Help me get a new lens! - TriStateTuners.com :: Home of Tristate Auto Enthusiast

NickRSwrx · 10-06-2009, 09:54 PM

Ok guys,

First off, I have searched high and low in here and on POTN. I cannot find any concrete suggestions so I wanted to ask you guys.

I am doing my first engagement shoot next weekend. And then later this spring, summer and next fall I will be the
2nd photog at all of my wifes friends' weddings. So I am going to be busy. No I am not getting paid, its all to learn and shoot.

I think I need a new lens, but I dont have a friggin clue on what. I would like a nice "general zoom" lens. Something to replace my kit lens. Something with a lower aperature to shoot inside if need be. Plus its just nice to have something with a lower f-stop anyway!

My current setup:

Rebel XT (yep thats what I have for now!)
18-55 kit
50mm/1.4
28-135mmIS /3.5-5.6
10-22mm/3.5-4.5
430EXII

So, I was doing a ton of reading on a 17-55 2.8, but that is WAAAAY out of my price range. I dont want a prime because I have my 50mm and I dont think I need another prime for now anyway. I think a medium zoom would be best for me. Hell maybe even an 18-55IS? Not sure on the f-stop for that thing though? But something that is nice and sharp and clean.

Needs:
Low price (tops $500, preferably +/- $300)
Dont mind buying used or new(but new would be from BH)
Dont care if its not a canon (for price reasons)
Sharp clean pics

Sorry for all of the rambling. I hope I didnt just waste the last 5 minutes of your life! But please dont turn this into a "dude spend the money and get a $$$$$ lens" I just dont have the funds. I dont get paid "yet" and just dont feel like dumping tons into glass or a new body right now.

Thanks dudes!

gtsiawd96 · 10-06-2009, 10:06 PM

I'm not a super pro like some of the others on here. I know its a tight situation, I was in the same situation you are about 4 months ago. I ended up going with the 50-150mm f2.8. It was $750.00. That was a little more than I had originally wanted to spend and honestly it was beyond worth it. I know that Canon lens are a little cheaper than the Nikon stuff. But honestly if you can spend a little extra and get yourself a much better lens. I would highly recommend it. If not you could rent a lens for the day. That was also an option I was looking into.

NickRSwrx · 10-06-2009, 10:15 PM

Hey funny you posted, I read through your post earlier tonight! Some of your pics from that wedding turned out great!
But I feel like my 28-135 is "basically" the same as that. Now obviously not the 2.8! But I mean in the effective range more or less. Now I could sell mine and use those costs to help offset a new lens?

But I am really looking to replace the kit lens in a sense.

But thanks, I will look into that one, never hit my radar!

den9 · 10-06-2009, 10:27 PM

get a flash, youll be fine with what you have, especially the 50mm. i wouldnt go spending money on something you cant afford, if your not making money,

NickRSwrx · 10-07-2009, 07:08 AM

I have the 430EXII, so I have a flash. Ive been experimenting with that and its great.

But you do make a good point, I just wanted to see if there were options other than the 18-55 non IS. Thanks again,

Tigawoods · 10-07-2009, 08:44 AM

16-35L?
17-40?
those are the best replacements i can think of

jspek · 10-07-2009, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtsiawd96

I'm not a super pro like some of the others on here. I know its a tight situation, I was in the same situation you are about 4 months ago. I ended up going with the 50-150mm f2.8. It was $750.00. That was a little more than I had originally wanted to spend and honestly it was beyond worth it. I know that Canon lens are a little cheaper than the Nikon stuff. But honestly if you can spend a little extra and get yourself a much better lens. I would highly recommend it. If not you could rent a lens for the day. That was also an option I was looking into.

Ciotti · 10-07-2009, 09:58 AM

I've been in your shoes for a while now not willing to spend a grand on the 17-55 2.8 and I've gotten by just fine with the upgraded kit lens, 18-55 IS http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EF-S-18-...4922078&sr=8-1

At $160 it's a screaming deal and I've been blown away by the shots I've gotten with it and how much better it is than the non IS kit lens. The research I did prior to getting it basically said that the other lens options don't get you noticably better shots than this one until you hit the $600+ mark.

Here are a few galleries where every non telephoto shot was taken with this lens...

http://www.ciottiindustries.com/gall...v=thumbs&Qis=L

http://www.ciottiindustries.com/gall...v=thumbs&Qis=L

http://www.ciottiindustries.com/gall...v=thumbs&Qis=L

gtsiawd96 · 10-07-2009, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jspek

All the lenses I have looked at between Canon and Nikon brand low F stop lenses. The Canon's are around $200 or so more for the same comparable lens. If I'm wrong I'm sorry for spreading wrong info. Please school.

jspek · 10-07-2009, 11:36 AM

i was just being dumb lol.

**TROLL** · 10-07-2009, 11:50 AM

Tamron makes a 17-50 thats pretty popular on Nikons, see what people have to say about them for Canon. Also, see what Sigma offers in that range as well. Some of their higher end stuff might fit what you're looking for. Or the 17-40L but I'm not sure how much they cost.

grimm · 10-07-2009, 11:55 AM

i have a 24-85mm Canon 3.5/4.5 it's a decent lens but i never use it. I got it a few years ago to replace my kit lens on an XT. I don' think i've used it since.
Here is a Review

Other lenses to look at

NickRSwrx · 10-07-2009, 12:58 PM

Wow, great info. Thanks everyone! To be honest, it really seems like for the price, the 18-55 IS lens is the way to go. I can get one for under $100 used. And for now until I can save up for something real nice, that might just do.

Ciotti, great pics man. I appreciate you showing me those pics and letting me know that you used the 18-55 IS on those. Helps make the decision easier!

But keep them coming, I like to research the hell out of something before I buy!

Reidonly · 10-10-2009, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TROLL

Tamron makes a 17-50 thats pretty popular on Nikons, see what people have to say about them for Canon. Also, see what Sigma offers in that range as well. Some of their higher end stuff might fit what you're looking for. Or the 17-40L but I'm not sure how much they cost.

Most definitely. Most everyone I know around here has or had the Tammy 17-50 f/2.8 in their arsenal at some point. Both Nikon AND Canon guys, they all love it and I highly recommend it for the price too (~$450-470), especially when you look at the price of comparable manufacturer glass (Canon 18-55 f/2.8 on B&H is around $1000).

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...2_8_XR_Di.html

NickRSwrx · 10-11-2009, 08:08 PM

Thanks again for all the responses. I picked up a 18-55 IS canon "kit" lens for $100 shipped. Thats going to hold me off until spring-time when I can hopefully upgrade to that exact Tamron you have above there. Thanks Reidonly and everyone else!

Chris215 · 10-11-2009, 08:12 PM

i have the tamron 17-50, awesome lens and I ordered a 85mm 1.8 which is great prime near L quality

10-06-2009, 09:54 PM	#1
NickRSwrx Tri-State Aficionado Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Warrington@17lbs Member #5457 My Ride: 01RS 317awhp/277ftlb iTrader: (0)	Help me get a new lens! Ok guys, First off, I have searched high and low in here and on POTN. I cannot find any concrete suggestions so I wanted to ask you guys. I am doing my first engagement shoot next weekend. And then later this spring, summer and next fall I will be the 2nd photog at all of my wifes friends' weddings. So I am going to be busy. No I am not getting paid, its all to learn and shoot. I think I need a new lens, but I dont have a friggin clue on what. I would like a nice "general zoom" lens. Something to replace my kit lens. Something with a lower aperature to shoot inside if need be. Plus its just nice to have something with a lower f-stop anyway! My current setup: Rebel XT (yep thats what I have for now!) 18-55 kit 50mm/1.4 28-135mmIS /3.5-5.6 10-22mm/3.5-4.5 430EXII So, I was doing a ton of reading on a 17-55 2.8, but that is WAAAAY out of my price range. I dont want a prime because I have my 50mm and I dont think I need another prime for now anyway. I think a medium zoom would be best for me. Hell maybe even an 18-55IS? Not sure on the f-stop for that thing though? But something that is nice and sharp and clean. Needs: Low price (tops $500, preferably +/- $300) Dont mind buying used or new(but new would be from BH) Dont care if its not a canon (for price reasons) Sharp clean pics Sorry for all of the rambling. I hope I didnt just waste the last 5 minutes of your life! But please dont turn this into a "dude spend the money and get a $$$$$ lens" I just dont have the funds. I dont get paid "yet" and just dont feel like dumping tons into glass or a new body right now. Thanks dudes! Last edited by NickRSwrx; 10-06-2009 at 10:20 PM.

10-06-2009, 10:06 PM	#2
gtsiawd96 Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Long Beach Island Member #227 My Ride: 1995 Eagle talon Tsi Awd iTrader: (1)	I'm not a super pro like some of the others on here. I know its a tight situation, I was in the same situation you are about 4 months ago. I ended up going with the 50-150mm f2.8. It was $750.00. That was a little more than I had originally wanted to spend and honestly it was beyond worth it. I know that Canon lens are a little cheaper than the Nikon stuff. But honestly if you can spend a little extra and get yourself a much better lens. I would highly recommend it. If not you could rent a lens for the day. That was also an option I was looking into. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures. 1995 Tsi AWD 307awhp@24psi Track numbers coming soon.

10-07-2009, 08:44 AM	#6
Tigawoods Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: PA/MD Member #2030 My Ride: 95' Toyota Celica iTrader: (0)	16-35L? 17-40? those are the best replacements i can think of __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.

10-07-2009, 09:58 AM	#8
Ciotti Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: is everything (Cherry Hill) Member #8225 My Ride: 96' Cobra Vert iTrader: (0)	I've been in your shoes for a while now not willing to spend a grand on the 17-55 2.8 and I've gotten by just fine with the upgraded kit lens, 18-55 IS http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EF-S-18-...4922078&sr=8-1 At $160 it's a screaming deal and I've been blown away by the shots I've gotten with it and how much better it is than the non IS kit lens. The research I did prior to getting it basically said that the other lens options don't get you noticably better shots than this one until you hit the $600+ mark. Here are a few galleries where every non telephoto shot was taken with this lens... http://www.ciottiindustries.com/gall...v=thumbs&Qis=L http://www.ciottiindustries.com/gall...v=thumbs&Qis=L http://www.ciottiindustries.com/gall...v=thumbs&Qis=L __________________ Ciotti Industries: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures. 8 reps for your driver mod muscles To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures. When something has foibles and won't handle perfectly, that gives it a particularly human quality as it makes mistakes. That's how we can build a relationship with a car that other people just won't get - Jeremy Clarkson

10-07-2009, 11:55 AM	#12
grimm Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Dec 2006 Member #3058 iTrader: (2)	i have a 24-85mm Canon 3.5/4.5 it's a decent lens but i never use it. I got it a few years ago to replace my kit lens on an XT. I don' think i've used it since. Here is a Review Other lenses to look at __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.

10-06-2009, 10:15 PM	#3
NickRSwrx Tri-State Aficionado Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Warrington@17lbs Member #5457 My Ride: 01RS 317awhp/277ftlb iTrader: (0)	Hey funny you posted, I read through your post earlier tonight! Some of your pics from that wedding turned out great! But I feel like my 28-135 is "basically" the same as that. Now obviously not the 2.8! But I mean in the effective range more or less. Now I could sell mine and use those costs to help offset a new lens? But I am really looking to replace the kit lens in a sense. But thanks, I will look into that one, never hit my radar!

10-06-2009, 10:27 PM	#4
den9 Tri-State Post Whore Banned Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: doylestown Member #1198 My Ride: turbo diesel iTrader: (0)	get a flash, youll be fine with what you have, especially the 50mm. i wouldnt go spending money on something you cant afford, if your not making money,

10-07-2009, 07:08 AM	#5
NickRSwrx Tri-State Aficionado Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Warrington@17lbs Member #5457 My Ride: 01RS 317awhp/277ftlb iTrader: (0)	I have the 430EXII, so I have a flash. Ive been experimenting with that and its great. But you do make a good point, I just wanted to see if there were options other than the 18-55 non IS. Thanks again,

10-07-2009, 12:58 PM	#13
NickRSwrx Tri-State Aficionado Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Warrington@17lbs Member #5457 My Ride: 01RS 317awhp/277ftlb iTrader: (0)	Wow, great info. Thanks everyone! To be honest, it really seems like for the price, the 18-55 IS lens is the way to go. I can get one for under $100 used. And for now until I can save up for something real nice, that might just do. Ciotti, great pics man. I appreciate you showing me those pics and letting me know that you used the 18-55 IS on those. Helps make the decision easier! But keep them coming, I like to research the hell out of something before I buy!

10-11-2009, 08:08 PM	#15
NickRSwrx Tri-State Aficionado Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Warrington@17lbs Member #5457 My Ride: 01RS 317awhp/277ftlb iTrader: (0)	Thanks again for all the responses. I picked up a 18-55 IS canon "kit" lens for $100 shipped. Thats going to hold me off until spring-time when I can hopefully upgrade to that exact Tamron you have above there. Thanks Reidonly and everyone else!

10-11-2009, 08:12 PM	#16
Chris215 Tri-State Addict Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Philly Member #5115 My Ride: 08 WRX iTrader: (0)	i have the tamron 17-50, awesome lens and I ordered a 85mm 1.8 which is great prime near L quality

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