What would you do in my shoes?

I am looking to get everyone's opinion as to which lenses to buy if you were in my shoes. I will be purchasing the 30D in the next month or so. First some background of what I like to shoot.

1. I have four kids (4 yrs old and under) who are the primary subjects of most of my photography.

2. I also like landscape shots although I like taking more urban, people, and strange object shots.

3. I like to do a lot of macro shooting.

4. My photos can be seen here.

With that in mind I have been debating the following combinations of lenses.

1. 50mm 1.4 with the 85mm 1.8
or
2. 17-40L

Both with rebates would be around the same price and within my budget. There are obviously positives and negatives about both, but I would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

viatorum777 wrote in post #2177910
I am looking to get everyone's opinion as to which lenses to buy if you were in my shoes. I will be purchasing the 30D in the next month or so. First some background of what I like to shoot.

1. I have four kids (4 yrs old and under) who are the primary subjects of most of my photography.

2. I also like landscape shots although I like taking more urban, people, and strange object shots.

3. I like to do a lot of macro shooting.

4. My photos can be seen here.

With that in mind I have been debating the following combinations of lenses.

1. 50mm 1.4 with the 85mm 1.8
or
2. 17-40L

Both with rebates would be around the same price and within my budget. There are obviously positives and negatives about both, but I would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

the 50/85 primes are not quite landscape lenses. the 17-40L is not quite a portrait lens. have you thought of any other options? perhaps a 17-40L + 50mm/1.8 combo?

if it were me... and just because I have experience trying to shoot young kids with primes.. which can be tricky but, I'd go for the L... it has a constant app. which IMO gives it a good deal of prime qualities and it's a lot wider than either of the primes your looking at which is great for landscapes and urban shooting.. and the zoom is a lot easier when trying to catch compositions of your children... and something else to think about is that L's retain their value much better than other lenses... so, when/if you ever feel like selling it you won't lose nearly as much as you would with say nifty.. and ofcourse the handy factor of not changing lenses is a nice feature to have...

sari

I should add that if I first went with the 17-40L that I would pick up the 50 1.4 for my b-day in a few months.

viatorum777 wrote in post #2177958
I should add that if I first went with the 17-40L that I would pick up the 50 1.4 for my b-day in a few months.

Go for it! I dont think you'll be disappointed!

Just try and remember to keep the 17-40 at the "40" end and not get too close so as to avoid facial distortion.

viatorum777 wrote in post #2177910
1. I have four kids (4 yrs old and under) who are the primary subjects of most of my photography.

2. I also like landscape shots although I like taking more urban, people, and strange object shots.

3. I like to do a lot of macro shooting.

As you define your options I would say a 50 f1.4 and 85 f1.8, as you are more into urban and people shots than you are into landscapes. You can add extension tubes for macro.

However, you will not have something for wide angle shots with your 30D.

Alternatively, a 17-40L and a 85 f1.8 may be adequate for all your purposes. It is a great combo I always take with me with a 20D for travelling, etc. (The 85mm lens will give you a bit more reach as 50 mm is too close to 40mm.)

yep agree.. pick up the 17-40 and give yourself the bit of extra time to get the 50 1.4.....

Why not just get the kit lens, and try that for a while. After some shooting, you'll know what you need....

Seems either the 17-40L or 16-35L (if you feel you need the speed and best AF mode), paired with the 60mm f/2.8 macro ("3. I like to do a lot of macro shooting."). I find 85mm kinda odd on a 1.6 crop factor camera.

viatorum777 wrote in post #2177910
I am looking to get everyone's opinion as to which lenses to buy if you were in my shoes. I will be purchasing the 30D in the next month or so. First some background of what I like to shoot.

1. I have four kids (4 yrs old and under) who are the primary subjects of most of my photography.

2. I also like landscape shots although I like taking more urban, people, and strange object shots.

3. I like to do a lot of macro shooting.

4. My photos can be seen here.

With that in mind I have been debating the following combinations of lenses.

1. 50mm 1.4 with the 85mm 1.8
or
2. 17-40L

Both with rebates would be around the same price and within my budget. There are obviously positives and negatives about both, but I would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

FIRST CHOICE
per que? -Indoors with the kids - simple

You could get it with the kit lens then add 50 1.8, 85 1.8, and Kenko Extention Tubes. I seriously think this would be best...

I don't know if the 17-40 will result in a very sufficient DOF for shots of your kids, people, etc... though if you plan to get it and then get the 50... fine. I've had great success with the 50 and my daughter, though it's a tad tight indoors, it still works wonderfully. I've only just added the 24-70 to get something a little wider for the same basic applications.

If the 50's too long, consider the Sigma 30mm or the Canon 35 (f/2 since the f/1.4 is out of your price range).

You've already stated the perfect combo: 17-40L now and the 50f/1.4 later.

JNunn wrote in post #2178204
You've already stated the perfect combo: 17-40L now and the 50f/1.4 later.

I concur.

Better still, 17-40 now ( L will blow you away, this is the BEST lens ever)
AND 50 1.8 now.

You don't really need a 1.4. and once you get to liking the L, you'll be looking for another... - and 70-200 makes a superb portrait lens and medium tele zoom for kids!

JNunn wrote in post #2178204
You've already stated the perfect combo: 17-40L now and the 50f/1.4 later.

Ile second that.