Need input on lens upgrade for 50D

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dafoosballking
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p.1 #1 · Need input on lens upgrade for 50D

I have a Canon 50D that I use for snapping shots of my kids, landscapes, and portraits. Right now I just have the kit 18-55. I'm looking for a little more reach for outside (parks, playgrounds, etc.), but also want a faster lens, as a lot of my shots are in the house where there isn't a lot of natural light.

I know the options are endless, but I'm looking at...

--maybe buying a fast prime for indoor and night walk around, a 55-250 for the extra reach when needed, and keeping the kit lens as a general walk around.

--15-85 and a 430EX II flash. That would give me the extra reach and a decent flash indoors would be a big improvement over my onboard flash. But, it would be my only lens.

--fast prime and an 18-135. Would have to save up for the flash.

Of the two options above, what would you recommend?

UPDATE: I am planning on buying used. Should be able to get a 15-85 for $500 and a 430ex II flash for $200.

Edited on Dec 31, 2012 at 10:47 PM · View previous versions

Dec 31, 2012 at 10:08 PM

jcolwell
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p.1 #2 · Need input on lens upgrade for 50D

Hi dafoosballking,

Welcome to FM.

It's been a while since I've used a 1.6x CF camera, and I've never used any of the gear listed in your poll, but I have a ton of Canon gear, and I also have an opinion.

I suggest you go for option two. Based on what I've read, the 15-85mm is a fine lens. It will provide both extra reach and also a wider perspective. Getting a decent flash like the 430EX II (mine are 580EX and 600EX variants) will provide a new capability, as well as opening a new realm for learning; bounce flash, off-camera flash, second shutter synch, and etc.

OTOH, either way, you'll probably end up getting a fast prime and longer telephoto capability, too. The timing is up to you.

Cheers, Jim

P.S. I'm the foosball king, or at least I was in 1979

Dec 31, 2012 at 10:13 PM

Mashuto
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p.1 #3 · Need input on lens upgrade for 50D

Although I didnt have your version of the 18-55, I upgraded my original 18-55 to the 15-85. The 15-85 is a great lens and has a lot of great features, USM, IS, non rotating front element, and it feels like a much higher quality and class of lens than either the 18-55 or 55-250. Not to mention the IQ is way better than either. I did also used to own the 55-250 and it was alright. I dont know anything about the sigma though.

At the end of the day, I would vote for the higher quality lens, the 15-85 and flash, and maybe if you can afford it, add the super cheap 50mm 1.8. Especially if you can use your flash indoors and wont need a super fast lens. It really depends what is more important to you, have a better quality lens, or having the extra reach.

Dec 31, 2012 at 10:16 PM

jcolwell
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p.1 #4 · Need input on lens upgrade for 50D

dafoosballking wrote:
...Of the two options above, what would you recommend?

This is the only remnant of your original post - you're fast.

Dec 31, 2012 at 10:18 PM

Gochugogi
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p.1 #5 · Need input on lens upgrade for 50D

You might consider the EF-s 17-55 2.8 IS USM. High image quality combined with constant F2.8 aperture almost makes up for the limited zoom range. With that said, the 15-85 is every bit as good in terms of sharpness, but more flare resistant and a much nicer zoom range (especially the wide side). Of course the trade off is a slow variable aperture and a wee bit more barrel distortion at the wide end. I wrote reviews on both zooms:

http://emedia.leeward.hawaii.edu/frary/canon_efs15-85.htm

http://emedia.leeward.hawaii.edu/frary/canon_efs17-55.htm

Dec 31, 2012 at 10:23 PM

artyH
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p.1 #6 · Need input on lens upgrade for 50D

I recommend the Canon 35 F2 as a fast prime. aF is accurate and quick, and the lens is sharp wide open. According to Lensrentals, the Sigma is slow to AF in low light. I don't have the Sigma, but have been pleased with my copy of the Canon 35F 2.
If you want a fast prime, I would go with a Canon, either the 35 F2, 28 F1.8, or the 50 F 1.4. I also have the canon 85 F1.8. It is a fine lens, but a bit too long indoors, at least in my house. It also needs higher shutter speeds, and this limits the utility in my home at night.
These are the reasons I voted for the 15-85, even though I don't own one. I would rather use a fast prime much of the time.

Dec 31, 2012 at 10:29 PM

Paulthelefty
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p.1 #7 · Need input on lens upgrade for 50D

Consider used...

I picked up a like new 580EX vI for 200 bucks, and I believe you can find a used 430 for 150 or less with a little searching. The latest version of the 18-55 is a darn good lens, and you won't be able to get more than 100 for it if you were to sell it.

The canon 85 1.8 is considered by many to be the best you can get for the price, and gives good length on a crop body as well as good low light capability. But that still leaves you aperture deficient in the wider angles...

Many people love the canon 35 f2, which would work well for your situation. Or, as mentioned above, the 50 f1.8.

Good luck!

Paul

Dec 31, 2012 at 10:34 PM

dafoosballking
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p.1 #8 · Need input on lens upgrade for 50D

I'm not set on the sigma 30 as my prime. I'm also considering the canon 28 1.8. I would actually prefer to stick with canon lenses.

I have owned the 55-250 and didn't use it much so I sold it. My needs have changed tho so I would like more reach now. I've also owned the 50mm 1.8 but in my house it was too tight with the crop body. That's why I'm looking at a 28 or 30 prime.

Dec 31, 2012 at 10:35 PM

dafoosballking
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p.1 #9 · Need input on lens upgrade for 50D

For the same price as a used 15-85, I can buy a 17-85 and a 70-300 IS USM. I know the image quality on the 17-85 is not as good as the 15-85, but keeping in mind that I'm not a professional photographer and won't be doing this for a living, is there enough of a difference to justify twice the cost?

Jan 01, 2013 at 12:53 AM

StillFingerz
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p.1 #10 · Need input on lens upgrade for 50D

Tape your 18-55 at 28mm and shoot with it around the house...if it's wide enough and you like it, want to stick with canon. I'd recommend two fast primes; 28f1.8, 85f1.8, then add the 70-300 IS later on. And look around for a used copy of the newer 18-55 II IS like you mentioned.

Given the cost of these two primes, you might rent them for a few days and try before you buy.

Jerry

Jan 01, 2013 at 02:05 AM

Gochugogi
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p.1 #11 · Need input on lens upgrade for 50D

I have a 17-85 and 15-85 in the house and, yes, the 15-85 is worth the extra benjamins. The 17-85 isn't a terrible lens but isn't any better optically than the 18-55. If you're going to spend your hard earned cash on an upgrade, you should make it count or you'll want to upgrade again right away.

Jan 01, 2013 at 03:01 AM

dafoosballking
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p.1 #12 · Need input on lens upgrade for 50D

StillFingerz wrote:
Tape your 18-55 at 28mm and shoot with it around the house...if it's wide enough and you like it, want to stick with canon. I'd recommend two fast primes; 28f1.8, 85f1.8, then add the 70-300 IS later on. And look around for a used copy of the newer 18-55 II IS like you mentioned.

Given the cost of these two primes, you might rent them for a few days and try before you buy.

Jerry

Good idea. The 18-55 I currently have is the 18-55 is II. It really is a decent lens. I'm 100% sure my skills don't do it justice. My main reason for wanting to upgrade is increased reach and better low light.

Jan 01, 2013 at 03:27 AM

dhphoto
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p.1 #13 · Need input on lens upgrade for 50D

Tamron 17-50 non-OS and 55-250IS

There's not much you can't do with those

Jan 01, 2013 at 11:34 AM

rongoe
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p.1 #14 · Need input on lens upgrade for 50D

Tamron 17-50 non-OS and 55-250IS

There's not much you can't do with those

+1

Jan 01, 2013 at 01:09 PM

seam4444
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p.1 #15 · Need input on lens upgrade for 50D

rongoe wrote:

Tamron 17-50 non-OS and 55-250IS

There's not much you can't do with those

+1

+2

Plus a flash and your set.

Jan 01, 2013 at 11:41 PM

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