Lens recommendations

<p>Hi Guys,<br>

So I am slowly moving into weddings and have been posting other questions on here recently.<br>

My gear bag consists of:<br>

Canon 7D<br>

Canon Xsi<br>

Canon 18-55mm f3.5-4 IS<br>

Canon 24-105 f4L IS <br>

Canon 50mm f1.4<br>

Canon 55-250mm f3.5-4 IS<br>

Canon 70-200mm F2.8L IS<br>

430 EX</p>

<p>My question is I need something more on wide end, without huge investment, (at this time), I have been researching and reading reviews for several lenses and would like your opinions.</p>

<p>Someone on here recommended the Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 (VC or non)<br>

Also the Canon 18-135mm f3.5-4, a kit lens, but would like personal reviews and opinions on whether worth buying at all.<br>

I really want the Canon 16-35mm 2.8, but need to get a few more wedding under belt to afford.<br>

Any other suggestions? for wide angle zooms, that are great quality, fast would be better, but good glass in lower price range just to get me by.</p>

<p>Thank you</p>

<p>The Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 is generally highly rated. Should be a good choice, but I have heard that some people have gotten a copy with less than accurate focus. I would always opt for the stabilized (VC) version if you buy one; it's worth the extra cost. Canon's 17-55 f/2.8 is always a good choice but is more expensive.</p>

<p>However, 17mm is not all that wide on a 7D, Xsi or any other APS-C camera. It's very wide on a full frame, but just barely qualifies on your cameras. To be a wide zoom you need to look at something that starts around 10mm. For that I would recommend Canon's 10-22, although there are some good third party options as well.</p>

<p>Ditto what Jim wrote.<br>

Also I am unclear: <br>

<em><strong>> do you want MORE on the wide end? </strong></em><br>

<em><strong>> or do you want a REPLACEMENT for the 18 to 55 (i.e. likely as your main working zoom, for Weddings)</strong></em><br>

<em> </em><br>

It seems that you have a lot of duplications of Focal Lengths.<br>

I would caution about spending money on stop gap measures - as you can likely scrape by with the gear you have.<br>

Also I would ask why you want the 16 to 35? - and specifically is it because you want also a 135 format (aka "Full Frame" camera)?<br>

I would NOT add the EF-S 18 - 135 to your lens collection if you wish to use this lens at Weddings - as that is yet duplication in FL and lens speed and really not the most suitable lens for that work anyway.<br>

<br>

WW</p>

I'd sell the 18-55 and get the Canon 10-22. Or look into the Tokina 11-16 f/2.8. Both excellent choices on your

copped bodies.

<p>Consider this review: <a href="../equipment/canon/24-70/">http://www.photo.net/equipment/canon/24-70/</a><br>

Personally, I'd consider this lens as a replacement to these:<br>

Canon 18-55mm f3.5-4 IS<br />Canon 24-105 f4L IS <br />Canon 50mm f1.4<br>

You'd be getting ride of some duplication, have less to carry, be doing less lens changes, and be getting an excellent, versatile lens that will be useful should you up grade to full sensor body someday. The image quality will be superior. </p>

 

<p>I would take a very serious look at the new Sigma 17-50 f2.8 OS HSM.</p>

<p>When tested by dxomark on a 7D it has equal or better resolution wide open than both Canon 17-55 f.8 IS and 16-35 f/2.8 L II. Less vignetting than the 17-55 but not as good as the 16-35. Slightly better than the 16-35 when it comes to CA. It is also the lens that has the least amount of light loss.</p>

<p>As a result of these and other values it's optical performance is rated higher than both the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM and the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM. And it's also better than the old Tamron 17-50 f2.8 non VC (which in turn is considered optically better than the VC). It also shows a significant improvement over the older Sigma 18-50 f2.8 non OS version.</p>

<p>Basically it's the best optical performer of all equivalent zoom lenses at the moment.<br /><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/689620-REG/Sigma_583101_17_50mm_F2_8_EX_DC.html"> Currently $669 at B&H.</a></p>

<p>Regarding your other lenses I would sell anything slower than a constant f/2.8. Possibly keep the 24-105 f/4 IS which some people seem to like for it's range, especially on full frame.</p>

<p>Hi,<br>

I am looking for more wide options for my kit. Starting out, I did primarily equine sport photography, so I concentrated on zoom rather than wide angle. Now, I need one really good wide angle lens, preferably a zoom to cover that end of things. I will look into the Sigma as well as the Canon 10-22.<br>

While I like primes, I'd rather have a couple different fast zooms for different FL, so as not to have so much to carry around and change.<br>

Eventually I will upgrade to full frame, but that'll probably be another year or so, and to the Canon 1D mk IV :)<br>

Thanks for the advice, please keep it coming!<br>

Hannah</p>

<p>William W, I would like to replace to 17-55 for a faster wide zoom. The canon 10-22 isn't super fast, I see that the Tokina mentioned above is a 2.8, but I know nothing of Tokina lens and this one in particular. Is it a great quality lens?</p>

<blockquote>

<p><strong><em>“I would like to replace to 17-55 [18-55?] for a faster wide zoom. The canon 10-22 isn't super fast, I see that the Tokina mentioned above is a 2.8, but I know nothing of Tokina lens and this one in particular. Is it a great quality lens?"</em></strong><br>

<em> </em></p>

</blockquote>

<p>I have not used the Tokina lens.<br>

I am very reserved to ever comment upon something which I have not used.<br>

But if it were me, I want constant maximum aperture zoom lenses - so therefore I would be looking at the Tokina 11-16/2.8 before I considered the Canon 10-22.</p>

 

<blockquote>

<p><strong><em>"I am looking for more wide options for my kit"</em></strong> + <strong><em>"Eventually I will upgrade to full frame, but that'll probably be another year or so"</em></strong></p>

</blockquote>

<p>Thinking laterally:<br>

Have you thought about NOT buying a new lens, but buying second-hand 5D?<br>

The 24 to 105/4L USM when mounted on a 5D will give you the equivalent FoV of a 15mm lens, mounted on your 7D or Xsi.<br>

Also buying a 5D will give you a fast 50mm lens (at the moment your 50m lens is an equivalent 80mm FoV on you APS-C cameras).<br>

A fast 50mm FoV is more useful in tight areas or for large Wedding Parties if the Church rules are “No Flash”</p>

<p>WW</p>

 

<p>Hannah,<br>

If you don't mind sharing your intended budget, that would help as well. I like WW's thinking. A dual format kit can greatly aid the flexibility of a wedding kit.</p>

<p>The Tokina is very highly regarded and would provide you with super wide angle coverage on your APS-C sensor bodies.</p>

<p>I've read good things about Tamron's 17-50 f/2.8. I use the 28-75 f/2.8 on my 5D2 and really like it so far. Canon's 24-70, nice as it is, is also not very wide for APS-C cameras</p>

<p>I'd steer clear of superzooms like the 18-135. I've not heard much about Sigma's new offering (17-50 OS). It sounds interesting. The review also looks good: http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/531-sigma1750f28os?start=2</p>

<p>PS Minor correction: Canon's 1D Mk IV is an APS-H (or 1.3x crop) sensor camera. Only the 1D<strong>s</strong> series and the 5D's are Canon's "full frame" cameras :)</p>

<p>WW,<br>

Do you mean a used 5D or 5DII? Where is best place to buy used, quality gear? I'm a bit skeptical about buying equipment used, but I know that you can find great buys. If you are talking about the 5D, how is it compared to the 5D II? Also what about 1D, 1Ds, of course a much earlier version on the latest?<br>

Mark,<br>

I'd like to say my budget for photography was endless, but for this lens, I'm thinking $500-$600.</p>

<p>I meant a 5D – only because of the Budget you mentioned.<br />Sorry, I have no ideas where you might buy used gear as I live across a very big pond.<br />The 5D is a very good camera for Weddings - in very simple terms, it is about 1 stop ISO poorer than the 5D MkII at ISO 1000 and beyond. It does not make movies. Yes it is becoming an old model. Yes it still takes good pictures.<br />I was suggesting a 5D as a budget conscious stop gap until your funds can buy the 5DMkII (or the much talked about 5DMkIII) and as an alternative to: buying more lenses.<br /><br /><br />You have a collection of lenses which are “messy” in my mind (no offense). <br />Certainly they are “a messy set” if you aim is to buy cameras which will not mount EF-S Lenses. <br />SO - if your aim is move to a 5 Series or 1 Series Camera in the short term, you will, IMO have to begin shedding the EF-S / APS-C only lens, anyway.<br />It just seems more logical to move to a dual format (or totally 135 Format) system sooner, rather than later – even if you dump both of those EF-S lenses now, to assist financing a NEW 5D MkII.<br />I would not buy a second hand 1 Series Camera, if my end aim were to buy a 5DMkII (or MkIII).<br /><br />***<br /><br />The point is - your question is asking for a wide lens and you also state that you want a 16 to 35 eventually.<br />You already have a wide lens - a 24 to 105/4L - it is just that you don't have the camera to put in on to make it "wide".<br />So I am just turning the assumption that a new lens is required, on its head.<br /><br />I see absolutely no merit in even thinking about (EF-S / APS-C only lenses) wide lenses mentioned, if you plan to move to a 5DMkII or get a16 to 35 in the near future - that is just wasting effort and capital ($) on the depreciation of the resale.<br />I think you should plan out (on a blank bit of paper) what the kit is, you want.<br />Then make logical steps of how you move towards shedding the stuff you don't need and prioritizing each purchase on merit and usefulness.</p>

<p>***<br />Looking at what you have in REALLY simple terms - If you get a 5D (Mk??)</p>

<p>Three excellent lenses: 24 - 105; 70 - 200; 50.<br />Plonk the 24 to 105 on a 5D(MkII) and the 70 to 200 on the 7D and the 50 in your pocket.<br />You have equivalent 24mm to 320mm reach all with IS and a fast 50 and fast 80.</p>

<p>That's a pretty powerful Wedding Kit with three lenses and two Cameras, IMO.</p>

<p>Sell the rest - except the XSi - you need another flash</p>

<p>WW</p>

<p>WW,<br>

I like your advice, VERY much! The EF-s lens are ONLY in my kit because they came with my Xsi, You and everyone else, also confirmed my doubt of the 18-135, so that is good!<br>

I will start looking at 5D bodies, and, of course if the funds become available will/would definitely go for the II or III!<br>

Why would you NOT buying a used 1D series?<br>

As for another Flash, Close to the top of my must have purchase list is this kit <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/507139-USA/Canon_580EX_II_Multi_Flash_Kit.html">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/507139-USA/Canon_580EX_II_Multi_Flash_Kit.html</a> so I would have these two, plus my 430 EX II.<br>

On a 5D what is highest usable, good quality ISO?<br>

BTW, are you in Australia? I thought I saw that when looking at your photos.</p>

<p>I fully agree with WW's suggestion: 5D, XSi and the 24-200 range coverage (with fast prime in pocket). That is exactly how I would set it up myself.<br>

 <br>

As for your question about ISO, I have come to discover from my own experiments with ISO settings that the critical component is exposure. You can push your 5D to ISO 3200, as long as you expose "correctly".<br>

 <br>

PS WW is indeed in Oz :)</p>

<p>?</p>

<blockquote>

<p>The EF-s lens are ONLY in my kit because they came with my Xsi</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Yes, I understood that the EF-S lenses are kit lenses. We have two versions of the 18 to 55 the IS and the non-IS version – it is a good lens provided one respects the limits of it. The 55 to 250 IS, is a really nice value for money lens also – If I could not sell those lenses for reasonable money - I would keep them – it depends - you need to think on that.<br>

FYI: We have a go everywhere kit, which my Daughter loves: 400D; 18-55; 55-250 and 35/2.<br>

This kit is pretty handy andht weight and goes in the car just about everywhere.<br>

It is a very nice kit for daylight.<br>

But the kit lens (18 to 55) can be used in low light also: here is the non IS 18 to 55 version (i.e. the crappy one) used inside - and it is quite OK if the limits of the lens are respected:<br>

<a href="../photo/12526152&size=lg">http://www.photo.net/photo/12526152&size=lg</a><br>

So the 18 to 55 (and the 7D) is a good back up if you main lens goes down</p>

 

<blockquote>

<p>Why would you NOT buying a used 1D series?</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Because I am in a business.<br>

The capital outlay is too much and the tools are not required for Portraiture, Events, Weddings and the Sports which I cover – similarly, I don’t OWN a 300/2.8 or a 400/2.8 - I can borrow them or rent them.<br>

It is not good business to have $XX,XXX.00 capital, tied up in non-active non-productive tools.<br>

And there is no point in gloating over toys which are not used to provide income. I have Art and a Cellar for that – both more beautiful than lenses – but I have a couple of favourite lenses – a Rokkor 58/1.2 is one of them and an humble Rokkor 45/2 Pancake is another.</p>

<p> </p>

<blockquote>

<p>On a 5D what is highest usable, good quality ISO?<br /><br /></p>

</blockquote>

<p>I pull ISO3200 with confidence to make 14 x 11 prints:<br>

<a href="../photo/10442931&size=lg">http://www.photo.net/photo/10442931&size=lg</a><br>

<a href="../photo/10442934&size=lg">http://www.photo.net/photo/10442934&size=lg</a><br>

I am at ISO1600 more than often:<br>

<a href="../photo/10738709&size=lg">http://www.photo.net/photo/10738709&size=lg</a><br>

<a href="../photo/9568026&size=lg">http://www.photo.net/photo/9568026&size=lg</a><br>

And if not then usually ISO800:<br>

<a href="../photo/10442919&size=lg">http://www.photo.net/photo/10442919&size=lg</a><br>

<a href="../photo/11961575&size=lg">http://www.photo.net/photo/11961575&size=lg</a><br>

But there is very rarely need to pull ISO3200 at a Wedding if you are using Flash – even if not using Flash – still rare, depends - maybe London, in Winter, is different and also cold.<br>

I went quite mad one night and pulled a shot at what I guess is the equivalent of ISO256,000 - becasue I believe I underexposed at ISO3200 by about three stops - it went OK: <a href="../photo/10442964&size=lg">http://www.photo.net/photo/10442964&size=lg</a></p>

 

<blockquote>

<p>BTW, are you in Australia?</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Yes.</p>

<p>Addendum:<br>

I gave you an example here: <em>"Plonk the 24 to 105 on a 5D(MkII) and the 70 to 200 on the 7D and the 50 in your pocket.</em><br /><em>You have equivalent 24mm to 320mm reach all with IS and a fast 50 and fast 80. </em><em>That's a pretty powerful Wedding Kit with three lenses and two Cameras, IMO."</em>

<p><strong><em> </em></strong><br>

<strong><em>I would NOT want you to just follow that idea blindly. </em></strong>That was just ONE example of to where you could move. My advice is still to sit down with a blank sheet of paper and do as I suggested.

<p>

<p>As another example, what I would do with those three lenses (24-105; 70-200; 50) and a 7D and a 5D - is trade the 24 - 105 for a 16 to 35mkII and IMO that is an even more powerful kit.</p>

<br />

<p>

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<em> </em></p>

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<p>WW</p>

</p>

</p>

<p>Try the Fredmiranda forum. They have a Buy and Sell section. Because the people on the forum are mostly seriously into photography, the risks are somewhat reduced, IMHO. I've had good luck there.</p>

<p>Ideally, you should have the 24-70mm f2.8L. Once you have that, then the 16-35mm f2.8L would come next, and your "Holy Trinity" of lenses will be complete. However, these lenses are very expensive. You could keep your 50mm and your 70-200mm, sell everything else, and use the funds to help. However, I would recommend RENTING the lenses for events until you build up enough clients and money to buy. I have used lensrentals.com and borrowlenses.com. They are excellent excellent excellent at what they do, but if you have access to someone local, then you can probably get a better price.</p>