Budget lens for Full Frame camera

[Dave64]

I have recently started using a Canon 5D Mark ii full frame camera, and am looking for a budget lens to replace the Tamron AF 18-200mm that I used on my crop frame 60D.

I carry my camera with me a lot, and liked the Tamron as it did quite a good job for most circumstances.
I know it was a budget lens but I was quite happy with it until I could afford a better lens.

Can anyone suggest an alternative 'all-in-one' type lens that I can use with my full frame camera.

I will be looking to by a used lens as I don't have a big budget. so it will be a stop gap lens until I can afford to upgrade. 

I do have a Canon EF 28-80mm lens that I am using at present, so I would consider something that would accompany this, but ideally I would like one lens to use whilst wandering around.

Any help would be much appreciated, Dave

[Waddizzle]

How much budget are we talking about?  Your camera deserves a quality zoom like the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM.  You can find this lens as a refurbished model in the $600 USD range.  Avoid auction sites.

I think the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM would be a great lens to have in your bag.  Full frame EF lenses do tend to cost significantly more than EF-S lenses, because of their size.  

I would suggest that you save up for the EF 24-105mm f/4L.  Invest in one really good lens, an L series.  Does not matter which one.

[Dave64]

That would definitely be the kind of lens I would like but is out of my price range at the moment.
My budget for now is around $300

I am considering renting an L-series lens from my local camera store.
If my limited photography skills show a sufficient improvement with it, I will sell the 60D and Tamron Lens to finance buying an L-series.

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question, I appreciate it. Dave

[Waddizzle]

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@Dave64 wrote:

That would definitely be the kind of lens I would like but is out of my price range at the moment.
My budget for now is around $300

I am considering renting an L-series lens from my local camera store.
If my limited photography skills show a sufficient improvement with it, I will sell the 60D and Tamron Lens to finance buying an L-series.

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question, I appreciate it. Dave

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Like I said earlier, a really good lens to buy would be the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM.  Be sure it is the STM version.  You can buy it in the Canon Online Refurbished Store for less than regular list price, and still get a one year warranty.

The wide aperture, f/1.8, will teach you a LOT about photography.

[coachboz68]

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@Dave64 wrote:

Can anyone suggest an alternative 'all-in-one' type lens that I can use with my full frame camera.

I will be looking to by a used lens as I don't have a big budget. so it will be a stop gap lens until I can afford to upgrade. 

I do have a Canon EF 28-80mm lens that I am using at present, so I would consider something that would accompany this, but ideally I would like one lens to use whilst wandering around.

Any help would be much appreciated, Dave

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I went down a similar path as you back when I first started to get more serious, and since then I've recommended people NOT go that same route.  Knowing I what I know now, I would have kept my Rebel longer and invested in good glass first, before moving to the 7D.  But, water under the bridge and I really wanted the 7fps back in the day.  

Just my opinion, but given where you are now, I'd supplement your 28-80 with a good lens rather than further pursuing "cheap" lenses with a good camera body.  The complement I would recommend is a 70-200 f4.0 L.  Probably couldn't get it at $300, but I think with the new models out now, you could get the older models for $450 range.  Just a guess though.  My point is that if I were in your spot, I would take a used L lens in good condition over a new cheaper lens.  

Good luck! 

[ebiggs1]

"My point is that if I were in your spot, I would take a used L lens in good condition over a new cheaper lens."

Absolutely.  There is no good reason the buy another cheap lens.

[vander]

I heard good reviews about Rokinon 35mm f/2.8 FE. it's not that expensive and might the one that you need.

[Waddizzle]

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@vander wrote:

I heard good reviews about Rokinon 35mm f/2.8 FE. it's not that expensive and might the one that you need.

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The Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM is a MUCH better buy for the nearly the same price.  It has a wider aperture, auto focus, and image Stabilization, all of which the Rokinon does not have.

And, the EF 35mm f/2 is a really sharp lens.

[Dave64]

Thanks for the advice everyone,

It was all good, I don't need any more cheap lenses

As a result, I have just purchased a 24-105 F/4 L

It is second-hand , but was bought from a professional photographer, has had little use, and is in great condition.

I paid £310 (UK Sterling) which I think is a fair price.

Unfortunately at work at the moment, but am looking forward to using it at the weekend.

Thanks again

[RobertTheFat]

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@Dave64 wrote:

Thanks for the advice everyone,

It was all good, I don't need any more cheap lenses

As a result, I have just purchased a 24-105 F/4 L

It is second-hand , but was bought from a professional photographer, has had little use, and is in great condition.

I paid £310 (UK Sterling) which I think is a fair price.

Unfortunately at work at the moment, but am looking forward to using it at the weekend.

Thanks again

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 It's a good lens; you'll like it. Even if you add some more specialized lenses later on, the 24-105 can serve indefinitely as a daytime walkaround lens. I still use mine regularly, even though I've since gotten a 24-70 and a 70-200.