Is this a good deal?

[MLeeK]

I wanted to add another after thought-You are thinking lenses. What did you decide to do for lighting equipment? At least one good speedlite would be my first priority for someone starting out where you are before upgrading lenses. You have really good stuff to start with and adding more ability would be a wiser choice than adding a new lens yet.

 

[MTVision]

My opinion (cus you know you want it) is to forget that lens for now. You don't really gain anything by it except it's a little longer. But it's slower to start with - only opens to f/4.5 @ 17mm whereas the kit opened to f/3.5 @ 18mm (I think). It definitely won't be an improvement over your 50mm. If your going to spend money on a zoom get one without a variable aperture. You might look at third party brands too. I've never used this specific lenses but I have heard good things about the Nikon version


http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0000A1G05/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

A used copy is probably in your budget.

Or you could just stick with the setup you have now and keep putting money away to get a really nice lens.

 

[sactown024]

well i sold my fish eye lens for $150, if you point me to another prime i could sell my 50mm 1.8 for maybe $90, 1 week old. and then i have a couple hundread laying around so maybe $400ish.... of course i could save for a couple weeks and get more, just not looking to invest in a $1k lens at this time.

 

[sactown024]

I wanted to add another after thought-You are thinking lenses. What did you decide to do for lighting equipment? At least one good speedlite would be my first priority for someone starting out where you are before upgrading lenses. You have really good stuff to start with and adding more ability would be a wiser choice than adding a new lens yet.

I ended up buying the Yongnuo 560 II after someone from here (including you) recomended it. No stand or umbrella yet.

 

[MTVision]

well i sold my fish eye lens for $150, if you point me to another prime i could sell my 50mm 1.8 for maybe $90, 1 week old. and then i have a couple hundread laying around so maybe $400ish.... of course i could save for a couple weeks and get more, just not looking to invest in a $1k lens at this time.

Yeah I wasn't thinking a 1k lens. For me, I wouldnt invest in a 1k lens at this point either - I have another baby on the way and they are expensive!

Is there a reason you want to get rid of the 50mm? The only other prime I can think of would be like an 85mm or maybe the 50mm 1.4 - not sure of the price of either of those.

 

[sactown024]

My opinion (cus you know you want it) is to forget that lens for now. You don't really gain anything by it except it's a little longer. But it's slower to start with - only opens to f/4.5 @ 17mm whereas the kit opened to f/3.5 @ 18mm (I think). It definitely won't be an improvement over your 50mm. If your going to spend money on a zoom get one without a variable aperture. You might look at third party brands too. I've never used this specific lenses but I have heard good things about the Nikon version


Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon Digital SLR Cameras:Amazon:Camera & Photo

A used copy is probably in your budget.

Or you could just stick with the setup you have now and keep putting money away to get a really nice lens.

yeah i thought about 3rd party, was actually considering the sigma 50mm 1.4 but now I am reading about all sorts of AF issues.

 

[MLeeK]

I wouldn't recommend selling your 50mm. Not until you have learned much more and upgraded to another prime that you really love. It's one of those lenses that people go through phases with. At first it's too tight, restricting and they hate it because of the no-zoom thing. Then they find they NEED it's low light capability. Somewhere in there they discover it's sharpness over their other stuff and fall in love with that. At which point they learn how to use a prime.
You're still in the learning phase of exposure too and this lens will come in INCREDIBLY handy as you are doing some things with that.
So, I am suggesting you bring your budget down by that $90 bucks or so for now.

So... At $300 what can you get:
Used Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 Amazon.com: Used and New: Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD SP Aspherical (IF) Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

 

[MLeeK]

My opinion (cus you know you want it) is to forget that lens for now. You don't really gain anything by it except it's a little longer. But it's slower to start with - only opens to f/4.5 @ 17mm whereas the kit opened to f/3.5 @ 18mm (I think). It definitely won't be an improvement over your 50mm. If your going to spend money on a zoom get one without a variable aperture. You might look at third party brands too. I've never used this specific lenses but I have heard good things about the Nikon version


Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon Digital SLR Cameras:Amazon:Camera & Photo

A used copy is probably in your budget.

Or you could just stick with the setup you have now and keep putting money away to get a really nice lens.

yeah i thought about 3rd party, was actually considering the sigma 50mm 1.4 but now I am reading about all sorts of AF issues.

Why are you thinking of getting rid of the 50mm you have now?

 

[sactown024]

I wouldn't recommend selling your 50mm. Not until you have learned much more and upgraded to another prime that you really love. It's one of those lenses that people go through phases with. At first it's too tight, restricting and they hate it because of the no-zoom thing. Then they find they NEED it's low light capability. Somewhere in there they discover it's sharpness over their other stuff and fall in love with that. At which point they learn how to use a prime.
You're still in the learning phase of exposure too and this lens will come in INCREDIBLY handy as you are doing some things with that.
So, I am suggesting you bring your budget down by that $90 bucks or so for now.

So... At $300 what can you get:
Used Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 Amazon.com: Used and New: Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD SP Aspherical (IF) Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

you wouldnt recomend replacing the 50mm 1.8 with a 50mm 1.4 USM?


the lens you linked would replace my kit lens right? I will be shooting mostly portraits and hopefully some weddings, that being said is the lens you linked a good choice or should I get something with a focal range like this

Amazon.com: Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon Digital SLR Cameras: Electronics

 

[sactown024]

My opinion (cus you know you want it) is to forget that lens for now. You don't really gain anything by it except it's a little longer. But it's slower to start with - only opens to f/4.5 @ 17mm whereas the kit opened to f/3.5 @ 18mm (I think). It definitely won't be an improvement over your 50mm. If your going to spend money on a zoom get one without a variable aperture. You might look at third party brands too. I've never used this specific lenses but I have heard good things about the Nikon version


Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon Digital SLR Cameras:Amazon:Camera & Photo

A used copy is probably in your budget.

Or you could just stick with the setup you have now and keep putting money away to get a really nice lens.

yeah i thought about 3rd party, was actually considering the sigma 50mm 1.4 but now I am reading about all sorts of AF issues.

Why are you thinking of getting rid of the 50mm you have now?

Well i origonally wanted the 1.4 USM but couldnt afford it, now that i sold my fish eye i can afford it. to be honest i am just going off what folks have said on these forums about how muhc better it is than the 1.8. faster, quieter, better brokeh, better buld quality etc..

 

[MTVision]

Well i origonally wanted the 1.4 USM but couldnt afford it, now that i sold my fish eye i can afford it. to be honest i am just going off what folks have said on these forums about how muhc better it is than the 1.8. faster, quieter, better brokeh, better buld quality etc..

I've heard the canon 50 1.4 is better then the 1.8. It's up to you whether it's worth it or not. The 50mm 1.8, I'm sure, is perfectly capable of taking great shots.

Is there a specific reason you want a new lens? Don't buy just because you can - buy because there is something that is holding you back. It's also always better to wait until you know exactly what you need - that way you don't have lenses that just sit around with no use.

 

[sactown024]

Well i origonally wanted the 1.4 USM but couldnt afford it, now that i sold my fish eye i can afford it. to be honest i am just going off what folks have said on these forums about how muhc better it is than the 1.8. faster, quieter, better brokeh, better buld quality etc..

I've heard the canon 50 1.4 is better then the 1.8. It's up to you whether it's worth it or not. The 50mm 1.8, I'm sure, is perfectly capable of taking great shots.

Is there a specific reason you want a new lens? Don't buy just because you can - buy because there is something that is holding you back. It's also always better to wait until you know exactly what you need - that way you don't have lenses that just sit around with no use.

im sure it is capable of great pictures, i know it is. BUT i want something with faster focusing, quieter, sharper, better brokeh etc... I already have lenses sitting around that came with the setup, like the fish eye which i just sold, i am trying to sell the stuff i dont use and get one solid lens for shooting portraits....

 

[MLeeK]

I wouldn't recommend selling your 50mm. Not until you have learned much more and upgraded to another prime that you really love. It's one of those lenses that people go through phases with. At first it's too tight, restricting and they hate it because of the no-zoom thing. Then they find they NEED it's low light capability. Somewhere in there they discover it's sharpness over their other stuff and fall in love with that. At which point they learn how to use a prime.
You're still in the learning phase of exposure too and this lens will come in INCREDIBLY handy as you are doing some things with that.
So, I am suggesting you bring your budget down by that $90 bucks or so for now.

So... At $300 what can you get:
Used Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 Amazon.com: Used and New: Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD SP Aspherical (IF) Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

you wouldnt recomend replacing the 50mm 1.8 with a 50mm 1.4 USM?


the lens you linked would replace my kit lens right? I will be shooting mostly portraits and hopefully some weddings, that being said is the lens you linked a good choice or should I get something with a focal range like this

Amazon.com: Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon Digital SLR Cameras: Electronics

I would personally prefer the 28-75, BUT on a crop sensor you may well feel the pinch at 28mm. A LOT of people say it's too tight for crop sensor. HOWEVER! I find I get into a LOT of trouble with the 17-50 at the wide end with the distortion issues. I try to never shoot at the wide end if I can.
Second reason: I also have full frame cameras and the 17-50 will not work on them. The 28-75 will.

I would not sell off the 50 until you 1. know that 50mm is the focal length you want in a good prime and 2. have the money to upgrade it.

If you are considering weddings do not buy any variable aperture lenses. They will kill you in a church. You are going to NEED the f/2.8 lenses. You are also going to need much better quality than crap, so stop trying to upgrade to "a little better" and save your money. You can't get around needing good lenses and damn good skill for a wedding.
I use the 17-50 for weddings, but I am not happy with it overall. It performs for me without fail, but it is not the quality that I want. I will upgrade it this year because of that. When I bought it I was happy as a lark with it's quality.

You are aiming for professional. Stop putting band-aids on a heart attack. You can't skimp on glass for the rigorous use you are wanting to put your equipment through. Start putting money away and buy good quality. Had I done that to begin with I'd be shooting with a 24-70 today that runs over $2000 and I would not have wasted money on temporary fixes.
Your camera body is going to need to be replaced down the line as well. It'll serve you well-for now. But eventually you will see the light-or lack of it-in your camera body and you'll need more. The dynamic range, noise level and overall abilities on an entry level body just won't cut it. I had a girl shoot a wedding with me a couple of weeks ago with your camera body. She has shot a few and she's now ready to upgrade and is kicking herself for thinking her camera and budget equipment would cut it as the primary photographer. She's going to keep second shooting for me and get the experience, but she's so disappointed in herself for thinking she could do it all with just any equipment. She's now putting everything she makes shooting toward a new body and two lenses that she feels she needs.
I am not telling you this to discourage you, but to tell you that 'good enough' is only good enough when you are on the outside coming in. Once you are in here and doing it you are going to want to go back and kick your newbie ass for thinking it. You will waste a lot of money if you start out purchasing 'for now' equipment.

 

[MTVision]

im sure it is capable of great pictures, i know it is. BUT i want something with faster focusing, quieter, sharper, better brokeh etc... I already have lenses sitting around that came with the setup, like the fish eye which i just sold, i am trying to sell the stuff i dont use and get one solid lens for shooting portraits....

If that's what you want then get it. But like MLeek said you might want to wait and find out if 50 is the focal length you like - especially if you've only had it for a week. 85 is probably a better focal length for portraits then the 50. But....85 might be a little tight indoors.

It's bokeh BTW.

 

[sactown024]

I wouldn't recommend selling your 50mm. Not until you have learned much more and upgraded to another prime that you really love. It's one of those lenses that people go through phases with. At first it's too tight, restricting and they hate it because of the no-zoom thing. Then they find they NEED it's low light capability. Somewhere in there they discover it's sharpness over their other stuff and fall in love with that. At which point they learn how to use a prime.
You're still in the learning phase of exposure too and this lens will come in INCREDIBLY handy as you are doing some things with that.
So, I am suggesting you bring your budget down by that $90 bucks or so for now.

So... At $300 what can you get:
Used Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 Amazon.com: Used and New: Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD SP Aspherical (IF) Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

you wouldnt recomend replacing the 50mm 1.8 with a 50mm 1.4 USM?


the lens you linked would replace my kit lens right? I will be shooting mostly portraits and hopefully some weddings, that being said is the lens you linked a good choice or should I get something with a focal range like this

Amazon.com: Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon Digital SLR Cameras: Electronics

I would personally prefer the 28-75, BUT on a crop sensor you may well feel the pinch at 28mm. A LOT of people say it's too tight for crop sensor. HOWEVER! I find I get into a LOT of trouble with the 17-50 at the wide end with the distortion issues. I try to never shoot at the wide end if I can.
Second reason: I also have full frame cameras and the 17-50 will not work on them. The 28-75 will.

I would not sell off the 50 until you 1. know that 50mm is the focal length you want in a good prime and 2. have the money to upgrade it.

If you are considering weddings do not buy any variable aperture lenses. They will kill you in a church. You are going to NEED the f/2.8 lenses. You are also going to need much better quality than crap, so stop trying to upgrade to "a little better" and save your money. You can't get around needing good lenses and damn good skill for a wedding.
I use the 17-50 for weddings, but I am not happy with it overall. It performs for me without fail, but it is not the quality that I want. I will upgrade it this year because of that. When I bought it I was happy as a lark with it's quality.

You are aiming for professional. Stop putting band-aids on a heart attack. You can't skimp on glass for the rigorous use you are wanting to put your equipment through. Start putting money away and buy good quality. Had I done that to begin with I'd be shooting with a 24-70 today that runs over $2000 and I would not have wasted money on temporary fixes.
Your camera body is going to need to be replaced down the line as well. It'll serve you well-for now. But eventually you will see the light-or lack of it-in your camera body and you'll need more. The dynamic range, noise level and overall abilities on an entry level body just won't cut it. I had a girl shoot a wedding with me a couple of weeks ago with your camera body. She has shot a few and she's now ready to upgrade and is kicking herself for thinking her camera and budget equipment would cut it as the primary photographer. She's going to keep second shooting for me and get the experience, but she's so disappointed in herself for thinking she could do it all with just any equipment. She's now putting everything she makes shooting toward a new body and two lenses that she feels she needs.
I am not telling you this to discourage you, but to tell you that 'good enough' is only good enough when you are on the outside coming in. Once you are in here and doing it you are going to want to go back and kick your newbie ass for thinking it. You will waste a lot of money if you start out purchasing 'for now' equipment.

I agree with everything your saying, i got this camera at a ridiculous price with tons of extras and I was on a budget. I do plan to save and start getting some better lenses but that money will be coming from shooting photos, portraits, etc... The 50mm 1.4 is only $200 more than the 1.8 so my thought is to get a solid portrait lens that will make me some money to allow me to upgrade to high end lenses.

I know i like the 50mm focal length just from shooting this last week or so with the 1.8 which is why i was thinking of upgrading to the 1.4. If i did buy it I would have the kit lens, the 50mm 1.4 and the 55-250, I would stop there until i started making enough money to upgrade to the good stuff.

I really just want one solid lens, what you said is correct, i shouldnt waste my money on junk, althought the 1.4 is junk to a pro, I thought it would be a good lens to get started with rather than the 1.8 that i have to worry about breaking just from looking at it.

thoughts?