cokin filters and a lens - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

04/06/2008 10:37:51 AM · #1

I just have a couple of questions. I have 4 cokin filters already. I was wondering what would be the next filters to put on my "hubby, i love you 4ever" list..
P830 diffuser 1 filter
P123s gradual blue B2 soft filter
P197 sunset 1 filter
p071 C spot WA incolor 2 (hubby just got this for me friday night)

2 other filters i have:
quantaray cross screen filter(58mm)
quantaray cross 6x filter (58mm)

also..Im looking into putting $500-$600 (might be able to squeeze a bit more outta hubby if im really nice) into a good portrait lens in the next few months but I dont know what ones to even look for. I want a lens that has some zoom but good glass. I already have the 50mm 1.8 (which i love) but I'd like something with a zoom. This glass would also have to be able to "crossover" to weddings too..so what should I be looking for??

jschro

Canon EOS-30D

04/06/2008 10:55:17 AM · #2

As far as filters go I'd look for a polarizer and grad. ND filters. When I read the first part of your question I was going to recommend the 85mm1.8 but then saw you're looking for a zoom. I would recommend the Canon 24-70 2.8L but that's a bit out of your stated budget. If you can save up for a bit longer it's really a great lens. If you decide to not spend the extra money there's the Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 which is a much cheaper alternative with nice optics. I had it and did like it but found it struggled to focus at times. That was what made me decide to bite the bullet and get the "L", focuses much faster and more accurately in my experience. Otherwise, if you wanted to go wider I'd look at the Tamron 17-50 2.8, I've heard it's a good performer for the price but I don't have any personal experience with it.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

04/06/2008 11:45:15 AM · #3

does anyone have or know about this lens? Sigma 24-70 mm f/2.8 EX DF
I would love to have this in canon but..waaaayyy out of my price range! hows the focus..glass ect. Ive already looked at the photos here on dpc thats beent aken with that lens but theres not alot of variation in the photos shown.

and i forgot to list both the polarizer and the ND filter that I already have....sorry

talmy

Nikon D300s

04/06/2008 11:56:29 AM · #4

Forget more filters but put the money into software instead. Other than the polarizer and a standard (non-graduated) ND filter, all the other effects can be obtained in post processing. I don't even use the graduated ND anymore since I discovered HDR and Photomatix.

Lenses are always good, but have no advice there (I'm into primes and have a Nikon.).

drydoc

Canon EOS-7D

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

04/06/2008 12:04:06 PM · #5

I have the Tamron 28mm - 27mm and I love it. I have not experienced the focus struggles mentioned by jschro. Tamron has a great lens page that you may find very interesting: //www.tamron.com/lenses/learning_center/pro_learning_center_podcasts.asp The video podcasts are worth the time. (I hope this works. I am usually not very successful with linking)

BTW: Best of luck on your scuba certification test. My wife an I are both certified rescue divers and have been diving for some 10 years. You do realize that underwater photography is going to cost you a mint?!!! I have a number of prints and slides from a 35mm camera but nothing from digital.

04/06/2008 12:04:47 PM · #6

Originally posted by talmy:

Oh NO...I cant believed you used the "N" word! heehee

like i said. I do love my 50mm but i do ALOT of portraits of small children (age 2-6) and i dont do studio work. I let the children run around and play and be themselves while i snap away. thats why i want something with decent glass (other than my kit or the 75-300) and zoom. little ones tend not to stand still that much or for more than a few seconds.