Lens Suggestion for crop

Hello, newbie here. I have a T2i (or Kiss X4 here in my part of the world) and have 3 lenses an 18-135 IS, 18-55 IS (don't use anymore) and 85mm 1.8. Been thinking of getting a short prime around 20-30mm range or a 28-75 or 24-70 (I can only afford Tamron, it costs $1200 new here). I don't have any plans of going FF soon, maybe never. Any suggestions given my current set-up should I go for a short prime instead of 2X-70X zoom? I like shooting people, group shots and sometimes indoor sports. Also had a 55-250 before but hardly used it so I sold it. I also have a Nissin Di622 II flash. Thanks!

(I may move to the either 60d or 7d successor)

28mm f/1.8 and don't look back. The 28 and 17-55 were the two major reasons it took me so long to move to FF.

17-5x f2.8 seems to be a more natural choice for crop cameras than 2x-70 zooms. You'll be struggling indoors without the 17-24mm range.

Thanks for the suggestions for the 17-5x range what do you guys think about the Sigma OS? It's almost half the price here compared to Canon. Also, I was thinking of the 28 f1.8, think it's a better buy than the 2.8 IS?

I suggest the 28 1.8 for the shots you are wanting to take!

The Sigma 17-50 is great and will give you the flexibility of your 18-55 with faster focus and a fixed aperture.

For a fast prime, I'd look seriously at the Sigma 30mm f/1.4, but the 17-50 is a great lens at a very good price.

Both Sigma 17-50mm and Sigma 30mm are awesome. Be prepared for the possibility of sending the 30mm into Sigma for calibration.

tamron 17-50 nonVC. Very nice and quite affordable.

Thanks. I'm considering the Sigma 30 1.4 and Canon 28 1.8. Almost the same price, Sigma's got a 2-year warranty here though.

Nice lens line-up you got there Markeb.

jarrieta wrote in post #15484734
Thanks. I'm considering the Sigma 30 1.4 and Canon 28 1.8. Almost the same price, Sigma's got a 2-year warranty here though.

Nice lens line-up you got there Markeb.

jarrieta wrote in post #15484748
Btw, is the Canon 28mm 1.8 ring usm?

First, I'm just going to blatantly state my opinion and tell you to stay away from the Sigma 30. I've owned 3 of them and was never satisfied. Issues of front/back focusing are well documented, as is high variability of QC between each lens. (There will be at least a few people who jump in here to tell you that you are likely to get a review from an unhappy customer, vs a happy customer, still my opinion is unchanged). Considering you are using the T2i and therefore can not perform in-camera microadjust to compensate for front/back focus, the Sigma has a high probability of being a nightmare for you.

Yes, the 28 1.8 is ring USM. And yes, I do believe it is a better value of the 2.8 IS. In my honest opinion, it is one of Canon's hidden gems and best option among "normal" focal length lens for a crop body.

Thanks Mannetti21. I checked out the 28 indeed uses ring usm so I deleted the comment. Anyway, I am leaning towards the 28mm f/1.8 now. Even though I don't see myself going FF but who knows. Thank you all.

I went to the store intending to get the 28/1.8, and left with the Sigma 30/1.4.

If you don't think you'll go FF, its a great choice. A bit faster, a bit sharper, smoother bokeh than the 28/1.8. The 28's advantages lie mainly in closer MFD, slightly faster AF (not that the Sigma is slow by any means), and FF compatibility.

That said, you'll be happy with either lens.

Okay, thanks for your insight. On the Sigma though I have the opportunity to try before I buy. While for the Canon I will have to order online to get a better deal. Canon store prices in my country are 20-30% more expensive than the US.

It might help us make a better recommendation if we knew what you find lacking about the kit lens?

+1 to Sigma 17-50 f2.8OS - very versatile lens, will stay glued to your camera 90% of the time.