Best DSLR lens for storm chasing

[Mark Sefried]

I did a search on ST and it has been a while since a thread has been started on what you think the best DSLR lens for chasing is within a reasonable price. Anyone with recommendations? I have a Tamron f2.8 17-50mm lens ($415) and so far the few storm pictures I have taken with it have turned out great! I would have preferred getting a super wide lens, however I also needed a lens to take pictures of my 6 month old.

 

[Jeremy Jones]

IMO, it's all about what sort of photography you're wanting to do while chasing. Since I am geared way more towards the Still photography side of chasing rather than the video portion of it, I much prefer nice Wide structure shots.

You say that you have a Tamron F2.8 17-50, that should be some decent glass, if it's a 2.8. I have never used Tamron, so I can't speak on how I would like it, but I would think that, that would be wide enough to satisfy the kind of photography I am wanting to accomplish. I also have a 6 month old daughter! Who keeps my wife and I VERY busy! So, I also like the wide angle shots with her as well. But, I also have a cheap 55-200 kit lens that I'll put on if I need to zoom out kind of far.

For July 4th weekend I had 3 Pyrotechnics photo shoots I had to photograph. I had to rent a Nikkor 12-24 I forget what aperture is was, But I loved it! I have also rented a Tokina 11-16 F2.8 and loved it as well. But then again...that's me!

 

[Patrick Martin]

The lens will only be as good as your ability/proficiency to achieve proper composition, lighting, and technique. I've gotten great pics from a Canon S3is, the kit 18-55is, a Sigma 10-20, Sigma 17-70, Sigma 30 1.4, and Canon 15-85is. I've also gotten some less than good ones from all of these as well.

Your Tamron will do fine, keep it. It's all about the person behind the camera.

I have a 7 month old. With this in mind, think about a quality fast prime (or 2) before an UWA. Despite what other (non-parents) on this board will say, storms happen all the time, and they are far from the most important thing in life and sinking $'s into glass for chasing before $'s into glass for shooting pics of your child is criminal. Your child is young only once and a fast prime is a must in a parents bag IMO. My Sigma 30 1.4 and Canon 85 1.8 see most of the action with my daughter and I ditched my seldom used Sigma 10-20 & Sigma 17-70 in favor of the Canon 15-85is for a walkaround and have zero regrets.

 

[John Vandehei]

I think the Tamron is a good start for storm chasing (as well as a lot of other photography uses). I love mine and use it for the majority of my photography. My only real complaint is that I find it lacking at times at the wide end. I would suggest using the Tamron and see how it works for you before spending money on a new lens. Depending on how close you get, you may feel the need for a wider lens, or maybe something longer, depending on your style of chasing. Although not directly related to storm chasing, the attached image shows what it can do. It's the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, with a thunderstorm in the background.

 

[Mark Sefried]

I forgot to mention in my original post that besides my f2.8 17-50mm tamron I also have a 18-200mm tamron for a walkaround lens for other stuff besides storm chasing. It's not as sharp as my Tamron f2.8 and there are better options out there, however it gets the job done and is okay for the price at around $230.

 

[Darren Addy]

Keep in mind that your K-x has a 1.5x focal length multiplier. Your 17mm wide end is effectively cropped to the equiv. of a 25mm lens on a fullframe camera. You will probably want wider, one day.

 

[Melanie Kern-Favilla]

IMO, the wider, the better.

That's what she said.

I might have missed what camera you're shooting with. If it's a Canon (crop-sensor), I strongly suggest the Canon 10-22mm. It was my favorite lens when I had my Rebel XTi.