I already started talking about a lens purchase in this thread, but since the subject swayed so far from the original, I figured a new thread would attract more responses.
First, what I already own...
Bodies: Canon 40D, Canon Rebel XT
Lenses: 18-55mm f3.5-5.6, 50mm f1.8, 75-300mm f4-5.6 (all made by Canon)
So, I definitely need some better glass. I'm essentially wanting to get rid of the kit 18-55. I still really like the 50, so that's staying. And at some point I'd like to replace the 75-300, but long telephoto lenses aren't a huge priority for me and my style I think right now. The kinds of photos I generally take can be seen on my portfolio linked in my sig if you're interested. Mostly portrait type stuff, some weddings, but also some art photography and I'd like to maybe get into some street photography too.
My absolutely ideal lens purchase would be the Canon 24-70mm f2.8L. However, due to recent events, my budget has been cut back a bit unexpectedly, and unless I go into (even more) credit card debt (something I'd like to avoid at this point in my life), I might have to put off getting that lens for a while.
So, I was wondering what people thought of this: Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 to replace the kit lens I have ($430), and also the Canon 85mm f1.8 prime ($360).
From reviews I've read, the Tamron is supposed to be a helluva lens at that price. It only works on crop bodies though, so when I go full frame in the future I'll have to sell it. But, I figure at that price, it's not as much of a loss as it would be if I bought, say, the Canon 17-55 f2.8 IS which is nearly $500 more expensive. And I think I'd get a good few years of use out of it, even if I did get the 24-70 in the future since the 17-50 is much wider.
As for the 85mm f1.8, it looks like a good telephoto range prime at a good price that can replace the poor quality 75-300 I have for most anything I'd use that one for. It'll work great for portraits and is plenty fast for low light and weddings. And because it's EF, it'll last when I get a full frame in the future.
So for about $800, I get two pretty great lenses that will give me a lot of added flexibility and are certainly much better than the lenses I own now. They're no L, but I think they could tide me over until I can save more to get some nice L glass.
Sound like a good plan? Anyone use either of these lenses and can give some feedback or other possible lens choices? If you're going to suggest something else, please keep in mind that my requirements are at least one "all-purpose" type lens in the wide-normal range and that it has to have at least an f2.8 constant aperture.
First, what I already own...
Bodies: Canon 40D, Canon Rebel XT
Lenses: 18-55mm f3.5-5.6, 50mm f1.8, 75-300mm f4-5.6 (all made by Canon)
So, I definitely need some better glass. I'm essentially wanting to get rid of the kit 18-55. I still really like the 50, so that's staying. And at some point I'd like to replace the 75-300, but long telephoto lenses aren't a huge priority for me and my style I think right now. The kinds of photos I generally take can be seen on my portfolio linked in my sig if you're interested. Mostly portrait type stuff, some weddings, but also some art photography and I'd like to maybe get into some street photography too.
My absolutely ideal lens purchase would be the Canon 24-70mm f2.8L. However, due to recent events, my budget has been cut back a bit unexpectedly, and unless I go into (even more) credit card debt (something I'd like to avoid at this point in my life), I might have to put off getting that lens for a while.
So, I was wondering what people thought of this: Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 to replace the kit lens I have ($430), and also the Canon 85mm f1.8 prime ($360).
From reviews I've read, the Tamron is supposed to be a helluva lens at that price. It only works on crop bodies though, so when I go full frame in the future I'll have to sell it. But, I figure at that price, it's not as much of a loss as it would be if I bought, say, the Canon 17-55 f2.8 IS which is nearly $500 more expensive. And I think I'd get a good few years of use out of it, even if I did get the 24-70 in the future since the 17-50 is much wider.
As for the 85mm f1.8, it looks like a good telephoto range prime at a good price that can replace the poor quality 75-300 I have for most anything I'd use that one for. It'll work great for portraits and is plenty fast for low light and weddings. And because it's EF, it'll last when I get a full frame in the future.
So for about $800, I get two pretty great lenses that will give me a lot of added flexibility and are certainly much better than the lenses I own now. They're no L, but I think they could tide me over until I can save more to get some nice L glass.
Sound like a good plan? Anyone use either of these lenses and can give some feedback or other possible lens choices? If you're going to suggest something else, please keep in mind that my requirements are at least one "all-purpose" type lens in the wide-normal range and that it has to have at least an f2.8 constant aperture.
