Need help choosing a lens for Canon 450D

Canon RF 24-105mm F/4L IS USM

01/27/2009 04:57:50 AM · #1

I'm itching to get a new lens. I consider myself a novice/beginner and I don't know what I should get next. I have a Canon Rebel XSi/450D, and the only lenses I have so far are the kit lens, Canon 50mm f/1.8, and Tamron 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Macro 1:2. I've considered getting a wide angle lens next, but I really don't think I would use it a whole lot at this point, and I really don't want to spend a lot on a lens I won't use much. So, I was thinking that I could replace my kit lens. The kit lens is 18-55mm, so I'm kinda looking for something with a similar range, but better quality and larger aperture. I'm currently living in Seoul, Korea and DSLR's and lenses are all over the place for decent prices. Today I was looking at a Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 lens for 280,000 won which would be equivalent to about $200 US. That seems to be a darn good deal, but I'm not sure that would be the best lens. I would be willing to spend as much as $300 US. What other lenses would be a good replacement for my kit lens? I would consider any brand.

Tajhad

Canon EOS R

01/27/2009 05:06:39 AM · #2

The Sigma - I think is a good lens. The other you might consider is the Tamron 28-75 f2.8. It has a lot of fans at Dpc. I own one and am happy with it. The price should be similar to the Sigma. The f2.8 is a big bonus with either of these lenses. If you prefer to go with canon there is a 17- 85 IS lens that is suppose to be fairly good but it isn't as fast (f3.5-4.5) if my memory serves me well. I'm not sure what the price is.
Overall I'm very happy with the Tamron but do a search of some reviews and check your local prices and see what you think.

01/27/2009 05:29:49 AM · #3

Ok, so the Sigma 28-70mm is a good lens then? I saw that Sigma also has a 24-70mm lens, a 17-70mm lens, a 18-125mm, and a 18-50mm lens. Are all of these good quality? I'm not sure which would be the most useful to me.

I will definitely look at the Tamron 28-75mm as well. I'll see what I can get for prices.

Message edited by author 2009-01-27 05:46:20.

Canon RF 24-105mm F/4L IS USM

01/27/2009 06:02:34 AM · #4

After reading a few reviews, I think I'm going to choose between the Tamron 28-70mm f/2.8 and the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8. I really like the Tamron, but the extra 4mm on the Sigma make it tempting. I need some advice!

Tajhad

Canon EOS R

01/27/2009 07:15:19 AM · #5

My mistake - the Tamron is 28-75. A bit longer then the Sigma. If you want wider the Sigma is slightly wider.

01/27/2009 07:35:00 AM · #6

I just need something that is a little better quality than my kit lens. Since getting the 50mm f/1.8 lens, I've been starting to notice the flaws in my kit lens. Not only is it slower, but also not nearly as sharp. I know the Tamron and Sigma probably won't be as sharp or fast as the 50mm, but they both should be better than the kit lens, right?

pamelasue

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

01/27/2009 09:16:33 AM · #7

the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 ... awesome lens for the price ... you can get one used from $250 - $300. It's the default lens on my camera ... when I got the 50D I gave my XT to my boyfriend ... he wanted the Tammy for his camera and there was no way I was parting with it, so I bought him his own!

01/27/2009 09:11:59 PM · #8

Thanks for the help so far! Does anyone know of any pros or cons for both lenses? Any other opinions?

nzbayleys

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

01/27/2009 11:22:35 PM · #9

If you're going for a Tamron, why not the AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO. Here is a link to a review... //www.digitalpixels.net/2008/12/photo-gear/tamron-18-270-mm-vc-lens-review-and-sample-photos/ I assisted a pro at a wedding last weekend and used his lens on a 450D - really nice combo.

NVPhoto

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

01/28/2009 03:26:42 PM · #10

I can't believe a pro wedding photographer was shooting w/ that combo.

Aside from that, I would say to save your money. Do not spend only $300 on a zoom lens, you will be dissapointed. Your best bet would be 1 of 2 things.

1. Save your money until you can buy a quality Canon lens, ideally an L of some sort. The thing with 3rd party lenses is that they are inferior in quality but cheaper so people think its a deal. Usually thats not the case. You will eventually notice the short comings of that lens as your photography progresses. You will notice that you wish you had a 2.8 for shallow depth of field and low light work. You will notice that the cheap lens isn't very sharp at the far ends of the focal length. Worst of all there is no resale value so when the time comes to upgrade you are left with nothing to sell. In the end a cheap Sigma ends up being more expensive than buying a quality L in the first place.

2. Look into Canon prime lenses. Although they lack the zoom, they are great at what they do. They are built to last, sharp and better in just about any aspect compared to a 3rd party lens. For around $300 you could get an awesome prime lens.

Lots of people spend because they want instant gratification... Ive done it. Save your money and invest in something of quality. If you need a good lens now, the 50 1.8 is the best $70 you will buy.

01/28/2009 05:13:58 PM · #11

Upgrading your general-purpose kit lens is a logical first step, especially if you're comfortable with the zoom range. For excellent quality at minimal price, the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 or Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 are probably your best bet. If you get into the super-zooms (17-200, 18-270, etc) or even the Canon 28-135 IS, you lose aperture, which hurts you in so many ways: sharpness, focus speed, low-light ability, viewfinder brightness, nice bokeh (minimal DOF), etc.

If you find that you don't mind the zoomlessness of your 50mm prime, there are many other primes in your price range that will perform better, like the 50 1.4 or 85 1.8.

Absolutely, most definitely, without a doubt get something with a fast USM focus motor.

01/29/2009 05:56:15 AM · #12

The Canon Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens is in my price range as well. Normally I would go for a Canon lens over a 3rd party lens, but the Tamron 28-75mm is a little faster with a larger aperture of f/2.8 right? I'm a little torn I guess. The Tamron is tempting because of the aperture, but the Canon is tempting for the greater range and image stabilization. I guess it will have to come down to price. I'll also see if any shops have some used L lenses, but those will probably still be too expensive.

Message edited by author 2009-01-29 12:09:05.

01/30/2009 06:02:23 AM · #13

Sorry for the double post. I think I'm leaning toward the Canon 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens. The Tamron is really tempting for the larger aperture, but the Canon has IS, USM, and a larger focal length range. If the Canon is a lot more expensive I might just go with the Tamron and put whatever is left in my wallet toward another prime lens. If they are similarly priced, I will likely go for the Canon.

01/30/2009 09:28:11 AM · #14

Originally posted by johnnyphoto:

The Tamron is really tempting for the larger aperture, but the Canon has IS, USM, and a larger focal length range.

Yes, that's a tough choice. Many folks love the 28-135.

When I had to choose between the 24-70 f/2.8 and 24-105 f/4 IS, I went with the latter for the same reasons you're citing. Great lens. But since going full-frame I've revamped my kit and chose a 17-40 f/4 and 85 f/1.8 prime over either of those two. And I'm very happy with the combo.

Artifacts

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

01/30/2009 09:53:25 AM · #15

No specific suggestion but a few words of advice:

1-Your lenses are your most important purchases. Your camera body is secondary.

2-The lens makes the picture. Bad glass produces bad results no matter what camera it is on.

3-Specialize... don't buy "do everything" lenses; they won't do any one particular thing very well.

4-Chose a lens based on how it is intended to be used and buy one specifically crafted for that purpose.

5-Put more money into your glass than into your camera.

6-It is better to have fewer, higher quality lenses than to have lots of poor quality ones.

01/30/2009 12:02:51 PM · #16

Originally posted by Artifacts:

5-Put more money into your glass than into your camera.

You and I both advise this, and if our profiles are accurate, it seems we don't take our own advice. =) The body can help to get the shot when otherwise it may be impossible. But the lens is definitely more important in the quality of the shot.

Originally posted by Artifacts:

3-Specialize... don't buy "do everything" lenses; they won't do any one particular thing very well.

4-Chose a lens based on how it is intended to be used and buy one specifically crafted for that purpose.

I agree - my 17-40 is a killer wide-angle and my 85 is a killer portrait lens. Their purpose generally does not overlap, and they perform their respective tasks better than the 24-70 f/2.8, and do so for less money.

To butcher Daft Punk, when comparing the 17-40+85 to the 24-70, they're wider, longer, faster, cheaper. =)

Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra

01/30/2009 09:52:38 PM · #17

Thanks again for the suggestions everyone. I'm taking all of your advice to heart. I'm considering all options at this point. I wish I could afford to buy a few really nice $1,000 + Canon L lenses, but I can't, unless I find some used ones. I'll look at some primes and other lenses that are available. The guys at the camera shops here are all very helpful as well, and they don't really push to make a certain sale.

Bear_Music

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

01/30/2009 09:59:49 PM · #18

If I can weigh in a little late, I'd like to counter the "3rd-party is always worse" line: this isn't always the case. Often it is, even most of the time it is, but there are lenses out there that buck this trend, and one of the ones you are considering is one of those exceptional 3rd-party lenses.

In nearly all respects, optically, the Tamron 28-75mm is the equal of its more expensive (and highly regarded) Canon equivalent, the 24-70mm L lens. There are a LOT of satisfied users of the Tamron in DPC; I'm one of them. I'd have gotten the 24-70 Canon if I could have, but at the time I was putting my kit together opting for the Tammy allowed me to also get the excellent Canon 60mm macro lens. I've never regretted buying the Tamron.

Its focusing isn't quite as smooth and rapid as the canon's, but it's plenty good enough for me, and probably for anyone except folks who shoot a lot of urgent action.

So I wouldn't hesitate to get that particular lens if it suits your needs, it's a "keeper".

R.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

01/30/2009 10:02:50 PM · #19

test

failed

now it passes

Message edited by author 2009-01-30 22:04:28.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

01/30/2009 10:03:42 PM · #20

test 2

passed

Message edited by author 2009-01-30 22:03:58.

01/31/2009 05:29:26 AM · #21

Well I managed to find a Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 lens for about $250 US used. I tried it out in the shop and it seems to be in excellent condition. No scratches on ether pieces of end glass, didn't notice any dust inside, the focus and zoom seemed to be really smooth, and it felt really solid. I also got a free lens cloth, blower, Hoya UV filter, and lens hood. So, I feel like I got a good deal today. Thanks for all the help!

01/31/2009 02:34:38 PM · #22

Originally posted by johnnyphoto:

Well I managed to find a Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 lens for about $250 US used.

Nice lens, nice price. You'll love it. =) We'll be interested to hear how you feel it compares to your other lenses and, of course, we're anxious to see some photos. =D

egon

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon

02/28/2009 11:52:53 AM · #23

Hello, I've just bought a XSi Body Only.
I wan to ask, is there any major/minor problem (s) when the XSi using the tamron AF 28-75 XR Di LD??

Is there any, please share. I haven't decided to buy this lens.

Thanks.
Egon

rmezzo

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

02/28/2009 12:24:58 PM · #24

Originally posted by egon:

The only minor problem I had was once I bought it, I never used my 18-55 kit lens again. :)
You don't have any lenses listed on your profile so I'm guessing you bought the body only.
Don't hesitate. The 28-75 is a great lens for the price. You won't regret it.

egon