My lens dilema....weddinger's check it out..

[Dubsta]

I want the best all around lens for weddings...I have been doing nothing but reading and reviewing and everything...and think I have come to a final decision.

The 24-70mm f2.8 L lens...

I already have the 50mm and the 18-55...but really want the best piece of glass I can get...and it looks like the 24 is the one. I really did want to get the 70-200 f2.8 L, but I think I would be better off with the 24-70mm.

Does anyone have any comments or suggestions on the lens, or any recommendations for me...I want quality....crisp, and sharp....

[Adam Hicks]

Well if you can take a few steps forward or backwards, split the zoom difference and get the 50mm 1.4. Much brigher lens, crisper images and lots of cash in your pocket. Maybe couple it with the 85mm 1.8 and still save good money. With the money you save add the Tamron 28-75 and enjoy the same image quality as the L.

My $.02

Adam

[LouDawg]

I want the best all around lens for weddings...but really want the best piece of glass I can get...and it looks like the 24 is the one.

It definitely is the one best all around wedding lens, in my opinion. This lens along with the 70-200 covers 95% of my needs, period. Sharp, fast focus, but somewhat heavy in price and size. You get what you pay for. Try searching this forum or google for a more in depth reviews.

Bottom line: if you can afford it, get it. You won't be disappointed.

[KevC]

Yes. Do consider the Tamron 28-75mm. I wouldn't say it's the "same image quality as the L" as Adam said, but it's pretty darn close for 1/3rd of the price!

[SDK^]

I recently debated over exactly the same choices.
The 50mm 1.4 is sharper but doesn't have the convenience of the 24-70L and I felt the 70-200 was just too long, especially on the 1.6x crop factor 20D.

So I went for 24-70L and have been amazed by the image quality

[Dubsta]

Yeah, I want to stick with Canon, and the L lenses...I read too many comparisons about any other lenses. I want to offer the highest quality I can, and Canon and the L are known for it..and used by many...the extra price wont matter to me as much as the quality of my work.

I really would like to see some shots from the 24-70 if any of you have some to share...thanks everyone!

[jbradc]

I use the Canon 24-70 2.8L for 90% of my wedding work and it performs great. I use my 50MM F1.4 for available light shots before and during the ceremony when flash may not be allowed.
While the Tamron 28-70 is a good lens for the money, it is no where near the build quality or sharpness (wide open) that Canon is. Also with the 1.6 CF the 28 end of the Tamron is not wide enough for me (44.8mm), but the Canon at the 24 end is just wide enough for most shots (38.4mm). I use my 17-40 F4L for big groups. If you can afford it, get the Canon glass.

[Adam Hicks]

The reviews continue to put the Tamron right there with the Canon... see http://www.photozone.de/2Equipment/easytxt.htm#Zstf as an example. .01 difference on their scale, and they seem to be pretty darn accurate when you look across the lenses.

Build quality is said to be better because the canon is so much heavier, but I have a 5 year warranty to cover that and then some. So Tamron edges Canon. Then there's the 1/3 the price thing. I'm all for Canon L glass when it makes sense.

Adam

[SDK^]

If you are not bothered about better build quality, fast USM focus and weather sealing then the equivalent Sigma and Tamron lenses are very close optically and a lot cheaper

[Dante King]

Tamron's 6 year warranty is hard to beat!