Help me pick some glass

scottcolbath

I just got my annual review at work and got a nice bonus. I want to drop about $1,000 or so (probably much more) on some new glass. The problem is that I don't know what I want.

Some facts.

I'm shooting with a 30D and an XT.

I like shooting motorsports and landscape/nature.

I currently have a 28-135 EF-S and a 100-300 EF. Both Canon lenses.

I really, really like the shots I've seen from that Canon 85 f1.2 lens, but that does not really seem to fit either of my typical shooting scenarios.

I've shot with the Canon 100-400 and really did not like the push-pull movement on that lens. I really prefer one which I turn to zoom in/out.

Another factor is that for the $1,600 that 85 f1.2 would cost me, I could get the 85 f1.8 and another lens.....or two, depending on choics.

Help a confused wanker.

S.C.

Cuong

How about the EF-S 10-22 to cover the wider end? That would give you a new perspective with the motorsports and excellent candidate for landscape/nature shots.

Cuong

Tee Why

Landscape: consider an ultrawide. Canon 10-22 is nice, so is Sigma 10-20.
Tokina has a fast 11-16mm f2.8 coming out soon and lastly, Tamron is working on a 10-24 f3.5-4.5 as well.

Motorsports? Consider a telephoto zoom.
Sigma 50-150mm f2.8 II, Tamron 70-200mm f2.8, Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 II, Canon 70-200mm f4 with or without IS, Canon 70-200mm f2.8 non IS (IS version is about $1600).

Good luck.

scottcolbath

I ordered the 400 and also the 85 f1.8.

S.C.

Scott_Quier

scottcolbath wrote:

I ordered the 400 and also the 85 f1.8.

S.C.

Good choices. I have the 85 1.8 - it's the sharpest tool in my kit. I have a trip later this summer and will be renting the 400. If it works as well as the reviews indicate it should, it will be my next lens acquisition.

rpcrowe

Are you talking about the 400mm f/5.6L lens?
The Canon 400mm f/5.6L lens is a great lens and I love the focal length because it can really bring you up to the action. It is so sharp (even wide open) that you have to be careful about cutting yourself when you open the image on your computer.

It is best used on a monopod or a tripod since it is not equipped with IS. However, since it is gnat sharp wide open, the f/5.6 aperture is not really as much of a drawback as I thought it would be. This is especially true when used with a camera like a 30D with its great ISO capability. I tend to shoot at ISO 400 all the time using this lens.

I use my 400mm f/5.6L on a Manfrotto 3421 Gimbal Mount in conjunction with either a Giottos MT-8180 Carbon Fiber Tripod or a Manfrotto 681 Monopod.

A great attribute of the 400L lens is its super fast focus. Here are some images I shot of 150+ MPH unlimited hydroplanes using that lens, the 3421 Gimbal an the MT-8180 Tripod.

http://rpcrowe.smugmug.com/gallery/4054984#236168266

scottcolbath

The wife called. The lenses are at the house , but I'm stuck at work. :bash

I should have some daylight still when I get home so I can play around with them.

S.C.

swintonphoto

scottcolbath wrote:

I should have some daylight still when I get home so I can play around with them.

With a 1.8 you wont need any daylight:D

scottcolbath

swintonphoto wrote:

With a 1.8 you wont need any daylight:D

Oh, how true.

First, the 85mm f1.8. This pic was taken with the ambient light in the house. Real nice bokkeh there. That's why I bought this puppy.


Now, the 400mm f5.6. You are no longer safe in your yard 1/4 mile away because I have the glass to reach in and see that you are fapping.
This shot is from about 30 feet away, in the shade and cropped.


This one is about 50 feet away and cropped.


I'd say these two lenses were money well spent.

S.C.

Scott_Quier

Nice - you gotta be happy about those!