Opticallimits

I am looking for a good lens to walk around with, the requirements in no particular order:



- Not too imposing, the camera is big already, don't want to intimidate too much

- Not too expensive, I know gear has it's own definition of this but I want to save a little right now

- Must have f2.8 or bigger aperture, I want to isolate some subjects.



My current lens is the old reliable EF-28-135 IS, but I really want f2.8 or bigger, the EF 24-70 L would be nice but damn, lot of $$$$ for me now. The Tokina 24-70 or 28-75 f2.8 looks good, or maybe the old reliable EF 85mm f1.8 ....



Other ideas?

Where did you come across a Tokina 24-70mm or 28-75mm f2.8? You will find they do not exist.



The 85mm f1.8 is a fine lens, but hardly a walk around lens. Think more towards 35 or 50mm primes for walk around lenses.

subst ('Tokina','Tamron');



-- Markus

[quote name='charlie' timestamp='1328841950' post='15769']

Other ideas?

[/quote]



The Sigmas come to my mind, but I don't like their bokeh. In addition, I think Sigma will most likely update the 24-70 HSM with OS, too, very soon.



A used 28-70L might be an alternative. But that's a huge lens (well, any f/2.8 zoom in that class is, except the Tamron 28-75). A set of small primes may be another option. Once used to using primes, most develop a habit to selectively "see" with a certain focal length and look for matching subjects only. So, a trio with 35/2, 50/1.8 (would prefer the old metal one) and 85/1.8 might do the job, too.



-- Markus

Thanks Markus, yes, Tamron, not Tokina.





The 28-75 seems "good enough" for what I want, and won't break the bank. The 85mm prime is tempting too, but a bag of primes won't do, I'm in SEA and I don't want to be opening the camera every 5 minutes while strolling about. I have the EF 28-135 and if it were f2.8 it would be ideal. The Tamron seems to approximate this, maybe it will drop in price even more once the new 24-70 is out.



Any other candidates?



I would love a EF 24-70L but damn, they are so expensive.

BTW it's cute that I'm marked "Newbie" again, I guess you go away for a while and everyone forgets you, even the site. <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />