I need a new lens & I'm on a budget

shredchic · 5th of April 2006 (Wed)

I'm looking to spend about $400. I am thinking of adding the Tamron f/2.8 28-75 lens to my collection. I have read the reviews on here and on other places online, but is there anything else you guys can tell me?

I need a lens that will be helpful when shooting indoors where lighting is dim, as most churches and receptions don't have the best lighting.

If there is another lens better suited for my needs and in this price range, feel free to make suggestions.

My current gear is in my signature.

Remember, I'm no pro and this isn't my full time job.

Thanks for any assistance you can provide!

wazmunstr · 5th of April 2006 (Wed)

go with the tamron. you will get many people here that will recommend it. its a great lens, i just prefer sigma

tim · 5th of April 2006 (Wed)

I like the Canon 50mm F1.4 USM better in general, though I have and like the Tamron too.

sboerup · 6th of April 2006 (Thu)

Dump the 35-80, if you can. This depends on what type of photography you use it for, and since its in the wedding section, I would get the Tamron for flexibility. Like tim, I like primes. Most favorite in that range are the 85 1.8 and 50 1.4, both that you can get under $400, or better yet, get the 85 1.8 and 50 1.8 for under $400. You will come to see photography in a new way with fast aperture lenses.

islandphoto · 6th of April 2006 (Thu)

I've read some pretty good reviews on the sigma. I was pondering which one to get - the sigma or the canon. The canon is pretty expensive but I really want it and I might just have to bight the bullet.

ricohcam01 · 6th of April 2006 (Thu)

One word! ebay.

I just won a bid on the Sigma 24-70mm 2.8 that I am buying for my 10D. I heard it is not a bad lens. I will post some images when I get it.

shredchic · 6th of April 2006 (Thu)

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim

I like the Canon 50mm F1.4 USM better in general, though I have and like the Tamron too.

The Canon 50mm F1.4 USM is well within my budget, too. And there is a rebate going on!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

Between these two lenses, which one is should I add to my collection? It's so difficult for me to make a decision. Which one do you guys think is going to be more versatile when shooting weddings? I'm looking for a relatively quick aperture, sharp images, great depth of field...

SuzyView · 6th of April 2006 (Thu)

I have the 50 1.4 and the 85 1.8 and the primes are so sharp and great in low light situations. If I had to do it over, I'd still go for the 50 1.4 for your budget. Go to your local shop and put all your choices on the camera. Then take a look at them on your LCD. The 50 1.4 shots will be sharp and you will love how it focuses. The USM on the primes really does work well.

tim · 6th of April 2006 (Thu)

Quote:

Originally Posted by shredchic

The Canon 50mm F1.4 USM is well within my budget, too. And there is a rebate going on!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

Between these two lenses, which one is should I add to my collection? It's so difficult for me to make a decision. Which one do you guys think is going to be more versatile when shooting weddings? I'm looking for a relatively quick aperture, sharp images, great depth of field...

Tough call. The 50mm F1.4 is faster to focus, has a wider maximum aperture and therefore a narrower minimum depth of field, and is a joy to use. The Tamron is 2 stops slower, not as sharp, but it has the flexability of a zoom. Stopped down to F4 or so both are sharp, and I happily use the Tamron at F2.8. In all, i'm glad I have both. If I had to have one now it'd be tough, but probably the Canon. For a beginner... maybe the zoom. For dark indoor churches... definitely the Canon, but I might get the 85 F1.8 for churches so I could stay out of the way. For receptions... a 28mm prime (give or take a few mm) would be perfect, but the 50mm is pretty good.

clengster_77 · 6th of April 2006 (Thu)

i use to have a tamron 28 - 75 2.8 and sure gave me good results! try it and you'll love it

cheers
cleng

kawter2 · 6th of April 2006 (Thu)

go with the tamron.. the 50mm will look better at 100% in photoshop, but your customers will not know the difference in your prints, however they would know the difference you you couldn't get the shot because you had a non zoom on your camera

(this coming from someone who LOVES his 50 1.4)

rlhphotos · 6th of April 2006 (Thu)

50mm 1.4 would be my suggestion I just have the 50mm 1.8 right now but am planning on upgrading the 1.4 sometime soon. (Im actually planning on swithcing a lot of my equipment out if budget allows) In any case you cant beat the nice DOF and the quick speeds of the 50mm..

shredchic · 6th of April 2006 (Thu)

I am sure I will ultimately end up getting both lenes, but I am leaning towards the Tamron right now. I plan on trying it out at my local camera store before making a purchase. The guys in there are awesome.

Thanks for all the help so far.

jesusdelallata · 6th of April 2006 (Thu)

For flexibility, go for the Tamron. It's a fine lens. The 50mm 1.4 is even nicer. Tough call.

Emuncy · 6th of April 2006 (Thu)

I have that tamron also, and I love it. However, Canons 50mm 1.8 is REALLY fast and amazingly sharp for only an $80.00 Lens. I'd say pick yourself up one of those and also one of the canon 85mm. Should fit in your budget.

5th of April 2006 (Wed)	#1
shredchic Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 302 IMAGE EDITING OK	I need a new lens & I'm on a budget I'm looking to spend about $400. I am thinking of adding the Tamron f/2.8 28-75 lens to my collection. I have read the reviews on here and on other places online, but is there anything else you guys can tell me? I need a lens that will be helpful when shooting indoors where lighting is dim, as most churches and receptions don't have the best lighting. If there is another lens better suited for my needs and in this price range, feel free to make suggestions. My current gear is in my signature. Remember, I'm no pro and this isn't my full time job. Thanks for any assistance you can provide! __________________ Lindsay 5d \| 5d \| 24-70 f2.8 L \| 85 f1.8 \| 50 f1.2 L \| 50 f2.5 macro \| 580EX Flash \| 580EX II Flash

5th of April 2006 (Wed)	#2
wazmunstr Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Sarasota, FL & Chattanooga, TN USA Posts: 946	Re: I need a new lens & I'm on a budget go with the tamron. you will get many people here that will recommend it. its a great lens, i just prefer sigma __________________ Stuff\|Stuff\|And More Stuff Online Portfolio:http://www.usefilm.com/photographer/33147.html

5th of April 2006 (Wed)	#3
tim Light Bringer Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 47,928 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: I need a new lens & I'm on a budget I like the Canon 50mm F1.4 USM better in general, though I have and like the Tamron too. __________________ NZIPP Qualified Professional wedding photographer. Camera and Lens Reviews ~ Wellington Wedding Photographer Wellington Wedding Photographer (site2) ~ Wellington Wedding Photographer (site3) Read all my FAQs (wedding, printing, lighting, books, etc)

6th of April 2006 (Thu)	#4
sboerup Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: AZ Posts: 831	Re: I need a new lens & I'm on a budget Dump the 35-80, if you can. This depends on what type of photography you use it for, and since its in the wedding section, I would get the Tamron for flexibility. Like tim, I like primes. Most favorite in that range are the 85 1.8 and 50 1.4, both that you can get under $400, or better yet, get the 85 1.8 and 50 1.8 for under $400. You will come to see photography in a new way with fast aperture lenses.

6th of April 2006 (Thu)	#5
islandphoto Goldmember Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Maui Posts: 2,358 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: I need a new lens & I'm on a budget I've read some pretty good reviews on the sigma. I was pondering which one to get - the sigma or the canon. The canon is pretty expensive but I really want it and I might just have to bight the bullet. __________________ - Joanna 5D, 20D, canon 18-55, canon 70-200L f4, canon 24-70L, canon 50 1.4, 2 x Canon 580EX, 7GB of memory, omnibounce diffuser, photoshop 8

6th of April 2006 (Thu)	#6
ricohcam01 Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 417	Re: I need a new lens & I'm on a budget One word! ebay. I just won a bid on the Sigma 24-70mm 2.8 that I am buying for my 10D. I heard it is not a bad lens. I will post some images when I get it. __________________ "Every shoot is a chance to learn!" Canon 5D Canon 10D 50mm 1.8 II lens 85mm 1.8 lens 28-80 3.5-5.6lens 75-300 4.0-5.6lens The rest is not canon. Oooops did I say that out loud. Last edited by ricohcam01 : 6th of April 2006 (Thu) at 06:11.

6th of April 2006 (Thu)	#8
SuzyView Ms Moderator and Grandma Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northern VA Posts: 31,485 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: I need a new lens & I'm on a budget I have the 50 1.4 and the 85 1.8 and the primes are so sharp and great in low light situations. If I had to do it over, I'd still go for the 50 1.4 for your budget. Go to your local shop and put all your choices on the camera. Then take a look at them on your LCD. The 50 1.4 shots will be sharp and you will love how it focuses. The USM on the primes really does work well. __________________ Suzie - Still Speaking Canonese! *5D2* *7D & G12, the new iPad, iPhone 5 , 5 L's & 2 Primes* 23 bags - 4 Domke, 3 Lowepro, 1 Crumpler, 2 Tamrac, 5 Kata, 3 Thinktanks, 1 Pelican, 1 Tenba bag, 1 Epiphanie Paris & 2 Coach Handbag! And no excuses. My children are the reason, but it's the passion that drives me to get the perfect image of everything. My Gear and Wishes

6th of April 2006 (Thu)	#10
clengster_77 Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Philippines Posts: 613 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: I need a new lens & I'm on a budget i use to have a tamron 28 - 75 2.8 and sure gave me good results! try it and you'll love it cheers cleng __________________ Canon 5D x 2 16 - 35L mk1 + 85 1.2L FD + 70 - 200 2.8L 50 1.4 + 85 1.8 + 580 EX + 420 EX + 055ProB + 488Rc2

6th of April 2006 (Thu)	#11
kawter2 Goldmember Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 2,046	Re: I need a new lens & I'm on a budget go with the tamron.. the 50mm will look better at 100% in photoshop, but your customers will not know the difference in your prints, however they would know the difference you you couldn't get the shot because you had a non zoom on your camera (this coming from someone who LOVES his 50 1.4) __________________ Wedding Blog Eric J. Weddings

6th of April 2006 (Thu)	#12
rlhphotos Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Coralville, IA Posts: 545 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: I need a new lens & I'm on a budget 50mm 1.4 would be my suggestion I just have the 50mm 1.8 right now but am planning on upgrading the 1.4 sometime soon. (Im actually planning on swithcing a lot of my equipment out if budget allows) In any case you cant beat the nice DOF and the quick speeds of the 50mm.. __________________ :: Call Me Rob :: ::Equipment List:: ::Business Site :: Blog Site::

6th of April 2006 (Thu)	#14
jesusdelallata Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 631 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: I need a new lens & I'm on a budget For flexibility, go for the Tamron. It's a fine lens. The 50mm 1.4 is even nicer. Tough call. __________________ Jesus de la Llata Canon Digital Rebel XT with BG-E3 & Elan 7n with BP-300 Sigma 30mm f1.4 / Canon 50mm f1.4 / Canon 85mm f1.8 / Canon 17-55mm f2.8 IS EF-S / Canon 70-200mm f4 L Canon 430EX / Manfrotto 3021PRO w/ 3047

6th of April 2006 (Thu)	#15
Emuncy Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: chicago Posts: 29 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: I need a new lens & I'm on a budget I have that tamron also, and I love it. However, Canons 50mm 1.8 is REALLY fast and amazingly sharp for only an $80.00 Lens. I'd say pick yourself up one of those and also one of the canon 85mm. Should fit in your budget. __________________ Canon 20D w/t grip Canon 10D w/t grip Canon D60 w/t grip +various canon + tamron lenses

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
New Lens on a budget	madcop	Canon EF and EF-S Lenses	10	5th of February 2007 (Mon) 20:52
Budget lens help!	Pete-eos	Canon EF and EF-S Lenses	11	12th of December 2006 (Tue) 08:14
AB & $2000 Budget	MrWills	Small Flash and Studio Lighting	18	15th of September 2006 (Fri) 22:53
NEXT best budget lens?	SJK	Canon EF and EF-S Lenses	25	9th of August 2006 (Wed) 05:17
Best lens for a d-60 on a budget	evilenglishman	Canon EF and EF-S Lenses	7	10th of July 2003 (Thu) 16:08