My next lens?

PilotBrad

Earlier this year I purchased a 7D along with a 17-55 f2.8 and a EF 100-400 f4.5-5.6 and while I thoroughly enjoyed using both, I have a desire to add another (maybe two) to my camera bag. The problem is I am not sure what direction I want to go.

I've thought about a fast-fifty, which I have rented, but my 17-55 covers that focal length so I am not sure if I want to double up there. Perhaps a nice prime macro lens, or maybe a UWA, but then there's also the 70-200 2.8. Decisions, decisions.

I know my question is vauge and that it really comes down to what I want to do with it, but I am curious if anyone has any suggestions or experiences to share. Perhaps as you have built out your arsenal of lenses that there is one that you find particularly useful, or that has provided you with an unexpected amount of enjoyment or utility.

Thanks.

Icebear

Well, since you didn't tell us anything, how 'bout I say buy a fast 85? I can't be wrong!!!!

divamum

My usual response: 135L hands down. I love it so much that I'd rather move so I can use it instead of changing lenses to a different focal length. It's close to perfection with AF so fast it's almost psychic, and a special optical quality all its own. I frequently joke that it's like it had "magic dust" ground into the glass, but it does seem that way. Seamless bokeh, light, responsive and if you can use the focal length it's pretty hard to beat at the price (you can get them around $800 used or, if you're supremely lucky like I was, even new in box ).

PilotBrad

Icebear wrote: »

Well, since you didn't tell us anything...

Yea, I know. Nobody but me can really answer the question but I didn't want to influence anyone's recommendations. My big problem is that I have a desire to be good at many things... so it's hard for me to pick a direction (e.g. wildlife, portraits, macro, etc.).

I will say that I am happy with my 17-55 for general use and landscape work, but I really enjoyed the 10-22 I rented recently. I am just reluctant to buy another EF-S (crop only) lens.

I find my 100-400 too long (and slow) for interior use on the 7D, so while the 135L might great lens I guess I am concerned with it's focal length indoors. Divamum, how have you found the length on your 7D?

A fast 85 is up there on the list. I do feel like that might be a good choice for indoor portrait work, which I am trying to learn. Wow, I don't think I realized the 1.8 could be had for less than $400... interesting.

divamum

The 85 1.8 is a good lens - I have one (although I rarely seem to use it these days) but I love, love, love the 135L on the 7d. Did I say love? It wouldn't be a great indoor lens (ie for a reception), but ....

Lovely for portraits although you do need space (I've been known to shoot through a doorway so I can back up enough to use it, but I really DO love it that much!)





Capturing candids


low light concert/stage situations


And anywhere I have the space to invoke its yumminess

PilotBrad

Nice shots Divamum! I can see why you like it.

Hmmm... that 135L is certainly very highly regarded. Then again Sigma has recently introduced an 85 1.4 that is getting a lot of praise.

Richy, I think you nailed it... while my current lenses are good general lenses, I need something that will "blow my head off", and I'm leaning towards a good prime lens, regardless of what focal length it is.

puzzledpaul

This's unlikely to be on your radar ... but

<< unexpected amount of enjoyment or utility >>

I bought a (used) 500 f4 just over a yr ago and this phrase sums up that period nicely
Great piece of kit - only regret is not getting one earlier.

Prior to its arrival I would've said mpe65 as it does stuff nothing else does.

pp

JSPhotography

HMMMMMM, looking at your list I'm going to buck the trend and tell you to get the 70-200 2.8 next. You said maybe two - now start adding your primes to your kit.

PilotBrad

puzzledpaul wrote: »

This's unlikely to be on your radar ... but(snip)

Quite the contrary... the 500 f4 holds the top position on my Wish list! It's just a touch over my budget right now, although it's not the cost of the lens so much as the added expenses; a stronger tripod, gimbal head, and the cost of the divorce that likely be spawned by its purchase (joking).

divamum

PilotBrad wrote: »

Nice shots Divamum! I can see why you like it.

Hmmm... that 135L is certainly very highly regarded. Then again Sigma has recently introduced an 85 1.4 that is getting a lot of praise.

Richy, I think you nailed it... while my current lenses are good general lenses, I need something that will "blow my head off", and I'm leaning towards a good prime lens, regardless of what focal length it is.

Thanks for the kind words!

The 135L will definitely blow your head off

However, you have that FL covered - you really DO need something in that "middle ground" between 55-100; one of the 85's would seem an obvious choice. The 85 1.2 is VERY well regarded as a portrait lens, but it's slow, heavy and very pricey. The new Sigma is definitely of interest to me, but it is new and I'd like it to be on the street a little longer to get some idea how it really performs; if it's a good'un, I'd consider selling my 85 1.8 and giving it a try since for my theater shoots I can use every added bit of light I can get. The 85 1.8 is a great performer and fabulous bang-per-buck, though; very useful lens.

The other lens to consider might be the Sigmalux 50 1.4. I already have the Canon version which is a fine lens, but have been considering the Sigma for quite some time - it's sharper wide open, and renders light in that slightly "sparkly" way that the 85L and 135L seem to capture. Don't get me wrong, the Canon 50 1.4 is a good lens, but if the Sigma can performer better from 1.4-2.2 (where the Canon starts to get really sharp), then it would be good for me with my lust for shallow DOF.

If you want a fast telephoto, another relatively affordable L is the 200 2.8. I had the Mk1 for a while (the MkII has slightly better AF and a different hood) - it's a truly EXCELLENT lens, but I found it too long for my needs and I think, realistically, I need IS for lenses longer than the 135.

What about something like the f2.8 100mm macro? That would add macro capability to your lineup as well as a fast longer lens for portrait work (that's a nice length for portraits). The older, nonIS version can be picked up secondhand very reasonably; the newer one - now designated an L - is pricier, but also very highly regarded.

PilotBrad

Diva... I completely agree regarding the newness of Sigma's 85, and I do find the extra 1/2 stop of the Sigma over the Canon 1.8 attractive, although perhaps not completely neccessary given the 2X cost difference. I'll have to think about that. While I've fondled the Canon 1.2, I just can't justify its expense at this point in my learning (I know you aren't recommending it).

The 100 f2.8 L Marco is very high on the options list. I would like a good Macro lens and it would give me a nice outdoor portrait lens. As I think about this, I think I need to free myself of the zoom-mindset and be more accepting of the tradeoffs I must make as I acquire primes of any length or purpose.

At this point I think my options in no particular order are; a fast 85, a 100 macro, or maybe the 70-200 f2.8.

Thanks.

Dan7312

If you are thinking macro you should at least put the 180mm on your list. It's not as fast at the 100mm of course, but when you are shooting 1:1 you can be twice as far from the subect, i.e. about 9" between the front of the lens and the subject. Sometimes this make lighting easier and, of course, it keeps you twice as far from those stingy things you trying to get a picture of:D.

PilotBrad wrote: »

The 100 f2.8 L Marco is very high on the options list. I would like a good Macro lens

Jakie

Favorite Lense
I just wanted to echo my opinion on the 17-55 f/2.8 being my favorite lense on my 30D. I would recommend the 70-200 f/2.8 IS being the next lense. Then it's a tie between the 10-22 ef-s or 60mm ef-s. Presently, my favorite lense is the 24-70 f/2.8 with the 1D Mark III. Based on the prior recommendations, I am strongly looking at the 85 f/1.8.

Wachel

I have the 7D, 17-55 2.8, 50 1.8, and a chepo 75-300 (never use because it sucks).

My next lens is going to be the 70-200 2.8 II IS. I am saving and saving to get it...it will be MINE! Then I will start saving for primes.

Just my 2¢