which lens to buy????

Nicole

Hi everybody, I have a birthday coming up and my husband said I can get a new lens. The only problem is I can't make up my mind. I have a 300d with the kit lens, 70-200 f4L, and 50 f1.8. I mostly take pics of my kids. I find that when I use the kit lens, it is closer to 55mm than 18mm in most shots. I am considering the canon 85 f1.8 or the tamron 28-75 and am open to other suggestions. I love the 85 f1.8 and am dying to try it, but think the tamron would be more practical. I am also worried about getting a soft copy of the tamron, I don't want to fuss with sending it back. It may be awhile before I can buy another lens and I am trying to make the best decision. I did a search and saw the similar thread, but I still can't decide and would love some suggestions.:dunno Thanks
Nicole

mrcoons

Nicole, I just went thru the same difficult decision myself. I ended up getting the Tamron 28-75. I've used it twice so far, once outdoors (http://mrcoons.smugmug.com/gallery/832651/1/37264679) and once indoors (I do not have those pictures downloaded from the camera yet). From what I've seen in these two situations I have no complaint about the Tamron lens.

I'll give it another work out tomorrow night and see what happens.

Nicole

Thanks Mark,
What swayed you decision in favor of the tamron, and did you order it on line or at a local store? I called a local store today and they want 100$ more for it than BH photo. I was hoping to buy it locally, that way if I had trouble Given what I have do you think the 85 f1.8 is too much overlap. I am considering it because my favorite lens are the 70-200f4 and the 50f1.8, but the 70-200 is too heavy to carry around all day. Do you think the 85 is too similar to the 50? Anyway, I am driving my self crazy, and probably everyone else too. Thanks for the help,
Nicole

mrcoons

Nicole, I got mine online at B&H. Only one camera store where I live and their prices & selection are not the best.

I went with the Tamron because I felt that the 28-75mm plus the F/2.8 gave me more flexiblity than the 85mm F/1.8 would. I think this lens will work very well for me at indoor concerts this winter. I just started an upload of some pictures I took yesterday of my daughter. I should have used an external flash but I felt that the lens worked very well. I'll be using it again tomorrow night outdoors after dark and that will be the next big test.

I found folks on this board and several others that had this lens that vouched for it, as I did for the Canon 85mm. I think it just depends on what you want to use it for Nicole. I think it will complement your 70-200 f4L very well, where as if you get the 85mm you'll still need a wider lens for wide shots. At least I did.

But as they say, this is just my opinion - I could be wrong. I'll show you the new photos as soon as they get up.

mrcoons

Check these out Nicole: http://mrcoons.smugmug.com/gallery/835737/1/37641013

Nicole

Thanks Mark,

It looks like your daughter had a wonderful birthday. I think I am going to get the tamron. I love the pics I see with the 85f1.8, but I think I need the flexibility of the tamron more. It would do a good job of replacing the kit lens.
Thanks so much for your help,
Nicole

Onrey

Nicole, another option is the sigma 24-70 f/2.8... I have it and really like it, $360 at B&H and probably 3-40 cheaper at Sigma4less.com

Whatever you decide you will love it.

Nicole

Hi Brad,
Thanks for the suggestion. I actually went to order the Tamron on Tuesday and ended up with the canon 85 f1.8 instead. It came today and I tried it out tonight. So far I love it!!! I will try to post a sample. Nicole

risource

2late

Nicole wrote:

Hi Brad,
Thanks for the suggestion. I actually went to order the Tamron on Tuesday and ended up with the canon 85 f1.8 instead. It came today and I tried it out tonight. So far I love it!!! I will try to post a sample. Nicole

Too late for a recommendation but I'd go with the 85mm1.8 also. Very fast and very small/light weight, and a good portrait length. It has really made the difference for me with the kid's sports.