Lens EOS20d - Budget of $700

[vimerla]

I would like to buy a new lens for my 20d. At the moment I have the kit lens 18-55 and the 50mm 1.8II. My budget is very limited. I was thinking something on the lines of the Tamron SP AF28-75/2.8XR Di IF or the Tamron SP AF28-105mm F/2.8 LD Asp(IF). My main interests are portraiture/weddings

regards
vim

[Skip Souza]

Go for the Tamron 28-75. Can't pry it out of my wife's hands. One of the best lenses around for what you want together with what you have.

[Andy_T]

Yes, according to all reviews it is a lot better than the 28-105/2.8.

I can just speak for the 28-75/2.8, and it's a wonderful lens.

Best regards,
Andy

[vimerla]

suppose I manage to increase my budget a bit to be able to get the 17-40L, do you still consider the tamron 28-75?

vim

[Andy_T]

The 17-40 will be too short for portraiture.
Good for group shots at weddings, but not so good for portraits of single people.

The Tamron 28-75 will be more useful to you, and the difference to the 18-55 is more dramatic than the difference of the 17-40 to the kit lens (because the kit lens is quite decent on its wide end).

Best regards,
Andy

[Marshall]

The short supply of the Tamron lens is indicative of its popularity, a wonderful walk-about & portrait lens.

[su719]

I'd say get of the 50 1.8 for the 50 1.4. The USM makes a huge difference in low light situations which will probably be prevalent in weddings. I would also say the 17-40 for the kit lens if their is room in the budget if not. I think you may be want to spend the money on a flash since I think the 18-55 at F8 with a flash would do quite well.

[lkorell]

If you shoot weddings and portrait but your budget is typically $700 or less, I'd start with the 50 1.4. It will get you through most situations. Then I'd add the 17-40 later as well as the 85 1.8. With those lenses you can cover almost everything. I used those lengths for a while on my first digital weddings.

Then I added the 70-200 2.8, 24 1.4, and 35 1.4 $$$$$$$$$'s later, I am so happy with my lenses. The 85 is a killer lens. It's a must have for portraits. The 50 1.4 is also very good and should be in your bag.


Lou

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

Portraits? Indoor/outdoor? Canon 85mm f/1.8 definately! If you don't like primes, the Tamron 28-75 is a must. With either lens, you could throw in a 420EX flash and still be well within your budget.

As for the 17-40L, just got this lens two days ago and I LOVE IT! It's a truely amazing lens, and definately my favorite. I just simply can't put it down! :-) You could always just get this lens first, and the others later. It's usually a better idea to get the most expensive item out of the way first. :-) Just a suggestion.

[LightRules]

Primes are my favorite way to go but if you need a zoom, check out the Sigma 18-50 f2.8. It's a very good lens. See my sig.

[deedas]

Sell both of your current lenses and get the 50mm 1.4 and the Tamron 28-75mm.

[vimerla]

sorry, but forgot to mention that I already have the 580ex. are your suggestions still valid?

vim