Canon 135mm or Tamron 24-70mm

[JPlendPhoto]

I think for now I will avoid Hdew Cameras and others like them, especially when spending a lot of money like that.

That's fine, it was a leap of faith for me and I'm yet to give it the ultimate test of getting a warranty repair, long may that continue. I only offered it because it's helped me get the kit that I really wanted at times.

They seem good, but yes its the warranty repair part that I am not sure on. It is better to be safe than sorry when spening over £1400 on one lens, thats what I'm thinking anyway.

 

[fragilesi]

I think for now I will avoid Hdew Cameras and others like them, especially when spending a lot of money like that.

That's fine, it was a leap of faith for me and I'm yet to give it the ultimate test of getting a warranty repair, long may that continue. I only offered it because it's helped me get the kit that I really wanted at times.

They seem good, but yes its the warranty repair part that I am not sure on. It is better to be safe than sorry when spening over £1400 on one lens, thats what I'm thinking anyway.

Well that probably just proves that you have more common sense than I do . I did do a lot of background on them though and it was near universally positive across many different sites, more so in fact that the vast majority of mainstream outlets so I went for it. I certainly wouldn't push it though as for example you never know if Canon's policy might change.

 

[rs]

I think for now I will avoid Hdew Cameras and others like them, especially when spending a lot of money like that.

That's fine, it was a leap of faith for me and I'm yet to give it the ultimate test of getting a warranty repair, long may that continue. I only offered it because it's helped me get the kit that I really wanted at times.

They seem good, but yes its the warranty repair part that I am not sure on. It is better to be safe than sorry when spening over £1400 on one lens, thats what I'm thinking anyway.

Well that probably just proves that you have more common sense than I do . I did do a lot of background on them though and it was near universally positive across many different sites, more so in fact that the vast majority of mainstream outlets so I went for it. I certainly wouldn't push it though as for example you never know if Canon's policy might change.

Buying from a UK retailer selling genuine UK stock does ensure that the product will have its warranty covered by Canon UK. L lenses carry a worldwide warranty, so that should mean a lens sourced from any country should still be covered in the UK. I'm not sure how or if a shop doing the import to circumvent Canon's pricing policy differs from you buying it yourself when you're travelling.

Having said that, you're not 100% safe anywhere - I've ordered gear from CameraBox (www.camerabox.co.uk), Jacobs (www.jacobs-photo.co.uk) and Jessops (www.jessops.com). Luckily I wasn't waiting for anything to be delivered when each of those stores went bankrupt, but there is the possibility that any retailer could go under at any time.

 

[JPlendPhoto]

Fragilesi, but I am still tempted, as you say, they get positive reviews. If there is a problem with it on arrival then I can get them to replace it for me, right?

Rs, Where did you read that all L lenses carry a worldwide warranty?
If I was to buy, for example, the Canon 24-70mm L f/2.8 from a UK retailer selling genuine UK stock, am I right in saying the warrantywith Canon is only a year? So after that year if anything goes wrong I’ll have to sort out getting it fixed by someone other than Canon or I will have to pay Canon to fix it?

 

[rs]

Rs, Where did you read that all L lenses carry a worldwide warranty?

I can't seem to find anything about the international warranty on L lenses, although I have found a few threads on it having ended in Australia, and presumably worldwide. Here's an example:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=942086

If I was to buy, for example, the Canon 24-70mm L f/2.8 from a UK retailer selling genuine UK stock, am I right in saying the warrantywith Canon is only a year? So after that year if anything goes wrong I’ll have to sort out getting it fixed by someone other than Canon or I will have to pay Canon to fix it?

Yes, just a one year warranty. After that, its entirely up to you what you do with a faulty product, although if its a lens of reasonable value such as a 24-70 II, I'd be tempted to give Canon a go first.

Based on that change of L series warranty, I'd be more tempted to stick with genuine UK stock.

It sounds like you didn't make it over to SWPP. If you're anywhere near Solihull, there's The Photography Show on at the start of March at the NEC - it looks like it will take over where Focus On Imaging left off, and there will no doubt be similar offers to what was available from SWPP. Again, tickets are free for pro photographers if you apply in advance.

 

[JPlendPhoto]

Rs, Where did you read that all L lenses carry a worldwide warranty?

I can't seem to find anything about the international warranty on L lenses, although I have found a few threads on it having ended in Australia, and presumably worldwide. Here's an example:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=942086

If I was to buy, for example, the Canon 24-70mm L f/2.8 from a UK retailer selling genuine UK stock, am I right in saying the warrantywith Canon is only a year? So after that year if anything goes wrong I’ll have to sort out getting it fixed by someone other than Canon or I will have to pay Canon to fix it?

Yes, just a one year warranty. After that, its entirely up to you what you do with a faulty product, although if its a lens of reasonable value such as a 24-70 II, I'd be tempted to give Canon a go first.

Based on that change of L series warranty, I'd be more tempted to stick with genuine UK stock.

It sounds like you didn't make it over to SWPP. If you're anywhere near Solihull, there's The Photography Show on at the start of March at the NEC - it looks like it will take over where Focus On Imaging left off, and there will no doubt be similar offers to what was available from SWPP. Again, tickets are free for pro photographers if you apply in advance.

As long as nothing goes wrong in the first year, when buying from sites like Hdew Cameras, then you have got a good deal, saving hundreds of pounds, basically it seems we are paying a lot of money for just a UK warranty.

I have been looking at The Photography Show, looks good, but not sure if I can get there this year.

 

[CarlTN]

I don’t want another f/4 lens; I want something faster like an f/2.8 or f/2. Yes I shoot some weddings and the last one I shot I used both my Canon 17-40mm f/4 and my Canon 70-200mm f/4, both good lenses but both are f/4 also the 17-40 is a wide angle lens.

If I had the money I would love to buy the Canon 24-70 f/2.8 II lens, but I also noticed in a previous topic someone mentioned the Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 and from my research yes overall the Canon is a better, only just, than the Tamron, but not £1000 better! I am very impressed with what I am reading about Tamron. In terms of quality and performance I am reading that the Tamron fits in between the Canon 24-70 MK1 and the 24-70 MK2.

So I think you get the idea I would like a general purpose lens which is good in low light, f/2.8 is not bad, and one which is more suited to weddings than my 17-40mm. I have read a lot of reviews comparing the Tamron 24-70 to Canon’s and as I have said, the Canon is better than the Tamron but only just and I am very close to buying the Tamron. My dilemma is I love the look of the Canon 135mm f/2, the price is not that much different to the Tamron 24-70. So both are very good lenses but I am not sure which one is best for me right now. I am leaning towards a 24-70mm as it would sit in nicely between my 17-40 and my 70-200, also the fact it is more versatile than the 135mm.

I would appreciate your views on this, thanks!

I have to agree with others who suggest the 24-70. I am not a wedding photographer. However in the summer I shot some candids at a cousin's wedding with my 135 f/2 and my 6D. The lack of the ability to zoom, is going to matter a lot much of the time, it did for me. The 135's ability to throw a beautiful bokeh in foreground and background, are great...but only if you are in total control of framing. Its ability to shoot without flash, was the main reason I chose to bring it. Because I wasn't going to be using a flash, and the lighting was very, very dim. I even had to set the temperature at around 2600 K.

However, since you are a wedding pro, and you have more than one camera body in use anyway (and hopefully more than one photographer), it might work out ok for you. It's hard to say. In posed and controlled situations, the 135 really has no equal.

 

[GMCPhotographics]

Oh boy...another thread about a pair of random and mismatched lenses to choose between.

Ok...here's the general rule of thumb here:

1) You list them both because you want them both but can only afford one.
2) Choosing a lens based on forum popularity will only descend into inane specification comparisons, which compare features and functions which will never effect your photography but feel very important at the time of purchase
3) Look for versatility at first and add specialty when you can afford it.
4) Don't feed the trolls
5) Don't feed the fan boys
6) Don't provoke the Nikon spies
7) Remember that photography isn't a learning exercise, it's about taking photos...so many people keep buying lenses to learn and get board of a lens once they have tried it 4-5 times.
8) 99.9% of modern camera will out perform 99.9% of their users....bare that in mind when looking at lens test web sites with lots of sharpness charts
9) go with your gut feeling with kit...but beware of marketing spin at all times.

 

[J.R.]

3) Look for versatility at first and add specialty when you can afford it.

THAT, is some of the most sensible piece of advice ... +1

 

[mrsfotografie]

...so many people keep buying lenses to learn and get board of a lens once they have tried it 4-5 times.

I must admit I've done this :-[ , but mostly with old/cheap lenses that I thought were interesting to use

Now I know the value of quality glass, I'm investing in that. Still it's interesting to have a range of stuff to choose from because it can boost creativity and forces one to think about what type of lens is needed for the job. Selecting my kit before going out on a shoot helps me 'focus'. I limit myself to what I can take in my Lowepro Mini Trekker AW.

 

[Rienzphotoz]

If I was in your shoes (i.e. not making a lot of money, from wedding photography as you say), I'd get the Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 VC ... it is not as sharp as the Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8 L II, but definitely better than the Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8 L (version 1).
I had the version 2 but was stolen, and I could not afford to buy another one, so I bought the Tamron 24-70 VC. Here are some Pros and Cons I think work in favor or against the Tamron

PROS:
1. Around $1000 less then the Canon version (II) at 90% of its IQ and definitely better than Canon's version 1
2. VC (Image Stabilization) ... very useful when you want to photograph rings, shoes, cakes etc in low light
3. More versatile than the EF 135 f/2 L

CONS:
1. Some copies of the 24-70 VC (including mine) drain the camera battery when the IS is turned on (even when the camera is turned off) ... but mine was one of the earliest copies ... I am told that the newer ones do not have this problem ... also Tamron does fix it for free if your copy exhibits this problem.
2. It is heavier than any of your current lenses (if that is an issue for you)
3. It takes 82mm filters & good quality filters cost around $100 (but Canon version also shares the same filter size)

My take on buying lenses is: if you need a particular focal length but you cannot afford the highest quality lens, buy what you can now and sell it when you do have money to get the expensive one and consider the interim as rental for the lens bought ... the demand for used f/2.8 zoom lenses is relatively high (regardless of brand) ... I sold over 2 dozen lenses in the past 5 years ... that because I have severe G.A.S ;D

 

[JPlendPhoto]

Thank you all again for your comments

GMCPhotographics and Rienzphotoz, because of your comments I am still strongly considering the Tamron 24-70. So thank you!

 

[Rienzphotoz]

Thank you all again for your comments

GMCPhotographics and Rienzphotoz, because of your comments I am still strongly considering the Tamron 24-70. So thank you!

You are welcome ... I suggest, you check out this review by Dustin Abbot (one of the CR members)
http://dustinabbott.net/2012/11/tamron-sp-24-70mm-f2-8-di-vc-usd-review/

You may also want to check this thread started by Dustin
http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=11251.0

All the best for your decision and shopping.

 

[JPlendPhoto]

Thank you all again for your comments

GMCPhotographics and Rienzphotoz, because of your comments I am still strongly considering the Tamron 24-70. So thank you!

You are welcome ... I suggest, you check out this review by Dustin Abbot (one of the CR members)
http://dustinabbott.net/2012/11/tamron-sp-24-70mm-f2-8-di-vc-usd-review/

You may also want to check this thread started by Dustin
http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=11251.0

All the best for your decision and shopping.

I will have a read of them again later, thanks, I read them a while ago.
From many reviews I have read, they say positive things about the Tamron, generally, but Dustin Abbot is one who has high praise for this lens. I would be interested to know if he still likes using it or if he regrets not getting the Canon 24-70mm.

 

[GMCPhotographics]

Thank you all again for your comments

GMCPhotographics and Rienzphotoz, because of your comments I am still strongly considering the Tamron 24-70. So thank you!

Hey, your welcome and show me your photos when your done!

 

[Rienzphotoz]

Thank you all again for your comments

GMCPhotographics and Rienzphotoz, because of your comments I am still strongly considering the Tamron 24-70. So thank you!

You are welcome ... I suggest, you check out this review by Dustin Abbot (one of the CR members)
http://dustinabbott.net/2012/11/tamron-sp-24-70mm-f2-8-di-vc-usd-review/

You may also want to check this thread started by Dustin
http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=11251.0

All the best for your decision and shopping.

I will have a read of them again later, thanks, I read them a while ago.
From many reviews I have read, they say positive things about the Tamron, generally, but Dustin Abbot is one who has high praise for this lens. I would be interested to know if he still likes using it or if he regrets not getting the Canon 24-70mm.

About 5 days ago on his Tamron 150-600 VC review thread, this is what Dustin said:
"My Tamron 24-70 VC has been my most used lens over the past year and I have taken it into multiple countries and all kinds of different environments without a moment's hesitation from it. I'm feeling pretty good about that!"
Send him a PM, I'm sure he'd be happy to help ... he is a very helpful chap.

 

[CarlTN]

If I was in your shoes (i.e. not making a lot of money, from wedding photography as you say), I'd get the Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 VC ... it is not as sharp as the Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8 L II, but definitely better than the Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8 L (version 1).
I had the version 2 but was stolen, and I could not afford to buy another one, so I bought the Tamron 24-70 VC. Here are some Pros and Cons I think work in favor or against the Tamron

PROS:
1. Around $1000 less then the Canon version (II) at 90% of its IQ and definitely better than Canon's version 1
2. VC (Image Stabilization) ... very useful when you want to photograph rings, shoes, cakes etc in low light
3. More versatile than the EF 135 f/2 L

CONS:
1. Some copies of the 24-70 VC (including mine) drain the camera battery when the IS is turned on (even when the camera is turned off) ... but mine was one of the earliest copies ... I am told that the newer ones do not have this problem ... also Tamron does fix it for free if your copy exhibits this problem.
2. It is heavier than any of your current lenses (if that is an issue for you)
3. It takes 82mm filters & good quality filters cost around $100 (but Canon version also shares the same filter size)

My take on buying lenses is: if you need a particular focal length but you cannot afford the highest quality lens, buy what you can now and sell it when you do have money to get the expensive one and consider the interim as rental for the lens bought ... the demand for used f/2.8 zoom lenses is relatively high (regardless of brand) ... I sold over 2 dozen lenses in the past 5 years ... that because I have severe G.A.S ;D

+1 great advice!

 

[CarlTN]

Get the tamron. I did try the Canon mk.2 version and it's stupendously sharp, but not a 1000$ more sharp. You could almost buy the tammy and the 135L for the price. I don't won't buy the Canon 24-70 until it has IS and even then, the tamron does such a good job.

What is far more important than either of those two is speedlites. There are times where you need to make your light.

+1

 

[JPlendPhoto]

I am now considering when do I get the Tamron, I have the money for it now, and I definitely want it for when I go on holiday to Italy in May, then there is a wedding I am shooting a few months later. In the UK the cheapest I see it at is around £800, should I wait and see if the price drops in the next few months?

 

[Hannes]

I am now considering when do I get the Tamron, I have the money for it now, and I definitely want it for when I go on holiday to Italy in May, then there is a wedding I am shooting a few months later. In the UK the cheapest I see it at is around £800, should I wait and see if the price drops in the next few months?

if you are happy with refurbished wex quite often have them and they go for a bit over £600