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08/07/2007 02:06:30 AM · #1 |
To all the Canon 30D users out there: Is there such thing as an "all purpose" lense for this camera? I'm in the market for a lense and I want to know what you all have to say before making a purchase. Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
(Ps... any recommendations on a macro lense as well?) |
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08/07/2007 02:18:33 AM · #2 |
:) No such thing as an all-purpose lens, as everything is a compromise somewhere, but there is such a thing as a good general purpose lens.
The kit-lens range are good general purpose lenses. Anything with around 18 at the wide end. 18-55 is the standard kit-lens range, and it's a pretty useful range. I came from a Panasonic FZ-5, with a 12x zoom, very similar to the S2 IS. I thought I'd really miss the long end of the zoom, but I'm actually finding that 18-55 does me for most use.
You can get 18-200, which will really cover everything of your old lens, with more at the wide end, but these lenses are a sacrifice in image quality, although probably not too much worse than the standard kit lens. If you want to go this route, the Sigma seems to be the best option for this range, and they have an IS option. The new tamron 18-250 is supposed to be pretty good, but is not IS, so don't expect miracles in anything other than good sun.
Myself, I'd rather spend the money on getting a really nice lens for the 18-55 range, or maybe slightly larger. This general purpose range is where I'm going to get 90% of my photos, so that's where I will spend the money.
I don't have any macro lenses yet. If you want to seriously get into macro photography, look at a dedicated macro lens, but if you just want to muck around with macro, and occasionally take a close-up photo, get some extension tubes, and save your money for better glass on your main lenses.
Message edited by author 2007-08-07 02:20:14. |
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08/07/2007 02:22:06 AM · #3 |
I recommend purchasing a good lens to begin with. Something that you won't want to replace in 5 years.
I'd recommend the 24-70 f2.8L {on BHphoto}, great walk around lens, and it'll last you years.
FYI: the same lenses the match the 30d also match almost any Canon DSLR (certain lenses don't work on Full Frame DSLRs like the 5d and 1d series). |
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08/07/2007 03:35:33 AM · #4 |
It would be helpful to have a bit more info before recommending something. Do you have a price range/limit?
There are several great "walk-around" lenses that will cover a lot of situations. The answer will be quite different based on your price range.
Inexpensive (but still great quality): EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM or EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Expensive (awesome walk-around): 24-105mm f/4L IS
More Expensive (the fast lens that Zoomdak suggested below): 24-70 f/2.8L
There are a host of others (Sigma/Tamron) that I'm sure others will suggest as well. It really depends on what you intend on shooting, and what you are willing to spend. As Zoomdak eluded to - you WILL upgrade eventually - so spend as much as you can afford to (you'll save money in the long run). |
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08/07/2007 04:16:01 AM · #5 |
Budget is a big factor here...
I have the Tamron 28-300mm. Quality is not bad at all and Tamron have announced a new version with their "IS" equivalent. Don't think it is available yet though??? |
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08/07/2007 05:30:12 AM · #6 |
For Macro I'm looking at adding the Canon 100mm f2.8 sometime soon!
I've seen what others on this site have done and are doing with it and I want one - SMILE!
List for drooling...
The thing I like about it is it is a great prime for portraits etc AND macro (from all the reading I've done about it).
As an aside, and not knowing what distances you want you're all rounder to go - I have the Tamron 28-75 2.8 which is wonderful, particularly on a budget.
Lisa |
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08/07/2007 08:14:03 AM · #7 |
When I got my first Dslr, a 20D, I got the Canon 28-135 IS that  roba mentioned and was very happy with it. Not that wide with the crop factor, but the reach at the other end was nice. For the average user, it's a great lens to have. A year later though I upgraded to the Canon 24-70 2.8L for the lower light capabilities, faster autofocus, and sharper images, and I haven't put the 28-135 back on (but I keep it as backup).
A lot of people here like  Scalvert and Bear_Music seem to like their Tamron 28-75 2.8, which is a little cheaper than the Canon 28-135 IS. I haven't tried it first hand, but hear it's decent for the price. |
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08/07/2007 08:37:13 AM · #8 |
Originally posted by MRami:
To all the Canon 30D users out there: Is there such thing as an "all purpose" lense for this camera? I'm in the market for a lense and I want to know what you all have to say before making a purchase. Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
(Ps... any recommendations on a macro lense as well?) |
What's your budget?
I had the Canon 28-135IS, but I sold it because it's SLOW. Yes, it has IS, but IS doesn't make the finder image any brighter, IS doesn't help the AF work faster and IS doesn't do anything if your subject is moving.
I now have the Tamron 28-75 f2.8, which is a great improvement. Still, 28mm is not very wide on a 1.6x DSLR. I'm thinking about something in the 17-50 range with a f2.8 aperture. |
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08/07/2007 01:04:16 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by MRami:
To all the Canon 30D users out there: Is there such thing as an "all purpose" lense for this camera? I'm in the market for a lense and I want to know what you all have to say before making a purchase. Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
(Ps... any recommendations on a macro lense as well?) |
I love the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 lens, brutally sharp.
Here is a sample with the Tamron and the Canon 20D...
//anashcreation.com/thenashgallery/BenjaminKanarek/IMG_0526?full=1
Ben
Message edited by author 2007-08-07 13:14:17.
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08/07/2007 01:08:13 PM · #10 |
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8, yup. Takes you down to 1:2 near-macro, it's fast and sharp, and quite a bit less expensive than the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8... No complaints with mine.
R.
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08/07/2007 02:21:45 PM · #11 |
Don't forget to check out the EF 17-40mm f/4L USM. With the 1.6 crop you'd get 27-64mm, very close to the the general purpose focal length.
www.bhphotovideo.com has it for $679
www.beachcamera.com has it for $672 with free shipping
its review can be found at www.thedigitalpicture.com
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08/07/2007 02:45:26 PM · #12 |
I used to have the 28-135 IS as was mentioned several times in this thread, but replaced it with two lenses:
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM
The combo of these two lenses has given me the low light/wide angle/walkaround lens that I wanted along with the long range lens. I just carry a side pouch and the camera and can pretty much do anything I want.
Message edited by author 2007-08-07 14:45:54. |
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08/07/2007 04:43:49 PM · #13 |
'all purpose'...
tamron 24-135 3.5-5.6 w/ macro is a great walk around lens, studio lens, night lens and general lens.
Drawbacks is indoors you'll want wider at times, and it's not a constant 2.8 aperture.
It is very shape and parafocal (meaning, zoom in, set focus manually and zoom out and it keeps the focus, which is why it's great for night work)
Tamron 28-75 2.8, but definitley not wide enough, and not long enough. Sharp, good price, fast.
canon 17-55 2.8 IS - great, but not cheap and not long.
Canon is rumoured to be bringing out an 18-200 lens with IS...guessing $800 range. We;ll know in a month, maybe less.
And canon's 28-300 3.5-5.6 L lens is great...a bit heavy and at $2100 not for everyone's kit bag.
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08/07/2007 04:55:18 PM · #14 |
| Put me down for the Canon 24-70 F2.8 L. |
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08/07/2007 05:25:42 PM · #15 |
Yup had one of those as well..A classic!
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08/07/2007 05:36:17 PM · #16 |
| I have the 28-135mm f3.5-5 IS USM. It's been great for me. |
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08/07/2007 05:43:12 PM · #17 |
Get the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 SP, you won't be disappointed. Sharp, fast, and cheap. Three things together that are unheard of in one lens.
Edit: If you have the cash, go for the Canon 24-70 f/2.8L. It's the only better lens in that range.
Message edited by author 2007-08-07 17:43:47.
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08/07/2007 05:57:01 PM · #18 |
Originally posted by pix-al:
Budget is a big factor here...
I have the Tamron 28-300mm. Quality is not bad at all and Tamron have announced a new version with their "IS" equivalent. Don't think it is available yet though??? |
You're right, it isn't available yet. After reading the press release on the tamron web site and trying and liking the current model 28-300mm Tamron, I think I will be getting this new "IS" version when it comes out. |
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08/07/2007 06:56:44 PM · #19 |
If can't spend too much money, I'd recommend the EF-s 17-85 IS.
It won't work on the 5D or 1D if you upgrade, but that's a sacrifice I made.
Also, with the 1.6 crop on 30D, the lenses with 24mm on the wide end, isn't all that wide.
Once you use a 17 or 18 on the 30D, you'll always want to have it.
That said, the 17-55 offers the f2.8, which is very nice.
But if you can afford it, and don't mind losing the super wide: go for the 24-70L of 24-105(?)L |
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08/07/2007 07:42:25 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by davidlinder:
If can't spend too much money, I'd recommend the EF-s 17-85 IS.
It won't work on the 5D or 1D if you upgrade, but that's a sacrifice I made.
Also, with the 1.6 crop on 30D, the lenses with 24mm on the wide end, isn't all that wide.
Once you use a 17 or 18 on the 30D, you'll always want to have it.
That said, the 17-55 offers the f2.8, which is very nice.
But if you can afford it, and don't mind losing the super wide: go for the 24-70L of 24-105(?)L |
Why won't the 17-85 IS work on the 1D or 5D? Will the 28-135mm IS work on them? Not that I'm planning on upgrading anytime soon, maybe never, but I'd still like to know. |
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08/07/2007 07:45:04 PM · #21 |
They don't take ef-s lenses.
You haven't bought the 24-105 yet? Wtf are you waiting for?? |
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08/21/2007 08:59:08 PM · #22 |
Originally posted by ragamuffingirl:
Why won't the 17-85 IS work on the 1D or 5D? Will the 28-135mm IS work on them? Not that I'm planning on upgrading anytime soon, maybe never, but I'd still like to know. |
The 17-85, along with other EF-S lenses won't work on the 5D or 1D because the back part of the lens sticks further into the body, and the mirror on the Full Frame cameras (5d, 1d) will hit the back of the lens. Bad idea.
Also, since the 20D and Rebel XT (and newer models) are a 1.6x FOVCF (google it), the 17mm becomes 27.2mm, which is still considered "wide angle", but if you use a 24mm(which is "wide angle" on a 1.6x FOVCF, it will end up being 38.4mm, which isn't super wide.
Go to a camera store near you, and try out different things and see what you like.
Now that the 40D is coming out, you should see the 30D drop in price.
Edit to add: Yes, the 28-135 will work on the Full Frame bodies, because it is an EF mount, not EF-s. The only EF-s lenses are 17-85 IS USM, 17-55 IS USM, 18-55 (kit lense), 10-22 USM (super wide), and 60mm f2.8 macro.
Message edited by author 2007-08-21 21:03:04. |
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08/21/2007 09:54:21 PM · #23 |
Originally posted by fsteddy:
Originally posted by pix-al:
Budget is a big factor here...
I have the Tamron 28-300mm. Quality is not bad at all and Tamron have announced a new version with their "IS" equivalent. Don't think it is available yet though??? |
You're right, it isn't available yet. After reading the press release on the tamron web site and trying and liking the current model 28-300mm Tamron, I think I will be getting this new "IS" version when it comes out. |
The Tamron 28-300mm VC (vibration controled) lens is out. I was fortunate enough to buy the first one in the USA. It is a great lens and a real bargine at $600. |
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08/21/2007 10:06:21 PM · #24 |
Even though I've only had the 30D a month or so, I use my Tamron 28-75 on it a lot of the time. I don't have a problem with it being too short or not wide enough. I find it useful for a lot of things. I use a longer lens when I need to, and a wider lens when I need to. I love it, it's sharp, it's fast, and it is relatively inexpensive. I'd suggest trying it at least. :)
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08/21/2007 11:47:22 PM · #25 |
I have a 28-80 Tamron and can't wait to get a 17mm to whatever lens just so I can get some wide angle back with my 30D (I used to have the Rebel 35mm camera).
If I had to pick one, it would be the EF-S 17-55 f2.8 IS canon lens. But I have toyed with the idea of the 10-22...
I also have a 70-300 Tamron, but it's cheap and I think one of the elements is slightly off because it never seems to be in focus no mater what I try. I like the range of the 300 end with the 1.6, but I just don't have a solid "walk around lens" as others have mentioned.
Scott
Message edited by author 2007-08-21 23:47:39.
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