Final lens purchase for a while...advice please

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Al
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Hello all

I'm looking for a zoom lens with f2.8 or faster (for DOF shots as much as speed). Range around 24mm up to 70mm. Looking to buy second hand and have around £800.

I have my first young'un on the way :) and as such this will be the last lens purchase before funds are diverted for, ermmm, the next 18 years or so...As such I'd like one that is built well, might last through the odd child attack and will last a good number of years (who knows maybe even pass it on!). The main purpose for the lens will be for children \ family shots both indoor and outdoor.

So this has led me to consider

1. 24-70 f2.8
2. 28-70 f2.8 £300+ cheaper (at this price could get a Tamron 17-50 or a Sigma 30mm f1.4 / a flash as well for the price of the 24-70).
3. 17-55 IS f2.8
4. Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 non VC
5. Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 HSM

I have a 40D at present and the only thing I might change to in the future is a 5d Classic (my wife has a 20D so EFS type lenses could go on there).

I'm leaning strongly towards the 28-70mm f2.8, at that range I think I can live without the IS.

I have no experience of any other than the Canon 17-55 IS which I hired, loved it but I'd really like to be able to get to at least 70mm.

So if you had £800, what would you do. Am open to alternatives. I have a 70-200 f4 as well which I'll keep for longer outdoor shots.

Thanks

Al
 
Anyone have any ideas \ alternatives?

Thanks

Al
 
On a DX body I found using a lens with a 28-70mm focal length a real pain. Never quite wide enough to get a group shot I wanted, and not long enough for candids. Personally I'd go for the Tamron 17-50 because it's just fantastic, and use another lens if I wanted to go longer.

Is the 5D full frame? I'm never sure with Canon. It'd be easy enough to trade in a Tamron 17-50 anyway, even if you did go full frame. They're always in demand.
 
Have you considered the Canon 24-105.

This is an excellent lens with very good reviews
 
28-70 2.8. Might be a bit old now but a cracking bit of kit.
I'd expect to find one at around £650. Fabulous on a 5D
 
get the 17-55 f2.8 it is simply the best general use lens on a crop body, if you ever upgrade to the 5d you willalways get most of your money back on it should you choose not to give it too the misses.
 
Lazlo Woodbine said:
On a DX body I found using a lens with a 28-70mm focal length a real pain. Never quite wide enough to get a group shot I wanted, and not long enough for candids. Personally I'd go for the Tamron 17-50 because it's just fantastic, and use another lens if I wanted to go longer.

Is the 5D full frame? I'm never sure with Canon. It'd be easy enough to trade in a Tamron 17-50 anyway, even if you did go full frame. They're always in demand.
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Hi Matt, thanks for the feedback.

I'm a little worried on a 1.6 crop about 28 being too long. 5D is full frame, so 24\28-70 would fit on both, but as you say if I got a 17-50 range one I could swap.

I'll probably try and practise limiting myself to 28 up and see how I find it, and then do the same not going over 50\55 and see how I get on.

Thanks

Al
 
Greywolf said:
Have you considered the Canon 24-105.

This is an excellent lens with very good reviews
Click to expand...

Hi, yep considered it, it does look a good lens however I actually like walking around with the 70-200 and want a 2.8 aperture for the low focal lengh zoom, which unfortunately this is not.

Thanks

Al
 
a1ex2001 said:
get the 17-55 f2.8 it is simply the best general use lens on a crop body, if you ever upgrade to the 5d you willalways get most of your money back on it should you choose not to give it too the misses.
Click to expand...

Thanks Alex and Chaz. Did rent one for my sister's wedding and did like it. Looks lighter as well than the 2x-70s.

I guess I need to go and decide whether I would miss the 50-70 or the 17-24 extra focal lengh more.

I will leave now to enter a world of perpetual indecision! :gag:

Thanks all
 
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