The Lens Thread!

[Michael Slade]

What other lenses would you recommend for the artistic sense?

You have two built into your head. Start with those.

 

[Stan the Man]

You have two built into your head. Start with those.

Wise guy, you are. Haha

 

[nwoods]

Yeap, what Michael said. The choice of lens does not make the image artistic, no matter how nice a piece of glass (well, maybe a fisheye lens might, but....).

I also note that Michael tacitly agrees with my lack of artistic ability

 

[Michael Slade]

I also note that Michael tacitly agrees with my lack of artistic ability

OH NOW WAIT JUST A MINUTE HERE WILL 'YA!!! hehe...

I never tacitly agreed with that. I didn't in any form agree to that. In fact, the word 'artistic' is not in my vocabulary. I do not let my students use it and I do not use it. I might not agree with every aesthetic choice any one particular photographer makes, but I will never malign their personal vision and execution. We can talk aesthetics all day long...and as you can see, I like to do that.

Just out of curiostiy, where did I *allegedly* agree with your lack of artistic ability? I want to know which thin ice I should be watching out for. :coffeedrink:

 

[nwoods]

OH NOW WAIT JUST A MINUTE HERE WILL 'YA!!! hehe...

Just out of curiostiy, where did I *allegedly* agree with your lack of artistic ability? I want to know which thin ice I should be watching out for. :coffeedrink:

LOL, I'm just using your post to poke fun at myself. I aspire to be creative with my images like yours, Lost Canadian's, Sinhue's, etc... but I'm not even worthy of comparison, and I know it!

Some day though. I am working towards it.

 

[desertrover]

The EF 70-200 2.8 IS USM is a beautiful lens... i had the (mis?)fortune of getting to use one a little while ago, and now I don't even want to look at my cheap 75-300. Waiting for a 50 f1.4 to come in the mail now, should be a good fast versatile lens. That 70-200.. someday. When the Rover and Unimog aren't nickel and diming me to death.

 

[telwyn]

Fisheye and Lensbaby

Couple of references within here to these lens. I'm interested in one to use with my Canon 30D. Any recommendations?

Want a good lens, but doesn't need to be a top of the line. Cost IS a factor. Willing to buy used as well.

Appreciate any pointers.

Thanks!

 

[Stan the Man]

Couple of references within here to these lens. I'm interested in one to use with my Canon 30D. Any recommendations?

Want a good lens, but doesn't need to be a top of the line. Cost IS a factor. Willing to buy used as well.

Appreciate any pointers.

Thanks!

For a walk around lens, I've had my eyes set on the EF 24-70mm L f2.8. I'd be willing to spend the added money on the USM, the wide aperture, and the quality glass. Its something that would last a whole lifetime.

In fact, I've been having a hard time deciding if I wanted to get that lens or the 70-200mm L IS f2.8 first. I'm pretty set on both of those long term, but not too sure which would be the better first buy.

 

[nwoods]

For a walk around lens, I've had my eyes set on the EF 24-70mm L f2.8. I'd be willing to spend the added money on the USM, the wide aperture, and the quality glass. Its something that would last a whole lifetime.

In fact, I've been having a hard time deciding if I wanted to get that lens or the 70-200mm L IS f2.8 first. I'm pretty set on both of those long term, but not too sure which would be the better first buy.

If you don't have a wide lens, I would encourage you to consider the 16-35mm F2.8 L mkII as a walkabout lens. Sharper than the 24-70 from what I can tell, and WIDE is fun. 90% or more of the images in my gallery are with the 16-35

 

[Stan the Man]

If you don't have a wide lens, I would encourage you to consider the 16-35mm F2.8 L mkII as a walkabout lens. Sharper than the 24-70 from what I can tell, and WIDE is fun. 90% or more of the images in my gallery are with the 16-35

I was planning that as my third lens :drool: I think I'd like something with a little zoom on it for every day. Thing is I already have the kit lens at 18-55mm so that area is semi-covered right now. I could get the tele and have more variety, or get a slightly zoomier walk around (or as you suggest a new wide angle).

Problem I've ran into is the kit lens is way too slow; especially when its zoomed in and the aperture closes down to f5.6. The constant f2.8 would really help me in the dark and indoor shots (parties, nightlife, etc.). The USM, better body and glass, and sharper images would just be a benefit :ylsmoke:

 

[Every Miles A Memory]

For a walk around lens, I've had my eyes set on the EF 24-70mm L f2.8. I'd be willing to spend the added money on the USM, the wide aperture, and the quality glass. Its something that would last a whole lifetime.

In fact, I've been having a hard time deciding if I wanted to get that lens or the 70-200mm L IS f2.8 first. I'm pretty set on both of those long term, but not too sure which would be the better first buy.

I'd recommend this combo to anyone looking to have the almost perfect set-up. These two lenses are the only two that get any serious time on my bodies.

Ideally with two bodies and these two lenses, you almost never have to change a lens and you have everything from a semi-wide lens, at 24mm, all the way out to 200mm on the other end.

With the capability of the super fast glass because of the f/2.8, you can shoot in very low light and come away with stellar shots.

The fisheye is fun, but not a lens we use every day. If you're going to spend the money for one, save some coinage and go with the Sigma version. Just as good as the Canon and saves you a couple hundred dollars. I've shot them side by side, and my buddy who owns the Canon version was shuffling his feet wondering why he had spent the extra money even after I told him to go with the Sigma

 

[Michael Slade]

i'd recommend this combo to anyone looking to have the almost perfect set-up.

+1

 

[Stan the Man]

I'd recommend this combo to anyone looking to have the almost perfect set-up. These two lenses are the only two that get any serious time on my bodies.

Ideally with two bodies and these two lenses, you almost never have to change a lens and you have everything from a semi-wide lens, at 24mm, all the way out to 200mm on the other end.

With the capability of the super fast glass because of the f/2.8, you can shoot in very low light and come away with stellar shots.

The fisheye is fun, but not a lens we use every day. If you're going to spend the money for one, save some coinage and go with the Sigma version. Just as good as the Canon and saves you a couple hundred dollars. I've shot them side by side, and my buddy who owns the Canon version was shuffling his feet wondering why he had spent the extra money even after I told him to go with the Sigma

Thanks for confirming my lust for this duo and for the advice on the smaller lens. The question really is, which lens first? Replace the kit lens and get the 24-70 to walk around? Or go with the tele and get a whole new range of photos?

Would you guys suggest buying new or used? I've noticed that there's only a $200-300 difference in price (in either lens); thats not much savings.

 

[Every Miles A Memory]

Would you guys suggest buying new or used? .

For our gear, we beat the heck out of it so badly, that we always buy used. You can find some great deals off of POTN or Fred Miranda these days.

A few hundred bucks saved on two lenses means you get your Fisheye for free, or another body if you find a really good deal.

Some swear by only buying brand name and only buying brand new, but those people usually are the same ones who keep their lens caps on and keep their gear stored in a bag in the truck of a car.

Our gear rides on our laps or around our necks no matter where we go, so it takes a beating at all times so we try and save our money where ever we can

You wont be dissapointed with either of these purchases and you'll notice your photography improve immediately

 

[Stan the Man]

First of all, whats POTN? Secondly, what do we look for when buying used lenses? Whats the best procedure to making sure we get a good lens, and not something that I will be unhappy with in a month?


*EDIT* Nvm on the POTN thing. I found it: http://photography-on-the.net/