that it comes anywhere close to the image quality the 30/1.4 gives me.

Best regards,
Andy

[Rhinotherunt]

Check the Tamron out first.

My copy is less than optimal, and there is no way that it comes anywhere close to the image quality the 30/1.4 gives me.

Best regards,
Andy

Thanks Andy, do you have CA issues with the 30mm? I do occassionally...

Examples: (1 is a 100% crop, Purple Fringe)

[basroil]

i'de say go to 30 1.4 or 50 1.4. 50 1.8 is a very hit/miss lens, but what do you expect from the cheapest piece of class canon has made to date?

[RiverCottage]

thanks for the responses guys, i do like the idea of getting a set of primes to replace the 50mm, the sigma 30 and canon 85, i dont mind a bit of leg zooming at all :-), i would love the sigma actualy a nice wide prime for low light action :-)

Ive heard so much about the tamaron, but it seems there arent many fans of the build quality?, compared to the tank-like ness of the sigma

:-)
RiverCotage

[05Xrunner]

what about one of teh other wides. the tamron 17-50 2.8 or the sigma 18-50 2.8

[dave_bass5]

I would look into the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8. The Sig 30 1.4 is nice as well. I am considering selling mine to fund the Tamron 28-75 f2.8. I do not need the 1.4 and would rather have a zoom. Still debating... will see after testing the Tamron.

Exactly what i did and i dont regret it.
But now im selling the 28-75 to fund a 17-50
life is cruel

[dave_bass5]

thanks for the responses guys, i do like the idea of getting a set of primes to replace the 50mm, the sigma 30 and canon 85, i dont mind a bit of leg zooming at all :-), i would love the sigma actualy a nice wide prime for low light action :-)

Ive heard so much about the tamaron, but it seems there arent many fans of the build quality?, compared to the tank-like ness of the sigma

:-)
RiverCotage

I think there is too much talk of build quality. there is nothing wrong with it IMO. its lower than a lot of lens's but then even some L's are lower than others.
I dont know of anyone who has had a problem with build quality. ok, we notice it feels cheaper but it doesnt casue any problems. its not like the lens will fall apart and it doesnt stop you from taking nice sharp shots.
Give the Tamrons a go, im sure you will be impressed.

[Dellboy]

Hi RiverCottage,
If portaits is your main/only concern I'd go with a couple of primes the 85mm is a great lens and for single person portraits its fantastic. The 30mm 1.4 also would be a good choice but the Canon 35mm f2 is also well worth considering, light, sharp and cheap. I used to have 50mm 1.8 and now have the 1.4. The 1.4 is nice but I'd stick with the 1.8 untill you get the other two at least. If you feel the need for a more spontanious style of shooting get the zoom. Both the Sigma and the Tamron are good choices here.
Dellboy.