Tamron 17-50 2.8/501.8 or kit lens + Sigma 50 1.4

I picked up a T2i kit through CLP after a few years of being away from the hobby. My wife and I are expecting and I wanted to be able to capture quality photographs of my spawnling. I'll be picking up more glass as the need arises, likely a lens or 2 a year. No need for a long fast zoom when the infant can't roll over yet but when they start walking and playing sports it will be invaluable.

Currently I've got the kit lens and several full manual M42 lenses from years back. They're great but autofocus and body controlled aperture are really nice lol.

My budget will allow me one or the other, either ditching my Kit lens and picking up the Tamron 17-50 2.8 (likely non VC) and the Canon 50 1.8 or keeping the kit lens and grabbing a Sigma 50 1.4 (or Canon) all would likely be bought used.

Personally, I lean more towards the Sigma 50 as everything I've seen from it looks spectacular provided the focus is spot on. I'd likely get more use from the Tamron with its 2.8 aperture, however.

Any insight or suggestions?

-Wes

I get the most use from my 17-55, so you know which option I'd go for.

Which kit lens do you have? The 18-55?

correct, the 18-55 IS

I will go for Tamron 17-50 over kit lens to get f2.8 for that bokeh.

Ditched the 18-55 is in favour of the Tamron 17-50 non vc. It has excellent bokeh, getting a 50mm would be a little too long for my likings on a crop sensor.

Just be aware the Tamron sounds like a high pitched buzz saw when focusing.

Tamron 17-50 non-VC is great, and instead of the Sigma 50mm maybe go for the Sigma 30mm. Focal length is better for crop bodies, especially indoors. Here's a shot from my previous 40D Body + Sigma 30mm f1.4, wide open:

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Thanks for the suggestions. The 30 was another lens I was thinking about, range does seem better for indoors. I'll have to spend some more time playing with things to see what I'll like. Last DSLR was a 5D when they were new so It's been a few years.

Richierich1212, Do you post over at anandtech?

-Wes

Yes I do, I have talked with you over there, lol. Noticed your location earlier.

Don't overlook the 35f2 and the 28f1.8. I like my 35f2 for available light photos.

You may want to consider the highly rated Sigma 17-50mm 2.8.

Johnny Thunder wrote in post #12325119
I picked up a T2i kit through CLP after a few years of being away from the hobby. My wife and I are expecting and I wanted to be able to capture quality photographs of my spawnling. I'll be picking up more glass as the need arises, likely a lens or 2 a year. No need for a long fast zoom when the infant can't roll over yet but when they start walking and playing sports it will be invaluable.

Currently I've got the kit lens and several full manual M42 lenses from years back. They're great but autofocus and body controlled aperture are really nice lol.

My budget will allow me one or the other, either ditching my Kit lens and picking up the Tamron 17-50 2.8 (likely non VC) and the Canon 50 1.8 or keeping the kit lens and grabbing a Sigma 50 1.4 (or Canon) all would likely be bought used.

Personally, I lean more towards the Sigma 50 as everything I've seen from it looks spectacular provided the focus is spot on. I'd likely get more use from the Tamron with its 2.8 aperture, however.

Any insight or suggestions?

-Wes

Don't be too quick to ditch the 18-55IS ! It's sharp and you can do a lot with it. That and a flash are great for family pics. The Tamron 17-50 2.8 is a nice sharp lens, especially at f2.8

XSi (450D) with Tamron 17-50 2.8

at f2.8

I've been pretty impressed with the kit lens thus far, its much better then the older kit lens that shipped with the original digital rebel/300D

the 28 1.8 is out of my price range for this, the Canon 35 and Sigma 50 are both promising. I'll probably lock on my old M42 50 1.7 and run around with that for a day or 2 and see if the range works out like I want it to. My original plan was to order the T2i body only then grab Tamron 17-50. I'm being a lot more stingy with my $ then I used to. I'd rather have to use the pop up flash and have money in the bank then a shiny new lens and no cushion.

I might be able to swing a 3rd party ETTL flash and the sigma 50, especially if I can grab a great deal used.

-Wes

The more I use the Tamron 17-50 VC, the more I like it.

100% crop, no PP, 1/500 sec, f/4, ISO 100, VC is off

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