New Lens for New Baby, Can't Decide

Currently I have a Canon T2i with the EF-s 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS kit lens and according to the serial number it's the 2010 model. I think this is the 1st series and not the II. For awhile i've been looking to upgrade it to the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM.

I really like the idea of having a constant f/2.8 and always said if we have a kid that would be my excuse to buy it. Well come end of April we will have a new baby in our lives. After looking around I also noticed the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM. I'm kinda torn between the two, but really leaning towards the 17-50 more since it has the constant 2.8 and right now i think that's more important to me than the extra reach. Although both lenses would be faster than the current kit lens at the long end, would it be more benificial to have the f/2.8 to go 2 stops instead of just the one.

I know a lot will say get a fast prime something with f/1.8, but i'm not sure if i'm ready for a prime, i really like having that zoom capability. I know when the kid is a new born having a prime wouldn't be bad to use, but i'm thinking more in the future as well when it starts moving around. I like that ability to be able to change distances quickly.

I do have a Yongnuo 565EX flash for shooting indoors so that will also help with not having something faster than f/2.8. For outdoor shooting at a park or where ever i have Tamron 70-300.
My budget for this is about $600, if it was up to the wife it'd be half that, but I told her that's not gonna happen hehe. Would love to hear your thoughts / opinions.

My girl is almost two and I think I made this exact post back in the day.

For that price range, I would get a Canon 10-22mm or a 17-40L. I think you can get either of those in your range if you look in the classifieds here.

I personally would go for a 50mm 1.4 and use foot zoom.

If you decide to get one of the lenses you mentioned, I'd definitely go for the constant f2.8 lens.

I've had personal experience with all the lenses I have mentioned and they were all three amazing for me.

I'd recommend picking up the Tamron 17-50 non-VC and the 50mm 1.8....picking both of those lenses up should fall within your budget. you might even be able to squeeze the 50mm 1.4 in, if you find some deals or buy used.

My youngest was born this past august. When it comes to photographing him, I'm usually using a 35mm prime. I really like the look of baby shots framed somewhat loosely, with a shallow DOF.

10-22 might be too wide, and a 17-40 might be too long on a crop. If your budget is $600, you can get both a very quality fast zoom and a very quality fast prime. I would get the Tamron 17-50 2.8 non-VC (the same range as the Sigma you mentioned, but better IQ), and the Canon 50 1.4. That's stretching the budget a little bit, but it's definitely worth it.

My daughter is now two. When she was born my set up was a 60D + sigma 17-50 os + 50 1.8 and it was a great package. The sigma copy I had was very sharp and having constant 2.8 was a good benefit. I think you can get the same glass within your budget (especially if you buy second hand) and be very happy. Hopefully you can avoid major upgraditis, cuz if u see my gear list on my signature, I'm far from that setup now. Happy triggers!

Can't go wrong with the 50mm F1.8. For that price, you can always add a second lens later if you want zoom.

Talking to my dad who is a 40+yr pro, really recommended going with a fast prime as well. His buddy has the Sigma 50 f/1.4 and loves it. My dad said one of his favorite all time lenses is the 85 f/1.8.

I'm kinda leaning towards a 50 prime now after reading more here and talking to him. I think 85 is too tight for inside my house, but a 50 i think would work great.
Is the 50 1.8 that everyone is talking about above a Canon lens - http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Normal_EF_50mm_​f_1_8.html
If that's it, it's not to much so i may consider picking that up used for a decent price just for the heck of it.

Hows the IQ of the Canon 50 1.8, from the link i posted?

As far as my budget goes I got $300 in B and H gift cards for xmas so something has to come from there hehe.

I have used my 50 1.8 and my T2i A LOT for my kids with great results - For the price it is a good lens to have in the bag, unless you can afford the 1.4 then go for that one.....Or look into a Sigma 30 1.4

Always look into a better external flash as well - makes a world of difference when shooting in LL and you can get awesome results with OCF.

40mm pancake
50 is a little tight indoors. I have both.

The Sigma 30mm 1.4 is a hard to be all around lens on a crop body and is well under your budget.

iadubber wrote in post #16557793
The Sigma 30mm 1.4 is a hard to be all around lens on a crop body and is well under your budget.

This - Havent used this lens but I love my 50 but it is a bit long for indoors - Look into it

Sigma 30 is a fun lens. It's fairly sharp wide open and it's depth of field is as versatile as a zoom.
It was awesome on my 50d

i think a fast prime is a nice way to go...i'd probably go for a sigma 30mm like others are recommending...or the 35f2IS, or if you want even cheaper, the older sigma 35mm f2 is a good bang for the buck lens

10-22mm isn't a lens i'd choose for child shots...and the 17-40L isn't a very good option on a crop camera...the sigma 17-50mm f2.8 OS is a much better choice

DreDaze wrote in post #16558254
i think a fast prime is a nice way to go...i'd probably go for a sigma 30mm like others are recommending...or the 35f2IS, or if you want even cheaper, the older sigma 35mm f2 is a good bang for the buck lens

10-22mm isn't a lens i'd choose for child shots...and the 17-40L isn't a very good option on a crop camera...the sigma 17-50mm f2.8 OS is a much better choice

You do mean the old Canon 35mm f/2 correct? I don't know of an old Sigma 35mm f/2.

jimewall wrote in post #16558374
You do mean the old Canon 35mm f/2 correct? I don't know of an old Sigma 35mm f/2.

yeah, sorry...don't know why i wrote sigma