Just ordered my first lens to go with my 7D...

Well, after much research and tons of lens compare, I finally placed my order for a Tamron SP AF17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II. I cannot wait!!!! Until I receive it, I will continue using my friend's 16-35mm f/2.8L.

Question for you: Should I still get a 50mm f/1.8 II for portraits?

Your signature said you had it with the XS - did you like it on your rebel? It's not much different on the 7D. Since you're questioning, I assume there was something you didn't like about it?

hieu1004 wrote in post #11348879
Your signature said you had it with the XS - did you like it on your rebel? It's not much different on the 7D. Since you're questioning, I assume there was something you didn't like about it?

I loved it with my XS. The reason I am asking is the Tamron 50mm f/2.8 should give me pretty good portraits and just wondering if it would be redundant for me to get a 50mm f/1.8.

nepali wrote in post #11348836
Should I still get a 50mm f/1.8 II for portraits?

As long as you are planning to use it wide open and you don't mind a bit of softness, yes. The fantastic plastic will give you 1.3 stops more control over depth of field than the 17-50, but it is noticeably soft in 8x10 or larger prints, so don't buy it if you like all your photos to be sharp. (If you stop it down to f/2.8, it's razor sharp, but the Tamron is already sharp enough at f/2.8.)

If you had it before and didn't care for it then I don't think the situation will be any better on a 7D. It's a $100 lens and will perform as such. If anything the higher MP sensor on the 7D is likely to be more revealing of any flaws with that lens. I would just save up a little longer for a better lens. I'm not saying you have to go for L glass but Sigma has some appealing alternatives.

edit: You posted your response before I replied but I'm still going with what I said about the lens. It's $100 of plastic and it's already not known for sharpness and the 7D is not kind to those type of lenses.

nepali wrote in post #11348903
I loved it with my XS. The reason I am asking is the Tamron 50mm f/2.8 should give me pretty good portraits and just wondering if it would be redundant for me to get a 50mm f/1.8.

Not redundant - ff you take a lot of portraits then get the 50mm 1.8 or a longer focal length prime. I have the Tamron 17-50 2.8 but if I know I'm going to taking a headshot type portrait I bring the 50mm 1.8 or the Tamron 90mm

the "nifty fifty" 50mm 1.8 is known for it's sharpness
(use PS for smoothing out that sharpness though!)


XSi (450D) and 50mm 1.8 aka nifty fifty -

Thank you all for your feedbacks. I guess what I will do is take portraits after I get my Tamron and if I'm satisfied with the outcomes then I will just save up for other lenses/accessories.

the thing that the Tamron can't do and the "Nifty" can is shoot at f/1.8. If you don't need the extra stops of light, then I wouldn't worry about it.

Yes, the nifty will work fine. It is plenty sharp as well, here is my test of Nifty Sharpness from f1.8-2.8

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=833734