So i've been looking around and have got stuck on what lens to get. I've been using old M42 mount lenses but think i'd prefure to get some newer glass now, but am stuck on what to go for. Either the Canon 35mm f2 or Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 Now i know their two very different lens, but at the moment i've got the canon kit lens on my 550D and a zeiss 50mm f2.8. I have been shooting mainly fictional work, but am hoping to get into some ore interview based documentary style work. and before we go into it, i'm nt a fan of super super shallow depth of field, just like my subject to stand out compared to the background so your opinions, which would be the best option? Jed
Lenses do not give their best at their widest aperture - but if you take a range of lenses closed down 2-3 stops from their maximum aperture, you'll see very little between them. So, the general rule of thumb is to buy the faster lens if you can afford it, as if you buy an f2 and use it at f2.8, it will be sharper than an f2.8 lens used wide open. However, if you're going to use them at f5.6-f11, then there's not going to be too much of an issue in terms of quality. So in your case, you may get better mileage from the Tamron. I certainly prefer a 17-55 over a 30mm if that's all I had to work with - but then I'm a corporate shooter. By the way, I compared my EX1 (half inch chip) and FS100 to shoot a sort of talking head situation. The EX1 was at f2.8, the FS100 with its kit lens (f3.6-6.3 depending on the zoom) at f8 - that's F8! Result? More separation from the FS100 kit lens at f8 than the EX1 at f2.8 - so anything less and you're into 2/3" and B4 territory and beyond (and that's before we hit the mad zone of f1.4 to f2.8). Although I've got the Canon 17-55 2.8 IS, I have shot pro stuff on the 550's kit lens (low key interviews in 'interesting' locations' or times when I'd prefer to sacrifice the camera/lens than lose the shot). However, both the Tamron and the bigger Canon will feel far more joyous to use. Remember - pretty much all photographic zoom lenses pressed into video use become 'variable primes'.
Thanks for the reply Yeah i see where your coming from, i'm also looking at the Rokinon Cine 35mm T1.5 as it looks like a lens i could stick with for a long time. I also have shot quite a bit on the Kit lens, but mainly for the wider end, so maybe he tamron would be best for me, on the other hand i'd like to have a Canon lens, yet the Rokinon with it's Cine mod does look a really nice lens, really sharp too.
