Which lens to use?

[Benosaurous]

Hey, you were from St Andrew's? Just checked your blog..

If money is not an issue and you don't have a telephoto zoom, get a 70-200 2.8L IS.

Between the 85 1.8 and 1.2, I'd pick the 1.8 in a heartbeat because I can't bear to spend 2.8k+ more on a prime and get 1 stop difference. Im not a professional. You might be different though =)

i definitely agree with headshotz. 70-200 2.8L is my dream lens ahaa(although it is one of the heaviest brick for that focal length). and yea if u are not a professional (quality means money making) and seriously want the 85mm, get the 1.8 it is enough.

 

[ferrai]

For me, i was in a similar situation and i got a 50 1.4... never regretted it.. this lens is on my cam like... 90% of the time.. at least until i get my zeiss 35 2.4 jena flektogon

 

[maswu]

Hey, you were from St Andrew's? Just checked your blog..

yea i'm from St andrew's =) are yu too?

hmm...well actually i does makes sense not to get the 85mm cuz of my 1.6x crop..so i guess 50mm f1.4 shud be the one...but i dun really need a 70-200mm cuz i have my 70-300mm usm...

 

[Headshotzx]

yea i'm from St andrew's =) are yu too?

hmm...well actually i does makes sense not to get the 85mm cuz of my 1.6x crop..so i guess 50mm f1.4 shud be the one...but i dun really need a 70-200mm cuz i have my 70-300mm usm...

Yes I am. SASS 4SB'08.

Yes it definitely does make sense to get 85mm f/1.8 to me. 135mm 35mm-equiv is a great focal length to me. Maybe you can post your gear lineup here, so we can comment?

I personally am aiming for a 70-200 2.8IS + 30 1.4 + 85 1.8 + 135 2 BBB list within 2 years, but I probably am dreaming yeah.

 

[maswu]

well what i am having now is...40d, 18-55mm f4.5-5.6 IS, 28-105mm f3.5-5.6II usm and 75-300mm f/4-5.6III USM and a 430EX =)
rite now after reading what all of yu have said...im tinking of getting: 50mm f/1.4 USM and 135mm f/2L USM =)

Yes I am. SASS 4SB'08...

i was frm 4S2..graduated in 2005 =)

 

[Headshotzx]

well what i am having now is...40d, 18-55mm f4.5-5.6 IS, 28-105mm f3.5-5.6II usm and 75-300mm f/4-5.6III USM and a 430EX =)
rite now after reading what all of yu have said...im tinking of getting: 50mm f/1.4 USM and 135mm f/2L USM =)


i was frm 4S2..graduated in 2005 =)

Well, it's all up to you, but I'd actually divide those focal lengths by 1.6 to get a Sigma 30mm 1.4 and Canon 85 1.8, but that's just me =)

Ultimately, a lineup of 30,50,85,135 and 200 will definitely be the most awesome of all.

 

[MarkTan89]

For portraits and sceneries, best get something with a constant f/2.8 aperture or long zoom range. Reason being:
1) f/2.8 gives you that nice blurred background you see in portraits or similarly you can zoom the lens all the way to its furthest
2) you can stop up to say f/8 or 9 for landscape
3) it'll also enable you to take photos at night without a tripod for shorter exposures

A zoom lens with a constant f/2.8 aperture always comes in helpful though not for the finances.

I'd recommend the EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM.

 

[maswu]

thanx marktan =) but its really way out of my budget...

 

[MarkTan89]

thanx marktan =) but its really way out of my budget...

You could consider the Tamron 17-50/2.8 too.

 

[megaweb]

well what i am having now is...40d, 18-55mm f4.5-5.6 IS, 28-105mm f3.5-5.6II usm and 75-300mm f/4-5.6III USM and a 430EX =)
rite now after reading what all of yu have said...im tinking of getting: 50mm f/1.4 USM and 135mm f/2L USM =)


i was frm 4S2..graduated in 2005 =)

how abt a zoom lens like 17-40L and a portrait lens like 50mm f1.8, f1.4 or 85mm f1.8 ...

 

[doubleace]

I would say that for taking landscape.. sharpness is not the main purpose if you really want sharpness for your picture then prime will be better. Actually i believe that for low lighting or portrait shot f2 & below is a better choice compare to f2.8.

 

[maswu]

how abt a zoom lens like 17-40L and a portrait lens like 50mm f1.8, f1.4 or 85mm f1.8 ...

i really dun tink 17-40L is what i need now cuz i do have a 18-55mm IS and they say the sharpness of 17-40L is not as sharp as compared to the 18-55IS but im considering to get the 50mm f1.4 =) thanx for ur advice guys =) btw does any of you guys own the 135mm with soft focus? how is it? im tinking of getting that instead of the 135mmL ...

 

[CanonS3IS]

135mm?? I think 135mm on a 1.6 crop camera is like an overkill unless you like to shoot concerts events and etc.

On the other hand, if you are intending family portraits, indoor and low light shoots, i suggest Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX. Used it and loved it! Suitable for situations when u are indoors or even when u are out with your friends in restaurants where you do not need a zoom. Furthurmore, the F1.4 help in low light conditions and when used properly will give u dreamy bokeh..... as the price is slightly higher than the Canon 50mm 1.4, its a good lens worth considering.

Cons:
1) Fixed focal length as it is a prime
2) the control of Dof quite difficult and might turn some shots oof....

 

[maswu]

hmmm...icic...den 85mm would be best?haha so confused now...im confirm getting the 50mm f1.4 so now im debating between 35mm and 85mm =)

 

[mismis]

For your landscape needs, the 17-40mm isnt all the wide. You should be looking in the direction of UWA designed for cropped bodies.
Canon 10-22
Tokina 11-16
Tokina 12-24
Sigma 10-20
Sigma 12-24

For portraits, I really like the 50mm on a crop body. The 50mm f1.4 is a good choice, but I find it slightly too long for everyday use. The sigma 30mm f1.4 is a great portrait lens and doubles as a good focal length for walkaround(~50mm on crop). What kind of portraiture are you looking to get into? candids of your friends? Will you be shooting events?

The 85mm,135mm lenses are both superb lenses- if you have the space.

 

[maswu]

yea as i've mention, i want to take probably about full to half body portraiture, more to like modelling kind of shoots...events and weddings...and street candids =) and also some landscape...

 

[megaweb]

i really dun tink 17-40L is what i need now cuz i do have a 18-55mm IS and they say the sharpness of 17-40L is not as sharp as compared to the 18-55IS but im considering to get the 50mm f1.4 =) thanx for ur advice guys =) btw does any of you guys own the 135mm with soft focus? how is it? im tinking of getting that instead of the 135mmL ...

the sharpness of 17-40L is not as sharp as compared to the 18-55IS :dunno:

 

[maswu]

the sharpness of 17-40L is not as sharp as compared to the 18-55IS

i duno man...thats wat one of them said as quoted below...:dunno:

if it is sharpness you want, then the 18-55 is already quite good. The 17-40 will be nicer to handle, more well built, have better contrast and colours, but don't expect it to be much sharper than the 18-55.