Lens 'overlap'

KOsey wrote:

Kevin Jorgensen wrote:

Some people will tell you there's a significant difference at the wide end between the 17-40f4L and the 16-35f2.8L II. Don't know I have only the latter but I can tell you there's a big difference between the 16-35 and the Samyang 14f2.8 and again with the Canon 15f2.8 fisheye. I have all 3. The Samyang is an acquired taste being a manual lens but it would be a good starting point to see if you like that end of the focal range. I was going to get rid of the Samyang and took it out on both fullframe and crop to give it one last run. Nope, can't part with it, its a keeper as are the other 2 ultrawides. Definite overlap but they have different characteristics that I enjoy.

http://www.photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/532-samyang14f28eosff

At the other end I have read good things about the 70-300 but for me 300 isn't long enough so I purchased the 100-400 which has taken over from the 70-200f4L IS as my walkaround lens, and even its not long enough some of the time.

I've read reviews and articles that say the 16-35 is a fantastic lens, but it is - unfortunately - out of my price range. I am trying to get the best possible combination of lenses within my budget. Based on the responses I've received here and some googling, I finally understand how the different focal lengths will compare on a FF body vs. my T3i. I'm still leaning towards getting something wide angle, just not sure what!

That said, on the long end I've done some hemming and hawing between the 70-300 and the 100-400. My concern with the 300 is it won't be long enough and my concern with the 400 is it will be too heavy for me . I already have a Sigma 120-400 that I rarely use because it's such a monster and I plan on trading it in toward the upgrades. Even though the Canon 100-400 is 12 oz. lighter, I'm still afraid it will be too heavy at over 3 pounds...but that extra length is very tempting at only a couple hundred $$ more. Decisions, decisions....what to do??

The 24-105 is not negotiable as Adorama has a great deal on that lens bundled with the 6D body. I also have a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM macro lens that I will be keeping as it is my *baby*.

''I've read reviews and articles that say the 16-35 is a fantastic lens, but it is - unfortunately - out of my price range.''

But the Samyang isn't and you may be pleasantly surprised by this lens on both full frame and crop. I think when it comes to zooms buy the very best you can afford. I was going to trade my 8 month old 24-105 in on the 24-70f2.8L II but its too good a lens to give away at current prices, I'll keep both.