buying new lens! Ideas? - DPChallenge Forums

08/22/2008 03:12:39 PM · #1

I just purchased my 40d and im looking for a good lens for a good price..I used to have a sigma 18-200 for nikon and loved it, but i\'m still wondering if i should buy the same one but for canon mount. If not, what lens around the price range of $300-$400 would be a better or good choice?

08/22/2008 03:19:12 PM · #2

Need more information on your personal shooting habits and interests before I can make an educated choice of offerings for you. You say you liked the 18-200mm, but for my money, I'd stay away from super-zooms. Yes, they're nice to have as an all in one, but they always suffer from image quality issues. Even if they've been getting better, I just can never feel good about recommending them. It's really not that hard to carry around two far better mid-zooms and switch out.

So, what do you like to shoot? Where, how often, what's your comfort level for equipment carrying, etc.

08/22/2008 03:43:08 PM · #3

definitly, and i did notice a lack in image qualtiy. But do alot of portraits, whether it be single, or band, stuff like that. For some occasions i have a 50mm 1.8, but looking for something else.what do you think? Here a link to my flickr- flickr.com/joeperriphotography

08/22/2008 03:50:51 PM · #4

Given your flickr portfolio, what I'd recommend to you is a good wide-angle to mid-angle zoom. Something like the Canon 17-40mm f/4 or, if cost is a factor, the Sigma (I think it's a 17-40mm as well), or other lenses of similar zoom capability. You can use that in combination with your 50mm prime.

I'd also recommend getting something with a bit more telephoto, but I don't really know what Canon offers that would be good for the 50 - 150mm range. You can look through the Canon lenses in the Equipment section here and see what there is.

As always, I will also highly recommend the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8, but if you get a more wide angle zoom like the 17-40mm, combined with your 50mm, then the Tammy probably doesn't have enough extra range to make it worth it.

Remember that if cost is a factor, you can usually find a Sigma or Tamron lens in the focal length(s) that are often comparable to the much more expensive Canon counterparts.

hopper

Canon EOS-80D

Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM

08/22/2008 03:51:20 PM · #5

Originally posted by surfographer02:

flickr.com/joeperriphotography

you took all those with a sigma 18-200mm ?!?!?

yup, just go buy another one - seems you're doing just fine

08/22/2008 04:12:29 PM · #6

haha yep all taken with 18-200. But that 17-40 looks pretty nice, i guess saving a little more money for that would be a good choice. Later on though, zoom wise, im thinking about probly getting a prime? Does that sound like a good choice?

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

08/22/2008 04:22:18 PM · #7

Originally posted by surfographer02:

Depends on the prime. For head/shoulder portraits, you might want to look at the 85mm range. (you already have a 50mm). Some people swear by that range.

Jib

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

08/22/2008 04:26:23 PM · #8

70-200 f/4 L might be just right for you...

08/22/2008 04:30:22 PM · #9

wow that 70-200 looks awesome as well! ahhh the choices!

08/22/2008 04:31:58 PM · #10

Originally posted by surfographer02:

wow that 70-200 looks awesome as well! ahhh the choices!

70-200mm would be awfully limiting as your only lens though, so keep that in mind ;)

Message edited by author 2008-08-22 16:32:27.

08/22/2008 04:34:18 PM · #11

oooh yeah totally agree, i was talking about using that for my zoom. Im for surely gunna try and go for that 17-40, but for zoom, im kinda stuck between, eeeh for say 105mm prime, or that 70-200

08/22/2008 04:37:08 PM · #12

Originally posted by surfographer02:

oooh yeah totally agree, i was talking about using that for my zoom. Im for surely gunna try and go for that 17-40, but for zoom, im kinda stuck between, eeeh for say 105mm prime, or that 70-200

Can't beat a 70-200mm, that's for sure. One of the only lenses I don't have that I really, really want is a fast 70-200mm. I'm looking at Sigma's latest offering which is supposed to be released in a Pentax mount this month.

I have an 80-200mm f/4.5, but it's old, fully manual, and stuck at f/4.5! argh. heh.

08/22/2008 04:48:49 PM · #13

sigma doesss have a 70-200 f2.8 that looks awesome, just its a bit pricey. But they also offer a 50-150 f2.8 which looks interesting as well