T2i Lens

C

carrcs

Active member
So, I've posted a similar question before on this forum, but here's hoping some other members can lend me some advice. I recently bought the T2i for use in my wedding videography business. I will ONLY be using this camera for its video function and chose it based on its low light capabilities. Based on research and the advice of several dvxuser members, I decided to buy the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Zoom Lens. It set me back $1060.00. Now, however, I am having second thoughts in that I am wondering if I should have gone with the Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens. It only costs $649.00. If I bought it and returned the Canon zoom, I could use the extra money to invest in some fast primes. I have read and been advised that the Tamron zoom isn't very sharp at low f stops (which I will be required to utilize 99% of the time due to the nature of wedding videography). However, I have also been told that this lack of sharpness at low f stops shouldn't be an issue for video. Do you agree? Lastly, I have been told that the VC function of the Tamron is "really loud". Are we talking loud enough to distract the guests at the ceremony? I won't be using the T2i's onboard mic to capture audio anyway, so is this even a concern?

In summary, since I am only going to be using the T2i for video shooting, should I send the really expensive Canon zoom back and get the Tamron zoom instead thus enabling myself to invest in a few fast primes?
 
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I'd keep the Canon 17-55mm and add a Sigma 30mm 1.4 if it was me. You overpaid for the 17-55..mine was $800 from Adorama. I don't own the Sigma, but if it's good enough to be recommended by Philip Bloom, it has to be an awesome prime for video.
 
Thanks so much for the advice. I got the Canon 17-55mm from B and H, but Adorama is currently selling it for the exact same price. I wish I could find a reputable vender selling it for $800. I have 7 days to return the Canon to B and H for a full refund. Anyone else have any thoughts/advice?
 
I own the Tamron lens myself and love it. We got our two lenses from Amazon Warehouse Deals for $530 each. They were open box specials so they couldn't be sold as new but they're perfectly fine (except mine came without a lens hood). As for the VC function, I have to put my ear up to the lens to make sure it's on at all. That's how quiet it is.

The Tamron is loud during autofocus but if you're doing video, you're not going to want to use the AF on this lens or any lens for that matter. It's just not the same as video autofocus.

As for what to do with the Canon, it's up to you. If you need lenses and are on a budget, I'd return the Canon, get a Tamron 17-50, and use the rest towards a 70-200 2.8 which is really the next lens you'll need before a prime if you're doing wedding work anyway. Hope all this helps!

Chris W
 
You can get the 17-55 from Adorama's eBay store (when in stock) for $908 shipped with a 12% discount ($799) if you use Bing, Mr Rebates, and eBay Bucks :

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220567922759

It's a refurb but has a 1yr warranty from Adorama. Mine arrived looking and performing as new.

If you plan on establishing shots before pressing record using AFQuick center selection point and fine tune with MF (that's what I do) be aware that the Tamron doesn't have full time manual focus. You'd have to flip a switch every time between AF and MF.

The AFQuick center selection point uses a cross type that gives high-precision focusing with f/1.0 - f/2.8 lenses and is much quicker than AFLive.
 
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