Looking for a standard zoom. Suggestions?

[Ursinamus]

My brother and I are starting up a photo/dj business this spring. Were both teenagers but will keep our rates pretty low haha. Anyways- i need a lense for my future 60D that can perform in low-light situations since some of the venues will be pretty dark. I'll be picking up a flash w/ a diffuser along the way but am curious of my options. I'd prefer it to be a zoom and not a prime with a pricetag between $300-$400.

Anyting is appreiated thank you!

 

[alwaysbored786]

tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 is a great wide angle and telephoto lens. I just purchased the non VC vesion and its very sharp, very fast, great construction and works overall very well. Price can go between $300-400.

 

[Ursinamus]

does it have IS or anything? not sure what tamron calls theirs..

 

[reznap]

does it have IS or anything? not sure what tamron calls theirs..

They call it VC, short for vibration compensation. They do make one with VC, but the non-VC version is generally regarded as being a sharper lens. Also, rarely does one NEED stabilization at wider focal lengths. Good lens though.. love mine.

 

[Ursinamus]

I'll definitely look into it. thanks. Any other lenses that compete with this?

 

[mjhoward]

I'll definitely look into it. thanks. Any other lenses that compete with this?

With the criteria of 'fast', zoom, and $300-400... thats about it

Unless you want to up that budget to around $550+. You might be able to pick up some used lenses and open the options up a bit. Just look out for the Sigma, Tamron, or Tokina brands... I think most Canon lenses that fit that criteria are going to be too much, even used.

 

[Patrice]

IMHO you'll be wasting your money buying one of those little flash diffusers. A DIY bounce card from craft foam can be more useful and way less expensive.

 

[subscuck]

I'll definitely look into it. thanks. Any other lenses that compete with this?

As far as constant aperture zooms go, those are really about it at that price range. The Canon EF-S 17-55 2.8 IS is over $1K.

 

[Ursinamus]

Guess im going third party... What would you suggest for low-light? I'm gonna be photographing DJ gigs for my birthday which include low-light indoors and normal light outside. I'd have to look for something with a low f/# right?

 

[invisible]

Guess im going third party... What would you suggest for low-light? I'm gonna be photographing DJ gigs for my birthday which include low-light indoors and normal light outside. I'd have to look for something with a low f/# right?

You won't find a good zoom that's also fast in that price range (other than the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 already mentioned, and its even cooler brother the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8). I have the 28-75 and love it.

EDIT: just checked and both these zooms go for $500-600. Maybe you could get a used one?