Advice on a new lens

[snoopygirl79]

Hi all,

I have a Canon 550D camera and currently have a Tamron 18-250mm lens which worked well for me as I didn't want to keep changing lenses and was useful when I used to do a bit of travelling.

However, I now have twin 2 year old girls and love to photograph them!! I'm now finding that my current lens isn't really fast enough and am finding my photos aren't as good as I'd like them to be. Plus I struggle to get anything decent if I photograph them indoors!! Of course it could be down to me as a photographer but was maybe looking into getting a faster lens.

My budget is about £400 and I'm looking at maybe the Tamron 17-50 (http://www.procamerashop.co.uk/product/Tamron_SP_AF_17-50mm_F%7C2.8_XR_Di_II_LD_Aspherical_IF_%28Canon_Mount%29_34625), or the Sigma 18-50 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sigma-18-50mm-OS-HSM-Canon/dp/B002330FJ8/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top) or the Canon 18-135 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-EF-S-18-135-3-5-5-6-Lens/dp/B002NEFLEG/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1317844995&sr=1-6).

I think these focal lengths would be ok for the type of photos I'd like to take, i.e. family shots. I'd just like some opinions on these lenses and any help or advice that anyone can offer.

Many thanks.

 

[HPS3]

I had the T2i with the 18-135 and didn't find it fast enough(aperture or focus speed). I think I would go with the Sigma with the F2.8 constant Aperture. If you shoot indoors, a 2.8 is needed. I use a 35 f1.8 on my D5100 for most of my shooting. I have a Sigma 70-200 f2.8 and find that in lowlight I use the 35 more often.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Have you thought of an external flash? Even with my 2.8's, I use a flash indoors. My Sigma 30 f1.4 is the only lens (when its fully stopped down) that I don't regularly use my external flash. By bouncing the flash and using a diffuser, I get good results.

 

[HPS3]

I also use a SB600 with a Lightspere Knockoff from EBay to bounce off the ceiling.

 

[alloyd1170]

The 18-135 won't be fast enough if you want faster. I'd look at something f/2.8, f/1.4 or f/1.8. The 50mm is nice, but you don't have zoom ability. I don't use mine often unless I need a fast lens.