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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Your SLR "stable" of lenses and why
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03/24/2004 09:56:55 AM · #1
Seeking replys on what focal length lenses are in your bag and why. Primes, wide angle, telephoto, zooms. Manufacturer is not as importatnt as focal lengths and the primary use of. Who uses 14mm, 17mm, 24mm, 17-35, 24-120, 50mm, 85mm, 90 or 105 macro, 28-200, 28-300, 80-200, 50-500, 400mm, 500mm, 600mm, etc.

Candids, wedding, portrait, landscape, wildlife, commercial products, studio, outdoor, photo-journalism, etc.

Thank you for sharing.

This could benefit others who enjoy similar subjects, to assess their lense selections.
03/24/2004 10:00:18 AM · #2
28-105mm
50mm
105mm macro
75-300

I'm planning to add a 14mm next.

03/24/2004 10:03:00 AM · #3
I just got my 10D in November so my wife won't let me buy more lenses yet...

Currently using:

28-135 IS
50mm 1.8

want a long telephoto next, but I might just get another 50mm and a reverse coupler ring so I can shoot me some of them fancy bug macro shots...

Dave
03/24/2004 10:04:07 AM · #4
Older Minolta film SLR
Minolta 28-85mm
Minolta 70-210mm

New Minolta film SLR
Sigma 28-135mm
Sigma 100-300mm

Non SLR digital
equiv to 28-200mm on a 35mm camera.
03/24/2004 10:07:12 AM · #5
18-55mm
28-200mm
70-300mm w/macro

for 35mm and digital
03/24/2004 10:08:14 AM · #6
I just received my 100 - 400 L IS USM. I love it!!! The IS works so well. I can already tell this is going to be my most used lens. I do lots of wildlife photo and this thing is awesome. On the down side my arm is already stiff from carrying this thing around.

I also have a 28 - 90 USM and a 75 - 300 USM. I love them both also.
03/24/2004 10:14:36 AM · #7
Widest to longest

17-40 zoom
50mm f1.8
24-85 zoom
100mm f2.8 macro
70-200 F4L

Then various modifiers, 0.42x semifish eye converter, 1.4x teleconverter, 25mm extension tubes.

24-85 is my 'walkabout' travel lens if I'm just taking one lens. Often I'll take the 50mm in a pocket at the same time for evening/ low light stuff - add a manfrotto tabletop tripod and I'm good to go on a short trip/ travel shoot. Optio s4 for travel when I can't be bothered dragging along an SLR.

10mm macro for macro work and portraits. It and the 50mm, for couples/ single portrait work.

17-40 for landscapes/ wide angle/ group portraits.

70-200, with the 1.4x for wildlife/ sports/ portraits without the teleconverter

Rebel Ti film body to make better use of the 17-40 WA and for the various film things you can't do with digital.
03/24/2004 10:21:34 AM · #8
Sigma 17-35 2.8-4.0
Canon 28-105
Canon 28-135 IS
Sigma 70-200 2.8

Those four, combined with two Canon EOS 10D bodies, two 550ex flashes, and a bunch of other minor gadgets are my work gear (freelance photographer)

If I have to go to jobs where I can only bring one lens, I usually bring the 28-135. The 28-105 used to fill that role, but it usually lives on my other camera house. The wide angle and telezoom are great for special stuff.

h

Message edited by author 2004-03-24 10:23:02.
03/24/2004 10:23:13 AM · #9
50mm 1.4 used with extension tubes for macro shots and other low light stuff

28-200mm daily walk around lens (and used with extension tubes for macro shots)

19-35mm for a little landscape and things that wont fit in the wide end of the 28-200

80-400 for wild life shots, mainly the zoo, but used on vacations or camping trips where wild life is actually wild.

the only lens that is not in my bag at all times is the 80-400, it stays in the truck so its usually close by if I need it. and when I know I will use it, i take the flash or other items out of my bag so I have all the lenses with me.

James

Message edited by author 2004-03-24 10:23:57.
03/24/2004 10:31:04 AM · #10
17-40mm f/4
50mm f/1.8
28-135 f/3.5 - 5.6 IS
180mm F/3.5 Macro (lucked into this for under $500 used, just had to have it)
75-300mm f/4.5 - 5.6

The 17-40 and 28-135 are usually the only two lenses I take on vacation, and serve me very well. I especially like the 17-40 for it's rich color and sharpness for walking around a crowded and tight city like NYC or Rome, or for landscapes.

I have been on the fence for ages on a long telephoto to bring me closer to wildlife; I think I am settled on the 400mm f/5.6L for it's sharpness, portability and ultimately affordability, but sometimes I waffle and think about a 70-200 f/2.8 instead with a teleconverter for more versatility. Just not sure. And it is a big purchase.

I don't have a specific subject I shoot with this range of lenses, I like to experiment with just about everything. I really like macro photography, so that 180mm was a neat find - it was an orphan sitting in a photography shop that stuck around for months, dropping in price until I just nabbed it. The thing retails at B&H for almost $1200 for the imported version. I have gotten some good telephoto shots with it as well. Heavy, though.

03/24/2004 10:36:06 AM · #11
18-55 kit lens
50mm 1.8 II
50-500mm sigma (the BIGMA)
tamron 90mm macro (comes tomorrow !)
03/24/2004 10:39:13 AM · #12
24-85mm - landscape shots mostly
50mm - rarely use this one
105mm macro - mostly macro shots
70-300mm - lens I use the most. Candids, wildlife, sports etc

Current wishlist
70-200 with 2x TC
50-500 Bigma
03/24/2004 10:42:36 AM · #13
Sigma 12-24mm f4.5-5.6 - Landscapes and 'tight' shots
Canon 18-55mm f4.5-5.6 - Came with the camera
Canon 28-105mm f3.5-4.5 USMII - Cheaper that the IS version
Canon 50mm f1.8 MK2 - Cheap
Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro - Ask Jacko
Canon 75-300mm f4.5-5.6 USMIII - To save my legs

Message edited by author 2004-03-24 10:44:09.
03/24/2004 10:44:54 AM · #14
Sigma 12-24 For landscapes and various wide angle shots
Nikkor 28-70 f/2.8 Walk about lens. Good for low light and portraiture
Nikkor 50 f/1.8 Portraiture and Low Light
Nikkor 70-200 VR f/2.8 Wildlife / Portraits
Nikkor 70-300 f/4-5.6 Wildlife / Portraits
Nikkor 105 f/2.8 Macro Macro's / Portraits
Nikkor 2x Teleconverter
Kenko 2x Teleconverter
ND Filter
Polarizer Filter

My next lens will be something at the long range zoom 400+mm
03/24/2004 10:49:34 AM · #15
17-40mm
50mm
70-300mm

I've "focused" on shooting portraits for the last 10 months. I will be shooting "2nd camera" for a local photographer and I'm starting to grow my own portrait business for people who want local environmental portraits.

I still haven't settled on a "walking around lens" although the 50mm is a decent lens in that its fast and bright. My next purchase will be the 70-200 f/2.8L followed by the 2x teleconverter and the 85mm f/1.8.

03/24/2004 11:05:02 AM · #16
Sigma 12-24 - What can I say? I love WA. This thing is not the fastest lens, but I love it anyway.

Canon 28-135 IS - This is my general walking around lens. Sharp, fast focus and the IS really does work though it's really only noticable at the long end.

Sigma 105 macro - I like shooting macro stuff, this lens is also pretty good for portraits, but I find it a bit long.

Canon 50mm f1.8 - Sharp, fast, perfect for portraits and it was only $70.

Next stop is the 85mm f1.8, but I need to get a new tripod first.
03/24/2004 11:14:44 AM · #17
17-40 F4L (on order) - travel, landscape, group portrait etc.
28 F2.8 - 'normal' lens on my 10D when quality is most important.
28-105 F3.5-4.5 - general purpose walkaround/travel to replace F717 spot.
50 F1.4 - portrait, low-light, candid, landscape. critical shots.
70-200 F4L - sports, portrait, candid, landscape.

Adding 100 F2.8 macro, 300 F4L and 1.4x teleconverter in the future. For me when I do paying jobs and I can't set shots up, zooms are critical. The slight image quality tradeoff of a zoom (with an L zoom and even with the 28-105 the differences are subtle) over a prime is far less important than being able to compose quickly and get the shot. I haven't had my hands on the 17-40 yet but the 50 1.4 is sill my favourite lens, with the 70-200 a very close second.
03/24/2004 11:20:55 AM · #18
My stuff

Q: why?
A: Just because.
03/24/2004 11:48:37 AM · #19
Interesting topic, here's my gear:
//www.adriantung.com/about.html

I'm still in the middle of acquiring a Sigma 18-50 f/3.5-5.6 DC for wide angle coverage, and in the middle of saving up for a 70-200 f/2.8 for available light events.

BTW Very nice website, Jacko.
03/24/2004 11:48:45 AM · #20
18-55mm kit lens - landscapes
50mm f/1.8 - my main portrait lens, some landscapes
100mm macro - my main macro lens, some portrait
100-400mm L (arriving today) - sports, nature/wildlife

75-300mm (Selling this one)

Next on my list is a good range all purpose like the 28-135 and that's probably where I'll stop for awhile.

Message edited by author 2004-03-24 11:49:03.
03/24/2004 11:57:59 AM · #21
My bag contains:
Nikkor 28-70 f3.5/4.5 (general carry lense)
Nikkor sf 50 f1.8 (low light shooting)
Nikkor 75-300 f4-5.6 (wildlife)

Have found that the 300mm is not long enough for actual wildlife shots while in Alaska. With the new D70 arriving shortly, the 28mm will not be wide enough although I gain 150mm on the long end.

Wish list includes:
Nikkor 14mm 2.8 (may settle for Sigma 14 2.8)
Nikkor 17-35 2.8 (may get a Tokina sf17 3.5)
Nikkor 24-120 (walk around lense for film body replacing the 28-70)
Nikkor 80-400VR (translate into 120-600 on the D70, plus gain 3 stops for low light wildlife captures)
Sigma 50-500 (possible alternative to the VR)

Great information here. I think researchers will find it helpful. Thanks again.
03/24/2004 11:59:30 AM · #22
Thanks to everyone who responded so far!

I've decided to get a Canon SLR, but still havent decided to get the 300D rebel with more lenses, or 10D. All suggestions and comments are welcome!
Since I have NO SLR gear, From reading this thread, I am definately thinking of getting the Canon 28-135 IS and 50MM 1.8. If you could add one or two lenses to this- what would it be? (within reasonable cost and need). Perhaps the Sigma 105MM f2.8 EX Macro? Anything comparible?

The camera will be for all uses, with emphasis on portraits. Thanks!
03/24/2004 12:04:38 PM · #23
EF 14mm f/2.8L -- I use this lens a lot for indoor shots (parties, room interiors…) I also use it frequently for close-ups where I am looking for an interesting perspective to liven up an otherwise boring picture.

EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye -- I use this lens when I REALLY want a wide field of view (landscapes, room interiors) and I find it especially effective for getting interesting perspective.

EF 24mm f/1.4L -- I use this lens a lot for indoor shots at parties/family functions… It is also good for lowlight outdoor events/street shooting.

EF 24mm f/3.5L TS-E -- Great landscape lens, I love how this lens can control the DOF.

EF 35mm f/1.4L -- Great normal lens on a digital body. Great lens for general shooting.

EF 45mm f/2.8 TS-E -- I use this lens a lot for product photography.

EF 50mm f/1.0L -- I mostly use this lens for portraits or for situations where I really want to blur out the background. This lens has amazing bokeh and can give a fairly unique effect.

EF 50mm f/1.4 -- Nice little lens use some for portraits and some low-light candids. The f/1 gets a lot more use.

EF 50mm f/2.5 compact macro -- I usually carry this lens with a long tele lens when I am out taking nature pictures. I like the working distance VERY much and it is nice and light and handy for macro subjects that come up when I am walking around in nature.

EF MP-E 65mm -- Awesome lens for extreme macro photography

EF 85mm f/1.2L -- Great portrait lens, great for low light candids, great bokeh (similar to the 50mm f/1). I have also had good results with this lens for indoor sports despite its rather slow focusing. This is a great lens for isolating the subject from the background in candids and informal portraits.

EF 90mm f/2.8 TS-E -- I use this lens mostly as a macro lens, sometimes with extension tubes. Great DOF control and amazingly sharp.

EF 135mm f/2L -- Great for close range sports pictures, portraits, action shots, candids.

EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro -- Extremely good macro lens. I use it a lot for insects, small reptiles and amphibians and flowers/plants.

EF 200mm f/1.8L -- Awesome lens for indoor sports and candid shots. Extremely good for isolating the subject from the background.

EF 300mm f/2.8L IS -- Awesome sports lens, I sometimes use this lens for nature shots but it is usually not long enough.

EF 400mm f/4 DO IS -- Great light weight fast long prime for nature photography. I can carry it all day and hand hold this lens with a 1.4x TC without breaking a sweat.

EF 400mm f/2.8L IS -- My favorite lens of all time. Insanely sharp, great for nature and sports and can even yield great portraits.

I also have a pretty complete set of L zooms but I hardly use them any more due to slow max aperture. Currently my only body is the Digital Rebel! In case you haven’t guessed I am a bit of a lens collector. I have most of the other primes but don’t use them very frequently.

Greg
03/24/2004 12:12:13 PM · #24
Originally posted by Gaia:

Thanks to everyone who responded so far!

I've decided to get a Canon SLR, but still havent decided to get the 300D rebel with more lenses, or 10D. All suggestions and comments are welcome!
Since I have NO SLR gear, From reading this thread, I am definately thinking of getting the Canon 28-135 IS and 50MM 1.8. If you could add one or two lenses to this- what would it be? (within reasonable cost and need). Perhaps the Sigma 105MM f2.8 EX Macro? Anything comparible?

The camera will be for all uses, with emphasis on portraits. Thanks!


The tamron 90mm macro is supposed to be a bit better than the sigma 105mm, but I don't think it's a difference anyone will ever really see. I've seen incredible photos from both.

I think you should go with the rebel and put the extra money into an extra lens. I doubt you will even miss the extra features of the 10d. If in a few years, you figure out you could use them, you could probably upgrade to the 10D. If you go with the rebel and get the kit lens, that will give you a decent wide angle lens, and then really all you would need is some sort of telephoto possibly.

If you're getting the 50mm, you should pick up some extension tubes and then you can use that as your macro lens instead of buying a dedicated macro.
03/24/2004 12:12:54 PM · #25
Originally posted by dadas115:

EF 14mm f/2.8L -- I use this lens a lot for indoor shots (parties, room interiors…) I also use it frequently for close-ups where I am looking for an interesting perspective to liven up an otherwise boring picture.

EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye -- I use this lens when I REALLY want a wide field of view (landscapes, room interiors) and I find it especially effective for getting interesting perspective.

EF 24mm f/1.4L -- I use this lens a lot for indoor shots at parties/family functions… It is also good for lowlight outdoor events/street shooting.

EF 24mm f/3.5L TS-E -- Great landscape lens, I love how this lens can control the DOF.

EF 35mm f/1.4L -- Great normal lens on a digital body. Great lens for general shooting.

EF 45mm f/2.8 TS-E -- I use this lens a lot for product photography.

EF 50mm f/1.0L -- I mostly use this lens for portraits or for situations where I really want to blur out the background. This lens has amazing bokeh and can give a fairly unique effect.

EF 50mm f/1.4 -- Nice little lens use some for portraits and some low-light candids. The f/1 gets a lot more use.

EF 50mm f/2.5 compact macro -- I usually carry this lens with a long tele lens when I am out taking nature pictures. I like the working distance VERY much and it is nice and light and handy for macro subjects that come up when I am walking around in nature.

EF MP-E 65mm -- Awesome lens for extreme macro photography

EF 85mm f/1.2L -- Great portrait lens, great for low light candids, great bokeh (similar to the 50mm f/1). I have also had good results with this lens for indoor sports despite its rather slow focusing. This is a great lens for isolating the subject from the background in candids and informal portraits.

EF 90mm f/2.8 TS-E -- I use this lens mostly as a macro lens, sometimes with extension tubes. Great DOF control and amazingly sharp.

EF 135mm f/2L -- Great for close range sports pictures, portraits, action shots, candids.

EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro -- Extremely good macro lens. I use it a lot for insects, small reptiles and amphibians and flowers/plants.

EF 200mm f/1.8L -- Awesome lens for indoor sports and candid shots. Extremely good for isolating the subject from the background.

EF 300mm f/2.8L IS -- Awesome sports lens, I sometimes use this lens for nature shots but it is usually not long enough.

EF 400mm f/4 DO IS -- Great light weight fast long prime for nature photography. I can carry it all day and hand hold this lens with a 1.4x TC without breaking a sweat.

EF 400mm f/2.8L IS -- My favorite lens of all time. Insanely sharp, great for nature and sports and can even yield great portraits.

I also have a pretty complete set of L zooms but I hardly use them any more due to slow max aperture. Currently my only body is the Digital Rebel! In case you haven’t guessed I am a bit of a lens collector. I have most of the other primes but don’t use them very frequently.

Greg


:::::DROOL:::::

Do you rent equipment :) That's insane!
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