lens/gear advice

[draco]

Hi all. I will be going for a holiday soon and need some advice on lens to take. At the moment I have:


- Tamron 17mm-50mm F2.8
- Canon 70mm-200mm F4L
- Sigma 30mm F1.4 (1 day old :D)

All will be mounted on an old 40D :( and I also got a 430EX

I will be going to a beach wedding with the reception likely to be there also and will be at night. I specifically bought the 30mm for this (was thinking of the 50mm f1.4 but find it too long on the 40D). Was thinking the 30mm with the 430EX should be good enough.

I usually use the 17-50mm as my walk around lens and the 70mm-200mm for long shots.

Now, I am seriously thinking of buying the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 (V1) for:
- as my wide angle lens
- for shots of buildings
- perfect for the beach (??)

What do you guys think? Should I buy it or would my current lenses do? Given my limited budget, the cost of this lens would be taken from my holiday budget. :( Thanks.

[ameerat42]

Well!!! So where are you going? I mean just are you having to take all your gear on board a plane?
If so, take as little as you will need. (That means if you need all of it then take all of it.)

Though I have the 30/1.4, I would consider not taking it since its FOV is covered by the 17-50. Its maximum aperture is only 2 stops away anyway.
I would probably not take the 50/1.4 for the same reason as above.

What else are you taking pictures of? You hinted buildings. For them, as wide as you can, esp. if taking interiors. That Tokina sounds good.

On the other hand, if you need absolutely fast lenses - with limited FOV(s) take the two f/1.4 lenses.

And lastly, in all my wanderings, I have found that taking long shots is a long shot (emphasis: for me), and I have happily mostly used wides.
Am.

[draco]

took the plunge and bought the tokina 11-16mm.. hopefully i learn to properly use it before i go...

[ameerat42]

I suspect that it will suit you well, Draco.
Am.