Hey all, I know these come around a lot, but I am looking for a new lens to buy.
I am selling my film camera along with my 50mm 1.8f II hunk of plastic. Without that lens, I am left only with my 100mm macro.. can't live with just that!
What I really need is a wider lens than even the 50mm was. I am using a 20D, so of course it was an 85, which was really too long in a lot of situations.
I only have under $500 to spend, as I am trying to get a MacBook Pro next week or so.
Here is what I am kinda looking for:
I am willing to consider either a prime or a zoom, zoom would be preferable so that it is a bit more flexible. BUT, I need a pretty decent max. aperature (2.8 or bigger) since I do not have a decent flash. Those built-ins are not so bueno. I would also like the thread size to be 58mm, the same as my macro, so I can share filters if nessecary. I am willing to consider brands other than Canon, though I prefer Canon glass.
Now, of course, what suggestions do you guys have? Really, the two biggest concerns are price and max. aperature. Last time I asked for advice, I only wanted to spend $300 on a new lens, but I ended up getting the 100mm Macro, which I LOVE, but I can't go over my $500 limit this time!
Thanks in advance!
PS- I have a few of my pictures up in My Gallery. I haven't gotten very many comments, which I need to get better :-). Thanks for looking!
I don't think you can find a f/2.8-zoom lens with 58mm filtersize, but I would suggest either the Tamron 28-75 f/2-8 or the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8. Both great lenses, not sure about the price though, but it should be under 500 bucks.
Affordable Canon zoom with 58mm filter: Canon 28-105 3.5-4.5.
Affordable 2.8 zoom: Any Tamron, as stated.
Add another 50mm 1.8 (or 35 2 if you get the Canon zoom) and you're set spending less than $500.
If you're in a primal state of mind, you could get both the 24/2.8 and 35/2. The 24/2.8 has a 58mm thread and the 35/2 is 52mm. If you buy used gear, then you can still afford a 52 to 58mm step up ring and stay in budget; otherwise, if you buy new, then you are $10 over before the step-up ring (B&H prices). Of course, I assume that you don't include tax & shipping in your preliminary estimates - it's in the noise, eh?
The tammy 17-50 is a great lens, I have no problem shooting mine wide open all day. I have as much confidence in it as I do my L glass. Also, 67mm filters are not terribly expensive, and you can share filters with that 70-200/4 you will eventually buy ;-)
The Tamron 17-50 is the first lens that came to mind for me as well. Alternately, if you prefer shooting with primes, you could pick up a 28 1.8 USM for your main lens plus a cheap 18-55 kits lens for occasional use.
