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Really cannot decide on lens Choice
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After a number of years without having a camera I’m about to go out and invest in some decent gear again. I used to have a Canon 400x, Sigma 17-70mm, Sigma 70-300m and a Canon 500mm 1.8. Unfortunately it all got stolen but I’m really excited to get some decent gear again.
I’ve pretty much decided on the 600d body – but I’m confused on the lens choice. Basically, when I had the above gear, I found it a pain in the ass changing lenses and rarely did it. Usually used the 17-70mm but I was never really that impressed with the lens. My sister had a Sigma 18-200mm and I thought it was way better. So, I was going to go for a superzoom like that, or maybe the Tamron 18-270 which I hear is great. I was also considering the Canon 18-135mm.
However, I know a lot of people do not like the superzooms and say the optical quality is not great and don’t really rate anything that is not a Prime or a canon L lens. So, if I think about upping my budget and invest in a really good everyday walkaround lens, what is my best bet? The obvious dream lens for me is the Canon L 24-105 F4. The reviews on this are fantastic – my only concern is putting a 24mm on a non-full frame will mean I’ll be lacking in the wide angle. How much of a problem do you think this will be?
Alternatively, I could go for the EFS 15-85mm – much better wide angle but not a huge range on the Zoom really. Maybe down the line I could get a decent telephoto down the line, like the 70-200 or something to go with it, but this is a big maybe as really I am only an amateur (but I do love photography and dying to get back into it and get better…). If I got the 24-105 maybe I could get a basic wide angle down the line. Hmmmm.
I’m so confused. Would really appreciate any and all advice you guys would have to help me make the right decision.
Thanks
Collyi would go with the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM far better lens you wont be disappointed, as you said later you can get a wide angle lens down the line.
I agree with phillip, the 24-105 f4 L is a great lens , but a bit costly and might not be wide enough on a cropped sensor if you want to do a bit of landscape work.
an alternative would be to get a canon 70/200 f/4 L lens , even used (around e400/500), and a wider zoom lens to go with it.
Firstly you need to identify your budget , your favorite type of photography. if you are on a budget don’t underestimate the kit lenses , they might not be good enough for professionals, but you can still get cracking pics with them if you know what you are doing.
finally don’t forget that there is a good second hand market out there, and that every good shop will carry second hand gear as well (i got a 17/40 f4 L lens from birmingham last year and it is great) .
Did i confuse you more ?
don’t forget most of us are not even able to get the most of our gear. the most important is you skills.Thanks :)
I do agree re the skills but so many times in the past I’ve bought budget and ended up wasting money in the long run getting the better one down the line. I was considering the kit lenses but I;ve come to the conclusion I will not regret going all out and buying an L lens. I’ve read a few reviews of the 24-105 that say ‘If I could only have one lens – this would be it’. I don’t do a lot of landscape really – but I do want to do a bit. I’m sure it will be grand for some – maybe not as wide as would be perfect, but I’ll just have to walk backwards a bit more!! ;) Someone else suggested I could pick up a 18-55mm IS for dirt cheap and that would at least get me some extra width. I’d like a Sigma 10-20mm maybe but they are kinda pricy. Are there any other wide angle’s I could pick up for cheap?
I’m going to try to get the 24-105 second hand, I reckon I can get one for about €700 – I’m not going to loose much money on it should I ever want to sell it but really it’s a lens I could have forever, better than getting a 18-135 or 18-200+ and wanting to upgrade later. I’d LOVE a 70-200 F4 but I’d need another L at the lower end to compliment it. I’m stretching my budget as it is, so that will be next year if I am progressing enough to warrant buying such professional gear!
Any other advice for me?
Thanks :)Go with your first instinct and get the lens you will use the most, 24-105 is a good range
and has great reviews, and if you want to do landscapes, well consider multiple shots and
stitching!I think thats a sound advice from jenny , you won’t regret the 24/105 mm it’s a great lens, and will still be perfect if you decide some day to go full frame sensor. and if you can stretch to the 10/20 mm sigma ,it’s a great landscape lens.
Here is my two pence worth. I went through the same dilemma when purchasing my 7D. I ended up buying the EFS 15-85mm lens as an extra to the body. I really had considered the 24-105 as well but both budget and lack of wide angle put me off. I have no regrets with my choice and have since borrowed a 24-105 and can say the 15-85 takes it on quiet well. Some of the online reviews call it it an L lens without the Red Ring or weather sealing. Only drawback i saw at time of purchase and still see is if i upgrade to a 5D i will have to go for the 24-105, but thats a big if as i love my 7D and should i upgrade might keep it as a back up body anyway.
Thanks Tommy, that is indeed a good point. Do you not find that at a max of only 85, you wish you had more Zoom? I used to have a 17-70mm Sigma and always felt I would have loved a bit more reach. Also, The 24-105 is a flat f4, whereas the 15-85 is f3.5-f5.6. I’m no expert but there seems to be a far higher regard for a constant f4, but i have no idea how it relates to the actual end result or usability. I think I’m still going to go for the 24-105. Really the difference between 18 and 24 is so tiny I think it will be rare when it will be an annoyance, but having the 105 will be handy. Really I would love a 70-200mm f4. If I was to get one in the future I could always sell the 24-105 and get the 15-85. I think the 15-85 + 70-200 would be a nice setup!
If you could only have two lenses, to try to cover most of the range, without spending ridiculous money, what would you guys choose?
I have the Canon L 24-105 F4 and love it. It’s on my camera most of the time, can’t fault it. Maybe the best alround general purpose lens.
Thanks I think I’m going to go with it. Found one second hand but mint condition with a UV for €700 – hopefully getting it tomorrow, good deal i hope!
Now I have to see if I can find a decent deal on a nice wide angle. I hear good things about the Sigma 10-20mm – maybe also the Canon 10-22. They are pretty pricey though, are there any other slightly more reasonable alternatives?
why not buy a used 5D instead of a brand new 600D….?? I sold my minter with grip for € 900 to shift it quick for an upgrade to 1ds mkIII a year and a half ago, you should be able to pick one up for less than that now…..
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