Canon Fast-focusing lenses

[vasilis1]

While I can do some rather nice pics when given sufficient time to focus and

set all parameters involved, I have trouble shooting fast snapshot during

social events. The reason is that most of my lenses (Canon and Sigma) are quite

slow-focusing and some, strangeley enough, occasionally refuse to even focus at

all, unless I switch to manual, fiddle with the focusing ring and switch back

to AF! So, I decided to get rid of all the slow-focus glass and look for a real

fast lense. Ideally I would like something in the range of 28-135mm/~f3.5 or 4,

preferably with USM motor and "L" designation to make sure it is a quality

piece. Any suggestions based on your experience? My currently favorite body is

EOS 5D. Thanks in advance.

[rainer_t]

-- "I would like something in the range of 28-135mm/~f3.5 or 4, preferably with USM motor and L"

 

EF 24-105/4L USM

[vivek]

Yep EF 24-105 L IS USM it is... good lens btw.

 

-- V

[PuppyDigs]

AF will rip with anything with ring-USM and internal or rear element. Provided, of course, you have enough light and/or contrast for it to snag. The EF 28-135 3.5-5.6 IS USM is, indeed, fast. However the slow aperture is a handicap in low light. In other words, it will rip in decent light but may have trouble in dim light. The ideal combination should be ring-USM, internal or rear element focus and a F2.8 or faster aperture. The nearest Canon zoom to that ideal is the EF 24-70 2.8L USM.

 

If you can live without the F2.8, get the EF 24-105 4L IS USM. Fast AF and tack sharp images. If it's too dim to focus, save up for the EF 35 1.4L USM or EF 50 1.2L USM.

[mars c]

The 24-105L is for sure a fast focusing lens, But I've read so many times from owners of both lens that the EF 24-70 2.8 is even faster on the same lighting condition.

 

IMO , the AF speed of the 24-105 is fast enough that I dont long for a faster one.

[robin_sibson1]

Peter is absolutely right that the combination of ring-USM and internal or rear-element focusing is the way to go for focus speed. Although there are probably small differences betwen the focus drive speed of such lenses, it is scarcely noticeable for lenses in the range up to medium telephoto. What does make a difference is the maximum aperture of the lens, especially in poor lighting. I just waved my 20D around indoors, first with the 24~105 set to 85mm and then with the 85/1.8, moving between reasonable and fairly dim indoor daylight. In dim light the 24~105 would sometimes be a bit hesitant about locking focus, whereas in brighter light it was very fast. The 85/1.8 locked focus instantly every time.

[lester_wareham]

I agree with Robin, if you are working inside prime lenses are they way to go.

[t1deman]

Your camera needs light to focus, it can't focus on something it can't see. Get a lens that has f2.8 or under. Pick up a fast prime like a 50mm. Also look at a flash that has AF assist beams or the ST-E2.

[vasilis1]

Thanks to all for your valuable advise. I think I will opt for 24-105/4LUSM. Sounds like a good bet.