Need Lens HELP!

[xunjas]

I know... painfully now... getting gaffer tape to try to resolve this issue....

Planning on going some Lens Raid.... and this body got to last me for another 1 years at least!!

well, u can keep the body after 1 year. the resale has dropped so much.. as i have just sold it off. =)

 

[unseen]

Not using anything at the moment. Looking at buying cause my friend from HK is coming over so I'm preparing my 'shopping' list.

So far, from the kind suggestions, it looks as if I will be going for the following:

1. Canon 40D
2. Sigma/Canon 100mm f/2.8
3. Canon 50mm f/1.8

Any comments?

I'll take Tokina over the Sigma.
I've a friend who bought both Tokina and Tamron to use/test. She sold off the Tamron after a week coz she too prefer the Tokina over Tamron. Apparently Sigma is not as sharp as Tamron, and personally I found the Tokina to be sharper than the Tamron. Why tokina over Canon? Coz Tokina costs $300+ new in HK IIRC while the canon costs $700+ there.



Personally, I'd advise leave out the canon 50 f1.8. IMHO it's a waste of money. Get yourself a canon 17-55 f2.8 or Sigma 18-50f2.8 (personal fav after 17-55) or Tamron 17-50, and you'll see that they're sharp, good, and alot more versatile than a 50mm. I find them sharper than the 50 f1.8 @ 2.8 too. And the 50f1.8 doesn't really give that pleasing portraits. If you die die want a 50mm, at least go for the 1.4.

For someone who doesn't know what you need to shoot with, it's better to just stick with a zoom till you firm up. Further more, it makes alot more money sense.
Buy a 2.8 zoom, you'll save a few hundred in HK. Buy 50 1.8, you'll save... $20-$50? Imagine if you suddenly realise you need to buy the complementary lens later on...

 

[cameramad]

I'll take Tokina over the Sigma.
I've a friend who bought both Tokina and Tamron to use/test. She sold off the Tamron after a week coz she too prefer the Tokina over Tamron. Apparently Sigma is not as sharp as Tamron, and personally I found the Tokina to be sharper than the Tamron. Why tokina over Canon? Coz Tokina costs $300+ new in HK IIRC while the canon costs $700+ there.



Personally, I'd advise leave out the canon 50 f1.8. IMHO it's a waste of money. Get yourself a canon 17-55 f2.8 or Sigma 18-50f2.8 (personal fav after 17-55) or Tamron 17-50, and you'll see that they're sharp, good, and alot more versatile than a 50mm. I find them sharper than the 50 f1.8 @ 2.8 too. And the 50f1.8 doesn't really give that pleasing portraits. If you die die want a 50mm, at least go for the 1.4.

For someone who doesn't know what you need to shoot with, it's better to just stick with a zoom till you firm up. Further more, it makes alot more money sense.
Buy a 2.8 zoom, you'll save a few hundred in HK. Buy 50 1.8, you'll save... $20-$50? Imagine if you suddenly realise you need to buy the complementary lens later on...

Hey thanks for the heads up. i have just received my camera (40D) and the 17-55 f/2.8 lens... Now, just charging up the battery and I will let her rip next week.... Pity I'm not off tomorrow.....

 

[unseenshadows]

u need XXD series and above SLR, bro.. 400D is a ladies cut camera. difficult to hold for man.

Know this isn't really related to the thread title, but anyway...

I just started on serious DSLR photography April this year and got a 400D (as its an entry-level DSLR and most affordable), its grip is indeed too small for my hand but with a BG-E3 battery grip attached the problem is easily solved. Calling it a ladies cut camera would be quite an exaggeration in my opinion.

 

[Halfmoon]

Know this isn't really related to the thread title, but anyway...

I just started on serious DSLR photography April this year and got a 400D (as its an entry-level DSLR and most affordable), its grip is indeed too small for my hand but with a BG-E3 battery grip attached the problem is easily solved. Calling it a ladies cut camera would be quite an exaggeration in my opinion.

I got the 400D with grip and ended up with aching digits...... Canon should learn from Nikon in ergonomic in camera design..... especially in the lowest budget range...

 

[xunjas]

Know this isn't really related to the thread title, but anyway...

I just started on serious DSLR photography April this year and got a 400D (as its an entry-level DSLR and most affordable), its grip is indeed too small for my hand but with a BG-E3 battery grip attached the problem is easily solved. Calling it a ladies cut camera would be quite an exaggeration in my opinion.

only 3 fingers can hold the grip for me.. i din buy grip as i have intention to upgrade camera when i go overseas for holiday. I bought cam n grip overseas. I did have fun with my 400D. =)

 

[yehosaphat]

Next time try first before buying and quit complaining after you bought it! :bsmilie:

 

[xunjas]

n sell off if item doesn't suit well =D

 

[Halfmoon]

Next time try first before buying and quit complaining after you bought it! :bsmilie:

I never had this issue with the rest of my Canon film body.... At least I will be aware... Thank you.... And I am warning the rest of this issue for your information.

 

[cameramad]

Just got the 100mm f/2.8 USM and its a fantastic lens.... LOVE it.... I also checked the 100mm f/2 out and didn't quite like the feel of it.... I was told that the latter lens was more for portrait shots but I think both will do it quite well...

Lovin' it....

Thanks guys.....

 

[unseenshadows]

Haha. that's your only lens? what other equipment have you got?

 

[xunjas]

Just got the 100mm f/2.8 USM and its a fantastic lens.... LOVE it.... I also checked the 100mm f/2 out and didn't quite like the feel of it.... I was told that the latter lens was more for portrait shots but I think both will do it quite well...

Lovin' it....

Thanks guys.....

you should try out the 85mm f/1.2L or f/1.8.. the bokeh is amazing.. =D

 

[ferrai]

Hey thanks for the heads up. i have just received my camera (40D) and the 17-55 f/2.8 lens... Now, just charging up the battery and I will let her rip next week.... Pity I'm not off tomorrow.....

Haha. that's your only lens? what other equipment have you got?

No its not. he already has the 17-55

 

[unseenshadows]

No its not. he already has the 17-55

ah i see. thanks for the heads up.

 

[cameramad]

Someone in the forum is selling the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens. Quite tempted by it but the price a little high.... it looks like a nice lens though....

I was told by one of the shops that I went to over then weekend that I should at least have four lens(es).... 1xzoom, 1xmacro, 1xwide angle and 1x'standard'.....

Now, this is what I'm reckoning:

Zoom (can be considered standard?) - 17-55mm - check
Macro - 100mm - check
Wide angle - ???
Standard - ???

I also need to get a proper bag ($300), tripod ($500) and flash ($700)....

Damn this is an expensive hobby.....

What do you guys think?

 

[xendus]

Someone in the forum is selling the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens. Quite tempted by it but the price a little high.... it looks like a nice lens though....

I was told by one of the shops that I went to over then weekend that I should at least have four lens(es).... 1xzoom, 1xmacro, 1xwide angle and 1x'standard'.....

Now, this is what I'm reckoning:

Zoom (can be considered standard?) - 17-55mm - check
Macro - 100mm - check
Wide angle - ???
Standard - ???

I also need to get a proper bag ($300), tripod ($500) and flash ($700)....

Damn this is an expensive hobby.....

What do you guys think?

I never listen to sales man. My thinking:

1. Depends on the type of photos you take, if your interest is in macro then you probably want a dedicated purpose macro lens. If not a sharp normal lens might satisfy your once in a while macro needs. If you are into portraits, then you might want a prime that is best suited for portraits such as 85mm.

2. Range - how wide is enough for you and how tele is enough for you. For some 17mm on crop body is wide enough thus there is no need to invest in 10-22. For some, there is never a need for long tele for wild life, sports shots etc.

3. How fast you want your lens: is f/3.5 or f2.8 enough? How about f/4? Do you shot indoors? Do you want to capture action shots? Do you need the IS features which could help you stop down further?

4. How flexible you want it? Are you a zoom only photographer?

I plan to have zooms that covers wide to 200mm tele end, and supplement by fast primes:

Kit Set A:
17-55 - general walk around, travel
70-200 f4 IS
85 1.8 - for portraits
100 macro
24 - for light walk around as and backup

Kit Set B:
10-22
24-105 - general walk around with longer range than 17-55
70-200 f4 IS
85 1.8 - for portraits
100 macro
24 - for light walk around as and backup

Kit Set A is what I currently aim to build as 17mm is wide enough for me now. Kit Set B is when I want wider and longer reach for walk around lens. Actually my ideal kit keep changing from time to time :embrass:

 

[cameramad]

I guess its alright to listen to opinions... The more he tells me about the lens, the more I have to research! Thank you Xendus for the package A and B thing, most useful.... Will look into it... And I also bought this: http://www.hakubaphoto.co.jp/hakuba/product/02accessory/303223.html from a CS forumer. Can't wait to play around with it....

Still got so much to learn about the camera..... Haven't even gotten LiveView to work....

Tonight I guess I will be spending sometime with the camera.

I never listen to sales man. My thinking:

1. Depends on the type of photos you take, if your interest is in macro then you probably want a dedicated purpose macro lens. If not a sharp normal lens might satisfy your once in a while macro needs. If you are into portraits, then you might want a prime that is best suited for portraits such as 85mm.

2. Range - how wide is enough for you and how tele is enough for you. For some 17mm on crop body is wide enough thus there is no need to invest in 10-22. For some, there is never a need for long tele for wild life, sports shots etc.

3. How fast you want your lens: is f/3.5 or f2.8 enough? How about f/4? Do you shot indoors? Do you want to capture action shots? Do you need the IS features which could help you stop down further?

4. How flexible you want it? Are you a zoom only photographer?

I plan to have zooms that covers wide to 200mm tele end, and supplement by fast primes:

Kit Set A:
17-55 - general walk around, travel
70-200 f4 IS
85 1.8 - for portraits
100 macro
24 - for light walk around as and backup

Kit Set B:
10-22
24-105 - general walk around with longer range than 17-55
70-200 f4 IS
85 1.8 - for portraits
100 macro
24 - for light walk around as and backup

Kit Set A is what I currently aim to build as 17mm is wide enough for me now. Kit Set B is when I want wider and longer reach for walk around lens. Actually my ideal kit keep changing from time to time :embrass:

 

[calebk]

Someone in the forum is selling the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens. Quite tempted by it but the price a little high.... it looks like a nice lens though....

I was told by one of the shops that I went to over then weekend that I should at least have four lens(es).... 1xzoom, 1xmacro, 1xwide angle and 1x'standard'.....

Now, this is what I'm reckoning:

Zoom (can be considered standard?) - 17-55mm - check
Macro - 100mm - check
Wide angle - ???
Standard - ???

I also need to get a proper bag ($300), tripod ($500) and flash ($700)....

Damn this is an expensive hobby.....

What do you guys think?

The salesman is using misleading terminology.

Usually people refer to telephoto lenses as 'zoom' lenses, which is incorrect. Any lens that has a variable focal length is a zoom lens.

I think what he meant is a general purpose telephoto, which makes sense.

Most people would have a standard walkabout zoom, a general telephoto zoom, an ultrawide, and a few primes here and there.

However, it's a lot of what you are shooting. Most events photographers don't have lenses longer than 200 or 300mm, and most birding photographers don't' have anything wider than a 70-200, unless they shoot other stuff too.

 

[unseenshadows]

Hmm agreed. If you're starting out best not to get too many lenses. Work with what you have and build your kit from there by taking note of what you're lacking. Play to your needs.

 

[xunjas]

Someone in the forum is selling the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens. Quite tempted by it but the price a little high.... it looks like a nice lens though....

I was told by one of the shops that I went to over then weekend that I should at least have four lens(es).... 1xzoom, 1xmacro, 1xwide angle and 1x'standard'.....

Now, this is what I'm reckoning:

Zoom (can be considered standard?) - 17-55mm - check
Macro - 100mm - check
Wide angle - ???
Standard - ???

I also need to get a proper bag ($300), tripod ($500) and flash ($700)....

Damn this is an expensive hobby.....

What do you guys think?

Salesman want to earn money only...

Buy the lens that you need to shoot the subjects that u like and enjoy shooting.. Work within your budget.. 1 step @ a time..

You can rent lens or go to shop to try out lens.. Sometimes, it is just the urge to try out the lens for fun and experience and satisfy the desire and curiousity of oneself. =)