Canon General Purpose/Event Lens

Hello! I am an Amateur Photographer and I currently own the Canon 60D with the EF-S 55-250 STM and 10-18 STM, both of which lenses I have been very pleased with for my interest in Wildlife photography and landscapes.

As of the past few months I've been finding it difficult to branch into different areas of photography (e.g. Events) with the gap between the 18-55. While the IQ of my current lenses is wonderful, I've been so impressed and tempted by the sharpness, build quality and professionalism of Canon's L lenses.

So far I have been considering the following lenses:

Canon 24-70 f2.8L - Most appropriate focal range but out of my budget...

Canon 50mm f1.4/60mm f2.8/85mm f1.8 - Nice aperture and very sharp but fixed focal range?

Canon 17-55 f2.8 - Sharp but the focal range could be limiting in certain events?

Tamron 28-75 f2.8 - I haven't heard a lot about this lens but does it compare to the L lenses?

What are your thoughts or suggestions for lenses that I should consider in my next purchase?

inevitablyissie wrote:

So far I have been considering the following lenses:

Canon 24-70 f2.8L - Most appropriate focal range but out of my budget...

I'm not sure exactly what your budget is, but you could consider the Tamron 24-70 f2.8 VC.  It gives you the f2.8 AND VC which is nice.

Canon 50mm f1.4/60mm f2.8/85mm f1.8 - Nice aperture and very sharp but fixed focal range?

Fixed focal length lenses are very nice, especially if you're on a budget, but obviously you need to be ok with only one focal length.  I haven't used the 60mm, but I like the 85mm much better than the 50mm 1.4.  The new 50mm 1.8 STM is a pretty nice lens for the money actually

Canon 17-55 f2.8 - Sharp but the focal range could be limiting in certain events?

On a crop sensor camera, this lens, or it's Sigma equivalent, is probably what I would personally want at an event.

Tamron 28-75 f2.8 - I haven't heard a lot about this lens but does it compare to the L lenses?

I owned it when I used a crop.  IQ is pretty good, not as good as the 24-70 f2.8L II or the Tamron 24-70 VC, but it's pretty good.  Build quality and focus speed do not come anywhere near the L's.  Focus speed is SLOW on the 28-75... much faster on the 24-70 VC.  The build on the 28-75 is not great either.  That said, it is dirt cheap and gives you f2.8 and decent IQ.

Like I said, if I were you, I'd probably be looking at the Canon 17-55 IS or the Sigma 17-50 OS.

Hello! I am an Amateur Photographer and I currently own the Canon 60D with the EF-S 55-250 STM and 10-18 STM, both of which lenses I have been very pleased with for my interest in Wildlife photography and landscapes.

As of the past few months I've been finding it difficult to branch into different areas of photography (e.g. Events) with the gap between the 18-55. While the IQ of my current lenses is wonderful, I've been so impressed and tempted by the sharpness, build quality and professionalism of Canon's L lenses.

So far I have been considering the following lenses:

Canon 24-70 f2.8L - Most appropriate focal range but out of my budget...

Canon 50mm f1.4/60mm f2.8/85mm f1.8 - Nice aperture and very sharp but fixed focal range?

Canon 17-55 f2.8 - Sharp but the focal range could be limiting in certain events?

Tamron 28-75 f2.8 - I haven't heard a lot about this lens but does it compare to the L lenses?

What are your thoughts or suggestions for lenses that I should consider in my next purchase?

Have you considered renting the canon 24-70 f2.8 from a local place or lensrentals? Pay a little to use awesome gear, then invest in it. In theory at least, a couple of events later you'll be able to afford it.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"If there, do there." -my lovely wife
http://adamwcohenphotography.com

AdamWCohenVisuals wrote:

In theory at least, a couple of events later you'll be able to afford it.

You must get paid a lot for events to afford the 24-70 f2.8 II after a couple of them!  

There is also the Canon 15-85 EF-S if you want to reduce your lens changes and don't need the 2.8.

diness wrote:

I'm not sure exactly what your budget is, but you could consider the Tamron 24-70 f2.8 VC. It gives you the f2.8 AND VC which is nice.

In terms of my budget, I am only really looking at secondhand L lenses, so 3rd parties are in my interest as they are considerably cheaper than Canon's versions. I will have a good look at that Tamron 24-70.

Fixed focal length lenses are very nice, especially if you're on a budget, but obviously you need to be ok with only one focal length. I haven't used the 60mm, but I like the 85mm much better than the 50mm 1.4. The new 50mm 1.8 STM is a pretty nice lens for the money actually

I've had the chance to use the Canon 50mm f1.4 for one of my short films and was astounded by it, I've been considering it for filmmaking and general photography.

After watching a couple of video reviews on the 85mm it seems to be a very sharp lens. I have seen it being used for other reasons than portraits, but is it suitable for general purpose?

On a crop sensor camera, this lens, or it's Sigma equivalent, is probably what I would personally want at an event.

I owned it when I used a crop. IQ is pretty good, not as good as the 24-70 f2.8L II or the Tamron 24-70 VC, but it's pretty good. Build quality and focus speed do not come anywhere near the L's. Focus speed is SLOW on the 28-75... much faster on the 24-70 VC. The build on the 28-75 is not great either. That said, it is dirt cheap and gives you f2.8 and decent IQ.

That's interesting, I was going to look at the 28-75 but I'll take a look at the others first as they seem more suitable.

Like I said, if I were you, I'd probably be looking at the Canon 17-55 IS or the Sigma 17-50 OS.

Thank you for your input, very insightful!

AdamWCohenVisuals wrote:

Have you considered renting the canon 24-70 f2.8 from a local place or lensrentals? Pay a little to use awesome gear, then invest in it. In theory at least, a couple of events later you'll be able to afford it.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"If there, do there." -my lovely wife
http://adamwcohenphotography.com

Yes, I've considered renting or trying lenses out at camera shops and I think I might venture into a local shop to try on some lenses once I've narrowed my options down.

Thank you for the suggestion!

Krusty79 wrote:

There is also the Canon 15-85 EF-S if you want to reduce your lens changes and don't need the 2.8.

I've previously had a look at that lens and it's certainly a good all-round lens but I think I'll take a look at the others that have wider apertures first.

Thank you for your recommendation!

I would consider the 18-135 or the 15-85 (which I use as my default lens).

NetMage wrote:

I would consider the 18-135 or the 15-85 (which I use as my default lens).

I would not want to be limited by a 5.6 lens for events.  A 2.8 zoom here or even a few primes would be my pick.  Maybe even the Sigma 18-35/1.8 and a 50/1.4 or 85/1.8.  Sticking with the OPs picks, it would be the 17/502.8 OS or 17-55/2.8

inevitablyissie wrote:

Hello! I am an Amateur Photographer and I currently own the Canon 60D with the EF-S 55-250 STM and 10-18 STM, both of which lenses I have been very pleased with for my interest in Wildlife photography and landscapes.

As of the past few months I've been finding it difficult to branch into different areas of photography (e.g. Events) with the gap between the 18-55. While the IQ of my current lenses is wonderful, I've been so impressed and tempted by the sharpness, build quality and professionalism of Canon's L lenses.

So far I have been considering the following lenses:

Canon 24-70 f2.8L - Most appropriate focal range but out of my budget...

Canon 50mm f1.4/60mm f2.8/85mm f1.8 - Nice aperture and very sharp but fixed focal range?

Canon 17-55 f2.8 - Sharp but the focal range could be limiting in certain events?

Tamron 28-75 f2.8 - I haven't heard a lot about this lens but does it compare to the L lenses?

What are your thoughts or suggestions for lenses that I should consider in my next purchase?

Have you considered the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 VC? It is very sharp and should be very affordable. I used it for events for a few years as my go-to lens on a Canon T4i (650D), and have only good things to say about it.

NetMage wrote:

I would consider the 18-135 or the 15-85 (which I use as my default lens).

I've briefly had a look at both of those but neither have particularly drawn my attention as they are standard lenses and don't quite compare to the quality of L lenses etc.

They are good contenders though and I won't dismiss them as options. Thank you!

jitteringjr wrote:

NetMage wrote:

I would consider the 18-135 or the 15-85 (which I use as my default lens).

I would not want to be limited by a 5.6 lens for events. A 2.8 zoom here or even a few primes would be my pick. Maybe even the Sigma 18-35/1.8 and a 50/1.4 or 85/1.8. Sticking with the OPs picks, it would be the 17/502.8 OS or 17-55/2.8

Yes that's true, I'm primarily looking for a lens that can provide a very wide aperture as I intend to be working on events in various lighting conditions, recently I used an f4 in a low light situation and it didn't handle well.

Thank you for your suggestions, I'll have a look into those combinations. I was considering an expensive prime alone but I'm concerned I'll still miss the gap in between.

MikeJ9116 wrote:

The EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 will fill your gap very well. I have used this lens on a 60D for several years and the combination has delivered a lot of wonderful photos. This lens delivers the IQ of many L lenses. Plus, the price point on this lens is very good right now. Much better than when it was initially released.

Keep in mind that an EF lens with a 24mm wide end is only 38mm on a crop camera. This will be very limiting to your shooting conditions, IMO.

It's good to hear your experience with that lens, it definitely sounds like a good option.

That is a good point about the crop sensor, could someone clarify whether EF-S lenses are affected by the crop as well? Because I was originally under the impression they were built around the crops, so a 55-250 is a 55-250 not an 88-400, but I've been told otherwise. I'm just a little confused...

Albert Silver wrote:

Have you considered the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 VC? It is very sharp and should be very affordable. I used it for events for a few years as my go-to lens on a Canon T4i (650D), and have only good things to say about it.

Lovely images, they look really sharp and are nicely composed! I've seen recommendations of the 17-50 before, even for filmmaking but I didn't immediately consider it because the focus ring is quite short for video work.

Did you upgrade from that lens to a different or better lens?

Steve Balcombe wrote:

diness wrote:

inevitablyissie wrote:

Canon 17-55 f2.8 - Sharp but the focal range could be limiting in certain events?

On a crop sensor camera, this lens, or it's Sigma equivalent, is probably what I would personally want at an event.

I agree, and I'd always choose slightly too wide in preference to slightly too long. You can often step closer at an event, and you can crop if you have to. You can't do much if your lens isn't wide enough especially if there's a wall behind you!

That is a very good point, my current thinking is purchasing a 24-70 or a similar range lens and eventually upgrading my 55-250 to the 70-200 (it just looks amazing), what do you think?

I figured my 10-18 could possibly cover me for wider angles if necessary, but I definitely agree it's better to be too wide than not wide enough!

inevitablyissie wrote:

Albert Silver wrote:

Have you considered the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 VC? It is very sharp and should be very affordable. I used it for events for a few years as my go-to lens on a Canon T4i (650D), and have only good things to say about it.

Lovely images, they look really sharp and are nicely composed! I've seen recommendations of the 17-50 before, even for filmmaking but I didn't immediately consider it because the focus ring is quite short for video work.

Did you upgrade from that lens to a different or better lens?

Sort of. When I migrated to full-frame 12 months ago, I bought a Nikon D750. As much as I enjoyed Canon, it just offered more value for my money. The kit zoom 24-120 f/4 is decent and extremely useful, but right now I am loving my new prime, a Tamron 35 f/1.8.

Albert Silver wrote:

Sort of. When I migrated to full-frame 12 months ago, I bought a Nikon D750. As much as I enjoyed Canon, it just offered more value for my money. The kit zoom 24-120 f/4 is decent and extremely useful, but right now I am loving my new prime, a Tamron 35 f/1.8.

Thank you, very insightful!

At the moment, I'm reluctant to increase my budget and buy high-end equipment (e.g. FF bodies) because I'm concerned I won't need it if I decide to concentrate on other hobbies.

Do you find your new prime covers all-round photography (e.g. events, casual walks etc)? I've heard some raving reviews about the Canon 85/1.8 and of course the nifty fifties and while I love to move around as I compose a shot, I'm not sure if I'll like not being able to zooooooooom...:-P