And so it begins... - DPChallenge Forums

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

09/29/2004 11:25:50 AM · #1

Now that I have my digital rebel (w/ kit lens), I am trying to come up with a purchasing plan for accessories...could you guys help me out with recommendations for the stuff below and let me know whether it makes sense? I am looking forward to doing landscape and street photography, then some photojournalistic photos and would later like to learn studio techniques...

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To purchase (almost) immediately:

1. Starter Bag - Lowepro Nova series
2. Decent value tripod - Need your help with this one!
3. 512MB speedy card to add to my current collection of slow cards

To purchase over the next 6 months:

1. Battery grip
2. 70-200 f4 lens or equivalent
3. filters

To purchase over the next year:

1. Flash
2. 50mm portrait lens

And after that:

1. Photoshop CS - currently have PSE
2. Better range lens to replace kit lens.

What do you think, can you make any recommendations? Am I forgetting some things? What was your accumulation process?

wewillexplore

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

09/29/2004 11:36:45 AM · #2

Since you're going to be outdoors and looking for "street photography" - you could pick up Tamron's 70-300mm f4-5.6 pretty cheaply. It's a good long lens - I like it as much as the 50mm f1.8 that everyone raves about.

You will want something of quality to replace the 18-55mm kit lens soon for the landscapes. While it's a nice lens to start, it has limited quality and will soon leave you wanting something a) faster and b) sharper (especially on the edges).

I'd worry more about the 50mm f1.8 than I would the battery grip. My DRebel shoots 400+ shots with one battery. If you are shooting more than that, it's not that bad to carry a spare. The money for the grip is considerable when starting out - doesn't it go for about the same as the 50mm? ($80 or so?)

A good lens to think about is the 28-105mm f2.8 It's a fairly cheap "fast" lens ($330ish) and it covers a great range. With the Tamron, that would cover 28-300mm nicely.

I got the DReb, 18-55mm, 70-300mm to start with. I got a bag, mem cards, and a crappy generic tripod. I also have PS 7 and Neat Image 4++.

M

jimmyn4

Canon EOS-7D

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Canon

09/29/2004 11:38:14 AM · #3

The 70-200 f4 is a nice lens. Are you going to put a teleconvertor on it though? If so, then the lens won't be very fast. For a few hundred dollars more you could get the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 and a 1.4 teleconvertor. But if you really have the money get the Canon 70-200mm f2.8 with or without the IS.
When it comes to tripods, get something sturdy. It doesn't have to be expensive either. I got a very sturdy tripod from Ritz Camera and paid about $50.
Hope that helps a little.

09/29/2004 11:52:40 AM · #4

You might want to consider the Sigma 18-125 lens "almost immediately", as a walkaround lens which is relatively inexpensive (~$250)and will give you better range.

I am still considering this, though I am waiting to see if I want my walkaround lens to be F3.5-5.6 or if I should go for constant f2.8. I have the 70-200 F4L now and it's much to big for a walkaround lens!

Once you start changing lenses, you might want to add a sensor cleaning kit to that. I've yet to buy that.

I assume you have a tripod and monopod, or I'd add those to the quick list.

09/29/2004 12:32:12 PM · #5

Cool...thanks for the help so far. Anyone else?

nshapiro, the tripod is on my quicklist...

...should I add a monopod as well or is it an either/or thing to start? Any recommendations?

09/29/2004 12:37:53 PM · #6

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

Cool...thanks for the help so far. Anyone else?

nshapiro, the tripod is on my quicklist...

...should I add a monopod as well or is it an either/or thing to start? Any recommendations?

Sorry, I missed that. I like having both. A monopod is useful for taking walks where you don't want to carry the tripod. I use the monopod more than the tripod. But if you only buy one, buy the tripod.

digistoune

Canon EOS-20D

09/29/2004 12:47:44 PM · #7

I agree with Mavrik, the Tamron 70-300 is quite nice for the money and will serve you well.

A good tripod is a must; Got mine at Ritz and it's great. Put a GOOD head on it and you'll be set. The head is important! I also have a monopod that is quite handy for things like the zoo or walking about but it's certainly something that can be put off till later. Did I mention that you should get a good head? Bogen?Manfrotto makes a dandy grip action number that is just fabulous.

I would bump that 50mm up on the list. It's a GREAT lens and you'll love it's sharpness. Best $70 bucks I ever spent.

As for flash cards... How many do you have now? Will you be shooting in RAW or JPEG? I ask only because unless you're doing alot of shooting away from home, you'll be surprised at how many flash cards you'll really need. The only time I've ever wished for more cards is when I've gone out of town. That doesn't happen very often but I just took my husband's laptop - problem solved.

Enjoy your Rebel! Get to know it; Read the manual. Don't buy everything at once but instead let your shooting style dictate future purchases.

p.s. still have my Tamron 28-105mm for sale if anyone is interested though it's not on ebay anymore.

09/29/2004 01:04:59 PM · #8

That Tamron could be used for macros too, right? If so, it looks like it's gotten decent reviews...

Anyone willing to argue with the Tamron 70-300 being a good first lens for that range?

09/29/2004 01:16:40 PM · #9

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

That Tamron could be used for macros too, right? If so, it looks like it's gotten decent reviews...

Anyone willing to argue with the Tamron 70-300 being a good first lens for that range?

Maybe consider the Tokina 24-200 instead if you don't need 200-300 mm. Gives you a complete walk around lens, though a bit too high in the low end. The question I am asking myself, and you might, is whether high telephoto or wide angle is more important to you!

Have you discovered the lens test sites?

//www.photozone.de/2Equipment/easytxt.htm

//www.photodo.com/nav/prodindex.html

//www.photozone.de/bindex2.html

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

09/30/2004 09:23:32 AM · #10

Thanks for the links...anybody else have any thoughts on my original post?

Thanks!

soup

Canon EOS-30D

09/30/2004 09:36:22 AM · #11

i use my tripod like a monopod - i have a light tripod, and i just extend one leg to work with it like a monopod - suffices in my opinion.

its no heavier than a mono pod to carry around.

TooCool

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

09/30/2004 09:50:21 AM · #12

Move the 50mm lens to the top of the list if you mean the f1.8 one. It's too cheap not to have in your arsenal now!

PaulMdx

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

09/30/2004 10:01:06 AM · #13

Sounds like you've got a pretty good idea what to buy there, Mike..

Bear in mind you don't get a battery with the battery grip, so you'll need to buy another if you want to use two (not necessary).

Bear in mind if you buy a 70-300 you'll most likely end up buying an L sooner or later.. IF you think f/4 for the 70-200 and f/5.6 with the 1.4x TC is bright enough, I'd say go for that.

09/30/2004 10:40:32 AM · #14

I think I'm going to skip the battery grip...I already have an extra battery and I took a bunch of photos in portrait orientation last night and it feels pretty comfortable as is...I'll probably use that cash to bump up the 50mm f1.8 as per several recommendations.

What do I look for in a 'good' tripod?

Paul, you would recommend to wait and save up money to start with L-glass for the telephoto zoom?

After two days and very few photos due to busy-ness, I am really loving my rebel!! Very easy to use...didn't take me too long to get back into SLR mode at all!

09/30/2004 11:17:14 AM · #15

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

...snip...

What do I look for in a 'good' tripod?

Paul, you would recommend to wait and save up money to start with L-glass for the telephoto zoom?

...snip...

I think there's no doubt that the 70-200 F4L is the way to go for telephoto zoom, if you don't mind the 7 inch length. Just look at the ratings on the sites I gave you links to (and search these forums). It's expensive though; not expensive by L standards, but expensive by any other.

As for tripods, I have a Slik U9000 and am only marginally happy with it. Good tripods are also expensive.

My next tripod will have a "gun-stock" trigger style ball head which allows you to reorient just by squeezing. That is if I can afford one. The multiple lever style tripod (see the U9000 for example) is too slow.

I'd love to hear any good ideas people have for an affordable tripod with a quick trigger style ballhead.

PaulMdx

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

09/30/2004 11:41:51 AM · #16

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

Paul, you would recommend to wait and save up money to start with L-glass for the telephoto zoom?

That depends on what you're using your camera for.

The Sigma 70-300 is probably a nice, lightweight, med-quality lens. It's got great reach and it's convenient. The fact is, it won't produce amazingly sharp shots, the focus is slower, and the build isn't as good. However - for the money it's a nice lens, but it has its limitations.

Like most L-ranges, the cons can usually be described as:

- It's too heavy
- It's too expensive

and that's pretty much it. Why is this so? Canon produce the very best quality lenses (for EF mount). See caveat below..

However, don't under estimate those cons. If the lens is too heavy to carry on a vacation, it will be stuck at home useless.

The advantages of the 70-200/4 are it's crisp and fast. (So I've read - I own the f/2.8 version, not the f/4, but they're similar glass quality.) I've not heard many people on DPC complaining that they bought a 70-200/4 and wish they'd bought a 70-300..

You have to bear in mind a few more things buying the 70-200/4..

1) It's not very reachy - 300mm is nicer
2) Buying the 1.4x TC will cost you more money
3) - it will soften the quality
4) - it will slow auto-focus
5) - it will reduce the aperture to f/5.6

Caveat on cons of the 70-200/4: a lot of owners on Fred Miranda say another con is that the aperture isn't f/2.8.. If you can afford the f/2.8 it's better than the f/4. BUT, obviously everyone has a budget..

If I were making a decision, it'd be a close call. The 70-300 is reachy, light and convenient. I still have my Canon 75-300, which I'd seriously consider taking on vacation just for weight and convenience, over my 70-200/2.8L, which costs about 8 times the price.

A fair number of people on DPC seem to migrate from a 75-300 or 70-300 to L-range glass. Inevitably this is for a reason.. I doubt you'd find someone who wasn't happy with their 70-200/4 (flood of people speak now!), OTHER THAN wanting the f/2.8..

If you can afford the 70-200 (AND the 1.4x TC somewhere down the line), you don't mind the weight, and size, go for the 70-200/4L. It's a better lens. There ARE some disadvantages, but unless you're going to buy a 70-200/2.8L ($1200 ish), it's going to be the fastest best glass you can get.

Message edited by author 2004-09-30 11:43:02.

09/30/2004 12:09:15 PM · #17

Paul, you said the Sigma 70-300, but others on this thread were talking about the Tamron 70-300...is there a difference?

What are the differences between the Tamron and Sigma?

PaulMdx

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

09/30/2004 12:11:17 PM · #18

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

Paul, you said the Sigma 70-300, but others on this thread were talking about the Tamron 70-300...is there a difference?

What are the differences between the Tamron and Sigma?

I didn't specifically mention one over the other. I know one of them has been raved about on DPC more than the other. I *think* the Sigma (??), hence I mentioned Sigma rather than Tamron. I haven't used either of them. I would check Fred Miranda for user reviews and PhotoZone for a more technical comparison.

09/30/2004 01:10:38 PM · #19

I looked into it and I think maybe the Sigma 70-300 is a Nikkor mount whereas the Tamron 30-700 will fit the Canon?

Anyone else with more opinions on my first post? Specifically the tripod purchase...what should I be looking for?

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

09/30/2004 02:02:44 PM · #20

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

Frankly, my dear, I don't give a *bump*

W.R.Miller

Canon EOS-50D

09/30/2004 02:33:26 PM · #21

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

The sigma and Tamron can both be purchased for the Canon mount. That is not a limitation.

Sigma

Tamron

W.R.Miller

Canon EOS-50D

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

09/30/2004 02:36:32 PM · #22

Here is how they both rate at Photozone:

Sigma AF 4.0-5.6 70-300mm APO Macro Super 3.21 (2) = average
Tamron AF 4-5.6 70-300mm LD 2.79 (4) = average

marbo

Nikon D5000

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

09/30/2004 02:48:03 PM · #23

I can recommend the sigma 70-300 apo super macro.
The canon 50mm f1.8 is a must.
I have also replaced my kit lens with the sigma 18-125mm which i love, and lives on my camera.
As for getting a faster cf card i have a 512mb x 10 speed and 512mb x 40 speed and can`t say i can tell the difference in speed.