Recommend some lenses for 5D Classic?

7rvar wrote:

Andy01 wrote:

Perhaps you could be a little more specific about what you mean regarding budget. A EF 16-35L f2.8 doesn't strike me as being a "budget" lens. Most of the lenses you mention are L series (and f2.8 at that), which are generally not the immediate go-to for budget lenses.

You could also perhaps provide some detail about what the use case is - might provide more insight into focal lengths and lens speeds.

17-35 or 16-35 v1 and 70-200 v1 will be my target. I'm comfortable to spend a little on a 70-200 as I'm interested in adapting it onto other cameras.

OK - the 70-200 mark 1 will work nicely on the 5D classic - it is not as sharp as the mark 2 at f/2.8 but fine at 13MP full frame,

The 17-35, 16-35 mark 1 etc will have notably soft corners.  The 17-40 is probably a better option used - if you stop down to at least f/9.

Do you need vaguely sharp out of frame areas at f/2.8 at wide angle?

The best option would be a 2nd hand 16-35 f/4 IS - that's sharp wide open across the frame.

Otherwise not interested in spending more than $300-500USD each used for a wide and standard zoom. I'm not sure if there are good 3rd party options in that price range. I don't really want to go f/4 on the wide zoom because I'm interested to see if I can replace a 35mm prime with the wide zoom and I know at f/4 I won't be satisfied in that regard.

Are any of the old Tamron/Sigma alternatives to Canon 24-70 f/2.8 & 24-105 f/4 decent?

If you can buy with a good return policy, the tamron 24-70 VC could be good - but reports and reviews vary - sharpness and AF.

I know there is also Canon 28-70 f/2.8 but it seems a little pricey given the age. I'm open to variable aperture on a standard zoom but there are so many, 24-85, 28-135, etc. I don't know what is good or not.

24-85 is old and not very good at the long end.   Good in its time on film when not enlarging too much.