Recommendations for standard Canon lens

Admiral Huddy

Admiral Huddy

Admiral Huddy

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I'm looking to invest in a decent standard 35mm - 70mm standard lens for a Canon 400D. Probably prepared to spend up to around £300.

Any suggestions or recommendations?

Thanks
 
The wider range of 17-70 makes that an ideal walk around lens? I was told to stick between 35-70.. Is there any reason why? I'm still a beginner.

edit

CGrieves said:
Actual 35-70mm or full frame equivalent 35-70mm?
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I'm not sure. Does this mean what ever lens I buy would alter as and when i choose to upgrade to a full frame?
 
thanks JanesyB.. I take it that doesn't have IS though?

would i be able to use that on a full frame camera at a later date if I choose to go that route?
 
CGrieves said:
Sorry should have explained that a 50mm lens on a full-frame body will appear to have a longer focal length on a crop body (1.6x the stated focal length). I say "appear" because in the case of some lenses designed for crop, you can't use them on a full-frame body anyway, so it's a moot point.

But for a walk-around general purpose zoom, you definitely want wider than 35mm. I even feel slightly constrained by 17mm sometimes, and that's when you start the whole process again looking for an ultra-wide angle :)

IS is amazingly useful, but it won't help with moving subjects in low light, and this is where aperture really helps- bear in mind f2.8 lets in double the light of f4. I'd rather have a sharper lens and large aperture over IS, but it's all down to your intended use.

My general kit is currently the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 (non VC) and the Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS II. I did have a 50mm f1.8 but lost it in the Canal in Venice, I don't miss the 50-70mm range as such, but I do miss the aperture. I've got an M42 mount manual focus 50mm Pentax takumar f1.4 hopefully arriving today which should be fun.
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So basically avoid lenses that are designed for APS-C cameras ( non full frame)? if intended to use it on a fill frame later.

If I use a 35mm lens on a standard camera it will be 56mm.. but if I use it on a full frame, it is quoted 35mm. Have i got that right?

Steeps said:
OS is Sigma's Optical Stabilization (IS), HSM is the focusing motor for quiet quick focusing.

The Sigma 17-70 should be a good walkabout everyday lens due to its features, but I haven't tried one to know what the picture quality is like. I have owned both a Tamron 17-50 f2.8 (non VC) and 28-75 f2.8, both cost about £180 second hand and really enjoyed using both. :)
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Your solution mind of illustrates my original point and what I've been told.. to have a separate wide and standard lens.. Does that have an advantage?
 
Columbo said:
I own the 17-70mm and have owned the Tamron and much prefer the Sigma.

The focus's faster and closer, the OS is great and the focal length more versatile.
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but isn't the sigma an equivalent focal length built for non full frame cameras meaning it can't be used on a full frame?

Conversely, If i opt for the Tamron 17-50 f2.8, i take the focal range would actually be 27-80mm on a non-full frame.. Unless I'm misunderstanding eveything..
 
Looking and landscapes and buildings for now but I see your point about not worrying too much about the ff. I guess there's always an oppertunty to sell if I go down that route. I already have a Canon 50mm Prime f/1.8 but not used it much yet.

The Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 seems like a good choice for me if i can get one second hand. Then a bit further down the line a 28-75 f2.8.

So just to be clear on this .. on my 400d, the 17-50 will be is will be 27-80mm as it's a APS-C type camera, always multiply the focal lengths by 1.6?

edit..

CGrieves said:
No, not at all, buy lenses for what you have now. Even if you go full frame I'd say keep the 400D anyway. Two bodies are always a good idea.

Don't get too hung up on the full frame focal equivalence, I probably confused things, apologies. Once you know how 10, 18, 50 and 70mm look through the viewfinder on your camera, that's all you really need to know.
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Sorry i was typing as you posted CGrieves.. I see your point and thanks for the advice about not getting too hung up about the full frame..

Edit 2 - thanks to everyone actually.. Things are a little clearer. Not not made a final decision but the Tamron does sound like a good choice.. Been reading some excellent reviews too.. An ideal replacement for the 17-50 stock lens i have.
 
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