Opinions on lens selection

Mahin · Jun 1, 2003

Hi all,

I'm trying to choose a set of lenses for my amature use and have come up with the following. I'd appreciate any input you may have on these choices and if you could suggest any alternatives. Funds are an issue, but if its really worth it for serious amature work, I'd wait and save up.

Sigma 15-30mm f3.5-4.5 DG EX £420
Canon 17-40mm f/4L USM £700

already got a Canon 50mm f/1.8 Mk II

Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM £500
Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM £569
Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM £1399

The priority lens right now is the 100mm Macro, but I'd also like to get a wide-angle lens as well.

In the above range, are there any Sigma/Tokina lenses which would outperform or show little degradation in quality over the Canons ?

Many thanks,

Mahin
----------------------------------------------------
http://www.pbase.com/mdesilva
Canon 10D, 50mm 1.8 Mk II
Nikon E5700, SB-50DX
Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0

RobE · Jun 1, 2003

Hard to make recommendations w/o knowing the intended goals...

Mahin said:
Hi all,

I'm trying to choose a set of lenses for my amature use and have
come up with the following. I'd appreciate any input you may have
on these choices and if you could suggest any alternatives. Funds
are an issue, but if its really worth it for serious amature work,
I'd wait and save up.

Sigma 15-30mm f3.5-4.5 DG EX £420
Canon 17-40mm f/4L USM £700

already got a Canon 50mm f/1.8 Mk II

Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM £500
Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM £569
Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM £1399

The priority lens right now is the 100mm Macro, but I'd also like
to get a wide-angle lens as well.

In the above range, are there any Sigma/Tokina lenses which would
outperform or show little degradation in quality over the Canons ?

Many thanks,

Mahin
----------------------------------------------------
http://www.pbase.com/mdesilva
Canon 10D, 50mm 1.8 Mk II
Nikon E5700, SB-50DX
Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0

--
--
'I'm getting better -- really!'

See profile for equipment.

drip · Jun 1, 2003

The 70-200/4L is worth considering.

Sigma 28-70/2.8EX is the only Sigma I have right now and it has only one weakness at wide-open+long end. A low-cost substitute for EF 28-70/2.8L.
Just my $0.02.
--
Brian
San Antonio, TX
Go Spurs Go!!!
D60 owner and love sharp images
http://www.pbase.com/drip

Mahin · Jun 1, 2003

Sorry - it's a bit hard actually, because I'm really getting into it and haven't set any specific targets. I love macro photography and recently started taking potraits. I want to move into landspaces as well.

My galleries in pBase might give you an idea, though please look at the Nikon 5700 gallery for a better idea. The Canon gallery is rather limited because I only got it recently.

http://www.pbase.com/mdesilva/nikon_5700

Thanks for your help.

Mahin
----------------------------------------------------
http://www.pbase.com/mdesilva
Canon 10D, 50mm 1.8 Mk II
Nikon E5700, SB-50DX
Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0

Mahin · Jun 1, 2003

Hi Biran,

I guess the 85mm would be a little redundant. I've heard and seen good things about the 100mm macro, so that's a definite one for me.

I did consider the Sigma 28-70, but with the Canon 17-40 or Sigma 15-30 and my existing 50mm, would I see much use for it ?

Mahin
----------------------------------------------------
http://www.pbase.com/mdesilva
Canon 10D, 50mm 1.8 Mk II
Nikon E5700, SB-50DX
Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0

Petteri Sulonen · Jun 1, 2003

Mahin said:
Hi all,

I'm trying to choose a set of lenses for my amature use and have
come up with the following. I'd appreciate any input you may have
on these choices and if you could suggest any alternatives. Funds
are an issue, but if its really worth it for serious amature work,
I'd wait and save up.

Sigma 15-30mm f3.5-4.5 DG EX £420
Canon 17-40mm f/4L USM £700

already got a Canon 50mm f/1.8 Mk II

Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM £500
Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM £569
Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM £1399

The priority lens right now is the 100mm Macro, but I'd also like
to get a wide-angle lens as well.

In the above range, are there any Sigma/Tokina lenses which would
outperform or show little degradation in quality over the Canons ?

"Little degradation" is relative, of course. Consider the Tokina AT-X Pro 17/3.5 (my full review here [ http://www.seittipaja.fi/data/Pontification/b_Photography/d_Tokina_AT-X_17mm/a_Tokina_AT-X_17_mm.html ]): IMO it's an excellent WA, contrasty and sharp; the only real issue I've had is CA near the edges under some conditions (which appears to be a pretty universal problem for UWA's).

Some budget lenses much better than they have any business being (according to Adam-T) are the Canon 80-200/4.5-5.6 and the Tokina 19-35. They're not L lenses by any stretch of the imagination, but from the samples I've seen they do a remarkable job optically.

Petteri
--
Portfolio: [ http://www.seittipaja.fi/index/ ]
Photo lessons: [ http://www.seittipaja.fi/lessons/ ]

RobE · Jun 1, 2003

I absolutely love my 85 F/1.8, but have since decided to start doing some macro photography and wish I would have gone the 100 macro route FIRST. The 100 is a little long for portraits on a 10D, but I could make it work.

drip said:
The 70-200/4L is worth considering.
Sigma 28-70/2.8EX is the only Sigma I have right now and it has
only one weakness at wide-open+long end. A low-cost substitute for
EF 28-70/2.8L.
Just my $0.02.
--
Brian
San Antonio, TX
Go Spurs Go!!!
D60 owner and love sharp images
http://www.pbase.com/drip

--
--
'I'm getting better -- really!'

See profile for equipment.

Rudy · Jun 1, 2003

Why no 35-350L?? big, expensive, sharp, contrasty and good color, and, only one lens!!
http://www.pbase.com/rudydegeus/

Rudy

billtoo · Jun 1, 2003

I've rented several lenses that I felt I "needed" and in both cases stopped using the rental half way through the weekend. Weekend rentals (3 pm Fri to 10 a.m. Mon are the same as a single day rental in some places - i.e. Sammy's Camera.

Mahin said:
Hi all,

I'm trying to choose a set of lenses for my amature use and have
come up with the following. I'd appreciate any input you may have
on these choices and if you could suggest any alternatives. Funds
are an issue, but if its really worth it for serious amature work,
I'd wait and save up.

Sigma 15-30mm f3.5-4.5 DG EX £420
Canon 17-40mm f/4L USM £700

already got a Canon 50mm f/1.8 Mk II

Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM £500
Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM £569
Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM £1399

The priority lens right now is the 100mm Macro, but I'd also like
to get a wide-angle lens as well.

In the above range, are there any Sigma/Tokina lenses which would
outperform or show little degradation in quality over the Canons ?

Many thanks,

Mahin
----------------------------------------------------
http://www.pbase.com/mdesilva
Canon 10D, 50mm 1.8 Mk II
Nikon E5700, SB-50DX
Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0

--
billtoo
http://www.pbase.com/billtoo

Petteri Sulonen · Jun 1, 2003

Rudy de Geus said:
Why no 35-350L?? big, expensive, sharp, contrasty and good color,
and, only one lens!!
http://www.pbase.com/rudydegeus/

Hm. I have to admit I'm a little bit skeptical about a 10x zoom, even an L one. At the least, it'll be very unwieldy for situational photography (if that's what you want to do). I can't help thinking that a selection of shorter-range lenses would get the job done better and possibly for less money.

Petteri
--
Portfolio: [ http://www.seittipaja.fi/index/ ]
Photo lessons: [ http://www.seittipaja.fi/lessons/ ]

Rudy · Jun 1, 2003

Skeptical about 10x zoom???

I thought so also, that is why i tried all these lenses, but the 10x zoom stayed because it is so conveniant, and has so good quality.

Petteri Sulonen said:
Rudy de Geus said:

Why no 35-350L?? big, expensive, sharp, contrasty and good color,
and, only one lens!!
http://www.pbase.com/rudydegeus/

Click to expand...

Hm. I have to admit I'm a little bit skeptical about a 10x zoom,
even an L one. At the least, it'll be very unwieldy for situational
photography (if that's what you want to do). I can't help thinking
that a selection of shorter-range lenses would get the job done
better and possibly for less money.

Petteri
--
Portfolio: [ http://www.seittipaja.fi/index/ ]
Photo lessons: [ http://www.seittipaja.fi/lessons/ ]

Petteri Sulonen · Jun 1, 2003

Rudy de Geus said:
Skeptical about 10x zoom???
I thought so also, that is why i tried all these lenses, but the
10x zoom stayed because it is so conveniant, and has so good
quality.

What do you photograph, mostly?

Petteri
--
Portfolio: [ http://www.seittipaja.fi/index/ ]
Photo lessons: [ http://www.seittipaja.fi/lessons/ ]

David Martin · Jun 1, 2003

Mahin said:
Hi all,

I'm trying to choose a set of lenses for my amature use and have
come up with the following. I'd appreciate any input you may have
on these choices and if you could suggest any alternatives. Funds
are an issue, but if its really worth it for serious amature work,
I'd wait and save up.

Sigma 15-30mm f3.5-4.5 DG EX £420
Canon 17-40mm f/4L USM £700

already got a Canon 50mm f/1.8 Mk II

Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM £500
Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM £569
Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM £1399

The priority lens right now is the 100mm Macro, but I'd also like
to get a wide-angle lens as well.

In the above range, are there any Sigma/Tokina lenses which would
outperform or show little degradation in quality over the Canons ?

Many thanks,

Mahin
----------------------------------------------------
http://www.pbase.com/mdesilva
Canon 10D, 50mm 1.8 Mk II
Nikon E5700, SB-50DX
Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0

Check out the Sigma 105 macro - not as nice as the Canon 100 to use, but gets the job done at a very good price.
Also check out the Sigma 50-500 - an amazing lens at a good price

You should be aware that a polariser for the Sigma 15-30 costs so muchh that it comes up towards the Canon 17-40 territoty, which has a 77mm thread and so can share polarisers with other L glass.

I managed to get hold of a Canon 28-70 2.8 L secondhand - recommended if you can find one.
For WA if I was buying now I would go along with Adam-T's Tokina 19-35
--
Regards,
DaveMart

Please see profile for equipment

Rudy · Jun 1, 2003

Petteri,

Let's say everything, candids, kids, partys, landscapes and car-racing. Also gonna try the macro out, ofcourse i need some rings then.

I am a big fan of sharp pictures, fast autofocus and good quality.

ok, 24/70 wil give sharper pics; maybe; but i will always be ready for the next shot if i had 24/70 certainly not
I will add some pics in a couple of minutes

Greetings
Rudy

Petteri Sulonen · Jun 1, 2003

Rudy de Geus said:
Petteri,

Let's say everything, candids, kids, partys, landscapes and
car-racing. Also gonna try the macro out, ofcourse i need some
rings then.

Don't you find the over 2 kg of lens and camera a bit unwieldy for the candids, kids, and parties? I've noticed that people get intimidated just by the 10D with a small prime (35/2 or 50/1.4): I can't imagine how they'd react if I pointed a big, white pipe at them.

Rudy said:
I am a big fan of sharp pictures, fast autofocus and good quality.
ok, 24/70 wil give sharper pics; maybe; but i will always be ready
for the next shot if i had 24/70 certainly not
I will add some pics in a couple of minutes

Do you really need all that range in all the situations where you're shooting? For example, I don't know how much use anything above 50 mm or so is at a party... or anything below 200 mm or so at a car race, and I'd definitely imagine you'd want to go wider than 35 for landscapes. Don't you find it a bit dark for parties and indoor candids, too? At 3.5 to 5.6, it won't be much use for available-light shooting, and it's so big I imagine the lens would cast a shadow even with an external flashgun.

Petteri
--
Portfolio: [ http://www.seittipaja.fi/index/ ]
Photo lessons: [ http://www.seittipaja.fi/lessons/ ]

Rudy · Jun 1, 2003

Petteri Sulonen said:
Don't you find the over 2 kg of lens and camera a bit unwieldy for
the candids, kids, and parties? I've noticed that people get
intimidated just by the 10D with a small prime (35/2 or 50/1.4): I
can't imagine how they'd react if I pointed a big, white pipe at
them.

Yes, 2kg is a lot, but i get used to it, it gives me the chance to snap shots without being seen. especialy nice with kids. Before i owned this lens my 1.4 extender and 70-200 dit the job. But with a lot of hasle.

Petteri Sulonen said:
Do you really need all that range in all the situations where
you're shooting? For example, I don't know how much use anything
above 50 mm or so is at a party... or anything below 200 mm or so
at a car race, and I'd definitely imagine you'd want to go wider
than 35 for landscapes. Don't you find it a bit dark for parties
and indoor candids, too? At 3.5 to 5.6, it won't be much use for
available-light shooting, and it's so big I imagine the lens would
cast a shadow even with an external flashgun.

Also a party, really nice to step back in a corner, and take those "by suprise shot" And on track, it is so nice to be able to switch to 35mm to get the all in one shot.

With the 550ex i get no casting , even at relatively short range , with lenshood on. Internal flash is out of the question ofcourse.
Also is 800 and even 1600 helps quite a lot indoors.

Greetings
Rudy

Mahin · Jun 1, 2003

Hi David,

The tokina has made the list, seems like a good lens to go for.

I tried out the sigma and loved the quality of the shots. I was somewhat put off by the non-internal focussing of the lens. I like to do macro shots of flowers quite a bit and I can see that getting in the way. Also too far too long to AF.

On the other hand, if I were to MF more then that problem would go away and for £300 (vs £600) it IS rather tempting !

Thanks for the heads up on the filters, etc for the Sigma 15-30, certainly something to bear in mind.

Mahin
----------------------------------------------------
http://www.pbase.com/mdesilva
Canon 10D, 50mm 1.8 Mk II
Nikon E5700, SB-50DX
Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0

Mahin · Jun 1, 2003

I've briefly looked into it. In the UK rental doesn't seem to be very popular, at least in the sense that it costs quite a bit to rent the equipment. Also, most of them seem to be based in London city, which becomes costly for me to collect and return over a weekend.

Mahin

Mahin · Jun 1, 2003

I'm leaning towards Petteri here, 2kg lens seems a bit too much for my kind of photography.

Kudos to Rudy though, excellent shots in your gallery !

Rudy · Jun 1, 2003

Well, at least i tried ;-) Now i will still be alone with the big pump.
But who cares, the beast gives me wonderfull pictures.
Suc6 with you choice.

Rudy

Ps, my second best combination would be 17-40 4.0L, 24-70 2.8L, and the 70-200 2.8L (or 4.0) L
Also throw in the 1.4 extender to get a litlle more reach.

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