Decisions on lens in the 24-70 Range

I think I've decided to go zoom for this range, the two big things I photograph is my Grand kids, and of course my furkids. I would like the lens to work on both crop and FF, I have 60d and 6d. I have been holding off on the 35 IS version simply because I have considered the zoom to cover more in this area. It will be used inside and out most likely.

I can't even justify the canon in this range although I'd love it, my preference is hobby and getting memories to keep. I still want good pictures and lenses though.

I was looking at the Tamaron 24-70 version, I've always been canon but in this range I can't go the price and I know 0 about these Tamaron or Sigma lens for that matter.

Right now I have the 85, 50 and 70-300 IS version.

What lens in this area or so would you suggest I go, I'd love to keep it under 1,000.

I've seen quite a few pros who shoot childrens portraits using the Canon 24-105 f4 IS lens. It's light and still a high quality lens in the Canon lineup. When I owned one it was a great option having that zoom range the way kids often move or force you to move when trying to get those keeper shots. And when waiting for that momemt and having to hold your body/lens for long periods of time, that light lens is greatly appreciated.

Now that I shoot Nikon and having used the 28-70 f2.8 I can recommend the Canon version if the weight and loss of focal length on the wide (4mm) and long (35mm) ends doesn't matter to you. You should be able to find a pristine one around $800 that's just as good optically as the original 24-70 f2.8.

All things being equal though, I would choose the Canon 24-105 f4 IS for what you are looking to shoot.

I like the suggestion of the 24-70 2.8 Mk I. Great value these days, the thing is still darn sharp, even if the II is sharper. There's also the option of the 24-70 f/4 IS (I went this route, though I have fast primes covering the same range). I like the f/4 IS for the IS obviously, but also for the macro mode and the sharpness.

Not sure if f/f4 is going to work for you though, but with a flash the thing is fantastic for indoor shots of kids / animals. Outdoors f/4 shouldn't be too much of an issue at all. It's extremely sharp and the macro mode is actually fantastic. Comparatively light-weight as well. You can also get these for a steal now as there are tons of them in brand-new condition on the used market due to the 7D2 combo for sale.

The 24-105 is an option, though is not as sharp as either the 24-70 Mk I or f/4 IS. 105 on the 60D is a bit long for inside work (at least for me) and on the 6D I'd rather get out my 135mm lens (which again is sharper). The 24-105 is probably the cheapest option though, so if that's a big concern I think it's a good compromise.

I've not used the Tamron, many really like it. That is my suggestion.

That said often even f/2.8 is not enough inside to get a SS fast enough to stop kids or pets. I think you will still want a good flash.

If you want to stay with Canon I like the idea of either the 24-70 MKI or the 24-105L, especially since I think you need a flash either way. Both are excellent lenses. Both lenses have shooters that praise them and some curse them. There seems to be copy variation for each.

As far as BrandonSi statement to the MKI being sharper than the 24-105, search this site as that topic was often argued. I believe especially argued from 35mm and longer FL even at the same f-stop. That said I'd rather have a f/2.8 (even with flash). Remember the MKI is a discontinued lens and at some point will not be serviceable by Canon (it may already be at that point).

The Canon 24-70 f4 just dropped below $1k right? That would be my suggestion.

FarmerTed1971 wrote in post #17288638
The Canon 24-70 f4 just dropped below $1k right? That would be my suggestion.

I believe so.. You can get them 'used' for ~$800 in brand new condition, a lot of times completely unopened boxes. I picked mine up for $775, was never even taken out of the cellophane.

jimewall wrote in post #17288628
As far as BrandonSi statement to the MKI being sharper than the 24-105, search this site as that topic was often argued. I believe especially argued from 35mm and longer FL even at the same f-stop.

Possible.. I've used them both in the studio, and in my experience the 24-70 was sharper across the range (f5.6-f8). I have no idea what the test charts say though and what f/4 or f/2.8 on the 24-70 might get you.

IMO, f/2.8 isn't fast enough for a lot of indoor work anyway (I'm sure plenty of wedding photographers will disagree, though). I picked up the 24-70 f/4 since it was a cheap price, really sharp and had IS + macro. Works great with a flash for kids, pets, etc.. but if I'm not shooting with a flash, or macro or outside, I'd use the primes, even if I had the f/2.8 zoom.

BrandonSi wrote in post #17288711
IMO, f/2.8 isn't fast enough for a lot of indoor work anyway (I'm sure plenty of wedding photographers will disagree, though). I picked up the 24-70 f/4 since it was a cheap price, really sharp and had IS + macro. Works great with a flash for kids, pets, etc.. but if I'm not shooting with a flash, or macro or outside, I'd use the primes, even if I had the f/2.8 zoom.

I definitely agree with this.

+1 on the Canon 24-70 f/4 IS

I shoot grandkids and pets, and have a 60D and a 6D. My mid-range zoom is the Tamron 28-75, on the 6D. I use a 15-85 on the 60D. The Tamron 28-75 was $275 used, IIRC. The corners aren't real good, but it is nice for those days I want a zoom.

Guys the 24-70 F4 IS is $799 right now with rebates...no need to get used.

the tammy is on my camera easy 90% of the time, great lens, has IS (or VC or what they call it) and never failed me. And with the savings over the Canon I got me some other toys in the mean time

I doubt you'd regret getting that lens.

50mm

Santa's bringing me the Tamron 24-70 for Christmas. Can't do without stabilization, and I rather have f/2.8 than f/4.

If interested, you can plug the various lenses in here to compare:

DXO and here: The-Digital-Picture.com

LV Moose wrote in post #17289229
Santa's bringing me the Tamron 24-70 for Christmas. Can't do without stabilization, and I rather have f/2.8 than f/4.

I went there and compared my 28-75. I'm glad I don't use that overly often. Perhaps I do need a better mid-range zoom.

Sdiver2489 wrote in post #17288978
Guys the 24-70 F4 IS is $799 right now with rebates...no need to get used.

Oh, nice.. I hadn't been keeping an eye on the price since picking one up a few weeks back. I got mine @ $775 then, so I imagine we'll be seeing the used 'new in box' ones drop even further in price on the forums.