General purpose lens- go prime or zoom?

So I've got an absolute budget limit of 500 dollars. There are 3-4 lenses that have got my eye. They are the Canon 28mm 1.8, Canon 28mm 2.8, Sigma 30mm 1.4, and Tamron 17-50 2.8 (non VC). Currently I've got the 8-16, 100 macro, and 300 f/4 L IS. I sold my 18-55 kit lens with my XSi because I hated the thing. The build quality, color, contrast, and awful CA just didn't do it for me. Now I'm left with a new 50D but no general purpose lens. I don't use the range a ton anyways, so I will not go above my previously mentioned budget limit.

The Canon 28 1.8 and Sigma 30 1.4 seem to be pretty similar lenses. I'd probably go with the Sigma as it is reported to have less CA and I really like the build and overall quality of my Sigma 8-16mm.

The Canon 28 2.8 seems to be a cheaper alternative to either of those primes. I could even get the nifty fifty alongside it since it is so cheap. However a f/2.8 prime doesn't allow for as much creativity with DOF or low light capabilities. This would give me two more lenses to play around with though.

The last option is to get the Tamron 17-50 non-VC. It seems like a pretty capable lens but it too lacks the razor thin DOF and low light capabilities. It also doesn't handle CA all that well. (If you haven't noticed by now, I despise CA more than just about anything)


What would you guys recommend? I love my two longer primes a lot, but would a zoomer be a better choice for this range?

Sigma 30mm 1.4, if you really want prime only
I'm not sure if Canon 28/1.8 is similar to Sigma. I had 24/2.8 (which is better than 28/1.8 ), and the Sigma is def. better.
28/2.8 is the worst of the twenties series, I think.

but seriously, you need a zoom

I have two standard zooms and my 30mm f1.4 sees more use than both combined.

I'd skip both of the Canon 28mm primes, they're extremely soft wide open and you definitely wouldn't be happy with them if you didn't like the kit lens. I'd say you're better off just crossing them off of your list and debating on the Sigma prime or the Tamron zoom.

As far as which is better, they're both the best options for zoom and prime within that budget (actually, both are what I consider to be second best in each category to lenses that are 1k+). It really depends on your shooting style as far as which one you should go with.

Velorium wrote in post #10765220
I'd say you're better off just crossing them off of your list and debating on the Sigma prime or the Tamron zoom.

Those two are the ones I am most interested in anyways. I'm leaning towards the Sigma right now because of the large aperture and HSM w/FTM. It is also a very useful focal length. And if the build quality is anything like the 8-16mm, I certainly wouldn't be disappointed with it.

I wonder if I've made my decision...

Any more input is greatly appreciated!!! Thanks to those who have already replied!

The 28 doesn't compare to the 30.

If you go for the Tamron non-VC you can also get a nifty-fifty.

Velorium wrote in post #10765220
I'd skip both of the Canon 28mm primes, they're extremely soft wide open and you definitely wouldn't be happy with them if you didn't like the kit lens. I'd say you're better off just crossing them off of your list and debating on the Sigma prime or the Tamron zoom.

I owned the 28mm f2.8 and it was definitely NOT soft wide open. It is quite sharp, and just as sharp at f2.8 as it is at f8. I only sold it because it was not fast enough, but it is just as sharp as the Sigma IMO.

Velorium wrote in post #10765220
I'd skip both of the Canon 28mm primes, they're extremely soft wide open...

Hmm, I used to own the 28 f/1.8 and thought it was a fine lens. I don't see the Sigma being much better at fast apertures:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com …omp=0&FLIComp=0​&APIComp=2

sigma 30 if you can deal w/ a prime.
otherwise, tamron 17-50.

Which one really only depends on you. I personally love using a normal prime, so I will pick it over a zoom every time. I find the 70-200 more useful as a zoom lens (tho, it's so expensive, and the 135L works for me).

I'm a primes guy so, Sigma 30mm. Awesome lens and had it glued to my 30d and 50d all the time. I had the 28mm f1.8 for a few but preferred the sigma. Cheaper by a bit to the canon 28 f1.8 and comes with a hood and zippered pouch and goes to f1.4. What else is there to say?

Well I looked through more of the archives and I think I'm going to go for the Sigma 30. It looks like such a fun lens. I hope I don't get even more addicted to primes...

^^
It really is a great general purpose lens. You won't regret it. Will be great on the 50d. Send me a PM if you'd like to see more examples in action with a 50d.

My Sigma 30 has overtaken my 24-70L because it's just much funner to use. Primes force you to move, and you can get nicely creative with it.

28mm f/1.8 is an awesome lens, but, hey, who am I?