Fast Glass

[GadgetRick]

Ok, as I mentioned in another thread, it looks like I'll be making the switch from Nikon to Canon. I, however, need some faster glass for indoor sports shooting. I had planned on buying the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 for my Nikon. It's gotten great reviews and I've spoken to a few people online who have been using it and all signs point to go. I haven't really looked at the Canon side yet.

I know I can go with Canon glass and it's (I'm sure) better. But I'll be on a budget and the Tamron seems to perform very well for the money (the Nikon version anyway). I have to believe it's (essentially) the same glass with a Canon mount on it but figured I'd ask.

Also, I don't know if there is an equivalent Canon lens for a similar price. I really know nothing about the Canon lens lineup (about to start researching it) but I'm guessing it's similar to Nikon in that the lens is better than a Tamron or Sigma but significantly more expensive.

Also want to get the equivalent 50mm f1.8 lens to the Nikon one I have. I understand it's also similarly-priced (around $100). But I don't know the details about what's available.

What about 35mm?

Thanks a bunch!

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by GadgetRick

Ok, as I mentioned in another thread, it looks like I'll be making the switch from Nikon to Canon. I, however, need some faster glass for indoor sports shooting. I had planned on buying the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 for my Nikon. It's gotten great reviews and I've spoken to a few people online who have been using it and all signs point to go. I haven't really looked at the Canon side yet.

I know I can go with Canon glass and it's (I'm sure) better. But I'll be on a budget and the Tamron seems to perform very well for the money (the Nikon version anyway). I have to believe it's (essentially) the same glass with a Canon mount on it but figured I'd ask.

Also, I don't know if there is an equivalent Canon lens for a similar price. I really know nothing about the Canon lens lineup (about to start researching it) but I'm guessing it's similar to Nikon in that the lens is better than a Tamron or Sigma but significantly more expensive.

Also want to get the equivalent 50mm f1.8 lens to the Nikon one I have. I understand it's also similarly-priced (around $100). But I don't know the details about what's available.

What about 35mm?

Thanks a bunch!

I'm not sure what your question is exactly...

Yes. Generally Sigma/Tamron/Tokina lenses are good but typically the oem offer better (& for more $)
Yes. Canon has a 50mm for around $100
Yes, Canon has a 35mm.

[GadgetRick]

Just looking for whether the Tamron is, "good enough," if you know what I mean. I can't come up with the difference in price between that and a Canon equivalent at the moment. I know lots of people really like the Nikon version. Just wondering if the Canon version is just as good.

I know Canon has the other lenses, just don't know the specifics. I'm guessing there are different versions (like f1.8 and f1.4 in the 50mm) like the Nikon. I just don't know anything about the Canon glass and I plan on getting a 50mm (for sure) and (maybe) a 35mm if money permits.

[RichardTaylor]

You may want to check this site out.
Good reviews of most if not all Canon Lenses & some third party lenses.

Canon Digital SLR Camera and Lens Reviews at The-Digital-Picture.com

For the Tamron see here.
Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Lens Review

For the Canon equivalent see here.
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens Review

As a guide the 3rd party lenses can be good value for money, some of them as good, if not better than the Canon consumer lens equivalent.

However Canon "L" lenses usually have the better mechanical construction (including weather sealing in some cases), the quickest and most accurate focussing, and the best IQ, especially wide open.
This comes at a price. Lens hoods are included (they are not included with consumer lenses)

I have used 3rd part lenses in the past however now days my most used lenses are Canon "L' lenses

[Raoul Isidro]

I would not recommend the 50mm F1.8 for indoor sports, not for the glass, but for the flimsy construction of that lens. It may fall apart sooner when used roughly. Google the 1.8 and see how many stories relate to the lens breaking apart... Better to go for the 50mm F1.4 which is more robust for your sports requirements. The 50mm F1.4 is roughly in the middle of the 24-70mm range, and some use this prime instead of the zoom.
Cheers!

[GadgetRick]

Originally Posted by RichardTaylor

You may want to check this site out.
Good reviews of most if not all Canon Lenses & some third party lenses.

Canon Digital SLR Camera and Lens Reviews at The-Digital-Picture.com

For the Tamron see here.
Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Lens Review

For the Canon equivalent see here.
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens Review

As a guide the 3rd party lenses can be good value for money, some of them as good, if not better than the Canon consumer lens equivalent.

However Canon "L" lenses usually have the better mechanical construction (including weather sealing in some cases), the quickest and most accurate focussing, and the best IQ, especially wide open.
This comes at a price. Lens hoods are included (they are not included with consumer lenses)

I have used 3rd part lenses in the past however now days my most used lenses are Canon "L' lenses

Thanks, actually found that site when looking for this info but the reviews are, well, strange. They'll tear something apart in the review section but talk about what a good value, etc. it is in the conclusion. Very confusing...

[GadgetRick]

Originally Posted by Raoul Isidro

I would not recommend the 50mm F1.8 for indoor sports, not for the glass, but for the flimsy construction of that lens. It may fall apart sooner when used roughly. Google the 1.8 and see how many stories relate to the lens breaking apart... Better to go for the 50mm F1.4 which is more robust for your sports requirements. The 50mm F1.4 is roughly in the middle of the 24-70mm range, and some use this prime instead of the zoom.
Cheers!

Was kinda wondering about this. One thing I like about the Nikon 50mm f1.8 is it's built well. I was disappointed when I learned about the plastic Canon f1.8 50mm... Guess I'll have to save my pennies and spend the extra on the f1.4.

[Raoul Isidro]

Originally Posted by GadgetRick

Was kinda wondering about this. One thing I like about the Nikon 50mm f1.8 is it's built well. I was disappointed when I learned about the plastic Canon f1.8 50mm... Guess I'll have to save my pennies and spend the extra on the f1.4.

Aah, yes, I was refering to the Canon lens, not the Nikon. The Nikon lens, the 50mm 1.8 is well built. Cheers!

[trwr39]

Originally Posted by GadgetRick

Thanks, actually found that site when looking for this info but the reviews are, well, strange. They'll tear something apart in the review section but talk about what a good value, etc. it is in the conclusion. Very confusing...

Bryan's (the-digital-picture) reviews generally focus more on lenses of a similar focal range rather than a similar price range. For example, the Canon "kit lens" 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 IS lens is praised for being a huge upgrade over the previous (non-IS) kit lens in virtually every regard. It's a nice little lens, for what it is.

That said, the image quality is quite inferior to the lenses it is compared against - the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS and the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS. These lenses, however, are between 3x and 6x the price.

Basically, you have to set yourself a budget, and work within that - or you'll never be satisfied. If you have $1,000+ to spend on a wide angle zoom, then the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS is probably the way to go. Likewise, if you have $500, then the 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS is a good choice. If you have $170, though, the other two aren't even worth considering - even though they're VASTLY superior.

Decide your necessary focal ranges, then decide your budget. Then decide if you want to go Canon, or Tamron/Sigma/Tokina (your budget may dictate this) - THEN read reviews and determine what lens is best suited to your criteria.