Lens Suggestions - T2i

[KLDE]

I'm looking for cheap (sub-$200) lenses to expand on what I have. My current gear includes:

Canon T2i
Canon 50mm 1.8 f/1.8
Sigma 28mm f/1.8 (wrong mounting type, so it only works in movie mode and extremely slow/ineffective autofocus)

I've gotten semi-good since I've started shooting back in November 2013. I'm looking for a wide-angle lens and one for drifting and racing events (zoom + fast autofocus) recommendations that won't break the bank. I don't mind buying used, camera and the 28mm both were.

Thanks guys!

[KevinECSP]

I'm looking for cheap (sub-$200) lenses to expand on what I have. My current gear includes:

Canon T2i
Canon 50mm 1.8 f/1.8
Sigma 28mm f/1.8 (wrong mounting type, so it only works in movie mode and extremely slow/ineffective autofocus)

I've gotten semi-good since I've started shooting back in November 2013. I'm looking for a wide-angle lens and one for drifting and racing events (zoom + fast autofocus) recommendations that won't break the bank. I don't mind buying used, camera and the 28mm both were.

Thanks guys!

Looking for a wide angle zoom or prime?

I just picked up a Canon 55-250mm as a drift lens and I'm happy with it considering how cheap it is (~$300).

IMG_0371 by KevinECSP, on Flickr

[JRodigan]

If you want some cheaper Lens that will still be nice, pic up a M42 Screw mount adapter and buy some good conditions old school lenses.

[Staggered]

Keep in mind most of these will be <$300
Sigma 30mm 1.4
Tamron 17-50mm 2.8
Rokinon 85mm 1.4

[KevinECSP]

Keep in mind most of these will be <$300
Sigma 30mm 1.4
Tamron 17-50mm 2.8
Rokinon 85mm 1.4

Agreed, I have the Tamron 17-50 2.8 VC and love it. I was waiting on answer in prime or zoom before recommending this lens. Only problem is for around $300 you'll have to buy used, and probably non-VC. VC lens used is around $400-450, might be able to get lower if you find a desperate seller, might get lucky since its a small market for this lens.

Sigma is $500 new so would have to be used as well. I'm always hesitant on buying a used lens, never know what you're gonna get and some people don't care properly for their lenses.

[KLDE]

If I can get a zoom for cheap, I'd totally go for one. I don't have any experience though, so do you guys recommend zoom?

I'm always hesitant on buying a used lens, never know what you're gonna get and some people don't care properly for their lenses.

I usually buy off of the lens refurbishers/resellers on ebay. I've had good luck once with my 28 1.8 I got off of the guy.

[KevinECSP]

If I can get a zoom for cheap, I'd totally go for one. I don't have any experience though, so do you guys recommend zoom?

Typically a zoom lens is the best for drifting, but that's really gonna be situational depending on the layout of the track you're shooting at and your position on the track.

For instance the track I typically shoot at (pictured below) photographers are usually inside the small figure 8, or in between the 2 banks to the East. So we have to be able to zoom in for bank shots (usually around 200-250mm is needed for full framed) and be able to zoom out for the bottom/around the figure 8 (usually to around 50-85mm for a full framed shot).



Hard to answer that question without knowing your layout, if you're shooting there again ask another photographer who shoots there often and ask their advice, or look into renting a lens to find out for yourself what range you need.