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What lens to purchase (not a comparison)

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Richard Adams

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Have also posted this in the lens talk forum.
I am looking to purchase a general purpose lens (if their is such a
thing :-).

I have a sigma 50-500, a 50mm F1.8 and 18-55 kit lens. Now I am looking to get a lens for everyday use, people shots, indoors, outdoors. Not for specific tasks as if I want to do landscapes I will get a wideangle, I am looking at the 70-200 for telephoto work other than surfing. That will be a while off though as is not a neccesary purchase. So I am leaving it up to your better judgement to help me pick one out if possible. I have links to all the database files for comparisons etc, just want a perspective from you all on what you find to be the best lens that stays on the camera "most of the time". Also like I said I want to be able to do people shots.

My friend has asked me to photograph his girlfriend and would like it to be able to accomplish that (told them they would be better off paying a pro but they can not afford to so I am calling it practice). Sorry to go on, hope you get what I am looking for, wish I could be more specific.
Thanks in advance
Richard Adams
--
Art is in the eye of the beholder
My opinion is one of many, and probably differs greatly from the norm.
 
A general purpose lens or a lens to photograph your friends? You seem to have quite the range covered, 18mm-500mm. Not sure what you are asking.
 
I want to have in my arsenal a wide angle (later), 70-200 (later) 50-500 (have) and one in between. The 50mm was a cheap bonus I use a lot for portraits.
--
Art is in the eye of the beholder
My opinion is one of many, and probably differs greatly from the norm.
 
Looks good but F4 will be limited with low light?
--
Art is in the eye of the beholder
My opinion is one of many, and probably differs greatly from the norm.
 
Hi Richard Adams,
Richard Adams said:
I am looking to purchase a general purpose lens (if their is such a
thing :-).
I have a sigma 50-500, a 50mm F1.8 and 18-55 kit lens. Now I am
looking to get a lens for everyday use, people shots, indoors,
outdoors. Not for specific tasks as if I want to do landscapes I
will get a wideangle, I am looking at the 70-200 for telephoto work
other than surfing. That will be a while off though as is not a
neccesary purchase. So I am leaving it up to your better judgement
to help me pick one out if possible. I have links to all the
database files for comparisons etc, just want a perspective from
you all on what you find to be the best lens that stays on the
camera "most of the time".
Click to expand...
I understand that you are looking for a 'walkaround' 'standard' zoom, with that in mind my suggestions would be:

Canon: 17-40L, 17-85IS, 24-70L, 24-105L IS, 28-105 F3.5-F4.5 USM, 28-135IS.

Sigma: 18-50F2.8, 18-125 or 18-200, 24-70F2.8 APO

Tamron: 17-35, 28-75F2.8

Depending on whether you prefer wide more (something 17/18-...) or something a bit longer more (something ...-105/125/135/200) you should be able to find something to your likings with these?
Richard Adams said:
Also like I said I want to be able to do
people shots.
My friend has asked me to photograph his girlfriend and would like
it to be able to accomplish that (told them they would be better
off paying a pro but they can not afford to so I am calling it
practice). Sorry to go on, hope you get what I am looking for, wish
I could be more specific.
Click to expand...
For this you already have the excellent 50F1.8II, any of the above mentionned 'faster' (max F4) lens could also be used, or have a look at the 85F1.8 (or the 70-200F4L?)

...hope this helps some... my €0.02 worth...

Kindest regards,

Max@Home
--
Max@Home - Castricum - The Netherlands (see profile for equipment)



http://www.pbase.com/max_at_home (mind you, use underscores!)
 
So many options, I am glad I have the lens survey up to quickly discount the worst peforming lenes. I like the look of the 24-70 although I have to admit a hefty pricetag (1900+ NZD) but I would rather spend a few extra bucks for something that I wil not outgrow.
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback.
Richard Adams
--
Art is in the eye of the beholder
My opinion is one of many, and probably differs greatly from the norm.
 
I am really digging on the optics of the 24-70 2.8 L for an everyday lens. Doesn't have the wide zoom range of the 50-500, but I'm sure it has better sharpness. The Bokeh is really nice, and would work well for portraits, and contant 2.8 aperature allows nice low-light options. Oh, and did I say very sharp? It's very sharp. ;-)

--
Targatop

Perception is reality, period.
 
A fairly wide range, L quality, and IS. A bit spendy though.
 
sounded good though
--
Art is in the eye of the beholder
My opinion is one of many, and probably differs greatly from the norm.
 
It's sharp ... a 60 EF-S Macro or 85mm 1.8 are also great portrait lenses

Your rambling post said you wanted an everyday lens, but then you mentioned a specific portrait assignment.
 
Over in the lens forum... if you haven't seen it, it's here

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1029&message=15307864

There's some bickering (LOL) but if you can figure it out I posted the original post and 1 reply each (like a review) of each lens I own, why I like it, why I came to the decision I did, and some examples shots from each lens. Maybe it'll be helpful to you.

Have any questions, feel free to ask :)

Amy
--

Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.



http://www.nyphotos.net ~ http://www.something-fishy.com/photography
 
Yes I do tend to ramble on a tad :-)

I figured I would say it all then, but could have worded a lot better. I am thinking the 24-70, as it has everything I need, close enough for portrits, wide enough for some landscapes (buildings etc), and good also in low light, and for bokeh.I am looking into the 24 - 105 but looks like we have found a winner with the 24-70 as a great all round lens, and should fit nicely into the planned arsenal.
--
Art is in the eye of the beholder
My opinion is one of many, and probably differs greatly from the norm.
 
Thanks Amy.
--
Art is in the eye of the beholder
My opinion is one of many, and probably differs greatly from the norm.
 
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