• Some users have recently had their accounts hijacked. It seems that the now defunct EVGA forums might have compromised your password there and seems many are using the same PW here. We would suggest you UPDATE YOUR PASSWORD and TURN ON 2FA for your account here to further secure it. None of the compromised accounts had 2FA turned on.
    Once you have enabled 2FA, your account will be updated soon to show a badge, letting other members know that you use 2FA to protect your account. This should be beneficial for everyone that uses FSFT.

Upgrade Suggestions

W

WeeManFoo

Limp Gawd
Joined
Mar 1, 2007
Messages
265
I've had my Canon t1i since September and I feel it's time for me to upgrade a few pieces of my setup to help me get a few better shots. I have the kit 18-55mm IS lens and a 50mm 1.8 mkII lens. Here is what I'm looking to get in chronological order:

Lens hood for my 50mm
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II
67mm UV filter (don't know how much to spend)
Canon 55-250mm
Lens hood for ^
New body (either 60d or t2i for 1080p 24fps video)
Grip
Speedlight (no idea what I need)

Just wanted to get a few opinions before I start putting down some cash. Is there something I should get first or do differently? FYI, I use my DSLR to take snapshots of my friends so I don't need ultra fast AF or pro stuff. All I need are reasonably priced parts that I wouldn't cry over if I broke or lost them.
 
What don't you like about your current setup, and what additional capability would you like to have? For available light snapshots, a 35mm-ish focal length is nice on a crop camera.
 
I want better low light performance (indoor) but still want a zoom lens. I traveled this past weekend and only used my nifty fifty. It took some great photo's but the few times I needed a wider shot for video and group pictures it was way too long. I also want the 1080p video of the 7d or t2i on my camera with a zoom lens that has a constant aperture. I have considered the 17-40L lens but I feel like the f4 won't gain me any extra low light abilities.

I like my current setup, but what I need is a faster general purpose zoom for a crop body, lens hood to prevent some nasty flares I have on my 50mm, and something in my bag that can reach past 50mm. Everything else I have listed above is to suport that including the speedlight and a grip for more stability and balance with lenses that don't have IS.
 
That's a tough combination, even 2.8 can be too slow when you're using available light. I have a Sigma 30mm f 1.4 that I'll use at f/2 and ISO1600 a lot. If you don't mind shooting ISO3200 or higher, the 2.8 zoom might work for you, but it depends a lot on how much light you have and what shutter speeds you're willing to accept.
 
I have the Tamron 17-50mm and I LOVE IT! It is on my camera 80% of the time. Although I do shoot at 1600 and 3200 iso ALOT.
 
Noise at 1600 ISO is pretty bad on my t1i. It seems like the t2i is improved at 1600 and I hope that the 60d can make clean shots at 1600 since it will most likely use a new image processor (digic V). Honestly, if my pic is too noisy I just make it black and white and and pretend it's film grain. Having a faster shutter speed is more important to me than noise for what I shoot.

Another option would be the Tokina 16-50mm. I hear it has great built quality and good sharpness, but there aren't very many reviews. I have considered the Sigma 30mm, but for that price I think I would rather get a zoom. It would definably be next on my list of lenses to get because a 50mm prime is too much on a 1.6 crop. I'm looking for something to replace the 18-55mm that came with my camera since I find it an adequate range for 90% of what I shoot. How does the rest of my planned kit look? I am also considering a Gorillapod Zoom DSLR to throw in my bag. Is that a good choice for a portable tripod?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top