Kit Reccomendation

Hey guys,

Looking for some general recommendations/advice​. Right now I have the Tamron 17-50 which is a great focal length range and aperture but isn't very sharp for me. I also have the 85 1.8 which I LOVE.

What I am looking for is a ~f/4 or better zoom lens selection for walk around and telephoto. For example a 17-50 and the 55-250. Then I would also like a longer and shorter prime for low light and shallow DOF when I need it.

Fast focusing is also important to me as I do a lot of action shots. Primary concern is cost.

Should I try selling my Tamron and buying another, hoping it will be sharper? I'm pretty set on the 55-250 for telephoto. Any tips for a cheap 17-50 prime that is cheap, sharp, focuses fast, etc? The 85 is good for a longer prime..

I have considered going all prime but I am scared I won't be able to get shots I want without constantly changing lens (for example a 50MM prime being too long inside for a group shot so I miss it or everyone waits while I change lenses).

I think my 17-50 is very sharp. I do not pixel peeped though. Maybe sell and buy another. Do you have a high resolution image that is not sharp?

Sounds like you have high standards, you want:
EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
EF 70-200 f/4L or f/2.8L IS USM

All prime is very scary i agree and not practical for a hobbist, who does not have full control over all factors.

prime that is cheap, sharp, focuses fast, good IQ

I added the last bit (italics) such lens does not exist, you have to compromise one of them factors.

40mm 2.8 pancake, great FL for general purpose (even on crop), great image quality and extreme small. Thought it doesnt covers tele...

Ya I think I just have a bad copy of the 17-50. I've seen lots of awesome, sharp pictures in the sample thread but mine aren't nearly as sharp. I think it back/front focuses a little bit (can't remember, I tested it a year or so ago).

If the Tamron lens was as sharp as those I've seen online I would be happy with it and just buy the 55-250 and a normal prime.

Do you think the 40MM prime is a replacement for the 17-50 or a supplement? I've considered that lens but I feel like the 17-50 already has that focal length/DOF covered. If I didn't have the 17-50 then I feel like just having the 40 would be too long..

Thanks for the advice guys!

Tamron 17-50/2.8 (non-VC), EF 85/1.8, EF 70-200/4 L or EF 70-200/4 L IS, 12mm ext.tube, monopod, Tamron SP 1.4x TC and you are set for a long time. Gene

Sigma 17-70 2.8-4 sounds like what you would like

I have a Tamron 17-50 (nonVC) and it is 1:1 sharp, sorry to hear yours isn't hitting the mark right out of the box. Can't know if it is the lens itself unless you send it in with your body for calibration though.

I'd suggest the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 or the EF 24-105 f4. Both are great walk around lenses with the latter being FF compatible should you decide to upgrade.

Or the 50mn 1.8 mk2 can't get cheaper and it's pretty good, I use it mainly for low light and at night.

gasrocks wrote in post #15960379
Tamron 17-50/2.8 (non-VC), EF 85/1.8, EF 70-200/4 L or EF 70-200/4 L IS, 12mm ext.tube, monopod, Tamron SP 1.4x TC and you are set for a long time. Gene

The 70-200 is a little out of my price range but that is my ideal kit. Maybe worth saving up for..

BrickR wrote in post #15960564
Sigma 17-70 2.8-4 sounds like what you would like

I have a Tamron 17-50 (nonVC) and it is 1:1 sharp, sorry to hear yours isn't hitting the mark right out of the box. Can't know if it is the lens itself unless you send it in with your body for calibration though.

How does the 17-70 compare to the 17-50? I tried the lens on a different body with the same results so I am guessing that is the problem.

Daphatty wrote in post #15960661
I'd suggest the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 or the EF 24-105 f4. Both are great walk around lenses with the latter being FF compatible should you decide to upgrade.

I would love both of those but they are way out of my price range sadly

Hatallas wrote in post #15962075
Or the 50mn 1.8 mk2 can't get cheaper and it's pretty good, I use it mainly for low light and at night.

Ya I have considered that a few times. Just worried about the slow focusing (what I hear).

What do you guys think of selling the Tamron and getting the Canon 28-105 and the Canon 35 f/2. Are they fairly sharp/fast focusing? I am mildly concerned about giving up the 17-28 range which comes in handy for indoor group shots. Or should I just replace the Tamron with a good one?

Send your 17-50 into Tamron. That lens is known for being tack sharp.

As price seems to be your primary and driving concern, you won't get an appreciable increase in performance by moving away from it.

I'm still undecided on what to do about the Tamrom.. I am thinking I may be expecting too much out of it. I may try to send it in though depending on cost.

I did pick up a 55-250 though and I love it. For $130 shipped this lens is fantastic. Focuses a lot better than I thought it would and the image stabilization is a welcome addition!

I honestly feel like the setup I have right now is a great start for a beginner. I wouldn't mind a fast 35mm prime and another flash/umbrellas but other than that I am extremely happy with my setup. I can shoot almost anything I want with decent IQ all for ~$1,000.

Seriously, I would send the Tamron in to be checked out. Make sure you talk to someone beforehand so you can get some type of customer service ticket going before they even get the lens at their facility. That way at least you know that you don't run in to the slim chance that they merely just send you the lens back without having done anything. If you're the first owner of the Tamron, you should have that warranty still going on it. Do the right thing and use it!

I am considering it I just have a feeling I will get screwed on the cost. Wish I could fix it myself but I have no experience with cameras or lenses lol Do you think if I call they will estimate the cost?