I need a new lens to replace the kit lens(all around lens)
I have an XTI with the kit 18-55,canon 50 mm 1.8 and a quantaray 70-300

Ive been looking at the sigma 18-50 2.8 and the tamron 17-50 2.8

I take alot of lowlight shots so I really want the 2.8 . Tokina has a 16-50 2.8 but I guess it not available yet, and I cant afford the cannon($1200)

So I guess the question is the sigma or the tamron? or Do you have a recommendation? I like the wide angle of the tamron. Any imput would be helpfull. Im doing a shoot for a friend in a new veterinary and I dont want to walk in there with a kit lens.

Thanks

http://www.tamron.com/lenses/prod/1750_diII_a016.asp<ul><li><a href="http://www.sigma-photo.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3320&amp;navigator=6">http://www.sigma-photo.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3320&amp;navigator=6</a</li></ul>

The kit lens would work fine...you need to dig up a bunch of flashes. I have a link on my laptop at work with some good examples of indoor photography and how the flashes were arranged before and after to get the shot. I'll post it later this afternoon.

who cares what they think or what you use as long as you get the job done and come away with decent results?

you have the 50 f1.8. that'll be perfect for indoor low light conditions. use your feet.

It just seems like a good excuse to buy a good lens.

Yeah if you could post up the link. The reason for the new lens isnt just for the shoot. Its mostly to get a better lens. I take it you dont like either of those lens's?

<ul><li><a href="http://www.sigma-photo.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3315&amp;navigator=6">http://www.sigma-photo.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3315&amp;navigator=6</a</li></ul>

<ul><li><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53533693@N00/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/53533693@N00/</a</li></ul>

<ul><li><a href="http://www.butterflyphoto.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=CAN430EX">http://www.butterflyphoto.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=CAN430EX</a</li></ul>

If you think you're interested in using a master on the camera, and multiple slaves, you'll need something on the camera to trigger the other flashes. Either a wireless trigger, or a 580EX. To generate the quality results you see in that link, you'll need to spend a good bit on lighting equipment.

The 430 is a great first flash...I'd get that, and decide down the road if you really want to dive deep. Then you can ponder a 580 or wireless triggers.

used it a few times on camera and it works well. now i mostly use it off camera in conjunction with a nikon flash and wireless remote/triggers.

Lots to read through and digest there.

Belongs to a friend. I didn't have any issues with it. Haven't used the Sigma or Canon equivalent, but for your budget, it should be fine. You could rent them and do a head-to-head.

Thanks for all the imput. I guess when I feel like spending more money I dont have I'll get the tamron.. Now I have to go practice!

And they seemed to favor the tamron so thats probably what i'll go with. Although they will probably come out with something better by the time im ready to buy again. Thanks.<ul><li><a href="http://www.huntsphotoandvideo.com/">http://www.huntsphotoandvideo.com/</a</li></ul>

I dont know why I didn't buy one earlier?? Thanks for the advice. I took this shot in a very dimly lit room and bounced the flash off the ceiling. It opens up alot more opportunity's.
<img src="http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b111/CoreyandJessie/Leila/leilasmiling.jpg">

heres an example:

Flash
<img src="http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b111/CoreyandJessie/misc/IMG_6683.jpg">
No Flash but its got alot more feeling (tells a better story) she's watching "Clifford"
<img src="http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b111/CoreyandJessie/misc/IMG_6688.jpg">

Just an example, not saying there anywhere near perfect shots(something about soft?).