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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Lens suggestions please
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 06/23/2007 11:16:15 PM · #1
Hey everyone, I've been thinking about getting a new lens to replace my 18-55mm kit lens. Its not a total replacement, because the wide end will still be helpful. I've noticed that I often shoot in fairly low light conditions, and I've become frustrated with the kit lens. Once I got the 50mm f/1.8 I seem to use that most of the time (because its the only lens I have that will allow for good pictures in low light), but a 50mm prime on a 1.6x crop camera isn't practical for a lot of situations.

So anyway, What I would really like is a lens to cover from as wide as possible to at least 70mm, because thats where my telephoto picks up.

I'm hoping to spend around $400 USD, so I've been looking at the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 XR Di LD, Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG, and Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 EX DG. Now, this isn't make or break for me, but I think the Tamron rotates when focusing, however I think it might become annoying when trying to use a circular polarizer. Also, one of the Sigma's has a 4mm wide end advantage. So, which do you guys think is the best lens for this range?

Thanks in advance. :D

Message edited by author 2007-06-23 23:16:34.
 06/23/2007 11:19:04 PM · #2
The sigma 24-70 is a very good lens. It's a little heavy and slightly slower at focussing than some of the more expensive lenses, but the photos are top notch.
 06/23/2007 11:34:19 PM · #3
Be bold, go prime instead.

I know it's not constant 2.8, but you might want to check out Canon's 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS.

I'm told this is a good lens and it has IS which might help you in low light.
 06/23/2007 11:38:42 PM · #4
Originally posted by Nullix:
Be bold, go prime instead.


I'm growing more and more fond of following that path. I want 24mm and 85mm prime lenses. With those two, I think I would give up a zoom for that range.
 06/24/2007 12:06:26 AM · #5
From experience, the Tamron does not rotate when focusing. The only problem is that it's pretty hard to use a polarizer and the lens hood at the same time, so if you shoot backlit subjects with the sun just out of the frame, you might get more flare if you leave the hood off, or get fingerprints on the filter if you leave it on.

It's a good lens, definitely sharp enough for portraits and events, but for high-detail landscapes the corner sharpness isn't perfect. It's at least as good as or better than the 50mm 1.8, but not in the same universe as my Voigtlander 35mm or a Canon 24/35L, etc.

It does have very good color rendition and bokeh, and the versatility of zoom makes it worth using for landscapes too. If you have a sky in the top corners and smooth ground in the bottom ones, it's perfectly fine. I haven't tried the Sigma to compare.

Fotomann, how about getting the 24 and 85 L's? Those two would probably make you hate pretty much all zoom lenses :p
 06/24/2007 12:10:05 AM · #6
Originally posted by MadMan2k:

Fotomann, how about getting the 24 and 85 L's? Those two would probably make you hate pretty much all zoom lenses :p


That's the plan :-)
 06/27/2007 01:21:29 AM · #7
Thanks for the suggestions, but it seems my situation has changed a bit. I'm going to have more money to spend so I've been considering going for either the 24-105mm f/4L IS or the 24-70 f/2.8L. I can't seem to decide which would work better for me. I think I would like the nicer DOF control by being able to go to f/2.8, but the IS is also a nice feature. I seem to be leaning towards the 24-70 though because I'm proabably going to get a 70-200 f/2.8L (IS probably)later this year, and that lens will give me a constant f/2.8 from 24-200mm. Price is pretty much the same for both, and I've heard great things about both so I've been really stuck on this one.

I am a little unsure though, because this will be my first camera related purchase at or over $1,000. I'm pretty sure that buying the L series is the way to go though, considering that I would probably upgrade to it from one of the cheaper lenses anyway (and end up spending more money total).
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