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Archive 2009 · Leica or Cannon ?

KyleR.
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p.1 #1 · Leica or Cannon ?

Hey guys,
I'm looking into a new camera as my old camera is a nikon d50 and it is my dads and he wants it back soon.
I have quite a bit of money saved up, But for now, im looking for a good camers body and 1-2 good lenses for around 2000. I was looking into a Canon 50d which looks really good, does anybody have any lenses to recommend that together would be able to shoot a lot of diffreent styles (not overlapping lenses).
And then I saw the Leica V Lux 1.
My question is how is this different from a normal slr and why do people say it is so fun to use?

Thanks for your help,
Kyle

Nov 04, 2009 at 11:26 PM

dancam
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p.1 #2 · Leica or Cannon ?

Leica is high quality but, it has a fixed lens. If you're after more versatility it isn't the best option but if you can work within it's constraints it will deliver fantastic results. It is essentially a high quality point and shoot/pro-sumer. Going with the 50D will allow for options in lens choices and customization of your kit. It really depends on your shooting style and subject matter.

Nov 04, 2009 at 11:57 PM

Wilfredo
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p.1 #3 · Leica or Cannon ?

I agree with the above. If you want to learn more about Leica products post your question here: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/

Edited on Nov 05, 2009 at 12:31 AM · View previous versions

Nov 05, 2009 at 12:29 AM

Sam N
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p.1 #4 · Leica or Cannon ?

The V-lux would have considerably less image quality than even a D50... especially if you don't have plenty of light. It's also from 2006, which makes it ancient in digicam-years.

Buy a 50D, a Tamron 17-50/2.8, and one other lens (maybe an 85/1.8, or a 70-300 of some sort). It's a good place to start and will handle the vast majority of situations.

Nov 05, 2009 at 12:29 AM

freaklikeme
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p.1 #5 · Leica or Cannon ?

Yeah, nothing against the V Lux, but an SLR will open up the ability to use many different lenses. Including (but not limited to) Leica R lenses. I think you're right thinking Canon, because they do make good cameras and they're also one of the most adaptable mounts for all other lenses. Take a look at a used or reconditioned 40D before you settle on the 50, though. You might be able to squeeze in another good lens for the difference in price.

Nov 05, 2009 at 12:53 AM

KyleR.
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p.1 #6 · Leica or Cannon ?

OK so i think im gonna go with the cannnon.

NOw assuming that i have about 1000 to spend on a lens, what do you think is a good starting setup?

Nov 05, 2009 at 01:13 AM

Steve Spencer
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p.1 #7 · Leica or Cannon ?

I have a Canon 50D and here would be my advice on lenses. Actually let me give you advice for a set of autofocus lenses and advice for manual focus alternative lenses (this is the alt board afterall).

A decent two lens setup for autofocus that is less than $1000 would be the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 and the Canon 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS. Both are reasonably good deals for the money. I would be tempted to go with at least 3 lenses, however, to get even more range. A three lens zoom set up could include the Tokina 12-24mm f/4, the Canon 28-70mm f/3.5-4.5 MKII, and the Canon 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS (this three lens combo is still less than $1,000). Neither of these options give you a fast prime, however, and they can be very nice so a decent three lens setup with a fast prime could include the Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5, a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 (which is a quite nice fast prime), and a Canon 70-210mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens. There are other options as well these are just three basic types of setups you could look work with. Basically these are all decent quality IQ lenses without top build quality.

If you went with alternative manual focus lenses that would require an adapter there are many possibilities. One very nice setup would be a Tamron adaptall 17mm f/3.5, an Olympus OM Zuiko 24mm f/2.8, an Olympus OM Zuiko 28mm f/3.5, a Zeiss Contax/ Yashica mount 50mm f/1.7, an Olympus OM Zuiko 35-70mm f/3.6, and a Contax/Yashica mount Zeiss 80-200mm f/4. All pretty decent lenses at very reasonable prices.

If you were going to mix autofocus and manual lenses I might recommend something like the Tokina 12-24mm f/4; the Olympus OM Zuiko 28mm f/3.5, the Zeiss 50mm f/1.7, and the Zeiss 80-200mm f/4. This would be a real nice four lens set.

I hope this helps.

Nov 05, 2009 at 03:20 AM

freaklikeme
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p.1 #8 · Leica or Cannon ?

What do you like to shoot, Kyle?

Nov 05, 2009 at 03:43 AM

douglasf13
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p.1 #9 · Leica or Cannon ?

The Sony A700 is a screaming deal right now, and competes directly with the 50D. At only $750, that'll give you a ton of money for lenses.

Nov 05, 2009 at 04:56 AM

lovinglife
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p.1 #10 · Leica or Cannon ?

Kyle

Why don't u buy a used Canon XT for about 300 used, and get a 85L II for about 1700 bucks or so...

Great image quality

and u have a body just a tad larger than the leica's.

Nov 05, 2009 at 05:00 AM

KyleR.
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p.1 #11 · Leica or Cannon ?

Steve Spencer- Wow, Thanks for all the info!
I think I can rule out the 2 lens, now i don't know if I should get any manual focus.
Usually i like autofocus just incase i need a fast shot, like when I'm shooting an action sport, but I'm not really sure if I need it.
So now i'm looking at either

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5, a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 (which is a quite nice fast prime), and a Canon 70-210mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens
or

freaklikeme- I really like to shoot everything from nature to action sports.

douglasf13- The sony a700 does look nice, but I think i want to stick with either nikon, or canon. I mgiht try to get a 40d for cheap though.

epuja- I think from experience with one lens that I would rather spend a little les money and get one or two more lenses than get one lense.

Thanks Everybody,
Kyle

Tokina 12-24mm f/4; the Olympus OM Zuiko 28mm f/3.5, the Zeiss 50mm f/1.7, and the Zeiss 80-200mm f/4

Nov 05, 2009 at 11:17 AM

KyleR.
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p.1 #12 · Leica or Cannon ?

hmm.
somehow that post got messed up a little

Steve Spencer- Wow, Thanks for all the info!
I think I can rule out the 2 lens, now i don't know if I should get any manual focus.
Usually i like autofocus just incase i need a fast shot, like when I'm shooting an action sport, but I'm not really sure if I need it.
So now i'm looking at either

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5, a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 (which is a quite nice fast prime), and a Canon 70-210mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens
or
Tokina 12-24mm f/4; the Olympus OM Zuiko 28mm f/3.5, the Zeiss 50mm f/1.7, and the Zeiss 80-200mm f/4

That was the only part that needed fixing.
A lot of the time I use Autofocus and then adjust manually.

Nov 05, 2009 at 11:45 AM

Steve Spencer
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p.1 #13 · Leica or Cannon ?

Hi Kyle,

If you want to shoot sports you will probably want autofocus, although there are a couple of people around here who shoot manual focus sports. A big question when you shoot sports is if you shoot indoor sports like basketball, volleyball, etc. or outdoor field sports like soccer, football, etc. Either way given that you want to shoot sports you will probably need to spend more on lenses, so I would recommend getting a used 40D for about $600 instead of a 50D. With that in mind let me alter my lens recommendations to include indoor sports, outdoor sports, and both.

Indoor sports only -- Getting either a Canon 85mm f/1.8 or 100mm f/2 will go a long way for indoor sports. If this is all you are going to shoot, then you can add this lens simply by going with a 40D instead of a 50D.

Outdoor sports only -- I would recommend getting a used Canon 300 f/4L (non-IS). If you are patient you can pick up this lens for about $600 and you can only get it used. It will work pretty well provided the light isn't terrible and it is one of the very few options in your price range to shoot outdoor sports. I have the lens and it is very nice. This will take quite a chunk of your lens budget, but you should still have about $800 left over. A nice set of three autofocus lenses that could work with this kit would be a Tokina 12-24mm f/4, a Canon 28-70mm f/3.5-4.5 MKII, and the Canon 70-210mm f/3.5-4.5 USM or if you prefer a fast prime you could get the Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, a Sigma 50mm f/1.4, and the Canon 70-210mm f/3.5-4.5. If you wanted a mix alt manual lens and autofocus kit you could go with something like the Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5, a Zeiss 50mm f/1.7, and a Zeiss 80-200mm f/4.

If you want to shoot both indoor sports and outdoor sports you could get both the Canon 100mm f/2 and the 300 f/4L (non-IS) and add to that the Tokina 12-24mm f/4 and the Canon 28-70mm f/3.5-4.5 MKII. I hope this helps.

Nov 05, 2009 at 12:15 PM

KyleR.
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p.1 #14 · Leica or Cannon ?

Ok thanks again Steve,

BAsically I shoot for sports just skiing.
A lot of the lenses you recommended i cant ind on b and h photo.com.
Is their anyplace that you recommend me to order form?

OK, so I think I want to go with this setup

If you were going to mix autofocus and manual lenses I might recommend something like the Tokina 12-24mm f/4; the Olympus OM Zuiko 28mm f/3.5, the Zeiss 50mm f/1.7, and the Zeiss 80-200mm f/4. This would be a real nice four lens set. Maybe I should switch the 28mm for a more sports oriented lens?
Or maybe the

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5, a Zeiss 50mm f/1.7, and a Zeiss 80-200mm f/4

Thanks

Nov 05, 2009 at 12:37 PM

KyleR.
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p.1 #15 · Leica or Cannon ?

ALSo do I need so e kind of adapter for soMe
e of these lenses?

Nov 05, 2009 at 12:43 PM

Steve Spencer
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p.1 #16 · Leica or Cannon ?

Hi Kyle,

Good places to get used lenses include B & H, the Buy and Sell board here, Adorama, KEH, and if you are careful ebay. The Zeiss and Olympus lenses will need an adapter and if you search on this board you will see the various recommendations. I don't know much about shooting skiing, so I can't provide any help there, but I hope this give you at least a start to the information you need.

Best wishes,

Steve

Nov 05, 2009 at 01:04 PM

KyleR.
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p.1 #17 · Leica or Cannon ?

Thanks Steve,
you've given a greatful amount of info and from that I will try and make an educated
decision.
thanks again,
Kyle

Nov 05, 2009 at 01:14 PM

mawz
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p.1 #18 · Leica or Cannon ?

Witha $2k budget, I'd stronly recommend a Nikon D90 or D5000 with the 16-85VR and 70-300VR (you could swap the 16-85VR for the Tamron 17-50VC as well, giving up range for f2.8).

Spend your money on lenses, not body. The body will likely get upgraded reasonably quickly but the lenses will stay.

The Sony A700 is also a great deal, and the leftover is well spend on some good lenses.

The 50D costs more than it's worth, the Rebel T1i will produce superior IQ, especially at high ISO's for much less money.

Nov 05, 2009 at 01:41 PM

Yakim Peled
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p.1 #19 · Leica or Cannon ?

40D, 17-55/2.8 IS, 85/1.8 or 100/2.

Happy shooting,
Yakim.

Nov 05, 2009 at 02:27 PM

RustyBug
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p.1 #20 · Leica or Cannon ?

40D

Tamron 17-50 2.8
Canon 85 1.8
Canon 70-300 IS

Good IQ. Good Range. Most scenarios covered. Good overall general purpose lineup. In budget.

Money left over to start your addiction with manual lenses ... which IMO will take more research time due to the volume of options and learning which lenses suit your personal preferences ... including more time buying, trying, trading & selling.

Meanwhile you've got solid coverage while you play with finding your favorite alts. There are just too many options in the alts to be able to get your lens lineup the way you want it the first time (IMO) ... they really are a dynamic effort ... learning the differences ... and your own growth & preferences change along the way as well.

The alts are like going from a box of 8 crayons to building your own crayon factory ... construction loan not included

Nov 05, 2009 at 02:53 PM

KyleR.
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p.1 #21 · Leica or Cannon ?

Thanks rusty bug that sounds like a very good idea.
But is it just me or does the whole 40d and those lenses that you mentioned alread cost about 2200?

Nov 06, 2009 at 02:47 AM

Empire
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p.1 #22 · Leica or Cannon ?

+1 for the 40D

Just a note, the tamron is also a very good lens in my experience but for landscape shooting at smaller apertures the canon 18-55 f3.5-5.6 IS (stabilised) is equal to it and a fair bit cheaper.

the f2.8 of the tamron is nice though and very very useable.

in adition to the sugestions others have given, I recommend also getting a canon EF 50/1.8 II. It can be had for $100 new and it makes a perfect low-light portrait lens on crop. It is also extremely sharp at f2.8-f8 on a crop camera (eg the 40D) and thus very suitable to shooting stitched landscape panoramas.

Nov 06, 2009 at 06:26 AM

Yakim Peled
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p.1 #23 · Leica or Cannon ?

KyleR. wrote:
Usually i like autofocus just incase i need a fast shot, like when I'm shooting an action sport, but I'm not really sure if I need it.

For that, not only you need AF but you need a fast one. For that you need (a) Fast aperture, (b) Ring USM, (c) IF design. Take one out, especially b or c, and you're seriously compromising AF speed and accuracy.

Tamron lenses, 70-300 IS etc. are all very nice lenses by their own right but lack both b and c. Hence, they are far from being suitable for action (sport) shooting.

Happy shooting,
Yakim.

Nov 06, 2009 at 06:00 PM

carstenw
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p.1 #24 · Leica or Cannon ?

Ring USM is about noise, not speed. Some cameras, like the Sony A900, don't have USM in many of their lenses, yet focus blazingly fast.

Nov 06, 2009 at 06:04 PM

ianpaterson
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p.1 #25 · Leica or Cannon ?

Personally, I prefer to buy top of the line from a few years ago, than mid-grade new. keh has used 1D Classic w/ charger and battery for $400, spend another $100 on a new battery, that leaves you with $1500 for a 28-135mm you can probably score cheap on craigslist (5D kit lens) and a few primes.

Or, the Mk II is $819, 28-105mm and battery would bring you to $1200, maybe an 85 f1.8 and some version of the 70 or 75 -300m

Nov 07, 2009 at 03:47 AM


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