Best Inexpensive Lens For A T3i/T2i In Low Light (Suggestions?)

[HD-tography]

So I stepped into the wonderful world of DSLR and blew a ton of cash… And I haven't even bought my starter lenses yet...

I don’t even wanna talk about it… however I do want to talk about the lenses for it, as this is something I have NO clue about…

I have a T3i with the newly designed Canon EF-S 18-55mm kit lens

I won’t pretend I know all the technical stuff you are all talking about (yet) but I’m slowly learning about it all…

I am reading about different size sensors and how my T3i has a 1.6x Field of View Crop Factor or Focal Length Multiplier (the size ratio between a smaller sensor and a full frame 24X36mm sensor), a maximum shutter speed of 1/4,000, a maximum ISO of 12,800, a Max Aperture of 3.5, and how the kit lens is 3.00x zoom 18-55mm (29-88mm eq.)

I am primarily a video shooter and don’t really see ANY photography in the near future (but hey that might change… never know)

Now I have been lurking is shame around here (not knowing where to start) and learned a great deal from you all so far, so I am considering these lenses in the future:



For a wide angle zoom lens:

Tamron SP AF 10-24mm f / 3.5-4.5 DI II Zoom Lens ($499.00)

or a used

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Autofocus Lens ($800.00 new, $200 cheaper Used)



As a cheap zoom lens to shoot events and weddings:

Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Autofocus Zoom Lens ($479.00)



For close up Macro work:

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens ($969.00)



But hey I just told you I am running out of cash, so in reality the aforementioned lenses are a bit in the future... first things first...

I am going to get the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Autofocus Lens ($199.95) to shoot video with, as it seems like the best inexpensive lens to compliment the Canon EF-S 18-55mm kit lens during the day or well lit environments...

Which brings me to my actual question...

I am looking for really great lens to be used in low light that doesn't cost too much (to start out with)...

It has been suggested a 28mm f/1.8

This Canon Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens ($484.00) is a nice lens but might be too much for me at the moment…

I also heard suggested a cheap 28/f2.8 manual focus lens from eBay, but I really don't know what I'm doing here guys... can someone help me get started as I learn?

Please recommend something good and also inexpensive? (please also explain why)

Thanks SO much!

[racer-x]

I bought THIS LENS for $100 from Adoroma. It's a great lens in low light with the F1.8. You can't go wrong for the price......

I have yet to use it on my t2i, but it works great on my xti.

[HD-tography]

I bought this Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens for $100 from Adoroma. It's a great lens in low light with the F1.8. You can't go wrong for the price......

I have yet to use it on my t2i, but it works great on my xti.

Hey thanks for the share... I'll look into the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens for sure... however at first glance the thing looks like you get what you pay for... all plastic including the mount...

Maybe it's worth spending a little more? Maybe not... I like inexpensive (but not "Cheap")... what do you think?

Is there something maybe between this and say the pricey Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens ($399.00) in price/build/performance?

[kaydawgy]

I would definitely go for the Canon 50mm 1.4 over the 1.8 version. That's just personal preference. I had the 1.8 but it literally feels like a Fisher Price toy and immediately sold it due to it's all plastic body. The focus ring is practically NON-existent. The focus ring on the 1.4 is way bigger and rubber gripped. If you plan on using a Follow-Focus (if your new, you might have absolutely NO CLUE what I'm talking about) the 1.4 version is also better. As far as the wide lenses, I would go for the Tokina 11-16mm 2.8 (if you can find it in stock....took me forever to get one!) It has a fixed aperature of 2.8 unlike the Canon 10-22mm and it's also built like a tank.

[HD-tography]

I would definitely go for the Canon 50mm 1.4 over the 1.8 version. That's just personal preference. I had the 1.8 but it literally feels like a Fisher Price toy and immediately sold it due to it's all plastic body. The focus ring is practically NON-existent. The focus ring on the 1.4 is way bigger and rubber gripped.

Yeah it's a little pricey though... is there something in between?

f you plan on using a Follow-Focus (if your new, you might have absolutely NO CLUE what I'm talking about) the 1.4 version is also better.

LOL I'm just new to DSLR's not planet Earth In fact I'm buying an indiFOCUSmini with a whip and crank and set of 5 SNAP!Gears all from indiSYSTEM... should go nice on my new Gini Rig from South Korea, which is on it's way to me now according to Gini himself whom I talked to just today (yeah, you know the one)...

As far as the wide lenses, I would go for the Tokina 11-16mm 2.8 (if you can find it in stock....took me forever to get one!) It has a fixed aperature of 2.8 unlike the Canon 10-22mm and it's also built like a tank.

Yeah is THIS the one? (out of stock of course) I am pretty familiar with seeing this lens around your house, as I loved that review you did for the FLYCAM Nano, so much in fact that I bought one 2 months ago, I really love it! For anyone interested check out THIS thread.

I am also getting the same 8 foot crane you got from Diamond*Dolly which you reviewed on Cheesycam, also with the Tokina 11-16mm 2.8 on board... BTW I really wish you would post a proper thread about it, and how everything is working out for ya... especially concerning the Filmtools 4" Riser (which is STILL out of stock!) and the 360 Degree Panning Bearing combo... and more about how that LCD Monitor mounting bracket & swivel adapter is working out.

I plan to drop this set up on a pair of heavy duty sticks from this Ravelli AVTP Professional 75mm bowl set up after removing the head (or maybe you think this head could support it with the extra 20lbs counterbalance weights? ... I Doubt it)

Anyway look at me wander... lets stick to the lens questions here but I really hope you would consider posting a more in depth review thread about that crane... also I would love to see a thread about your 6 foot slider, how you built it, links to everything, your experiences... etc. There's a 260 page (and climbing) thread over at DVXuser but it's so much to go through! Just what works is what I'm after... Those are my official requests for you kaydawgy, hope you will consider them

So anyway... about that Low Light lens... something less than $400 but better than a chunk of plastic?

[Janke]

Please note that IF you want to zoom during a shot (not something I'd recommend with a DSLR), you need a zoom lens with a fixed f-stop, otherwise the exposure will change step-wise during zooming.

For low-light lenses at low cost, look into M42-mount lenses (starting at $30-50 used) + an M42-EOS adapter for $15 or so. If you're lucky, you might catch a metal body 50mm 1.8 or 1.4 lens for a pittance. Note that these don't have autofocus or even f-stop setting via camera electronics, though.

[HD-tography]

OK, first I want to thank you guys for your help, and your patience with people green like me… believe me it is appreciated! When I learn all about it I will surely go out of my way to help others switching over… Now… on to business…

Please note that IF you want to zoom during a shot (not something I'd recommend with a DSLR), you need a zoom lens with a fixed f-stop, otherwise the exposure will change step-wise during zooming.

So assuming I wanted to zoom in while shooting for cinematic effect, this would be an advantage in buying the

Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X 116 Pro DX Autofocus Lens ($599)

having the fixed aperture/f-stop (same thing?) of 2.8 over say the

Tamron SP AF 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 DI II Zoom Lens ($499.00)

or a used Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Autofocus Lens ($800.00 new, $200 cheaper Used)

Correct?

Are there other critical considerations as well?

Something that worries me about the Tokina is the “One Touch Focus Clutch Mechanism” that switches between manual and auto focus by sliding the focus ring forward for AF and back toward the camera to focus manually… and as there is no second AF/MF switch on the lens, would this even work with my indiFOCUSmini and snap!gears combo?

How about that same exposure change consideration when looking at something like the Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Autofocus Zoom Lens ($479.00)

Is there another lens to be considered with a similar focal length and a fixed f-stop in a similar (or not so similar) price bracket?

For low-light lenses at low cost, look into M42-mount lenses (starting at $30-50 used) + an M42-EOS adapter for $15 or so. If you're lucky, you might catch a metal body 50mm 1.8 or 1.4 lens for a pittance. Note that these don't have autofocus or even auto exposure, though.

Alright, thanks for the advice, however there are a dozen of each and I don't really know what I'm doing (as previously stated)... perhaps you could please have a quick look and tell me if you see something that would work well?

M42 mount 50mm 1.8

M42 mount 50mm 1.4

Do you think not having autofocus or even auto exposure may be too big of a stumbling block for a DSLR newbie like me?

Is there something under $400 worth a look at comparable to this Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens or at least a better build than the all plastic Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Toy Lens?

Do you think perhaps this is not a good area to save money? I could do maybe a couple hundred... after that... I dunno...

[krewcial]

don't buy anything below f/2.8 if you want to take advantage of the big sensor and ability to work in low-light conditions.
and -as mentioned before- when buying a zoom lens only buy one with fixed aperture.
I use a Sigma 28-70 2.8 for most of my non-scripted work (live dance events, weddings, ...) cos it allows me to adapt quickly to the conditions. Tamron has a similar lens that is a bit cheaper, but the focus ring on that one is way too sensitive (almost impossible to focus precisely with the aperture fully open).

[Janke]

So assuming I wanted to zoom in while shooting for cinematic effect, this would be an advantage in buying the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8

Only in that you'd have a fixed f-stop. But the zoom range is only 1.5x (not much!), compared to 2.4x of the Tamron. You must decide what you need more: ability to zoom 1.5x, or to choose a fixed focal length within a 2.4x range.

How about that same exposure change consideration when looking at something like the Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3

Even worse. 2 stops change, vs one stop on the two wide lenses you listed.

M42 mount 50mm / 1.8 M42 mount 50mm 1.4

The difference is only half a stop. Insignificant. I'd go for quality metal build, good condition & well-known brand.

don't buy anything below f/2.8

By that he of course means a number larger than 2.8. - 3.5, 4, 5.6 and so on. I'd say get at least a 1.8, possibly a 1.4 if you can afford it. I have a Fujinon 50/1.4 I've owned from way back in 1973, and it's excellent for HD video in low light.

If you absolutely want to zoom during shooting, check out the Tamron 17-50 f2.8, or similar lenses by other mfrs.

[zagnut]

50mm isn't really wide angle on a crop sensor camera. It will be like shooting with a 80mm. But, there is a reason that the Canon 50/1.8 is called "plastic fantastic". Next to the 18-55 IS and 55-250 IS, it is definitely one of the best lenses that Canon has for the money.

If you can afford the Tokina 11-16/2.8 or 16-28/2.8, I think you'd be happy with one of those. IF you can find one.

A very affordable alternative would be to get an older, wide, fast, manual focus lens in Nikon, M42, CY, etc mount. There's plenty of 28/2.8's on e-bay for cheap. You can adapt just about an lens to Canon EF mount (except for FD).

[liverpool 1]

If you can afford one lens only get the sigma 17-50mm 2.8 os or the sigma 30mm1.4.......

[Janke]

If you can afford the Tokina 11-16/2.8 or 16-28/2.8

I'd rather take a 17-50 f2.8, much more useful focal length-wise. 16/17mm isn't that wide, if you need real wide angle, you have to go down to 10 or 12 mm.

[movielighter]

Just picked up a Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II, great all around lens and it is fixed @ 2.8. New for $400.00, used for $320.00 on Ebay.

http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-17-50mm...516258&sr=8-10

The Tamron 28-75mm lens is also pretty good and about the same in price.

http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-28-75mm...9438673&sr=8-1

[Janke]

I bought my Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 without the stabilizer. A lot cheaper, and some say it's sharper than the stabilized version. I don't need a built-in stabilizer for video, I use a three-legged stabilizer...

[HD-tography]

I use a three-legged stabilizer...

The women around those parts must LOVE you Janke

[HD-tography]

Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 without the stabilizer. A lot cheaper, and some say it's sharper than the stabilized version.

I'm guessing Tamron is calling the stabilizer a Vibration Compensation (VC) mechanism?

The difference is quite a bit in price...

Tamron Zoom Super Wide Angle SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Autofocus Lens ($459.00)

vs

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens ($649.00)

Just picked up a Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II, great all around lens and it is fixed @ 2.8. New for $400.00...

Where did you find this for $400? Was that shipped?

I wonder if I shouldn't just spend the money on a higher end lens that covers a wider focal range and hits a nice wide angle, the question is which is best in low length and has a fixed f-stop/aperture?

Can I/should I cover them all off with one lens?

[Bif]

HD....

For right now you're going "overboard" in your quest. Use and get used to the "kit" lens while you get familiar with working with the camera. I also have the 55-250mm you were looking at, it's fairly inexpensive and picks up in telephoto where the "kit" lens leaves off.

But I rarely use it. If you're into "long reach" stuff like wildlife it is a fair way to get into that sort of thing.

If you are looking at doing a lot of low light, marginal light work I cast a vote for the EF 28mm f1.8. It does cost but you get a "normal" perspective (the 50mm will have you backing off more than you want in some situations but even with the price increase we just saw it is still an affordable purchase), not wide not telephoto but a good general purpose prime lens for video work.

Should you wind up with the 28mm f1.8 and the 50mm f1.8 you would have the following capabilities: 18mm end of the "kit" lens for wide angle (you can do more than you think with f3.5), the 28mm f1.8 for "normal" in close and good working perspective PLUS the low light capabilty in a lens that won't "cramp" you much for working perspective, and the EF 50mm f1.8 for "portrait" perspective and that in low light, too.

I'd go something like that before spending a "ton" on zooms before you really understand what you're into. Learn using the T3i THOROUGHLY before buying a "boatload" of stuff.

I have that EF 28mm f1.8 and LOVE it. I go to a video project with EF 24mm f2.8, the 28mm, and an EF 50mm in the working bag along with either the "kit" 18-55mm or the EF 17-40mm f4L in case I need a wider angle than the 24mm. I like working with the primes and they give me good clean video.

Good luck,

Bruce Foreman

[zagnut]

I bought my Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 without the stabilizer. A lot cheaper, and some say it's sharper than the stabilized version.

Not just some, but almost everyone that's used them both say the non-VC is sharper.

I do agree that that is more of a useful range than 11-16 or 16-28. I suppose if I had to chose between 17-50 and 16-28, I would probably go with the 17-50 as long as there isn't much difference in lens distortion.

Something else the OP has to consider is difficulty focusing. The DOF will be thinner with f/1.4, or f/1.8, compared to f/2.8. Making it harder to manually focus on the subject. So there is a disadvantage to using a lens faster than f/2.8.

[HD-tography]

HD....

For right now you're going "overboard" in your quest. Use and get used to the "kit" lens while you get familiar with working with the camera...

... I'd go something like that before spending a "ton" on zooms before you really understand what you're into. Learn using the T3i THOROUGHLY before buying a "boatload" of stuff.

Good luck,

Bruce Foreman

Once again thank you all!

I especially appreciate advice from the foreman! You're like a fond relative, perhaps the beloved grandfather of HV20.com, I appreciate you looking out for us here Bruce... also, maybe it's just me, but you have a familiarly about you, probably from all those Oatmeal and Diabetes commercials I see... LOL

We love you Bruce...

I've ALREADY spent a boatload! HaHaHa but it's worth it... this is why I came searching for advice here (humbly in newbie shame) before going spend crazy on lenses... the T3i Rig is already worth over $2,200... and I haven't bought any lenses for it yet... questions are free and answers save a LOT of wasted dough!

I'm not too crazy about blowing boat loads more on unnecessary lenses... however I would like to be not too constricted when shooting several upcoming events I'm committed to, including lots of weddings and other low light work... I really want to pull off some amazing cinematic shots, and am looking forward to getting use of my follow focus as well, which brings up my next question...

With a zoom lens like the newly designed Canon EF-S 18-55mm kit lens, the focus is at the end of the lens, and moves back and forth 8mm in travel when zooming in/out and also while adjusting focus... therefore this won't really work with a follow focus (that I'm aware of)... what lenses will cover the basic range, work well in low light, have a wide enough perspective for my current needs, AND work with the follow focus, allowing me to hit marks and pull off brilliant cinematic footage?

BTW I am going to spend a LOT of time learning this camera... I have purchased quite a few books in my projected field of cinematography, but the owner's manual is first up on the required reading list!

[movielighter]

Here are the sites to find lenses at a fair price.
Craigslist, ebay, Amazon, shopgoodwill.com (good for bundles)

*Watch out for used ones, don't buy from someone who does not know what photography\videography is.
Shop goodwill usually does not test them, so you are rolling the dice. But, I have not ever gotten one that was bad from them.
The forums have good deals as well, and people here take pretty good care of their stuff.
Here lately, I have been going to Amazon quite a bit for new ones.

[zagnut]

*Watch out for used ones, don't buy from someone who does not know what photography\videography is.

Sometimes that's a good thing. I found my Yashica Auto-Yashinon 28/2.8 DX on e-bay. The seller didn't know much of anything about camera lenses. He did state that the optics had no scratches on them and there was nothing visible that appeared out of place when looking into the lens. What I wound up with was a like new vintage lens, with it's original case, for less than $20. I've seen 4 or 5 of them on ebay since then, all sold for $90-$150, and weren't in as good a shape as mine.

Making sure the seller can provide good pictures, including looking into the lens with good lighting behind it and asking questions is the key. If the seller is reluctant to provide pics or info that you request, stay away.

Also go visit the Goodwill store, not just their website. Almost every major city here in the US has one. There's usually a treasure or two to be found at them. Again, just about any lens is easily adapted, via a cheap adapter from ebay, to a Canon camera. If you aren't sure, ask. Janke, Bruce or I (as well as a couple others) will be glad to let you know if it can be adapted.

There's a ton of 28/2.8's in the $20-$30 range on ebay -
http://photography.shop.ebay.com/Len...=p3286.c0.m301

$100 will get you some really nice vintage optics.

[HD-tography]

What I wound up with was a like new vintage lens, with it's original case, for less than $20. I've seen 4 or 5 of them on ebay since then, all sold for $90-$150, and weren't in as good a shape as mine.

I'll give ya $25 for it

Again, just about any lens is easily adapted, via a cheap adapter from ebay, to a Canon camera. If you aren't sure, ask. Janke, Bruce or I (as well as a couple others) will be glad to let you know if it can be adapted.

Thanks guys... I'm gonna keep thinking and looking around this week... when I'm not out shooting that is

[zagnut]

I'll give ya $25 for it

Is that CAN or USD?

Tell ya what, if I ever sell it, you'll be the first to know

My DSLR doesn't do video, so I only use it for photography. I've had it for about a year now and finally have some confidence to use it. Manual focusing without an AF confirm adapter or focusing screen has proven to be a challenge at 2.8. Once the money justifies it, I'll be getting a focusing screen or AF confirm adapter.

I will say this though, I was awestruck when it arrived and I handled it. The all metal build and quality of construction is just simply amazing. The 18-55 kit lens feels like a child's toy compared to it. They don't make 'em like they used to. For this reason alone I will be getting more MF glass when money allows.

[krewcial]

if you're doing events and weddings, I'd suggest any decent 28-70mm f/2.8 lens. Whether it's a Canon, Nikon, Tamron or Sigma lens.
I find that range to be perfect for shoots where you need to be able to zoom in on the fly.
You'll use it for about 95% of the shots, add a wide angle for a few shots (married couple entering the church, inside the car, outside the church, ...) and it saves you from carrying too many lenses the entire day.

[Shaunp007]

I just ordered the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 for my T2i. Should be arriving next week. I'll post back after I have time to play with it. On Amazon they have 4 left, couple days ago they were out of stock.