Lens advise please

[Bella]

I'm looking to upgrade my Canon kit lens which is the EF-S 18-55. When I zoom with it its now making a nice clinky noise Budget is around the 500 - 600 mark. I mainly use it to take photos of my dogs and cats and general use (portrait, landscape etc) I want something that's sharper and can handle low light. Of course with dogs they tend to move on you too!

Some of the ideas I've been tossing around are

Canon 50mm f1.4
Sigma 24-70mm f2.8

What I was worried about with the 50mm was losing the zoom (obviously) but I've seen some shots on this lens and they look fantastic, sharp and lovely dof.

With the Sigma - quality? speed? If I was loaded I'd look at the canon 24-70 f2.8 L lens but unfortunately its over budget

Would love to hear your opinions and suggestions

[phild]

The Sigma 17-70 mm f/2.8-4.0 DC Macro OS HSM is quite a nice lens and fits you budget, a lot sharper and with better contrast and CA than the kit lens and reasonably priced plus it's macro capability is decent for a budget zoom lens. Macro mode sample here.

[Bella]

Thanks Phil for your suggestion and example photo, that macro shot is fantastic What do you think of that lens in low light situations? Also for moving subjects?

I'm reading some reviews on it now

[reaction]

low light is a camera issue, not a lens issue. Can't tell what body you have but given your kit I'd guess it's a 4xxD or 5xxD. They won't do so well for AF in low light, but that can be another upgrade later.

I'd second the Sigma or else get a Tamron 17-50 f2.8

[Brian500au]

With the budget you have, and if you are comfortable, why dont you look at second hand lens. You could pick up both the 24-70 sigma and the 50mm 1.8 for under $500 and still have a couple of $$ left over. If you follow some basic common sense then flea bay have plenty of lens in your budget range.

[bigdazzler]

I HIGHLY recommend the Tamron 17-50 2.8

1. Fast. Constant 2.8
2. Fantastic IQ.
3. Super sharp from f4. More than acceptable wide open at 2.8
4. Great Colour/Contrast
5. 17mm (27mm-ish on a Canon crop body) is wide enough for landscapes
6. 50mm (80mm on crop) perfect for portraits/general walkabout street photography.
7. Great value for money and within your budget

Until I upgraded to full frame, I had one and loved everything about it. One of the best value for money lenses available IMO.

See here

[Bella]

reaction - Thanks for explaining the low light, you are spot on, I have the 400D. I have been meaning to put what gear I have in my sig, done now Wish I could afford a new 7D Thanks for the lens suggestions too.

Brian - Thanks for the suggestion on second hand lens, unfortunately I don't feel comfortable with buying second hand - too worried something would go wrong with the lens and I'd have no recourse.

Darren - thanks for info on the Tamron lens, much appreciated.

Thanks again everyone, definitely some food for thought!

[Bella]

Ok, now I'm debating whether to get a new lens around the 600 mark, or save up for a 7D with say the 15 - 85 kit lens and sell off my 400D plus 2 kit lens. What do you think is a better move? The 18-55 kit lens for the 400D still seems to work okay but it might be quite a few months before I could afford (and convince the OH) to get it

[reaction]

the 15 - 85 will be a great lens, you will use it in 95% of your time probably. If you only own 1 lens, make it that one, and buy the Tamron 17-50 2.8 when you need 2.8.

Of course apart from 7D you can see what's happening to the 50D line. It's due for... something...

[Jeanick]

I HIGHLY recommend the Tamron 17-50 2.8

1. Fast. Constant 2.8
2. Fantastic IQ.
3. Super sharp from f4. More than acceptable wide open at 2.8
4. Great Colour/Contrast
5. 17mm (27mm-ish on a Canon crop body) is wide enough for landscapes
6. 50mm (80mm on crop) perfect for portraits/general walkabout street photography.
7. Great value for money and within your budget

Until I upgraded to full frame, I had one and loved everything about it. One of the best value for money lenses available IMO.

See here

+1 on the Tamron 17-50 f2.8, it will cover most of your shooting needs.

[Bella]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their suggestions, I'm just having a little difficulty convincing the OH to let me spend the $$ I'll let you all know if/when I get the new lens

[Dylfish]

+1 for the Sigma 24-70 2.8.

Nice lens for portraits and in your price range