Lens advice?

[ad04]

I need help!
Firstly, I need to clarify - I have a stupid amount of gear for a non-professional photographer, pretty much. It's a very long story how it ended up like it is!

Basically, this is my kit:
450D
Canon 50 1.4
Sigma 30 1.4
Tamron 28-75 2.8
Canon 70-200 2.8L
Canon 100 2.8 macro
430EXII
580EXII

So - I want to simplify my collection of equipment. I don't have a wide angle lens (my old kit lens was stolen and I haven't replaced it), and would like to get one. I also don't need both a 50 and a 30 prime, in my mind. Love all these lenses to bits (not so much the Tamron, but it is still good).

I'm looking at selling the Sigma/Tamron, and getting maybe a 17-55 2.8 or a 15-85. What would be your recommendation? If I update my camera (which will be in the not so distant future), it will be to a 7D, not a full frame.

Has anyone got any suggestions on how I can streamline my gear a bit better? The majority of work I've been doing freelance have been environmental portraits (family/children/couples) and a few weddings.

Really appreciate anyone's help!

[RichardTaylor]

Personally, I would get the 17-55 (mainly because of the F2.8)

(I don't own although I am a Canon shooter).

[dlambert]

I've got a 17-85 and I love that range. The 15-85 is supposed to be lots better optically, so I'd be tempted to look at that. The 17-55 is also attractive, but since you've already got two lenses at f/1.4, you might be able to cover your low-light, shallow DOF shooting with one of them. If you weren't going to keep one of the primes, I'd definitely favor the 17-55 over the 17-85 for the larger aperture. As usual, a quick review of the lenses / settings you're using now might help -- if you're using your Tamron near its maximum aperture a lot, that would push you toward the 17-55, too.

I'm curious about getting rid of the Tamron - that's a useful range, and the large aperture would seem to be suited for the sort of work you're doing. Do you find that you're reaching for another lens instead of that one? You indicated you're not too crazy about that lens -- where's it coming up short?

[inkista]

Originally Posted by ad04

I need help!
Firstly, I need to clarify - I have a stupid amount of gear for a non-professional photographer, pretty much. It's a very long story how it ended up like it is!

Aw, stop being reasonable! I'm a serious packrat. I know how this happens. My list is much much worse than yours.

I also don't need both a 50 and a 30 prime, in my mind.

Probably a good choice. Until you get a full-frame camera.

I'm looking at selling the Sigma/Tamron, and getting maybe a 17-55 2.8 or a 15-85. What would be your recommendation? If I update my camera (which will be in the not so distant future), it will be to a 7D, not a full frame.

I think those are the solid two choices for what you want (wide coverage on a crop in a walkaround). The choice between the two, really is going to be the same as going for a 24-70/2.8L or a 24-105/4L on a full-frame: speed vs. zoom capability. Given that you say environmental portraiture is one of your things, the 17-55/2.8 is probably the best buy. Although throwing a Tokina 11-16/2.8 into the mix might also be good.

Has anyone got any suggestions on how I can streamline my gear a bit better?

I'm a packrat. I only tell people what to add.

How are you using the 430EX II? If you're using it as a single off-camera light (i.e., the 580EX II is mastering it from on-camera, but not contributing light into the scene), it might be simpler to dump it and get some radio triggers, and just use the 580EX II as your off-light camera. With radio triggers, the transmitter would take the place of the on-camera master (although, depending on the triggering system, you might have to ditch TTL, remote power setting, and high-speed sync, but you would gain in range and reliability and no more paying attention to line of sight). And the 580EX II is a better on-camera flash than the 430EX II.

[ishootRAW]

If it makes you feel better, I'm 14, and have more gear then you. The "full gear list" is only about 2/3 of what I have.

May I add that the 15-85 has newer IS? Assuming you don't do a lot of photojournalism, I think the 15-85 is the better bet. It also gos 2mm wider.
Edit/* I just noticed that you do portraits, in that case, the 17-55 will be the better lens.*/

Unless you need the money or something, I would keep everything. Even with the 30, one day you will need the 50 and it will not be there.
Edit*/ again, doing portraits the 30 will be a bit wide. But on a crop body 50 basically becomes 85 (the standard portrait lens for full frame users.*/

Me? Between my digital, and the 7-8 film cameras(with lenses), plus lighting crap. I have 4 1/2 bags that take up most of a closet.

Dam it, when is canon coming out with a 8-600mm f/0.95L IS USM?