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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> lens advice for 20D please-50mm prime? and 28-85?
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12/16/2004 04:04:39 PM · #1
Ok so I now understand the shotcomings of the kit lens somewhat better.
So of course I need to expand my lenses. in particular, I'm in a wedding in a little over 2 weeks time(31st), so I may try and get this quickly if I can manage it.

So with the wedding somewhat as a factor...
I'm thinking about getting the Canon f1.8 50mm as a walkaround lens, the slowspeed on the kit lens is just killing my sometimes, and I've realized I think it could be a really major liability at the wedding where I imagine the lighting will not always be so great.

But that said, I would like to have a little zoom, so I guess something in the 28-85mm range(excuse me if that makes no sense, I'm still learning) I think. But I'm not sure what would be good. I guess I'd like not slower then f2.8, but I don't know what kind of cost I'm looking at. I'll eventually save up for a nice 300mm deal at some point but that could be a while. :)

So I guess I'm asking, if I just have that 50mm do you think it'll work out ok as a wedding lens? (I'm having real fears the speed on the kit lens is really gonna make for some dark pics otherwise).

And is the pricing of a 28-85 zoom reasonable(i.e. say compared to a something-300mm is it gonna be half the cost but far less then half the zoom performance)? And recommendations of options there(probably looking across f2.8/2.0/1.8 maybe, trying to get a feel for the cost).

Thank you!
12/16/2004 04:10:33 PM · #2
Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 XR Di, $329 at B&H Photo (and at the top of my Christmas list). Amazing price for a fast zoom that's nearly equal to Canon L glass.

EDIT- For those who think the Tamron isn't close to Canon L quality, have a look at this.

Message edited by author 2004-12-16 16:17:06.
12/16/2004 04:11:47 PM · #3
The 50mm f/1.8 should make an excellent wedding lens. You'll need the fast aperture, and you can always use your legs as a "zoom". :-)

For your other lens, the Canon 24-70 f/2.8L is excellent. It's in the focal length range that you want, and it's fast. It's not cheap though--you can pick one up new for around $1300. You're not going to find any zooms faster than 2.8.

3rd party manufacturers make lenses with Canon mounts in the 28-70 range at f/2.8, and they are much cheaper--I think Tamron makes one for several hundred dollars. It's got the speed, but the contrast and sharpness won't be anywhere near Canon's L.

Good luck!

Message edited by author 2004-12-16 16:12:09.
12/16/2004 04:14:27 PM · #4
Originally posted by colema19:

And recommendations of options there(probably looking across f2.8/2.0/1.8 maybe, trying to get a feel for the cost).

Thank you!


What's your budget?

The 50mm 1.8 is a great lens. Low cost. It's almost a must.

A very good, inexpensive (relatively) short telephoto lens is the Tamron 28-75 2.8 XR DI. Would probably serve you very well for your wedding.

What about a flash? Can you use flash at the wedding?

Edit: DOH! Too slow!

Message edited by author 2004-12-16 16:16:04.
12/16/2004 04:27:21 PM · #5
Originally posted by mariomel:


What's your budget?
...
What about a flash? Can you use flash at the wedding?



My budget isn't set yet, it's more a along the lines of what the various options cost and then I'll decide on a budget.

It sorta sounds like I'll be looking at other then canon for the 28-75, otherwise at those prices I'll probably just look to going right for a 300mm prime rather then a zoom.

Flash...I don't know. Also I am not getting too carried away for this wedding, as I won't actually be taking a lot of the pics since I'm in the wedding party. I'll be having a friend whose probably a lot less interested in learning about the photography stuff then me. I'll probably put my camera on some auto mode then just have him snap where he can. I'm sure they'll have a full on photographer there too, but I figured I have some decent equipment I can try and arrange for some nice shots for the couple that they don't have to pay out the nostrils for. :)

The 50mm comes out to a equivlenet 80 on my 20D due to multiplier right?
Thanks!
-Jason
12/16/2004 04:41:24 PM · #6
Originally posted by colema19:

The 50mm comes out to a equivlenet 80 on my 20D due to multiplier right?


Correct.
12/16/2004 04:41:49 PM · #7
Originally posted by Zal:

3rd party manufacturers make lenses with Canon mounts in the 28-70 range at f/2.8, and they are much cheaper--I think Tamron makes one for several hundred dollars. It's got the speed, but the contrast and sharpness won't be anywhere near Canon's L.


I think that the tests and user reviews available on the internet indicate that the Tamron 28-75 2.8 is the equal of the L lenses. Where it is deficient is in build quality, not image quality. But at $370 compared to $1150 for Canon's 24-70 2.8 L, you could wear out 3 of them and still be a few bucks ahead. Canon L lenses are very good, but they are not the only very good lenses.
12/16/2004 04:49:02 PM · #8
If you have any spare budget I'd consider the Canon 50mm f1.4. It is not a bargain like the f1.8 but it is a sensational lens.

I have been told it also has better build quality, but have not actually seen the two together to compare them.

I've got all Canon lenses except for one Tamron lens, I forget the exact specs but it is 19-35mm I think. It's a nice lens, but not a great lens, and I only used it for a couple of months before I decided to ditch it in favour of a Canon replacement. They are good value for money but definitely lack the edge the Canon lenses have.

Message edited by author 2004-12-16 16:50:54.
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