I cant choose!

[stampchick724]

I have read the lens recommendations, and I still remain confused. So, I thought I would throw out my particulars.

I have been shooting with a nikon FM (black body, MD-11) for my entire adult life. I purchased this FM as a backup for an F2 and hasselblads! I havent "shot professional" in over 10 years, although I get an occational "high" shooting my daughters and friends, etc.

I havent "gone digital" so I am starting at the baseline, wanting the best I can afford. I wont be going into the L price range, but I dont want (whats that expression) "get this lens thats $100 until you can afford better." YUK!

I will be shooting pictures of my new grandchild due in October. I have a basic (mono lights) lighting setup. So, I need a lens to shoot kids! I love to shoot mostly their faces (I love EYES!!) and will have no more than three kids in the picture. SHOULD I purchase a fixed focus? If zoom is a good choice, the 17-85 IS is the one I have narrowed it to.

HELP!!
jules

[stampchick724]

for got this...
or would the 28-135 be a better choice? How do I know which is a better, sharper lens? I have read the specs, but its been so long since I have used all this information!
thanks
jules

[drewmk2]

I think a fixed focus is probably the only way you're going to get nice quality out of a non-L lens. You might want to look at a couple of different angle primes.

I didn't really like the pictures I got when i demoed the 17-85. Maybe it was a bad copy, but i got LOTS of CA, and for the price, it just wasn't worth it.

If you need a wide angle, maybe look at the EF 24mm f/2.8
For the average portrait, either the $80 EF 50mm f/1.8 II, or if you want a bit higher quality, the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM.

[drewmk2]

That is, if you don't mind having any zoom.

[Gerdav43]

Hate to do this to you but based on what you have said you may be interested in the 50mm 1.8 (they're calling it he nifty fifty now) which is great for portraits and is very sharp. T

The 28-135 is a very good walk around lens but the Tamron 28-75 XR Di 2.8 has better contrast and is much sharper than the 28-135 in my opinion. This may better suit your needs. I only suggest the Tamron assuming you are going digital.

[drewmk2]

Ah yeah, i didn't even think about the Tamron 28-75. That and the 50 would probably a good pair for you!

[stampchick724]

thanks guys, for the quick reply. The 50 1.4 is well within my budget of $600 for initial lens purchases. I have used a fixed focus in quite a while!!

Its wild for me to think of a 50mm as a portrait lens!! The only 50mm lens I have is a 50 macro left from my days of copy work!! It hasent been out of its leather lens case in over 10 years!

I dont know if I can purchase a tamron. I guess they have improved over the years.

[eastcoast909]

You might also want to look at the 85mm f1.8 $339.95 at B&H

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=SearchBar&A=search&Q=*&shs=canon+85mm

The people who use the Tamron are very happy with it. Here is one thread with some examples and testimonials.

http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=72545&highlight=tamron+28-75

You might want to do some searches here for more examples.

[musthavemuzk]

did i miss what body was to be used?

Monty