What lens...? - DPChallenge Forums

01/12/2009 09:45:13 PM · #1

So I scored a photo internship (woohoo!) over the summer at a summer camp. Super excited!

But I have a bit of a problem. My only lenses are the 18-55mm kit lens and the 85mm f/1.8 prime...and while I do me just fine with these lenses normally, I was thinking that since I'm gonna be doing a lot of candid shots, I might want something a bit...longer and more versatile.

Now if I had the money I would totally go for the 70-200 f/2.8L...but my budget tops out around $350, and that is pushing it.

So what lens should I buy? I was considering the 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6, the 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5, the 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 (this one's really a bit more than I want to spend, but it's a good length), and the 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 (I've used this one before and was pretty unimpressed). I haven't even looked at Sigma/Tamron lenses...

What do you think?

Spork99

Canon EOS M6 Mk II

Canon EF-M 22mm STM Lens

01/12/2009 09:52:19 PM · #2

How about a flash and a tripod?

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

01/12/2009 09:59:18 PM · #3

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

How about a flash and a tripod?

I think they'll be mostly outside...already have a flash tho, and can borrow a tripod.

trevytrev

Canon EOS-5D

01/12/2009 10:18:26 PM · #4

How about the canon 28-135IS lens that comes as a kit lens on some of the canon DSLR's. You can usually find one on your local craigslist between $300-$350 brand new never used. Seems like it has a wide range for you and if you will be outside during the summer the slower aperture won't effect you much. Here is the Amazon link for that lens, but as I said I would check craigslist or Ebay.

Anti-Martyr

Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

01/12/2009 11:45:59 PM · #5

Maybe look for a used Sigma 105mm macro lens? I dunno, $350 is pretty tough to work with unless you wanna buy kit lenses, but you don't exactly seem enthused by that prospect.

MarcusArmani

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 400mm EF f/4 DO IS USM

01/12/2009 11:55:43 PM · #6

I would Recommend the canon 18-200 For a Candid walk around lens. The 18-200 Focal Range Is great for short medium and simi-Long tele shots. Though this is not a L lens, I have tried it and its very sharp and contrasty.
Its priced very well, and very light...
Good Luck:
Marcus Armani

This is a EFS Lens so it is made for a cropped sensor such as your 350D...

//www.photokina-show.com/0545/canon/zoomlens/efs-18-200mm-lens-canon/

bobonacus

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

01/13/2009 03:18:09 AM · #7

Not sure if you can get the 70-300IS canon in your budget, I upgraded to that from the 75-300 and it is sooo much better, mainly helped by the IS!! very good range for candid shots. Personally I don't think ~100mm is going to be enough.

pamelasue

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

01/13/2009 08:38:47 AM · #8

so if this is a summer internship, what's the rush to get a lens right now? Why not wait and save up more money to get a better lens? The 70-200 f/4 sells for about $570 at B&H and it seems like there was recently a thread where someone was selling one for $500 ...

TCGuru

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM

01/13/2009 09:12:34 AM · #9

You could try this one. I like it and it worked well on my XTi. Took these with it:

LoudDog

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

01/13/2009 09:24:57 AM · #10

Originally posted by TCGuru:

You could try this one. I like it and it worked well on my XTi. Took these with it:

I second the suggestion of the sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro blah blah...

Not only does it have the longest name of any lens but I doubt you'll find many lens better at that price. My only complaint is that the focus is a little slow (compared to Canon L lens) and it's noisy. Build does not seem great, but i take mine hiking where it's exposed to dust, rain and gets bounced around a lot and it has held up great.

pamelasue

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

01/13/2009 09:43:31 AM · #11

Originally posted by TCGuru:

You could try this one. I like it and it worked well on my XTi. Took these with it:

I used to have that lens and sold it to buy my 70-200 f/4 ... it was a pretty decent lens and I'd recommend it for your price range if waiting and saving isn't an option ...

goinskiing

Canon EOS-6D

01/13/2009 09:47:22 AM · #12

I LOVE my 70-200 F4L. In fact, it hasn't left my camera since Christmas. Funnest lens I've had bar-none. You can sometime find it for $500 and sometimes less used if you look long enough.

Ken

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

01/13/2009 10:21:01 AM · #13

Originally posted by LoudDog:

Originally posted by TCGuru:
You could try this one. I like it and it worked well on my XTi. Took these with it:

I second the suggestion of the sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro blah blah...

Not only does it have the longest name of any lens but I doubt you'll find many lens better at that price. My only complaint is that the focus is a little slow (compared to Canon L lens) and it's noisy. Build does not seem great, but i take mine hiking where it's exposed to dust, rain and gets bounced around a lot and it has held up great.

This lens is a good deal for the money, but it's a tad soft above 200mm. Macro range is 200-300 which is great for not scaring bugs away. Unless you really need it now though, I'd save up for the 70-200.

Spork99

Canon EOS M6 Mk II

Canon EF-M 22mm STM Lens

01/13/2009 10:34:32 AM · #14

Originally posted by pamelasue:

That was me and it's still for sale.

It'll make your 18-55 look like it's made from recycled pop bottles though.

trevytrev

Canon EOS-5D

01/13/2009 10:38:05 AM · #15

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

Originally posted by pamelasue:
so if this is a summer internship, what's the rush to get a lens right now? Why not wait and save up more money to get a better lens? The 70-200 f/4 sells for about $570 at B&H and it seems like there was recently a thread where someone was selling one for $500 ...

That was me and it's still for sale.

It'll make your 18-55 look like it's made from recycled pop bottles though.

You said you were on a strict budget but if you can wrestle a bit more money I would take that offer from Spaz. The canon 70-200 f/4L is the best bang for the buck in canon L lenses and I absolutely adored mine and only sold to get the IS 2.8 version since I was shooting some weddings. You can't go wrong with that lens.

goinskiing

Canon EOS-6D

01/13/2009 11:06:07 AM · #16

Originally posted by trevytrev:

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

Originally posted by pamelasue:
so if this is a summer internship, what's the rush to get a lens right now? Why not wait and save up more money to get a better lens? The 70-200 f/4 sells for about $570 at B&H and it seems like there was recently a thread where someone was selling one for $500 ...

That was me and it's still for sale.

It'll make your 18-55 look like it's made from recycled pop bottles though.

You said you were on a strict budget but if you can wrestle a bit more money I would take that offer from Spaz. The canon 70-200 f/4L is the best bang for the buck in canon L lenses and I absolutely adored mine and only sold to get the IS 2.8 version since I was shooting some weddings. You can't go wrong with that lens.

Yeah, I'd definitely scrounge up any change you can on that deal. Like I said, I was in a similar boat as you and don't regret getting the F4L, it's built like a tank and hasn't left my camera since I got it.

01/13/2009 02:20:30 PM · #17

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

I forgot, I might have a job next semester (lying in wait for a prof to see if I can be a TA...lol I feel like such a creeper). If so, I would love to have that lens...

Lenses! Pah! So addictive!

goinskiing

Canon EOS-6D

01/13/2009 02:22:16 PM · #18

Originally posted by Jessi:

Lenses! Pah! So addictive!

Tell me about it, it gets me in trouble with my wife more than most things right now. ;-)