Walking around lense.....What do you use?

[College Kid]

I would call myself a "Less Than Amateur, Amateur Photographer". I find that I get lucky more than plan out a good shot. I also atribute most of my "good" shots to the fact that I am capible of getting to place that most people can/wouldn't go. (Think --40 at the Artic Circle during a blizzard).

I am currently using a Canon XSI that came with the 18-55 lense. I was also fortunate enough to have worked for Canon for a little bit of time and picked up a 70-200 L series lense which everyone seems jelous of, although I must admit I had no idea what I was gettng at the time.

I am starting to take my photography more seriously and would like to find a good "walking around lense"

I have been using a borrowed 28-135 which I quite like although it seems to "drop" into extended mode alot making it annoying to carry around.

So what are you guys using?

 

[2500ak]

If the camera has good resolution for walking around I use my 18-55.

I've got an old Soligor 270 full manual, and it takes fantastic shots. I've got a 35-75 Nikon, that does alright.

Honestly, unless I'm setting up a shot it's the 18-55.

I have access to a 300mm, that pulls back to somewhere around 18. It's a beast, but for most shots it doesn't add anything.

Now on the other hand, I've known a few people who believe that having the ability to zoom gives them the tendency to cut parts of the shot out that could be relevant. And so will used a fixed lenses between 18 and 35. I don't agree with this.

Here are some random examples

Soligor:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40989468@N05/4237245225/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40989468@N05/4059733892/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40989468@N05/3911817536/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40989468@N05/3885867099/


http://www.flickr.com/photos/40989468@N05/3810186260/

Nikon 18-55:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40989468@N05/4237779122/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40989468@N05/3810177952/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40989468@N05/5163443152/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40989468@N05/5116106437/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40989468@N05/5116084193/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40989468@N05/5116076363/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40989468@N05/5116664092/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40989468@N05/4494364059/


Nikon 35-75:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40989468@N05/3911821816/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40989468@N05/3886666724/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40989468@N05/3886650372/


The best shots are usually out of the Soligor, but they take time to setup because I have to guess and check the shutter and aperture settings.

For what it's worth, I'm almost always between 25 and 55.

Just for fun this is from my grandma's 300mm taken about 25 feet from the bee itself:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/c_snapp_photos/3731667848/

 

[FortyTwo]

For a smaller DSLR sensor, an 18-200 is hard to beat in the versatility department. One could also make a good case for a fixed, wide aperture, normal field of view lens like a 50 or 35 (depending on the sensor size).

I'm happy with either choice.

 

[coastsider]

My set up

I use an old Canon 20D with a Sigma 17-70 f2.8, this has been my workhorse set up for several years now. Works great on the trail for close ups and able to swop to landscapes at the twist of a lens.

 

[Wander]

I'm a Nikon guy and recently picked up a 16-85 f3.5-5.6 VR ED that I've been impressed with as a walk around lens. I gave up the longer range for a wider close range as I find my self using wide-normal range when I'm walking around and/or using the camera for casual shots. It's also smaller and lighter than the 18-200 and less expensive.

 

[mountainpete]

During the day, I use the trusty 18-200 mm Nikkor. As mentioned, it's versatility is really hard to beat. If it's after dark, I use a simple 35 mm 1.4 Nikkor. Cheap lens, but it takes great pics in low light - especially in urban areas.

Pete

 

[mikelite80]

My 2 favs for my canon are the 10-22mm and the 24-105mm. The 10-22mm is small and light enough I can usually talk the girl friend into carrying it in her purse just incase we want that wide shot. 70-200 you have is a nice piece of glass. I've got the 2.8 IS model and love it! If you plan on carrying any serious glass like that for any amount of time get a better strap. The stock straps are a joke.

Like mountainpete mentioned the 18-200mm on Nikon is a sweet piece of glass too! Wish Canon would make one! A good prime in the 35-50mm range is great for low light and making you work to get the shot.

 

[spacer]

I also have the XSi, and though I do have two longer zooms, I tend to keep the 18-55 on it for snap shooting. Having the IS helps there, too.
I may shop around for a better 'all around' lens, but that's a few bucks down the road.

 

[Lost Canadian]

I love my wides. Give me a sharp 2.8 or faster in a 20-28mm focal range and I'm golden for walking around. I am currently using a new, and disgustingly beautiful Nikkor 24 1.4. If I had to pick one lens as a carry around this would without question be it, this thing is sick. I'll be sad when I have to give it back next week.

 

[LifeOverland]

I'd second the 18-200. I had the Sigma optically stabilized version. Brought it all around central Am. Backpacking. Just threw it and my XTi in the messenger bag with no padding. It is a super versatile lens. If you want just a normal focal length zoom the Canon 17-55 2.8 IS is hard to beat. Most give it L quality minus the build, it tends to get dust under the front element but doesn't effect photos.

Check out photography-on-the.net for all canon info!

 

[nwoods]

I use an old Canon 20D with a Sigma 17-70 f2.8, this has been my workhorse set up for several years now. Works great on the trail for close ups and able to swop to landscapes at the twist of a lens.

I love the wide angles! My setup for the past 5 or 6 years was similar to this. Canon 20D but with the nicer Canon 16-35mm F2.8 MkII "L" lens. I have a LOT of terrific shots with that lens. I am now using it in conjunction with a 7D, but I haven't learned how to use that body yet.

Like others, the 10-22mm is just so much fun! I can do a lot with that lens, but its still not as useful for general purpose use as my 16-35.

I also have the 70-200 and it's my sharpest lens bar none. I typically bring, though I seldom use it. I need to use it more. Its such a nice lens!

Here are some diverse images with the 16-35:

 

[photoman]

Nathan- those are all awesome shots!

For me- the lenses I take are dependent on what I am going to be shooting and the ideas I have in my mind before even going out. If I am going to go walk around a city I would pack a telephoto and a wide angle lens so I could shoot street candids and architectural shots. If I am going on an off road run I would take a wide angle zoom and a medium prime lens.

Sitting in the airport right now I have my 16-35L, 70-200L, and 28mm,50mm, 85mm primes. That is only because I shot an engagement shoot a few hours ago and am now boarding a plane and heading to Rocky Mtn National Park.

I usually cation on bringing more than I need side but I would rather carry the extra weight than miss a great shot.

 

[ywen]

The 24-80mm range (effective FOV for 35mm/full frame) is probably a good range if you are to have just one lens attached to the body. You'll have the flexibility to shoot in tight locations, as well as decent telephoto for portraits or to compress the background for landscapes..

The lens should be f/2.8 but no slower than f/4

 

[Michael Slade]

the 24-80mm range (effective fov for 35mm/full frame) is probably a good range if you are to have just one lens attached to the body. You'll have the flexibility to shoot in tight locations, as well as decent telephoto for portraits or to compress the background for landscapes..

The lens should be f/2.8 but no slower than f/4

+1

 

[College Kid]

Thanks All,

I love the wide angles as well. I had the pleasure of taking a trip to the artic last year and that lense made the trip! you just can't capture the vastness with out it.

Keep the thoughts coming, I am already making a short list of lenses to start to keep my eye open for.