I have fallen into a project and think my equipment will not be adequate. I currently have a Canon 20D with kit lens and a table top tripod - that is it. I've been asked to photgraph a portfolio for a caterer which will require close up shots of food with low light and also shots of the food being consumed at parties (also low light).

I realize I will need a better lens but am utterly confused as to what to get. I've been thinking about the Tamron (I'm on a budget) 28-75mm f/2.8. Would this be a good choice for what I've mentioned above?

I'd like to avoid flash as much as possible but realize I probably need something other than what comes on the camera. Any thoughts? I can cart around some lighting equipment but won't have an assistant so this will need to be minimal. And won't be able to set any lights up at the actual events, just during prep work.

I've been out of the photographic world for quite some time and just recently re entered with the DSLR so consider myself very green.

Thanks for any input.

A friend has that Tamron lens and is really happy with it. But, it's probably only a stop or so faster than what you've got so it's not going to be magic. A lot of food photography I see has really short depth of field that you get from wide apertures, but a 50 f1.4 or 50 f1.8 might be a better choice to get that (that'll be a few stops faster than what you have, and very sharp).

Lighting can get really tough. Is it possible to maybe set up the food you're photographing in window light, then use pieces of white mat board and/or mirrors for reflectors? You'll see what you're getting that way and it won't take much equipment (or expense). A good tripod is really important too - something sturdy that gives you some height. A Bogen 3021 with 3025 head isn't the quickest to work with but very sturdy and a good deal for the money.

I'd try to do as little as possible in low light because it's tricky to photograph in. Color accuracy and noise can be big problems, as well as shallow depth of field from shooting wide open. Because of the shallow DOF, focusing accuracy is crucial and low light makes this tougher than normal. That fast 50mm lens will come in handy here, too.