Downsizing (literally) my lens?

So I have a Canon T1i and currently use a 70-200 2.8L. My photography is pretty much a hobby, every now and then someone will slip me a small amount of money to do some senior pictures or what not. I don't claim to be a pro.

I got rid of my kit lens and nifty two fifty for this 70-200 L to satisfy my pixel peeping issues haha. While it works great for my brothers high school football games, I've found thats the only time I pull the camera out. I hate taking it on trips (camping) or events because the lens is just so bulky.

I'd like to sell it (I'm in need of a little bit of extra cash anyway) and get a different lens. I've been thinking about buying a Sigma 50mm 1.4...but am a little nervous because I've never owned a prime.

Are there any decent zoom lenses out there im missing that are around 500-600 dollars? I'm looking for a few things. Fixed f/stop (nothing lower than f/2.8) and sharp! I'm a pixel peeper to the max. Should I be scared of primes? Especially having only one for a while? I know down the road I want the 85 1.8 and 135L but thats a ways away.

I'll trade you my 70-200 f/4 for your 70-200 f/2.8

I don't think there's many zooms in the $500 range at 2.8. Sigma has a 70-200 for $800 that's not supposed to be too bad.

Just realized the sigma wouldn't really be any smaller, are you looking for something that's not telephoto then?

It doesn't really matter to me if its telephoto or not.

As of right now I can only afford one lens around 500. Selling the 70-200L will allow me to have some extra money for my upcoming travels and save 500 for another lens.

Im on the edge about having a prime and a prime only, but will do it if I get comfortable talking to others about it. I like the Sig 30mm, Canon 85 1.8.

the 85/1.8 is an amazing lens for the money. But since this will be your only lense, I would recommend a zoom for the versatility. maybe the 28-135 or the tamron 17-50 f2.8.

I say 85 1.8. Tried it on my t2i the other day and love it for portraits.

Sigma 50-150?

Might have to go with a third party lens if you want something versatile, fast and at a lower cost

If you want a standard 2.8 zoom instead of a telephoto, go with the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 (non-VC) all the way! It's an absolutely fantastic lens, and you can get one used for around $320. In fact, if you want, you MIGHT be able to get a used 17-50 AND a used 55-250is (yeah I know you've already had one, but whatever!) for around $500.

If you want to experiment with an 85 prime, you could tack a new Rokinon/Samyang/Vivita​r/etc (the same lens is marketed under like 50 different brands) 85mm f/1.4 onto that Tamron and still stay under $600. It's a manual focus lens, but all reports suggest it's pretty awesome.

You must be kidding if you seriously want a f2.8 zoom in the $600 range. There are certainly options if you're not picky and can deal with variable aperture.

If you've got money, the new 70-300 L looks like it will be very interesting--L quality in a very very compact form! Hiking-worthy, if you mind the weight.

MOkoFOko wrote in post #10834431
You must be kidding if you seriously want a f2.8 zoom in the $600 range.

Only if we're talking telephoto zooms. There are tons of standard zooms under $600, and OP doesn't seem to have a zoom type in mind.

klassenl wrote in post #10834270
Sigma 50-150?

I was thinking about the Sigma EX 50-150mm f/2.8.. In my opinion one of the nicest lenses I've owned/used in over 30 years in photography.. I find it perfect for a crop body in terms of size, weight and zoom range..

I've had mine for over two years.. Just wondering, how much are they going for now??

i was about to suggest the 28-75 tamron f2.8
i like mine and I think I payed around the $500 mark.
I really like the product, though I don't have a 70-200 f2.8 to compare or pixel peep.

Nothing wrong with owning just a prime lens. Using prime lens will actually turn you into a better photographer because you have to actually think about your shot, how to frame it, etc instead of just standing back and sniping away.

The Sigma 30 and 85 1.8 make a great starting point.

this is not really helping for your problem, but if you want to try a prime you can always get a used niftyfifty for <100$, and if you don't like it you can probably sell it with little or no loss. not sure if it satisfies your pixel peeping, but it is certainly a good prime and will give you a feeling about shooting with a fixed focal length. go shooting with it on your cam and don't take other lenses so you don't get tempted