Another Lens Lineup Question

Based on my trends I shoot a lot from 30 - 100 mm. I currently do not have a lens that covers that and would really like one. I've owned the 50 1.4 but found the focal length too long for in my house. When my daughter sits in the middle of the room I would have to be in another room to get her pic. I get great pics from from my 18-55IS, but it isn't long enough. I really love the pics from the 70-200 F4, but it isn't wide enough and seems too big to walk around with.

So I'm selling both lenses and thinking about going with the following lineup

28 1.8 (Indoors just messing around lens)
28 - 105 3.5 - 4.5 II (Walk around general use)
85 1.8 (Portrait lens)

Thoughts on these lenses? As you can see, my budget is around $1000. If you wondering about wide, I figure I will rent when needed (going to New Mexico next year for the balloons!). Long isn't really needed, it's nice...but that can come at a later date when I start learning what my daughter gets into.

Maybe consider the Tamron 28-75. One heck of a lens with some of the most excellent optics, although not quite as long as the 28-105.

Also, consider trying to find a used 24-105, which could double as a portrait lens, leaving you only needing the 28 f/1.8 for your other lens.

I have seriously considered the 24 - 105 L, but that would be my only lens for awhile. Any thoughts? I've heard so much great things about the 85 1.8 as a portrait...would I get close with just the 24 - 105 L?

first of all, the 28mm, 50mm and 85mm trifecta makes a hell of a combo that can rival the 24-70 if primes work for you...

but, beyond that, if you've liked the IQ from the 18-55, the 28-105 will be similar. It's inexpensive enough, why not buy it and try it before selling off any of the other lenses? Then sell them for the 28 and 85 when you commit? The 24-105 is a great lens, it's just not cheap. Also consider the sigma 24-70 (2 versions, the non HSM is pretty inexpensive, the HSM still fits your budget).

one final suggestion is the 28-135mm. It's a slightly better lens than the 28-105 and adds IS. It is a lot bigger though.

Doh...for some reason I was thinking the 28 - 105 had IS. My main goal is to get a good walk around lens and a great portrait lens.

I'm seriously leaning towards the 24 - 105 now, refurbished on Adorama for $1k.

Hi,
I have the 24-105L for my 40D. If you can live with the f4 it's an excellent all purpose lens with IS to boot. Not very wide for some but it's enough for me.

Dave...

If you don't have a flash, I would start there for sure. Put a diffuser on it, and then look into the tammy 28-75 or 28-135IS. Keep the 18-55 (you won't get much for it anyway) as your wide angle lens. If you are talking about "true" portraits which are typically waist up or head shots, then 28 will be too wide. For a flattering portrait you'll want to be 8 to 10 feet away, at which point the tammy would be a great choice. If you choose the 28-135 for its versatility, then the 50/1.8 would be a good portrait lens.

I think your lineup will be good, although I'd get the 28-135 instead of the 28-105.

I guess you won't be satisfied with f/4 indoors...especially when you don't have a good flash. That's why I think the 24-105L would be a bit too expensive for what you need and want right now, don't you think?

I should update my signature...I do have the 430 EX II flash.