Back up lense choice

[Jono A]

Well I had a really unpleasant experience shooting a wedding last weekend. My 17-55 2.8 IS kept on giving me the dreaded "ERROR99" message. Even when I turned the power off/took out the batteries, it kept on coming back so regularly that it was seriously effecting the shoot. Its now with Canon Servicing, but I am now looking for some backup options to cover it. I am either looking at a couple of primes, or a 24-105 F4 IS. I already have a 70-200 2.8 IS and a 85 1.8. Anyway how are you guys covering the lense backup issue. Primes or extra zooms?

Jono.

[CyberPet]

Did you nail the ERR99 down to the lens? Usually that's a very broad error and could be anything from dirty contacts on the camera/lens to a memory card.

But yeah, backup lenses are always good and if you can shoot in fairly good light the 24-105/4L is a nice range. Or you should maybe pick up a 24-70/2.8L or 16-35.

[tim]

Tamron 28-75 F2.8 if it's just a backup. 24-105 F4 L is a good lens especially on full frame, and F4 is ok for a backup.

[picturecrazy]

I used my 10-22 as backup (and mainly used it at 22mm) when my primary failed. But now that I have the Sigma 30 1.4, that's gonna be my backup. Good part is, it's awesome so it's totally a lens I'd use for prep and detail shots, so it's not dead weight to lug around.

[Jono A]

Petra the problem went as soon as I changed over to my 70-200 on the same 30D body, so I'm guessing it was the lens, but as I have another wedding the weekend after next, I couldnt risk not getting it looked at.
Tim, thanks for reminding me about the Tamron. A good lens at a reasonable price, and its 2.8!. I guess I like the idea of the 24-105 as having just bought the 70-200 2.8 IS L, I am getting bitten by the 'L' bug!
Lloyd, I have been considering the Sigma 30 1.4, even before my lens problem, as an alternative to the Canon 50 1.4 , as it seems better built and may be sharper than the Canon between 1.4 and 2.8.
I guess the bottom line is that we talk about the need for back up bodies and flashes, but lens backups are just as important. I worked through it this time, but it was not a pleasant experience! Jono.

[picturecrazy]

Jono:
The Sigma 30 1.4 is much better than my canon 50 1.4. It is REALLY sharp right at 1.4, whereas my 50 1.4 has to be stopped down to F/2 to get similar sharpness. I've always thought it was pointless to stop down a fast lens, I use lenses wide open 80% of the time. I use the sigma at 1.4 all the time. No hesitation. I think I'm gonna get rid of the 50 1.4...

[Big Mike]

The Sigma 18-50 F2.8 or Tamron 17-50 F2.8 are less than half the price of the Canon 17-55 F2.8 IS. It may be a bit much to have the exact same range as a back-up...but the price is pretty good and they are supposed to be pretty good lenses.

A fast prime would be a good idea...it could be used if your primary lens craps out...but also gives you the option to shoot with a wider aperture. Of course, it may mean that you have to move around more that you are used to.