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!!! :clap I will try to post a sample. Nicole

[risource]

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!!! :clap 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.