which wide angle?

[snapmonkey]

Hi, all, I'm new to the site and looking for some advice. I've been doing some free event and mother/child photography and I'm looking to start making some money off it. I want to add some glass to my collection, which currently consists of the 50mm 1.8 II, the 70-200mm 2.8L (my pride and joy, a joint birthday gift from everyone who loves me), and the relatively weak 18-55mm kit lens that came with my digital rebel. I'm thinking about adding a decent-to-excellent wide angle for party/event shots (and I'm of course open to any other advice). I would really appreciate any suggestions...
Thanks!
Eric

[Biko]

Depends how wide you want to go but value for money 17 - 40 f4 L

[cmM]

if you take a lot of low light shots I suggest the 16-35 over the 17-40 for that one extra stop. Plus if you're gonna make money off it, considder it an investment :wink:

[Brianbar]

I agree with both Biko and ccM. I have the 17-4L f4 and it works just great for me. I've just returned from Prague and the 17-40L was a perfect wide angle with outstanding results.

Brian

[roanjohn]

You'll hear it again and again...............but in terms of value and performance, there is nothing like the Canon 17-40 f4 L. This lens is da bomb!!! no doubt.

Ro1

[Andy_T]

You'll hear it again and again...............but in terms of value and performance, there is nothing like the Canon 17-40 f4 L.

That is, until you look at the Tokina ATX 17/3.5 prime.

Check DRisley's recent ramblings, he's so high on endorphines from this new lens, he's virtually flying :wink:

OTOH, if you want a *really* wide lens, you might look at the Sigma 12-24.

Best regards,
Andy

[drisley]

That is, until you look at the Tokina ATX 17/3.5 prime.
Check DRisley's recent ramblings, he's so high on endorphines from this new lens, he's virtually flying :wink:
Best regards,
Andy

Ccccaaannn'ttt ssttooppp shhaaakkinngg!

If you want zoom, get one of the Canon L wides or Sigma 12-24.
If you prefer a prime and want to save money, definately get the Tokina.

[Olegis]

The "golden middle" between the super-wide Sigma 12-24 and the not-so-wide (and quite expensive) 17-40 f/4L may be the Sigma 15-30 f/3.5-4.5 - it's equivalent to 24-48mm on 1.6 crop body, quite sharp and nicely built. The drawbacks are - slow and noisy AF motor, huge filters and you have to be VERY careful with flare.

The drisley's Tokina is also very nice lens, actually I consider to exchange my Sigma 15-30 for it because of the size - the Sigma is big lens, and I want something smaller for everyday use (and a small bag). The flare performance of this lens is amasing !