Lens Choice

[askohen]

Hi. I have a Canon 20D with a 18-55mm kit lens, which I have already outgrown. I am looking for an all around, light lens that is faster than my kit lens, as I prefer to work with available light. I mostly do portraits, along with travel photography. I also want a lens that is easy to focus manually in low light.

I am looking at the prime Canon 1.8 EF 50mm 1.8, EF 2.0 35mm, and EF 1.8 28mm lenses (not L series)

..but just come across the Tamron 28-75 F2.8. I tried it out in the store, and it felt very solid.

Can anyone make some recommendations if I had to choose one (I am going to guess that people will say go with the Tamron). More importantly, can anyone also compare optics, especially with each lens wide open? Thanks!

[condyk]

I would get the Sigma 18-50mm 2.8 as a general/wide and then the 50mm 1.4 and 85mm 1.8 given your interests. I also liked the 50mm II 1.8 and that is a cheaper option.

Together, that is rather more cash than buying just the Tamron tho'! The Tamron is a great lens and so is the 24-70 2.8 DG EX Macro Sigma. The Sigma is around 720gm rather than the Tamrons 450gm or so and if you want lighter then the Tamron would be better. I prefer the Sigma having owned both but more about handling than image quality.

[askohen]

yeah, problem is I'm on a budget. I have no more than $350 to spend..

[ed2day]

I'd get the Tamron (actually, I AM getting the Tamron to test). I think it will compare well in image quality with those primes and the primes aren't that much faster. Certainly the zoom would be more convenient.

[m3elmo]

with no more than $350 to spend, that rules out the Sigma 18-50, which is what I would have suggested. It's fast, and has good quality optics. Then running price on that is around $450-500.

The tamron can be had around $350 after rebate if you find it in stock.

I would recommend the 50mm 1.4 or 1.8 which are within your budget, but the main thing is can you live with having only 1 prime lens? It might limit your photography

[askohen]

yes m3Elmo, that is the question. I have been looking at my shots, and the majority that I like seem to be between 28mm and 55mm. ..just not sure a prime lens would be able to cover that area.

Has anyone shot the Tamron 28-75 wide open? How is the sharpness?

[m3elmo]

go to www.fredmiranda.com/reviews You'll find good info on it there.

For the most part, most F2.8 Lens are sharp there, but are much sharper at F4. Don't own the tamron..wish i did though :(

[jojohohanon]

I tried the canon 35/2, but found that while it was nice and light, it wasn't quite fast enough.

Even at iso 1600, I couldn't get speeds faster than 1/30 at our last BBQ (we have a street light right outside the patio, so it's quite well lit).

I'm looking to try the sigma 30/1.4, which I have high hopes for as a normal lens on a dslr.

The 50mm, while cheap, is just too long for most casual uses given the 1.6 crop.

[tim]

Get the Tamron.

[ggibbs1971]

I have a Tamron 28-75 for auction on E bay right now. Auction finishes Tuesday 8/23.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7539354564&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1

I put it up for auction, needed something wider and bought the Canon 17-85IS. Really wanted the Sigma 18-50, but got a real good deal on the Canon.

Geoff