Review this lense line-up, plz

[spitfirejd]

I'm replacing most of my lenses from my 35mm days to better utilize my new XTi. Plus, my 28-70 died. Here's what I'm currently thinking as a line-up (this is about the 70th version:lol: )

Tamron 17-50 f2.8
Canon 28-135 IS f3.5-5.6
Canon 70-200 f4 non-IS

Later, a Canon 10-22 f3.5-4.5

My reasoning/comments: 1) I "need" at least one f2.8 lense, mostly for museums w/o flash 2) I also shoot landscapes, travel, aircraft/airshows, zoos, pets, cars 3) I'm keeping a Canon 100 f2.8 Macro 4) I need to keep the cost to less than US$1,100 (I overpaid Uncle Sam and I'm getting it back!) 5) I can get the above line-up for under $1,000 used, except for the 10-22, if I sell/trade my 75-300 IS 6) I like the 28-135 length (w/ 1.6x) for a lot of the pics I've taken in the past, and to cover the gap between 50 & 70, but also need a wider lense(s) b/c of the crop 7) I've looked at 100 other lenses like the 17-85 IS and 24-105L but dismissed most b/c of bad recommendations/reviews or $$$

Comments and suggestions?

[ghms421]

Drop the 28-135 and get a nice prime. Canon 50 f1.4, 85 f1.8, or Sigma 30 f1.4.

[gasrocks]

I agree with ghms421.

[whakojacko]

I agree with gasrocks.

[spitfirejd]

The 30 and 50 focal lengths are covered by the 17-50 and the 85 by the 70-200. Other than the speed, what is the advantage of doing that and how would I cover some of the missing range between 50 and 70? When I had my 24-70/75-300 combo in 35mm, I often used the high end of my 24-70 and some low end of the 75-300. While my 100mm f2.8 is primarily for product photography for my business, it makes a wonderful lense for pets and people as well. I would think the 85 would be too close to that to be useful.

[Kemcmanus]

Go with the Canon 50 f1.4. Unless you want to move up in cost...

[spitfirejd]

Why?

[newfly5]

instead of 3 lower end lenses not so much on the L but it is the lower 70-200 series I would get 1 good L or 2 med end lenses. Even the tamron 28-75 would be better IMO and team it up with a 50 1.8 and a kit lens for wide angle With your setup now the only good iq lens is the f4 imo

Just my penny and 1/4

[spitfirejd]

I looked at the 24-105L and took a few pics with it on my XTi. Frankly, I wasn't impressed with the sharpness of the brand new lense and it would eat my whole budget. The 17-55 would be nice but costs just as much. I deliberately bought my camera w/o the horrid kit lense and I like the versatility of zoom lenses. The Tamron 28-75 is a thought, I'll look into that. Everyone seems to recommend the 50 1.8, but nobody has said why. The speed would be good in a museum, but you often don't have the space to move up or back much.

[bigman606]

Most folks will recommend a good prime (either the 50 f/1.8, 50 f/1.4) because of the speed, excellent low light shooting ability and they both offer great values for the money - tack sharp. I always advise folks to check the 50mm primes out for themselves.

[spitfirejd]

Everyone seems to have a fifty, so it must be useful. I don't do portraits, which most people seem to use it for, but on a 1.6x that's an 80 so that probably would be pretty good in most museums. Nobody has knocked the Tamron 17-50 f2.8, so I take it that's a good sign?

[JNunn]

I agree with those who to drop the 28-135. Its the lowest IQ of any of the lenses you list and it duplicates your range. I don't know anything about the Tamron, but it seems alot of people like it.

[spitfirejd]

Consider the 28-135 dropped! Since posting last, I found a copy of the 24-105 f4L that is much sharper than the one I tested at the camera shop :eek: I'm seriously considering getting the 24-105L and then getting the 10-22 ASAP. I'll probably still trade my 75-300 IS for the 70-200 f4, but wait a bit. I can still get a 50mm f1.8 right now for the low light. So, the new line-up would look like:

Canon 10-22 f3.5-4.5
Canon 24-105 f4 L
Canon 70-200 f4
Canon 50 f1.8
Canon 100 f2.8 Macro

Look better?

[ibdb]

Glance at my sig and you'll know what I think about it. ;)

[spitfirejd]

Well, I'm finally thinking inside the box! I just ordered the 24-105 f4 L from a fellow POTN member. Thanks to everyone so far for their excellent advice!

[oni0n56]

nice. teh 24-105 + 70-200 should be great.