Gig Photography: Lens Dilema

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mickb2112

mickb2112

Striker
I do some gig photography and use mainly the Sigma 24-70 2.8 EX DG and also have a Tokina 2.8 11-16 2.8

I`ve been getting a bit dissatisfied with the quality of my snaps lately and feel that the Sigma is not sharp enough while the Tokina doesn`t seem too great either.

I`ve been on MPB and got a pretty decent quote for both lenses and a cheapo zoom and my original kit lens.

I was thinking of getting the Canon 24-70 L USM and the Canon EF S 17-55 2.8 after a glowing recommendation on here a couple of weeks ago.

Just a couple of things:

1) Is the upgrade from the Sigma to Canon L worth it.
2) If I get the 24-70 is it still worth still getting the 17-55. There seems to be a fair duplication of the focal range getting both although the 17-55 does have a wider angle. It doesn`t go as wide as the Tokina but it does go wider than the 24-70. Is the extra width worth getting or would it be better to stick to just the 24-70 and maybe go for option 3 instead:
3) Sigma 70-200 APO EX DG 2.8 and go for the longer zoom instead?

Any views or advice would be welcome.

Forgot to say I do have a Canon 50mm 1.8 too
 
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the focal length on those seem to similar to me, took some shots for some mates at the weekend at a pub gig with 50mm 1.4 but it was too long! I've got the 16-35 f4L on order from panamoz, cant wait to give that a try. Would have used my 17-40 but dropped it in a stream, hence the new lens. I love insurance ;)
 
mickb2112 said:
1) Is the upgrade from the Sigma to Canon L worth it.
Only you can decide this, really. I have a Tamron 24-70mm that I use professionally and it does the business for me fine.

2) If I get the 24-70 is it still worth still getting the 17-55.
No. Just pick one.

There seems to be a fair duplication of the focal range getting both although the 17-55 does have a wider angle. It doesn`t go as wide as the Tokina but it does go wider than the 24-70

Is the extra width worth getting or would it be better to stick to just the 24-70 and maybe go for option 3 instead:
Again, only you can answer this. If you already have a ultra-wide Tokina then I wouldn't be concerned by the difference between 24mm and 17mm, personally.

3) Sigma 70-200 APO EX DG 2.8 and go for the longer zoom instead?
You're going to need to fork out a lot of dosh for a quality zoom lens. I passed on the Sigma because the quality wasn't what I wanted. Since you're not happy about the quality of your shots in the fist place, I wouldn't advise you buy it. However, you've not got anything with that range at all. Are you really missing it?

Any views or advice would be welcome.

Forgot to say I do have a Canon 50mm 1.8 too
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Some great advice here.

I think I`ve knocked the 70-200 on the head for now. maybe I`ll save for a Canon version next year some time.

I definitely need the 24-70, I`d say that`s my staple lens and jus want rid of my Sigma and get the Canon version. So that`s a certainty.

The only other thing is the 17-55. I know it duplicates a fair bit of the focal range of the 24-70 but it has been highly recommended and I thought the image stabilisation might be helpful close up to the stage at say the Cluny or the Think Tank where it can be pretty dark. I can get this one for 400 quid. Is the image stabilisation worth having? or is it a lot of money for not much more of a lens??

I`m getting rid of the Tokina wide angle lens as I don`t think it produced good enough quality shots in low light so I`ll be ditching my ultra wide angle and the Canon 17-55 just about touches the zoom end of the Tokina.

decision, decisions.:rolleyes:
 
I have a 17-55 I could be persuaded to part with. I was going to say it was mint, but just checked and there is some dust between the 1st 2 elements.

You're welcome to have a look at it next time I am up the NE.
 
Roger said:
I have a 17-55 I could be persuaded to part with. I was going to say it was mint, but just checked and there is some dust between the 1st 2 elements.

You're welcome to have a look at it next time I am up the NE.
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How much would you want for it?
 
mickb2112 said:
Some great advice here.

I think I`ve knocked the 70-200 on the head for now. maybe I`ll save for a Canon version next year some time.

I definitely need the 24-70, I`d say that`s my staple lens and jus want rid of my Sigma and get the Canon version. So that`s a certainty.

The only other thing is the 17-55. I know it duplicates a fair bit of the focal range of the 24-70 but it has been highly recommended and I thought the image stabilisation might be helpful close up to the stage at say the Cluny or the Think Tank where it can be pretty dark. I can get this one for 400 quid. Is the image stabilisation worth having? or is it a lot of money for not much more of a lens??

I`m getting rid of the Tokina wide angle lens as I don`t think it produced good enough quality shots in low light so I`ll be ditching my ultra wide angle and the Canon 17-55 just about touches the zoom end of the Tokina.

decision, decisions.:rolleyes:
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To be honest, Think Tank is one of the hardest places to shoot in town. There's literally no f***ing light at all (unless they turn some on for clubs).

The Tokina is a fine piece of kit for the money. You should be able to get some very good shots with it.
 
Lonz said:
To be honest, Think Tank is one of the hardest places to shoot in town. There's literally no f***ing light at all (unless they turn some on for clubs).

The Tokina is a fine piece of kit for the money. You should be able to get some very good shots with it.
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yeah, I think I`ve decided to keep that. Think I`m just going for the Canon 24-70L and trade in my Sigma and a couple of other bog standard lenses.

Absolutely right about the Think Tank. It`s dark with horrible purple/green lighting. I`ve never managed to get much from there.
 
mickb2112 said:
yeah, I think I`ve decided to keep that. Think I`m just going for the Canon 24-70L and trade in my Sigma and a couple of other bog standard lenses.

Absolutely right about the Think Tank. It`s dark with horrible purple/green lighting. I`ve never managed to get much from there.
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Try a few different lighting setups and see if you can get creative.
 
I have the 70-200 canon lens and its fantastic. I do like a good tokina or tamron lens, but canon L glass is well worth the investment.
 
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