Walkaround Lens(es)

[John Stanek]

This is an appropriate thread for me as I am trying to outfit my 50d. I've upgraded from a Rebel XTI. I take a lot of architectural photography, but have paid a professional for those images I am going to publish in advertisements. I want to improve my skills and equipment in order be able to do the photography "in house."

I used the EFS 17-85 and EFS 70-300 on the Rebel, great for walk around and family, but I have always felt the IQ was lacking in close examination- never really sharp enough. So for the 50d I have purchased the EFS 17-55 based on the reviews I have read, with the expectation of adding the 10-22, which is also favorably reviewed. I have not used the 17-55 enough to form an opinion on it.

My question is, what would be good to add beyond the 55mm range. I have considered the EF 24-105 as an outdoor walk around lense that I would also hope to get sharper exterior architectural images with. Beyond that my wish list holds the EF 100-400, but that will be as funds allow.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[yayas]

I never shot architectural and don't have any knowledge about it.
Things that cross my mind about it are minimal distortion and good resolution at corners.

I found this link is interesting.

Regards,
Andreas

[lukeap69]

John

From what I heard, the 17-55 2.8 IS is stunning! Please let us know how you get along with it.

As for the 55-70 range, I never felt at any pont that I missed it. I am sure you can come closer or farther a bit from your subject so you can use either your 17-55 or your 70-300.

I have not shot architectural photography though, so YMMV.

Cheers

[yayas]

Finally I got my third copy of tamron, this time is 17-50.
It is very slight front focus, but mostly acceptable.

The focus accuracy is inconsistent compared to my Canon lenses, it also happen with all tamrons i had.
If I pushed the shutter a few times, the focus point moves, so it would likely give different focus points each time the shutter is half-pushed.
Do you think short focus path, it's said 45 degrees, is the cause of this inaccurate focus?

Thanks