EF-S 17-85 vs 2 Tamrons

[pgseye]

First post - have learnt a lot from reading these forums the past few days. Have a request for opinions though if everyone would be kind enough. I am planning on buying a 350D shortly (was thinking of the 20D but thought I would put money towards a better lens/es). Debating on whether to go for the Canon EF-S 17-85 or to get the two Tamron lenses 17-35, and 28-75.

These are my questions/request for thoughts etc.

1. If in time to come digital slr's become more affordable in full sensor (35 mm) sizes, will the 17-85 become redundant? (eg can it currently be used on the pro model canon digital slr's or only the 1.6 x factor models).

2. The Tamron lenses are fast ( 2.8 ) - can they be used at 2.8 across all focal lengths (or only the wide angle end)?

3. Is there a big difference in speed of a lens from f2.8 to say f4? I've never had a f2.8 lens to be able to appreciate the difference.

4. On my film 500N body I have just used the kit 28-80 that was supplied. I am just trying to imagine how much of a pain in the neck changing lenses would be if I went the Tamrons. For those who have the 28-75, do you miss the lack of wide-angle on a digital body?

The main appealing factor with the Tamron's for me is the speed. I was also thinking of the 17-40 L, but I can buy the 2 Tamron's for the same price.

Thanks for any replies,

Paul

[summerwind4]

the only time i've had good luck when using a lens at f/2.8 and getting the clean and sharp pictures i expect is when i use a 50mm/f1.4.
the 24-70f/2.8L i had was a very good lens, but at wide open without flash left something to be desired.
now with a 20D, (not sure about the 350) i find the use of high ISO a dream as compared to my old D60 where i would never dare use at ISO800 or 1000.
on the 20D at ISO 1600 and the incredible IS feature of the 17-85, i find shots indoors like this......(1/13th@f/8)
http://www.pbase.com/image/44696605/original
to be possible and never worry about the depth of field at f/2.8.
with the tamrons, i've seen samples at f/2.8 that were good, and probably twice as many complaints about ones that were really bad at f/2.8.
do as much research as you can before you buy.

[chtgrubbs]

1. I think it is going to be some time, if ever, before full frame sensors come down in price enough to be used in a camera priced like the 20D. I am hoping that the 1D mk3 or 4 may have a full-size sensor.

2&3. Although I have F/2.8 lenses I hardly ever shoot them wide open, but they are probably better at f/4 than an f/4 lens shot wide-open.

4. Yes, this is the biggest drawback of the APS size sensor for me. 17-35 is now normal for me and I will have to get a 10-22 or 12-24 lens in order to get a wide angle view.

[DavidEB]

in addition to better light-gathering ability (eg, faster shutters, shooting in dimmer environments) f2.8 has another advantage over slower lenses - greater background blur. With the smaller sensor size of your cropped D-SLR, you get more depth of field. If you want to shoot portraits with nice background blur, a faster lens is a big help.

My Tamron 28-75 is as sharp as the 50 mm f1.8, both at f2.8 (my tests). At f4 I think it's as good as my old 50mm zeiss lens on my A1, and that was a gem.

Canon's newer offerings seem to be moving away from fast aperatures and towards IS. To me, that's a bad tradeoff.

[ed rader]

never had the 17-85 but i did have the 28-135. the tamrons are optically superior and usable at f2.8.

i hike alot in the bright california sunshine and the tamrons were the first lenses that gave me great results consistently.

i also own the 70-200 F4L (recent purchase) and optically it is a smidge better but these three lenses complement each other very well both in length and optical quality.

with filters this lightweight lens kit will run you about about $1500....a coupla of hundred more than the canon 24-70 f2.8L or the 16-35 F2.8L.

the 28-75 is the smallest and lightest in its class...the sigma 24-70 is 205 gms heavier and has a larger diameter.

i am now very spoiled by hi-quality lightweight optics and there's no going back :cool: .

and i figure that along with my kenko 1.4 tc these are all the lenses i need tho i may again pick up a fast prime someday.

my kit fits in a domke f6 ("little bit smaller") and this weekend we will be prowling the beaches, restaurants and shops of the monterey peninsula... :cool: .

ed rader

with the 17-35 in the bright cali sun.........

http://www.fototime.com/64DF190C3FCD5AA/orig.jpg

with the 28-75 in the failing light last night.......

http://www.fototime.com/CEEC18882DBEE5F/orig.jpg