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Hello all- Long-winded and probably pointless thinking aloud here. If you aren't patient and don't have some time on your hands, don't bother haha.
I am well aware of the common shortcomings associated with wide lenses. I have owned both versions of the 16-35L, the 17-40L, the 20/2.8 USM, and a handful of Nikkor UW lenses.
I'm now shooting a 6D, and as of now a VERY consumer lens kit. 28-105 3.5-4.5 USM, 75-300 4-5.6 USM III, and a 50/1.8 II on the way. Awesome body, cheap (some would say CRAP) lenses haha. For casual use, it's like shooting a digital Elan 7 kit. Works great for me.
My current lens kit will handle 90% of what I shoot. Family, occaisional travel, some outdoorsy stuff.
Problem is, I'm wanting a nice(enough) wide. I enjoy shooting wide-field astro sometimes (<30 sec exposures on tripod), along with urban/outdoor 'scapes. I have been keeping an eye out for a cheap 20-35 USM- saw one go on here a week ago for $180. Wish I wouldn't have hesitated!
KEH commonly has Tokina/Tamron/Vivitar 19/20-35mm 3.5-4.5 zooms for around $150. I've messed with the Vivitar and Tokina, but it has been YEARS... and I think I was shooting film only then.
I don't have the budget anymore, or at least right now, to get L everything. I'm planning on probably making 1 L purchase in the coming month w/ tax return. Prob a 24-105, POSSIBLY a 17-40. I think the 24-105 will get more use.
Anyways- I guess my question is-
1) Is the 20-35 USM better enough over the 3rd party cheap zooms to be worth an extra ~$100 or so, on average? Keep in mind this is a 40-60% price increase over a Tokina/Vivitar/Tamron.
2) What are the focus speeds like on the 3rd party cheap zooms? I am a fan of ring USM...
3) Would I be better off just getting a Samyang 14/2.8?
I am not looking for ultimate quality. I know what that costs. I shoot medium jpgs, get my exposures "right" in-camera, and upload photos to various places for sharing and backup.
I am doing this for fun. I think the Samyang/etc 14mm would give me something more unique and exciting than the AF zooms.
In the next year, I'll probably be going to Korea for a year, making extra money, and can get an L or two at that point haha. Whatever wide I get now, along with all my current lenses, are probably not going to stick around. They are all temporary.
Did I just answer my own quesion? Am I blowing this all way out of proportion? I've probably got too much time on my hands... haha
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