Which Lens? Need your advice - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

11/25/2007 03:06:26 PM · #1

Hi all, i shoot a canon 400d got the standard kit lens but have been looking at these two lenses.

1 Canon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 EF USM

or

2 Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Lens

Annyone got any experience with either of these two lenses? My budget is about Â£200 need a good general purpose lens.

Thanks for your advice

Lee

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

11/25/2007 03:14:04 PM · #2

Tamron

jbsmithana

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 12-24mm f/4.0G IF-ED

11/25/2007 03:15:48 PM · #3

I'm not a Canon shooter but if you look at how many owners there are here you will see that the Tamron ranks 4 to 1 compared to the Canon. I know it has always been well spoken of here as a great value.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

11/25/2007 03:31:30 PM · #4

Out of those two, definitely the Tamron.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

11/25/2007 03:35:51 PM · #5

In this case, the Tamron, definitely.

Morgan

Nikon D800

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED

11/25/2007 03:51:15 PM · #6

The Canon favours both the telephoto end and the wide angle end of the focal range. Are these extra millimeters worth going for the Canon? It would be for me.

Another key factor is the f-stop. You need to decide how much low light shooting you may be doing? The Tamron is the faster lens so it would be the preference under this criterium. Even with a good flashgun, the extra f-stops mean added distance to indoor shooting.

Other purchase decision factors might include:

* quality of construction,
* glass versus plastic lens elements,
* optical coating,
* cost - initial outlay cost,
* brand recognition,
* after-sales service and support,
* fit and feel,
* natural intuitiveness of the lens (do your hands fall naturally into place when you use it? Is it ergonomically well designed?)
* balance in your hands when mounted on your camera,
* and finally, potential for the highest resale value.

After saying all of that, I am not qualified to speak about either of these lenses as I have no firsthand experience with them. So, seeking advice from actual owners, just as you are doing with this posting is a very smart and worthwhile idea that should be useful in your ultimate decision-making process.

In general terms, both lenses appear to be good products so it may be a coin toss?

11/25/2007 03:55:16 PM · #7

cant seem to find anyone with any first hand experience. Just want a good quality lens that will produce sharp vibrant images maybe someone has another lens inmind for the same sought of budget?

Lee

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

11/25/2007 04:00:54 PM · #8

Well with that budget, what general purpose do you want to use from this new lens?

If you think you'll be doing a lot of Macro shooting, might as well look into a dedicated macro lens.

If you want more portraiture, or landscape, sports etc etc...

With that, you can then begin to find an ideal lens(s).

General purpose lens, looking at both wide and tele capabilities.

So Morgan's post is a good references right there. Check for the primary focal length(s) that you want and from there you can find the ideal lens.

marbo

Nikon D5000

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

11/25/2007 04:05:54 PM · #9

Tamron out of the 2, but for a better range the sigma 17-70 is a good buy.

Canon EF 500mm f/4.0L IS USM

11/25/2007 04:08:36 PM · #10

I would say i would use more for landscape portrait work dont do any real macro work. Never had anything but canon lenses so dont no anything about tamron or sigma really on your help and reveiws etc

The focal length of 17-85 mm or there abouts would be fine remembering the 1.6 crop factor. Anything longer starts to require tripods to stop camera shake etc

Thanks again

Lee

Message edited by author 2007-11-25 16:11:39.

rider

Canon EOS-7D

11/25/2007 04:11:52 PM · #11

check out the 28-105--3.5-5.6 II usm a lot of people have them and there have been a lot of very nice images taken with it. it has more range than you picked but?

Morgan

Nikon D800

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED

11/25/2007 04:16:21 PM · #12

When I buy a lens, I buy it with a specific purpose in mind. I view the lens choice as seeking a solution to a problem. So, understanding your shooting needs is a critical first step. AC makes a valid point about macro photography if that is your desire. It all depends upon what you want to do with it?

So, explore your needs first - portraits, landscapes, macro, family photos, indoor flash photography, etc. Once you understand your needs, then select the lens that best serves these needs.

If you are like me and enjoy numerical evaluation (its the MBA and engineer in me), then make a spreadsheet and rate and rank each criterion of the short-listed lenses based upon the personal weighting of your needs. The numbers may tell the story for you...

Search the web for all lenses that may qualify for your needs. The preferred lens should reveal itself to you. Canon, Tamron, Sigma, etc, they are all well regarded and any of these choices should serve you well. Determining the very best "fit" for your needs is what I am proposing here. Good luck with your search and be sure to update this thread so we can see what you purchase and why you decided to buy it.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

11/25/2007 04:47:38 PM · #13

Originally posted by Morgan:

That's a very well put together, accurate post.

Tez

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

11/25/2007 05:07:57 PM · #14

The Tamron, it'll do everything the Canon does, only better.

11/25/2007 06:18:13 PM · #15

Been reading up a bit on various lenses on this site

//www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=308&sort=7&cat=43&page=1

although the tamron comes out quiet well there are a few cons such as noisy AF etc which has me a little concerned about build quality may need to visit camera shop and handle one i think

Also looked at the sigma 17mm-70mm f2.8 which came out very well so just getting confused at the moment.

Lee

Message edited by author 2007-11-25 18:23:00.