17-55mm f2,8 IS + 50mm f1,4 redundant for product photos?

I'm about to buy a 400D or a 30D for the place where I work. I will also buy a

17-55mm f2,8 IS lens and maybe a 50mm f1,4. The 50mm f1,4 should be used for

product photos. But is the 50mm necessary, or will the 17-55mm be sufficient?

I think the 50mm is not really neccessary, But I also think you'll need a good tripod and a remote shutter release to do product shots.

...not to mention a good lighting setup. If there is a case for an additional lens, depending on the nature of the products, then either the 45mm or 90mm TS-E lens is worth thinking about. The ability to tilt the plane of sharp focus and to correct perspective through the use of shift will give results that are far better than anything you can achieve without those features. If you do consider a TS-E lens, then you may want to avoid the 400D (and perhaps even the 30D) because of there can be interference between the lens and the popup flash when using tilt/shift, and you want good access to the adjustment knobs.

Depending on the "products" you'll be photographing the extra aperture of the 50mm f/1.4 will blur the background better. I'd try the 17-55 and see if you think you need the other first however.<P>

Definitely go for the stable tripod and remote release and/or tether the camera to a computer. Also invest some money in lighting!

<<If you do consider a TS-E lens, then you may want to avoid the 400D (and perhaps even the 30D) because of there can be interference between the lens and the popup flash when using tilt/shift, and you want good access to the adjustment knobs.>>

 

Mark - are you meaning there might be interference between adjustment knobs and pop-up flash when the flash is not being used, or just when it is being used?

 

Thanks

With the 400D, there is only a small gap to the protruding base of the popup (which doesn't move), and also the hand grip may restrict some movements and knob access. The 30D is a little more accommodating, but the best thing to to is actually to try lens and body together, and set full tilt and shift movement.

I would not buy the 50/1.4 for that purpose. I'd use the 17-55 and if MFD is not short enough, add extension tubes.

 

Happy shooting,

Yakim.

Very redundant. The aperture doesn't help for product photography; you'll be shooting at close distance and stopping down. You'll probably want all the DOF you can get, particularly if you're blowing out the background with some kind of heavy lighting.

 

DI