Canon Lens for General

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iDemonix

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Dan
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I had a Sony SLR and loads of lenses + accessories, but I sold it all and got a Canon 50D + 50mm f/1.8.

I'm going to my girlfriends graduation and need a lens. The lens will primarily be used for social gatherings and taking in a back pack to motorbike meetups - so it'll be taking pics of cars and bikes. Because of this, I'd like something that can open up to about 18mm.

Ideally I'd like to spend £150 - £200. I've looked at the Canon 18-55mm IS MK-II which looks good, but not every person seems to get behind this one. Have heard good things about Tamron 17-50mm, but I really need a lens by Wednesday and so I can't hang about bidding on 2nd hand ones on eBay, they're too expensive new.

I'm just after a general all-rounder, my plan is to have a 50mm, all rounder (social, holidays, meetups) and eventually invest in a good 200mm f2.8 for motorsports (track side) photography.

Cheers,
Dan
 
Out of budget though :( I need it by Wednesday, so I have to buy new really, and the Tamron is £270 on Amazon!
 
If the budget is controlled by time constraints, perhaps you could borrow a kit lens from someone you know? The new kit lens is pretty good actually (to my eyes anyway).
 
Unfortunately you're gonna have to decide what you want - quality & cheap when buying new lenses don't really mix (unless it's the 50mm - but you've already got that).

Why don't you try contacting a lens hire firm and see if they can get one out to you in time - that way you don't have to rush into anything.
 
Hmm, I did think about hiring but it's expensive for just a few days!

Is the Tamron 17-50 really all that much better than the Canon 18-55? If it is then I suppose I could save up for a little longer but I'll have to either hire or struggle with a 50mm at this graduation.
 
With a limited budget i dont think there is much else to recommend, The canon EF-S 18-55mm mk II apears to be your best bet. Its just that most people get 18-55 kit lens with there camera and look to upgrade from there but that doesnt mean its a bad lens, its jus that there are better more expensive ones to be had.

I think you will be pleased with it, then when you have more money get a better one with a wider apeture or more reach.
 
Just looked at rental prices and it doesn't seem worth it, so I'll just have to struggle with the 50!

Another question: I hear that the 'non-VC' version of the Tamron is better than the 'VC' version, could someone clarify this for me?

Thanks
 
Hotshots said:
With a limited budget i dont think there is much else to recommend, The canon EF-S 18-55mm mk II apears to be your best bet. Its just that most people get 18-55 kit lens with there camera and look to upgrade from there but that doesnt mean its a bad lens, its jus that there are better more expensive ones to be had.

I think you will be pleased with it, then when you have more money get a better one with a wider apeture or more reach.
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I've had a kit lens before with my old Sony and see what you're saying.

The constant f2.8 of the Tamron is tempting me to save up...
 
They look like they would be an alright compromise but I don't like the f4.0 - 5.6 range, 2.8 would be great.

This always happens when I look at camera gear, I just keep talking myself in to spending more money.
 
iDemonix said:
They look like they would be an alright compromise but I don't like the f4.0 - 5.6 range, 2.8 would be great.

This always happens when I look at camera gear, I just keep talking myself in to spending more money.
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I Only recently sold mine and that was purely due to the fact that I'm going ff. So it woulnt fit my main camera.
Is a very good lens, and within your budget.
Yes, it's not a fast lens, but you have to weigh up cost and worth.
 
Yeah, fast glass is always going to have a price premium
 
Stick with the 50mm for now. Dont rush into buying a lens you may regret buying. Zoom with your feet!!
 
Another question: I hear that the 'non-VC' version of the Tamron is better than the 'VC' version, could someone clarify this for me?
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This only applies to early versions of that lens the newer versions are fine and just as sharp as the non VC version.

So if buying new go for VC, if buying an older secondhand lens then er on the side of caution and go for non VC
 
Thanks for the advice all, I'll stick with the nifty for now but I'll keep bidding on 17-50's!
 
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