I have a Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens and a Canon 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 zoom lens. Both of them have the maximum aperture of 5.6 when used in maximum zoom. This restricts me from using higher shutter speeds in low light situation, especially in stage performances. The pictures are not sharp due to motion blur. I therefore bought a Tamron 90mm f/2.8 and I would say this is a wonderful lens. Then I realise I also need a wider angle lens with such aperture. I am eyeing on that Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 zoom lens.
But I recently met a friend who advised me to invest on a flashgun rather than the lens. Because a flashgun is a very useful tool especially in low light situations. With a flashgun, both my Canon f/5.6 lenses could produced excellent pictures too.
Maybe my friends out there can chip in ideas and suggestions, to get which one, the new Tamron lens or just get the flashgun?
When I was in the shop, the boss lent me a Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 zoom lens. See how far it can zoom…
(ISO 1600, aperture 5.6, shutter speed 1/50, 300mm, flash not fired)
compared to my Tamron 90mm f/2.8
(ISO 1600, aperture 5.6, shutter speed 1/80, 90mm, flash not fired)
by YP, on February 8 2009 @ 6:46 pm
hmm… I’m no expert in photography but I think it is not a bad idea to try something other than lenses. Unless you do not feel comfortable flashing around in certain places.
by xin, on February 8 2009 @ 9:03 pm
I think you should just buy the flash. Maybe the 430EX. Don’t think a 3rd party flash is a good idea.
by abeku, on February 9 2009 @ 5:10 am
I think regardless indoor or outdoor, the flash gun is a necessary. Especially when shooting in low light, hall or indoor, you have no choice. Your friend is correct, what you need now is a flash gun to be paired with your current lenses.
by Awalludin, on February 9 2009 @ 9:11 am
Awak sudah ada banyak lens. Cubalah guna flash pulak. Hasilnya hampir sama dengan menggunakan lens aperture besar seperti 2.8. Tapi lagi terang dan menarik.
Kalau nak wide angle lens yang mempunyai 2.8 aperture, lebih baik 17-50mm. More wider than 28-75mm.
by LcF, on February 10 2009 @ 3:44 am
I vote for Flashgun, too.
you already have lens to cover different focal range. It’s time to get a flashgun. A must have photography equipment.
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 zoom lens.. buy later lah~
by abeku, on February 11 2009 @ 7:37 pm
Wah!LCF now become a professional photographer already..i saw the list of ur future lenses..
by Darren, on February 13 2009 @ 1:21 am
Try a flashgun! Like what LcF mentioned, you got a good focal range covered.
Here are some of the reasons to get a flashgun:
1.Brings out more detail & colour even in bright light conditions.
2. Cheap.
3. Get decent quality images with your current lenses.
4. Illuminates indoor shots of family gathering, parties, potraits..etc
5. No harm getting one. U will need it sooner or later!
Reasons NOT to get a flashgun:
1. You are a PI sneaking around trying to get secret shots of some girl you are following
2. In a museum/places of worship or settings/places where flashes are prohibited/unsuitable (underwater world?) and you risk getting beaten up by a group of annoyed people
My dua sen worth :-p