Looking for some more Canon lens input - almost there!

[Lyric]

I am on the brink of making my next big (for me) lens investment. I'm wavering on a couple, not knowing which ones are the right to complement the two I currently own. The camera I am working with is a Canon EOS 30D, and I don't see a full-frame camera in my future (so buying EF-S is not an issue).

Right now, I have 2 decent lenses:
- Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro
- Canon EF 70-200MM f/4.0L USM Zoom

I love the 70-200mm, but it gets really bulky after a while. The 50mm macro is really fun to use, but I want something a little more versatile for vacations and daytrips. I am also frustrated by my not being able to get "wide" shots.

My usual photos consist of a mixture of:
- Portraits (both indoor and outdoor)
- Macros of flowers, insects, etc.
- Landscape/scenes
- Architecture

Originally my goal was to spend $1000~ total on two lenses. I have upped that a little (to approximately $1300-$1600, maybe a bit more) so that I can make smarter investments that I can use for a few years.

I am currently planning on buying:
- Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS (replacing my 30D's kit lens)
- Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
- Canon 50mm f/1.8

Any thoughts? Is there a redundancy there that I am not noticing? Are there build quality issues I should know about? Do I need the 50mm since I already have my Sigma 50mm macro? It sounded like a good choice to add in, especially since it's under $100.

I almost tossed Canon's 100mm macro in there in the place of the 10-22mm, but I am really enjoying my 50mm. Would there be that much of a difference? I'm really missing my ability to take wide-angle shots, and I can't afford both (the 100 as well as the 10-22), so the 10-22 seemed the best choice of the two. Thoughts?

Thanks again for everyone's help and input last month... I'm getting closer to my final decision!

 

[ukcatfan]

If you are really frustrated with the kit lens you have, then I think the obvious choice is a replacement of it. There are also many good 3rd party options in that category.

 

[MassJester]

I have the 10-22mm but use it less frequently all the time, The barrel distortion at the low end is rarely the look I'm after and it's frequently just better for me to back up.

The 24-105mm L is a great walk around lens, and if your kit lens isn't getting the job done I'd look at that.

I have the 50mm 1.4 and 1.8 (I just haven't gotten around to launching the 1.8). The 1.4 is a great low light lens but for crop sensors like ours I find it a bit confining. I am looking at the new 24mm and the 35mm to take care of my needs in that area.

 

[MICKEY88]

I'm not sure of Canon prices,

but if Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
and a 28-75 2.8 fit your budget, that's what I would go with,

I have about a dozen lenses, and 90-95 % of my shooting is done with these 2

28-75 2.8
80-200 2.8

 

[wdwwishes]

I recently got the 18--200 IS zoom and really like it. I use 90% of the time. I like because it covers a fairly wide range. I also like my wide angle lens but opted for a Sigma 12--24 mm because of the distortion in the Canon one I was looking at. I gave a little more of a fish look. Take your camera to the store and play around with the different lens and see how you like them. You can also rent one for a day if you want more time to play and make your decision.

 

[Lyric]

I cannot tell you guys how much I appreciate all your help. Around here we don't really have any decent camera shops, and the one big-box retailer that carried a decent selection of SLR elements was Circuit City (erg) and they are now liquidating! The few Canon-mount lenses they have left don't really fit my needs either. Bummer.

I've been doing a little more research myself, and the 10-22 is starting to turn me off due to the distortion factor... I'll look into that Sigma as a possible alternative.

Also, the 100mm Macro is back on my possibility list -- it looks like it might function very well as a portrait lens as well as a macro?

Indecisiveness may or may not be my problem. I guess at some point one just has to realize that there are quite a few wonderful lenses out there, and you just have to pick the one that seems to suit your needs the most!

I'll be looking in to the lenses everyone has mentioned -- thanks again!

 

[BorisMD]

Before you buy, I recommend you rent the lenses.

I did this and ended up not getting the 24-105 IS because I just wasn't happy with it.

Instead, I picked up the 24-70 2.8 and that is my primary lens (although it's bulkier than the 70-200 f/4 IS).

I also have the 10-22, and while I don't use it that much, it is a very well built lens and fun to work with.

My suggestion: Go to one of the sites I list below and rent a couple before you lay out that much cash. I've rented from both and had great service.

www.rentglass.com

www.lensrentals.com

Regards,

Boris

 

[Lyric]

Thanks so much, Boris -- I am going to check those sites out!

 

[BorisMD]

I see you're going to be in WDW the same time as me. It's a great time to go, but can be crowded. I actually rented some of the lenses for my Florida trips. Just make sure you get them a few days before you go so you have some time to make sure they work properly and understand how they work.

Have fun and pray for warm sunny weather.

Boris