New 5Dc owner - 1zoom vs 2 prime?

I just upgraded my camera body from Xsi to 5Dc and I only have $800 left to get me an EF lens. I heard that the 17-40L is a good combo with the classic, but I won`t be getting the FF DOF effect on this lens. I like to take advantage of the FF body`s shallow DOF capability too and also take urban or landscape photos.

I`m looking at prime lenses and couldn`t decide of I get a wide prime + the Sigma 50mm. Both will end up the same price as the 17-40L

I used to have a Sigma 30mm with crop body and the 30 seems wide enough for the style of photography I`m doing.

What do you guys recommend for a cheaper prime that is wide enough for FF body? Is Sigma 28 1.8 good?

The 28mm will be for urban/landscape photo and the 50mm/85mm for indoor use.

Here are the options:

1) 17-40L
2) Sigma 28mm 1.8 + Sigma 50mm 1.4
3) Sigma 28mm 1.8 + Canon 85mm 1.4

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Well, the 30mm Sigma is around a 50mm field of view. The Sigma 50mm is a good lens if you can get a good copy. Canon doesn't make an 85 1.4, Sigma is releasing one soon. Their option is an 85 1.8, which is an awesome lens if you'd like some reach for your street shooting.

If the 30 was wide enough, why are you looking for a 28 on a FF. The 50 is your equivaent.

Also, I would throw out there that for your price point, you can get a zoom and a prime. The Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 is very good, and you'd still have cash left over for the Sigma or Canon prime

bohdank wrote in post #9745281
If the 30 was wide enough, why are you looking for a 28 on a FF. The 50 is your equivaent.

50mm will be my indoor and the 28mm could be use as the UW outdoor.

I guess you are right. I can just go for 50mm as my UW (for my taste)

and you guys think 85mm is redundant? Maybe a fast 100mm for indoor

like basketball gym use?

TaDa wrote in post #9745276
Well, the 30mm Sigma is around a 50mm field of view. The Sigma 50mm is a good lens if you can get a good copy. Canon doesn't make an 85 1.4, Sigma is releasing one soon. Their option is an 85 1.8, which is an awesome lens if you'd like some reach for your street shooting.

85mm 1.8 , that`s what I meant.

I`ll check the the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 then, is that a capable lens? better than the kit lens right? I mean kit lens from my Xsi.

The 28-75 is an awesome lens, especially for the price. It's sharp, good contrast and color. One of its drawbacks are that its focus is pretty slow, but it's one of those great bang for your buck lenses.

TaDa wrote in post #9745331
The 28-75 is an awesome lens, especially for the price. It's sharp, good contrast and color. One of its drawbacks are that its focus is pretty slow, but it's one of those great bang for your buck lenses.

It`s just going to be used outdoor anyway. I`ll research on that later for pic sample etc. I`m crazy about the bokeh on the 30mm Sigma, that is why I`m tempted to get the 50mm Sigmalux. Seems like if i get a tamron, i would lose the 50mm then? 100mm will be the best bet?

Well, if you get the Tamron, you're limited to f/2.8 -- if you need the speed for low light or for really shallow DOF getting the 50 might still not be a bad idea in addition to the zoom. Also consider the 85/1.8 and 100/2 if you would be happy with those focal lengths. That way you'll have a useful decent range zoom with nice image quality, and a fast prime. When I travel I always bring the 24-105 on the 1Ds II and often add either the 50/1.4 or 85/1.8 for low light work.

pingflood wrote in post #9745383
Well, if you get the Tamron, you're limited to f/2.8 -- if you need the speed for low light or for really shallow DOF getting the 50 might still not be a bad idea in addition to the zoom. Also consider the 85/1.8 and 100/2 if you would be happy with those focal lengths. That way you'll have a useful decent range zoom with nice image quality, and a fast prime. When I travel I always bring the 24-105 on the 1Ds II and often add either the 50/1.4 or 85/1.8 for low light work.

Sounds like a good plan.... Tamron and the 50 sig then.....

It looks like the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 is a macro zoom lens also? That is a plus! I guess, that is why focus is slow on the longer FOV.

I`m using a laptop right now and don`t have access to my desktop. I just don`t like the image quailty on my laptop when viewing sample pics.
So, I`ll check on the Tamron later.

Thanks for all input guys!

The Tamron is slow(er) focusing because it uses gears for focusing. It is not a true macro but it does focus quite close. Great for flowers and such.

I think you will eventually get zooms and primes, but for now I would recommend the 17-40, outside it is a very good lens. If not, then get either the 30 or the 50 and the 85

The 17-40 on a FF body goes from ultrawide to wide normal, so might not be the best choice for a general purpose lens. It's a nice piece of glass, but I think the focal length range is too restrictive for most shooters.