tell me what lens(es) to buy!

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Archive 2012 · tell me what lens(es) to buy!

ultimaterowdy
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p.1 #1 · tell me what lens(es) to buy!

OK I'm moving from FF to 1.3x (5D2 to 1D3). I have 24-105, 50 1.8, and 70-200. Finding, not surprisingly, that the 24-105 just isn't cutting it as a "walk around & all purpose" lens... I really like the wide end of that lens on the FF camera. So, I'm on the hunt for a replacement...

I'm looking to spend $750-$1000 on one or two lenses, new or used. I've tended to use a zoom for a walkaround, though I have enjoyed having a 35L plastered to the FF camera for an extended weekend (so the 28mm on a 1.3x camera could work out, or the 24L). For the wide end, 20mm would be OK (ie 26mm equivalent) but my preference is to have a lens that gets me at least as wide as the 24-105 did-- so one of the 17- or 16- zooms.

In the process, I'm interesting it getting something faster than f4, and wider than the nifty fifty, for indoor no-flash family photojournalism-type shots. so I'm looking at 2.8 zooms, or complementing an f/4 zoom with a prime.

here are some options I'm considering, all Canon (I am open to other brands, though)--

17-40/4 + 28/1.8
24L markI (and get a zoom later)
16-35 I
17-35
20-35/2.8 (there's a beautiful sample on buy & sell board now!)

any other options you would consider? any one want to vote for their favorite, given my current lens & 1.3x camera combination??

thanks very much!!! --rowdy

Jan 30, 2012 at 02:31 AM

ultimaterowdy
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p.1 #2 · tell me what lens(es) to buy!

I should add that I'd sell the 24-105... somehow!

Clearly I'm going to miss teh long end of that lens...

Jan 30, 2012 at 03:03 AM

Ernie Aubert
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p.1 #3 · tell me what lens(es) to buy!

I submit that the Tokina 16-28 f2.8 is well worth exploring.

Jan 30, 2012 at 03:08 AM

TrojanHorse
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p.1 #4 · tell me what lens(es) to buy!

SO get the 16-35 v1. It's fatal flaw is the corners, which is less of an issue on a cropper. It also has a bit of a flare issue but if that's a problem, the mk 2 is a big improvement in both those areas.

If you don't want or need f2.8, the 17-40

Jan 30, 2012 at 04:21 AM

mttran
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p.1 #5 · tell me what lens(es) to buy!

Tokina 16-28 f2.8 or ef 17-40L or 16-35L I/II

Jan 30, 2012 at 04:45 AM

Alan321
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p.1 #6 · tell me what lens(es) to buy!

The 17-40 gives you a usable normal perspective at the long end which you will never get from the 16-28, and still get an "ultra wide" perspective at the wide end (wider than the 24-105mm gave you on the 5D2). It's not the sharpest thing out there are at f/4. In so many ways you are after a compromise lens and you just have to choose what compromises you will accept - e.g. sharpness, focal length, AF, shooting distance or aperture.

Personally, for the "walk-around" application I want a wide-to-tele FL range more than I want f/2.8. IS is even better. That's why I tend to use my Nikon outfit (D3s & 24-120 VR f/4) rather than my 1D4 & 17-40. For my requirement your 5D2 & 24-105 would be better than a 1D4 in most cases. Have you already sold your 5D2 ? It might be better to keep it than to compromise on a lens for the 1D3. The 1D3 could be used with your 70-200.

You will have only one cross-type AF sensor on your 1D3 with an f/4 lens but I think 19 of them with an f/2.8 lens.

The Canon 16-35s had a tendency - at least in test reviews - to be softer at one end of the focal length range than at the other. The mk 1 was typically softer at the wide end, and the mk II at the long end. Not everyone got this result but it was common.

The 1D3 no doubt takes nice pictures but it lacks the pixel count of the 5D2 and you will have less scope to crop around the central part of an image than you would with your 5D2 when the lens FL is too short.

- Alan

Jan 30, 2012 at 08:50 AM

retrofocus
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p.1 #7 · tell me what lens(es) to buy!

My recommendation certainly is getting the 17-40. If you sell your 24-105, and you still have some money to spend available, I highly recommend getting the 35/1.4. The 24 mm focal range primes are another option, too - I personally prefer the 24 T/S over the fast 24 L.

Jan 30, 2012 at 02:20 PM

Gunzorro
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p.1 #8 · tell me what lens(es) to buy!

You're going to regret selling that 24-105! I'd say to get rid of the crummy 50/1.8, but they don't fetch much money.

Of the lenses you list, the 16-35 is the best choice for quality and wider angle -- but only covers the wide end. It's range is limited, equivalent to 21mm - 46mm in terms of FF coverage. It leaves a considerable gap above that 35mm setting. The 17-40 (22-52mm) is just too slow at f/4, but if you get a great price on one ($500), I'd grab that.

I wish Canon had something like a 16-50mm f/3.5!

Jan 30, 2012 at 03:43 PM

Ralph Conway
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p.1 #9 · tell me what lens(es) to buy!

If I would be you, I would buy all lenses I need and I can afford. And I would sell all those that do not fit that range.

Jan 30, 2012 at 04:39 PM

kakomu
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p.1 #10 · tell me what lens(es) to buy!

ultimaterowdy wrote:
17-40/4 + 28/1.8

This would be the combo I'd consider on a 1D camera.

I think that the difference between f/4 and f/2.8 is far less relevant at UWA focal lengths as opposed to longer focal lengths where the difference between 1/200 and 1/400 can make or break a shot.

There seems to be some difference in opinion on the 28 f/1.8, but it would probably do you well enough. You may also want to consider the 35 f/2.

Jan 30, 2012 at 04:56 PM

ultimaterowdy
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p.1 #11 · tell me what lens(es) to buy!

hi all, thanks very much for your help. I appreciate the ideas/suggestions. I am leaning toward the 17-40 & 28 1.8 combo... maybe later on (with funds available) I could "upgrade" that 28 1.8 to a 24L or 35L (I'll know later if I want to go longer or shorter with the prime).

I will keep an eye out for a 16-35 mark I too... only about a stop faster than the 28 1.8 after all!

Jan 31, 2012 at 08:01 PM

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