If you had only $1000 to spend on your lens collection, what would you buy?

I would pick up EF-S 18-55 IS, Tamron 28-70, EF 70-200L F4

dwash_72 wrote in post #6921414
Starting from scratch (no lenses at all) and only 1k to spend, what would you buy?

Most in this situation do not have an external flash. I would get an external flash early on, regardless of what lenses I add.

perryge wrote in post #6922185
Not a fan of fast glass then, are we?

You're right... I forgot that we all have different needs and that I am the only one in this forum who finds it strange to shoot as wide as f/4 LOL

You can get Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 + Canon EF 70-200 f/4L + Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 instead!

Zander Albertson wrote in post #6921466
Hmm, just checked B&H and they are backordered.

Thats the best response... I was just thinking that myself

dwash_72 wrote in post #6921414
Starting from scratch (no lenses at all) and only 1k to spend, what would you buy? I am very interested in everyone's opinions b/c this is sort of my situation.

Thanks in advance.

Did your XSi come with the kit lens? If it did, it should be the 18-55 IS.

$1000 doesn't buy you a lot of glass, so overlapping focal ranges you already have would be a waste. Eventually you can upgrade that kit lens to a better lens, but for now stick with it and cover other ranges.

If you didn't get it with the lens, then your options are a bit more open, but covering that range needs to be addressed.

So, I'll make you 2 lists, 1) for if you have the 18-55 IS, and 2) if you don't.

List #1: If you have the EF-S 18-55 IS kit lens.
a. Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DG DF.......... $425.00 on Adorama
(this is not the new model which is about to come out the 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical IF DG HSM which costs twice as much)
b. Canon 70-200mm f/4L USM (non-IS) ............... $579.00 on Adorama

The 18-55 IS will be able to be used when you want to go a bit wider than the 24-70 will allow, but you will likely find the 24-70 mounted most of the time. The 70-200 will open up many many possibilites for you as its a very fast AF lens allows for great action photography with AI-Servo. Your 18-55 IS will be your slowest lens. The Sigma may need upgrading down the road, but unless you feel you need IS for the 70-200 or want to move up to f/2.8 in the 70-200, you won't need to upgrade the Canon EF70-200mm f/4L USM - its a ridiculously sharp lens.

List #2: If you DON'T have the EF-S 18-55 IS kit lens.
a. Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR DI-II LD Aspherical .... $419.90 on Adorama
b. Canon 70-200mm f/4L USM (non-IS) ............... $579.00 on Adorama

you will have a small focal range gap between 50 and 70mm but on crop this isn't a real major issue.

Once you get these lenses squared away, start saving up for a good flash, it should be next on your list before any other lenses.

-Alan

perryge wrote in post #6922088
28 1.8, 50 1.4, 85 1.8 and call it a day.

My exact thoughts...

I just asked myself that question...2 minutes later I got a conformation from BH about a 135mm f2L

LightRules wrote in post #6922653
Most in this situation do not have an external flash. I would get an external flash early on, regardless of what lenses I add.

I was just about to post this. Well, it looks like I did!

135L

Tammy 17-50 2.8
Canon 70-200 F4L
Canon 430ex ii
Should all be <1k used

OR if you did have a 18-55is, Then sell that and upgrade to the 580ex ii

Option 1. Good all around zoom set and some fast primes.
18-55 IS ($150)
55-250 IS ($225)
35mm/f2 ($240)
85mm f1.8 ($330)

Option 2: Faster zooms with less range, no primes
Tamron 28-75 or 17-50 ($400)
Tamron 70-200 f2.8 or Canon 70-200 F4L($600)

50 mm 1.8, 35 mm 2.0, 100 mm 2.8 macro
and my body would be the eos 5D

dwash_72 wrote in post #6921484
I have an XSI so I was thinking Sigma 30mm, 85mm, and a cheap general zoom.

For crop, that's exactly what I would do (the double IS kit is about $200 in Japan when purchased with the 450D). FF is trickier. I would want to see how the new Sigma 24-70 HSM turns out - either go with that or with the 100/2 and the Sigma 50/1.4. The 5D2 arrived yesterday and I tried out most of my lenses - most surprised by how the 35/2 performed (at f2.0 no less). With that in mind, the 24/2.8, 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8 might a third route to consider...

SnapLocally.com wrote in post #6921458
10-300 f/1.4 IS

Are you talking about the new light weight MK II version that weighs four ounces or the older heavier MK I which weighs five ounces???

RPCrowe wrote in post #6924433
Are you talking about the new light weight MK II version that weighs four ounces or the older heavier MK I which weighs five ounces???

No, the new Internally Focusing MK III. It is the size of a UV filter and has 6 stop IS.