Suggestions on next lens please

[shutterbug6500]

I just got some unexpected $$ and am thinking about what else I need for my camera. You can see the lenses that I have in my sig. I have the 20D camera. What other lens/or lenses do you think I should add? I have about $850 to spend. I am sort of considering the Canon 50 f/1.4 & the Canon 100mm macro, but is the 50 f/ 1.4 too close to the 60mm macro that I already have? Or should I look at something totally different? I also don't have anything more than the 300mm in length. I like to take all sorts of pictures, so I'm not really into just one area of interest.

[mrfourcows]

how about a 28/30/35mm prime? you can use it for those 'normal' view shots.

frankly, i wouldn't advice buying lenses just for the sake of buying it. if not, with so many lenses and only one body, each lens may see very little action. as such, i think you should buy only when you need the lens. get my point?

[SimonG]

Jaetie makes a good point. You should consider how your current gear is limiting you before you throw another lens into the camera bag for the sake of it. If you pick one that will fill a specific need you'll get far more enjoyment out of it.

That said, for my money I'd definitely consider the 100 mm macro lens... ;)

[Billginthekeys]

as is advised. make sure you arnt just spending money "for the sake of it." If you are happy with your current gear than save it up for something you really want/need when the time comes.

[shutterbug6500]

Thanks! I like the ones that I've gotten so far. The Tamron is the last one that I got and I got it because I wanted something in this range that was faster than my 17-85. I had found that one limited in really low light situations. One of the reasons that I had considered the 50 f1/4 (or the other primes mentioned) were because of them being faster. I really love my 85 mm because of that. Although I really love my 60mm macro & use it a lot, I've considered the 100mm because of the extra reach for insects, etc. and it's reputation. What would be your recommendation for getting more reach than I currently have with my 70-300mm?

[Dante King]

35mm f2. This would give you an effective 50mm fov lens. Think you might really enjoy it. I know I did when I had a crop camera.

[Billginthekeys]

Thanks! I like the ones that I've gotten so far. The Tamron is the last one that I got and I got it because I wanted something in this range that was faster than my 17-85. I had found that one limited in really low light situations. One of the reasons that I had considered the 50 f1/4 (or the other primes mentioned) were because of them being faster. I really love my 85 mm because of that. Although I really love my 60mm macro & use it a lot, I've considered the 100mm because of the extra reach for insects, etc. and it's reputation. What would be your recommendation for getting more reach than I currently have with my 70-300mm?
well, if you got the 50 1.4 (great lens, invaluable for lowlight situations), and 100 macro (once again great lens). would you need the 60 anymore? you could consider geting the 50 1.4, 100 2.8 and then selling the 60 macro and buying a 28 1.8 or sigma 30 1.4. then you would have a full range of lowlight primes including your 85. just a thought, since you seem to be looking for lowlight.

[shutterbug6500]

Hmmm, good ideas. That gives me something to think about. Yes, I've thought about low light situations I guess because I mostly had the different ranges covered except for above 300mm and when I had problems it was usually because the lens in question wouldn't be quite fast enough. (& I like the sharpness of the primes & macros, etc.) Which of these wider primes (35 f2, 28 1.8 or Sig. 30 1.4) are best or are they all about the same? And if I decided to go with more reach, is there one above 300mm that's really good? (I'm assuming with my lineup that the tubes wouldn't work, etc.?)

[Dante King]

I think 35 f2 is superior in the "wider" (which is not wide on your camera). check out pbase and search these lenses. It would help your decision process.

Not really going to find longer than 300 in your price range on the new market.

[shutterbug6500]

Thanks! It really helps to bounce ideas off of other people and get their thoughts and recommendations too. You've given me a lot to think about.

[Dante King]

I would seriously look into prime lenses IIWY. Primes ROCK IMHO.

[shutterbug6500]

Yeah, I really like the sharpness & fastness of the primes.