If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be

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Matt Lomeli
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p.1 #1 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be

So, I'm looking to update my camera. But, I may also look to adding a lens down the road. Budget would be $500 max. What would you choose for your only lens? I currently have the Tamron 28-75 2.8. But would consider something with a longer or shorter "reach".

thanks,
matt

Aug 04, 2012 at 04:24 PM

jaybird555
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p.1 #2 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be

Matt, I would definitely get a used/mint Canon 70-200 F4, and I don't think you will be disappointed.

Aug 04, 2012 at 04:31 PM

Matt Lomeli
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p.1 #3 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be

jaybird555 wrote:
Matt, I would definitely get a used/mint Canon 70-200 F4, and I don't think you will be disappointed.

Crap! I was thinking this same thing. I had this lens before and needed to sell a few years ago for medical bills.

Aug 04, 2012 at 04:34 PM

ultrapix
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p.1 #4 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be

Aug 04, 2012 at 04:38 PM

Gunzorro
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p.1 #5 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be

That's really a tough question!

You don't mention if it is for full frame or crop, so I'll weigh in as FF.

For $500, I could just about buy two (used) lenses that are favorites: Canon EF 50/2.5 Macro ($200-225) and Canon EF 35/2 (~$300).

If you are looking for a zoom, I don't have a recommendation in that price range for FF.

For crop, and just a little more, I recommend the EF-S 15-85 IS.

Aug 04, 2012 at 04:53 PM

retrofocus
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p.1 #6 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be

Depending upon if you want something in the tele range or wide angle. For wide angle, you might want to look into a thrid party fisheye lens below $500 which are very good in quality still. For short tele range, I agree with the 70-200/4 option.

Aug 04, 2012 at 04:57 PM

Dudewithoutape
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p.1 #7 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be

Body would help as well.

Aug 04, 2012 at 05:02 PM

Bullseye5d2
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p.1 #8 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be

his profile says he has a 20D, so crop

Since you said you wanted a little more reach, I would recommend either

canon 85mm f1.8
OR
canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS which B&H is selling 500$. Very nice telephoto for a crop.

Edited on Aug 04, 2012 at 05:20 PM · View previous versions

Aug 04, 2012 at 05:15 PM

Matt Lomeli
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p.1 #9 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be

T3i

Aug 04, 2012 at 05:16 PM

StillFingerz
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p.1 #10 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be

The 70-200L in any version is killer.
The 70-300 IS is even cheaper and is a nice lens with a bit more reach
If you don't need the reach, perhaps the 100 f2.8 non-L macro, it's super sharp, plus you get macro which can open up a whole new world.

Don't forget extension tubes and/or tele converters/extenders as an option for you current lenses.

Like you I shoot crop bodies, my regular kit is a 40D, 10-22, 50, 100mac and 70-200, with a 1.4x. Your 28-75 is a nice lens, I'd probably get the 70-200 for the constant apreture; or the 100mac as it's one of my most used lenses. Look in the Buy&Sell forum for used gear, prices are quite good...

Jerry

Aug 04, 2012 at 05:22 PM

Paulthelefty
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p.1 #11 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be

Not exactly an answer to your question, but the kit 18-55 IS is a pretty darn good lens; especially for the price. Add to that the above recommended 70-200 f4, and you have a pretty formidable kit.

Paul

Aug 04, 2012 at 05:44 PM

surf monkey
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p.1 #12 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be

Paulthelefty wrote:
Not exactly an answer to your question, but the kit 18-55 IS is a pretty darn good lens; especially for the price. Add to that the above recommended 70-200 f4, and you have a pretty formidable kit.

Paul

+1
The newer kit lens is often underrated, easily worth the extra $100 and you get much wider FL than the 28-75.
The 70-200 is excellent, I had one before my upgrade to the IS version.

Aug 04, 2012 at 05:53 PM

jojosung
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p.1 #13 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be

70-200 f/4L..
it's my first L lens.. and the result is the most impacting..thus turning me into L-coholic.

Aug 04, 2012 at 06:09 PM

Snopchenko
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p.1 #14 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be

A wide: Tokina 12-24/4
A tele: Tamron 70-300 VC

Aug 04, 2012 at 06:48 PM

rongoe
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p.1 #15 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be

200 f2.8 (used)

Aug 04, 2012 at 06:53 PM

timbop
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p.1 #16 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be

I don't know if you mean to replace the 28-75, or add to it. If I could only spend $500 for glass for a crop body, I would definitely get a tamron 17-50 non VC. That would cover a wide variety of general shooting, and you might have enough left over (depending if you buy used) for 55-250 or 50/1.8 depending upon your tastes.

For a second lens at $500 the 70-200/4 is a no brainer

Aug 04, 2012 at 06:59 PM

PCKit
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p.1 #17 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be

For a second lens at $500 the 70-200/4 is a no brainer

+ 1

Aug 04, 2012 at 07:31 PM

mttran
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p.1 #18 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be

Matt Lomeli wrote:
So, I'm looking to update my camera. But, I may also look to adding a lens down the road. Budget would be $500 max. What would you choose for your only lens? I currently have the Tamron 28-75 2.8. But would consider something with a longer or shorter "reach".

thanks,
matt

Matt, i have a suprise for you...only need $100 max...and use your remainder $400 for another lens

get these: Vivitar Series 1 VMC 70-210mm f/3.5 Macro and PK-EOS converter

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Here is the macro and zoom samples with 5D2:

This image is copyrighted by the owner

yup....it makes most canon 70-200x run for their money

Edited on Aug 04, 2012 at 07:48 PM · View previous versions

Aug 04, 2012 at 07:46 PM

Breitling65
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p.1 #19 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be

One lens - no need of SLR. PS.

Aug 04, 2012 at 07:46 PM

Matt Lomeli
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p.1 #20 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be

Breitling65 wrote:
One lens - no need of SLR. PS.

Like I said, I have the 28-75. I also have the 50 1.8 (didn't mention). I'm adding to it... Thanks

Aug 04, 2012 at 07:53 PM

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