Well, 1st post. Sorry to be ‘that guy’, but it’s another ‘what should I buy’ thread.
Situation
I’ve had my 30D and 50 f1.4 since October (first dslr coming from a powershot S30). I primarily shoot small/dark concerts where at times f1.4 barely gets me by, and occasionally shoot larger/brighter venues where f2.8 and up are useful. I’m doing this as a photographer with credentials (or as a friend of the band at smaller shows), and I usually try to place myself at the corner of the stage. I have learned not to shoot as a member of the crowd (it just ruins the mood).
Ideally I’d like to have a wide fast lens that I could use in very crowded/dark settings. Unfortunately, this lens doesn’t exist for the 30D (closest thing being the 24L). I also need a little more range on the long end for larger shows and the 85 f1.8 or 100 f2 seem like the way to go for that.
Another option that I have considered, is to get a 2.8 zoom and use it at smaller shows with my 580EX and off-camera shoe cord…but this would only be done at the type of shows where the crowd/bands wouldn’t care about the flash (aka drunken rock binges).
So my choice seems to be get a wide 2.8 zoom, which would be great for brighter shows and everyday use, but probably not useful at small/dark shows without the flash (where I would really like to be able to use the 17mm). In this situation I’d just live with my 50 1.4 on most occasions for the small/dark shows, but I’d probably be better outfitted for everyday use and for larger shows. Or, should I bracket my 50mm with two more fast primes (giving me speed at the widest possible range, but sacrificing range on the wide end).
I’m considering 5 possible lens sets that are semi-within my budget. I really don’t want to spend much over $1000 right now. At the moment I’m leaning towards Set 1 with the possibility of maybe adding a 28 f1.8 in the future. Prices are roughly based on BH, but I’ll probably be looking to go used to save a few bucks/stay within by budget.
So my question is, is there any set that stands out as a good value for my intended use…considering that I already own the 50 1.4? Also I’m not sure what is more important to me yet between the extra 1/3 stop of the 85 1.8 or the extra 15mm from the 100 f2. I’m thinking the 85 might have a slight edge as the more versatile, more hand hold-able lens. Another note, I’m not considering the Sigma 30 f1.4 on purpose.
Thanks for your time…
Set 1 - Tamron Zoom/Canon Prime mix
Tamron 17-50 f2.8
Canon 50 f1.4
Canon 85 f1.8 or 100 f2
Cost $790-$840
Pros: Value, Range, Size/weight
Cons: No USM with Tamron, No 'fast' lens below 50mm
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Set 2 - All Canon Primes
Canon 28 f1.8
Canon 50 f1.4
Canon 85 f1.8 or 100 f2
Cost $740-$790
Pros: Value, Size/weight, Speed at widest focal range
Cons: No wide lens, lens switching
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Set 3 - All Canon Zoom/Prime mix
Canon 17-55 f2.8 IS
Canon 50 f1.4
Put off until later - Canon 85 f1.8 or 100 f2
Cost $1000 initially $1340-$1390 total
Pros: IS/USM on 17-55, versatility of 17-55
Cons: Cost, less range initially, No fast lens below 50mm, flare/dust issues of 17-55
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Set 4 - All Canon Zoom/Prime mix 2
Canon 24-70L
Canon 50 f1.4
Put off until later - Canon 100 f2
Cost $1200 initially $1590 total
Pros: Build quality of 24-70, range of 24-70 for concerts
Cons: Cost, less range initially, No fast lens below 50mm, Gap below 24mm
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Set 5 - All Canon Primes 2
Canon 24L
Canon 50 f1.4
Put off until later - Canon 85 f1.8 or 100 f2
Cost $1200 initially $1540-$1590 total
Pros: Fast apertures, decent range when 85 or 100 is added.
Cons: Cost (24L worth it?), short range initially, Gap below 24mm, lens switching
