looking for advice...

The boss (the wife) has given be the approval to get a new lens, so looking for some friendly advice on what my next move is. Budget is about $500. I just can't decide

Hoping that the pro's around here can help with some guidance.

What I have:

• 7D
  
• 50mm 1.8
  
• Sigma 17-70
  
• Canon 70-200 F4 non-IS
  
• 580 ex II
  

All I'll say is if you think/want to go ff for whatever reason, do it first before anymore purchase.

It will make any future lens purchase that much easier, no more buy for later mentality.

How about the new Canon 35 f/2 IS that could easily move from your 7D to a full frame and produce stellar results? Right now they are going for about $600 new but with the holidays approaching you may likely come across either a sale or be able to pick one up cheaper on the used or refurbished market.

You may also like the Canon 85 f/1.8 especially if you switch over to full frame later. None of the 50's made either by Canon or any third party company can get you as many keepers with quick moving kids as the 85 f/1.8.

You have a fantastic eye for portraits, I really enjoyed your Flickr a lot. Don't get too caught up on "going full frame." Much of Emily Soto's work was shot on a 7D. The 6D and 5D2 won't have the AF or FPS to keep up with wakeboarders. The 7D is a very capable camera.

To answer your question, no the Sigma 50mm definitely isn't worth the upgrade vs. the 50 1.8 (on a 7D).

Wide and fast primes just aren't good values on APS-C, so I'd pass on that idea as well.

Sounds like you might just be having a bout of gear acquisition syndrome. If I were you I'd just be happy with what you've got. Doesn't sound like you have a real need or want for anything in particular.

kin2son wrote in post #16441436
All I'll say is if you think/want to go ff for whatever reason, do it first before anymore purchase.

It will make any future lens purchase that much easier, no more buy for later mentality.

Ya makes sense. Will just kill my budget, and leave me sleeping on the couch for the next year. Might be worth it though

Thorrulz wrote in post #16441443
How about the new Canon 35 f/2 IS that could easily move from your 7D to a full frame and produce stellar results? Right now they are going for about $600 new but with the holidays approaching you may likely come across either a sale or be able to pick one up cheaper on the used or refurbished market.

You may also like the Canon 85 f/1.8 especially if you switch over to full frame later. None of the 50's made either by Canon or any third party company can get you as many keepers with quick moving kids as the 85 f/1.8.

I haven't come across the 35 - but will check it out. Thanks for the reco!

Funny you should say the 85mm... because when I started this process, I thought that was the lens for sure. I got talked out of it, because of the length on a crop. But you bring up a good point on keep rate with little people... perhaps I should add this one back in my potentials list.

LostArk wrote in post #16441446
You have a fantastic eye for portraits, I really enjoyed your Flickr a lot. Don't get too caught up on "going full frame." Much of Emily Soto's work was shot on a 7D. The 6D and 5D2 won't have the AF or FPS to keep up with wakeboarders. The 7D is a very capable camera.

To answer your question, no the Sigma 50mm definitely isn't worth the upgrade vs. the 50 1.8 (on a 7D).

Wide and fast primes just aren't good values on APS-C, so I'd pass on that idea as well.

Sounds like you might just be having a bout of gear acquisition syndrome. If I were you I'd just be happy with what you've got. Doesn't sound like you have a real need or want for anything in particular.

Thanks for the kind words - much appreciated!

Yes, what you say is probably true. Only issue is that I only get the green light once every few years... and this credit will be lost very quickly if I don't turn it in to something less liquid than cash. haha

I use my 50mm the most of any of my lenses. I love the focal length, but the focus speed and softness wide open leave me wanting more. Sounds like I may have higher expectations of what the Sigma 50 will provide than I should though.

rounder_09 wrote in post #16441457
Thanks for the kind words - much appreciated!

Yes, what you say is probably true. Only issue is that I only get the green light once every few years... and this credit will be lost very quickly if I don't turn it in to something less liquid than cash. haha

I use my 50mm the most of any of my lenses. I love the focal length, but the focus speed and softness wide open leave me wanting more. Sounds like I may have higher expectations of what the Sigma 50 will provide than I should though.

My two most often used lens on the 7D I owned was the 50 and 85 and loved them both. Now that I shoot mostly with full frame bodies I am looking to pick up the 85 again to go with my 135. Both are awesomely fast and sharp lens.

With kids, you probably want fewer, not more lenses (I have three, so I know what I'm talking about). In your situation I'd swap 17-70 and 50mm for a f2.8 zoom, ideally with IS - I got Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 OS, perfectly fine for family shots, or you can get a slightly better Canon 17-55 f2.8.

And worry about FF lenses only when/if you'll get a FF camera. If you buy used lenses, they hold their value well, so you won't loose much.

rounder_09 wrote in post #16441428
The boss (the wife) has given be the approval to get a new lens, so looking for some friendly advice on what my next move is. Budget is about $500. I just can't decide

Hoping that the pro's around here can help with some guidance.

What I have:

• 7D
  
• 50mm 1.8
  
• Sigma 17-70
  
• Canon 70-200 F4 non-IS
  
• 580 ex II
  

I shoot my kids the most, and an occasional wakeboarder. I'd like to get something faster and wider, like the Sigma 30mm 1.4 - but am hoping to go full frame some day. Hopefully soon.

I guess my question is: is the Sigma 50mm worth the upgrade versus the Canon 50 mm 1.8? Will that quench my thirst for better pics long enough to hold off for a full frame?

Potential options:
1) Sell the 17-70 and the 1.8. Buy a Sigma 50mm 1.4 and 30mm 1.4. Problem is this further commits me to a crop sensor

2) Sell the 17-70, 1.8, 70-200 and 7D. Buy a Sigma 50mm 1.4 and a 6D or 5D mark ii. Problem is that now I'd only have one lens

3) Sell the 17-70 and the 1.8. Buy a Sigma 50mm 1.4, which will be about a wash for price. Tuck my $500 away and hope the boss doesn't repossess it. Wait for full frame prices to come down.

4) Other ideas?

Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

Do you really need faster than f2.8? Realistically, shooting kids, are you more likely to probably only go as far as maybe f2.0 of f2.2? Think of your experience with the 50mm 1.8, do you shoot your kids at 1.8? Or do you stop down? I think that will help you figure out the best options for moving to a new lens, if any is needed.

I will also go ahead and warn of the Sigma. The 30mm 1.4 is a fantastic lens, but is seriously plagued with focus (front/rear) issues. I had to send my copy back, and didn't bother getting it replaced, because of this. I lost a lot of shots of my newborn to this lens because it just can't focus properly. Bit me in the butt, taking the Sigma gamble. Consider that, as it's not just me, that lens (and many other Sigmas) just simply have this issue with focus--even though optically they are superb lenses. I would basically not trade in all my canon lenses for a sigma lens. I would do the opposite.

Instead of the 30mm 1.4, maybe look at the Canon EF 35mm f2.0 IS USM. Same price range. Great for both crop and full frame.

On the subject of sensor size, I would say you really shouldn't worry about being on a crop of being full frame. The 7D is a very good camera. Going to a full frame is not going to net you hardly anything. You're shooting your family. I wouldn't make that move unless you have a ton of recreational cash, or if it's part of your income (as in your job) to do photography/video on a regular basis. You just don't get a ton of benefits for the cost when you already have a good camera and good lenses. I would stick with the 7D and just continue to find glass that works for you, and simply get better with your equipment and photography in general.

If you want an alternative zoom, with some reach, I would instead look at the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8. Not an expensive lens, and performs great.

I think you're suffering from the text-induced "need" to have full frame, for no real gain in quality of your photos. A good photographer will produce nearly the same photo with either a full frame or your 7D, and can do it with even a "lesser" camera. You don't need a different sensor, format, or a new camera. You just need a good mid-tier to higher quality lens, and a better skill set using what you have.

If you like the focal range of the 50mm, then maybe get the 50 1.4 (canon).

Otherwise, if you want it wider, maybe look at the Canon EF 28mm, and the EF 35mm f2 IS USM.

Very best,

I would actually suggest stretching the budget a little and considering the sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art lens. I believe they run about $800. Amazing little lens. Tests out better than the 35L... Works equally well on ff...

If you sold your two cheaper lenses and the 7d, would you not have enough for a used 5d2?

I just got back to dslr after a couple years off and was on a limited budget... I knew two things were important to me... FF and 50mm... I spent my money that way.

Good luck. Find out what's important for you and go that route

pulsar123 wrote in post #16441799
With kids, you probably want fewer, not more lenses (I have three, so I know what I'm talking about). In your situation I'd swap 17-70 and 50mm for a f2.8 zoom, ideally with IS - I got Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 OS, perfectly fine for family shots, or you can get a slightly better Canon 17-55 f2.8.

And worry about FF lenses only when/if you'll get a FF camera. If you buy used lenses, they hold their value well, so you won't loose much.

Yes fair enough. I don't mind sacrificing some practicality for quality though. I'll take a look at the 2.8 zooms though - thanks!

MalVeauX wrote in post #16441976
Do you really need faster than f2.8? Realistically, shooting kids, are you more likely to probably only go as far as maybe f2.0 of f2.2? Think of your experience with the 50mm 1.8, do you shoot your kids at 1.8? Or do you stop down? I think that will help you figure out the best options for moving to a new lens, if any is needed.

I will also go ahead and warn of the Sigma. The 30mm 1.4 is a fantastic lens, but is seriously plagued with focus (front/rear) issues. I had to send my copy back, and didn't bother getting it replaced, because of this. I lost a lot of shots of my newborn to this lens because it just can't focus properly. Bit me in the butt, taking the Sigma gamble. Consider that, as it's not just me, that lens (and many other Sigmas) just simply have this issue with focus--even though optically they are superb lenses. I would basically not trade in all my canon lenses for a sigma lens. I would do the opposite.

Instead of the 30mm 1.4, maybe look at the Canon EF 35mm f2.0 IS USM. Same price range. Great for both crop and full frame.

On the subject of sensor size, I would say you really shouldn't worry about being on a crop of being full frame. The 7D is a very good camera. Going to a full frame is not going to net you hardly anything. You're shooting your family. I wouldn't make that move unless you have a ton of recreational cash, or if it's part of your income (as in your job) to do photography/video on a regular basis. You just don't get a ton of benefits for the cost when you already have a good camera and good lenses. I would stick with the 7D and just continue to find glass that works for you, and simply get better with your equipment and photography in general.

If you want an alternative zoom, with some reach, I would instead look at the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8. Not an expensive lens, and performs great.

I think you're suffering from the text-induced "need" to have full frame, for no real gain in quality of your photos. A good photographer will produce nearly the same photo with either a full frame or your 7D, and can do it with even a "lesser" camera. You don't need a different sensor, format, or a new camera. You just need a good mid-tier to higher quality lens, and a better skill set using what you have.

If you like the focal range of the 50mm, then maybe get the 50 1.4 (canon).

Otherwise, if you want it wider, maybe look at the Canon EF 28mm, and the EF 35mm f2 IS USM.

Very best,

Yes fair enough - thanks for the thoughts!

iqbal624 wrote in post #16442297
I would actually suggest stretching the budget a little and considering the sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art lens. I believe they run about $800. Amazing little lens. Tests out better than the 35L... Works equally well on ff...

If you sold your two cheaper lenses and the 7d, would you not have enough for a used 5d2?

I just got back to dslr after a couple years off and was on a limited budget... I knew two things were important to me... FF and 50mm... I spent my money that way.

Good luck. Find out what's important for you and go that route

I'd love the 35mm art, but think it will stretch the budget a bit to far. I'll work on her

you could just get a cheap 35mm f2 if you're looking for a wider fast prime