p.2 #11 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be
It's hard to not recommend the 70-200, any Canon 70-200 is great. However, to give you something else to think about, I suggest the 85mm 1.8 or the Sigma 30mm 1.4. The 30mm is in your current focal length range, but it is super fast. The 85mm is just a gorgeous portrait lens either on a crop body camera like you have or even better, on FF. It is scary sharp and has wonderful bokeh wide open. I've used my son's 30mm on my old crop body and loved it. I have the 85 and it runs neck and neck with my 70-200 f2.8 as my favorite lens, not only now, but of all the lenses I've owned or own including Leica Summicrons!
p.2 #12 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be
"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"."
I guess I completely misunderstood your opening post. From this, it seemed you were asking "If you could only have one lens (under $500), what would you choose?" And it looked like you were about to replace the Tamron.
Obviously from all posts, you are looking for a lens in addition to the Tamron for under $500.
p.2 #13 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be
datousteve wrote:
Although the vivitar mttran recommends creates AMAZING results, I'm a fan of AF
Steve, i am an AF prime shooter and it's not easy for any zoom to win my love...Vivitar does and it is only zoom i have in that range after sold my 70-200LII
p.2 #14 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be
dmacmillan wrote:
It's hard to not recommend the 70-200, any Canon 70-200 is great. However, to give you something else to think about, I suggest the 85mm 1.8 or the Sigma 30mm 1.4.
Yeah, based on the current gear, I'm guessing the OP does some level of portrait work, so anything with a fast aperture is gonna be the way to go. Both of those lenses are great suggestions from that aspect. The 70-200 would be a nice addition, but, even at 200 f/4 you might find it a little lacking as a portrait lens in terms of background blur and bokeh. And of course you'd have to have the space to be able to actually use it.
If it's not just portraits, then the non-L 100mm macro is another suggestion, just because it opens up a different path. As would something ultra-wide (Tokina, etc)
p.2 #15 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be
Contax 35-70 is a good lens on T3i - I shot that combo all last summer. It has macro function at 35mm end. The lens is very well regarded, and so easy to use with the T3i flippy screen. Hmmm. I should trade my Sony NEX for another T3i.
p.2 #17 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be
Gunzorro wrote:
"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"."
I guess I completely misunderstood your opening post. From this, it seemed you were asking "If you could only have one lens (under $500), what would you choose?" And it looked like you were about to replace the Tamron.
Obviously from all posts, you are looking for a lens in addition to the Tamron for under $500.
Is that correct? Or am I further confused?
You are correct. I offered that piece of info so not to "overlap". Yes, I would be adding. I love that Tamron!
p.2 #20 · If only 1 lens under $500...what would it be
it depends on what I already have and what I need to shoot.
I really agree with lots of others though, the 70-200 f4 is probably the best value in lenses today. $500 for mint used one, and it's tough to find more performance and build quality for the price.
For wider, I think the 17-40 doesn't get the credit it deserves. I got a perfect used one for $500 last year. Great colors, sharp enough across the frame unless your printing billboards , weather sealing, easy to carry, and usm focus you can count on.
For zooms, these two would definitely offer some great $500 value.
If you shoot low light or need creative DOF, Canon has plenty of good-to-great primes for the price. I've had, or currently have, and would recommend to friends:
28mm f1.8
35mm f2
50mm f1.8
100mm f2
Sigma 30mm f1.4 was a favorite of mine when using crop, and I currently love my Sigma 50mm f1.4, after a trip to Sigma (but worth it).
get these: Vivitar Series 1 VMC 70-210mm f/3.5 Macro and PK-EOS converter