I shoot weddings and portraits and I want to get a new lens to replace my aging 28-135 IS canon lens. My wish list is a fast lens, "L" glass and under $1K.

I would like to be 1.8-2.8 so I can work in low light and have IS for the same reason... I'm looking around but there doesn't seem to be much in this arena.

Ideas?

 

Jeff Folger

Vistaphotography

I replaced mine with the 24-70 f/2.8 L - which was slightly over $1000.  It doesn't have IS, but with the 2.8, I haven't really missed it.  I think it is a "necessary" lens for what you are doing.  Happy shopping.

Vistaphotography:

I shoot weddings and portraits and I want to get a new lens to replace my aging 28-135 IS canon lens. My wish list is a fast lens, "L" glass and under $1K.

I would like to be 1.8-2.8 so I can work in low light and have IS for the same reason... I'm looking around but there doesn't seem to be much in this arena.

Ideas?

As a pretty solid rule, you won't find many zoom lenses below f/2.8 from anyone.  There are a couple of oddball f/2 zooms out there, but the pretty general rule of thumb is that the fastest zooms are f/2.8.

The best zoom I can think of that would put you in this ballpark, but without nearly the reach is the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS lens.  (I'm assuming you are shooting a Rebel or 20D/30D and not a 5D or 1D)  This isn't an L, but it is priced like one and it is supposed to have the L glass in it.  You get f/2.8 which is as fast as it gets with a zoom and you get the IS.  Keep in mind though, IS isn't a magic pill.  If your subject is moving, it won't get you any stops because they will just blur.

So if you wanna go super fast... that takes you in a different direction.

With most of the really fast lenses, there is no IS option because, well - they are fast and you shouldn't need it!  Especially on the shorter focal lengths.  Also, L primes are going to blow your budget fast and you won't have any range because you have one focal length.  Consider that several of the lower f/stop primes probably have better image quality (IQ) that some of the prime zooms and you can put together some pretty solid, fast primes for portraiture.

I'd start with this lens... EF 50mm f/1.4 USM.  This is a tack-sharp, colorful, contrasty lens and it costs around $320.  It is great on a crop factor camera as the field of view brings you in like it is an 80mm lens.

Next I'd look at the EF 85mm f/1.8 USM which will give you a bit more reach, and still is a fast, good IQ prime lens at around $340 at www.bhphotovideo.com.

Finally, to round out the package you may want to look at the EF 135 f/2.8 Soft Focus (which you may never use the soft focus, but people rate this lens highly for sharpness when the SF is turned off) for about $280.

That gets you in at under $1,000 with three really good primes.

Otherwise, the only real option I am seeing is the EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L lens which is not IS but at f/2.8 is as fast as you get with a zoom and covers most of the focal length you had before.  You are looking at $1,100 for that lens.

Thanks I'm shooting the 1d Mark II so the EF-S lenses are out but I should have mentioned that before. (my bad)

The only prime I have right now is a sigma 20mm which I purchased for shooting interiors of buildings. So the primes you mentioned are high on my list. I was looking at a 85mm that has IS & it's a "L" lens for 1700.00$ but I really can't justify that one.. but it's fun to dream.

Also I'm trying to get it to be an "L" lens for the next one. But maybe I'll just wait until my number of weddings picks up some more... Gotta pay off that credit card as I buy these tools. *Note* I didn't say toys since I'm also trying to make a living off my photography like many on this forum.

 

Thanks...

Jeff Folger

 

If you aren't in a rush, wait until March or so and see what Canon announces at the photo shows.  There are rumors of a 24-70 with IS...

The 1.3 factor of your camera widens things up a good bit.

I'd look at the 85mm and 135mm.

If you are dead set on L, then you are probably limited to a very few choices.  A really good wedding lens, especially on a 1.3 crop camera is the EF 70-200L f/2.8 IS but it is about $600 over your budget.  Even used I think you'd pay over $1,300.

This would feel like a 90-260mm lens, and with f/2.8 and IS you'd be able to get some fantastic shots.  Couple that with something like the 50mm f/1.4 and you'd have some pretty good wedding glass.  But you'd be closer to $2,000 than $1,000.

Also what flash do you have?  The 580EX could be a significant change in your shooting abilities as a wedding photographer.
 

Is the 580EX that much different over the 550EX?  I shoot my weddings with two 550's.  I one as a slave.

I hope to replace my 28-105 IS with the 24-70 2.8... However I think I will wate till after March.

oops I wanted to say  28-135 IS

Guilloryphoto:

Is the 580EX that much different over the 550EX?  I shoot my weddings with two 550's.  I one as a slave.

I don't know for sure, but my guess is no.  I would think that the difference would not be worth the upgrade.  I'm sure the 550 is a very good flash. 

I use the EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L for almost everything and even though it doesn't have the IS, I haven't missed it. I had the 28-135 but sold it on Ebay not long after getting this lens.

 Ok here is the dream setup..

EOS-1D Mark III EOS Digital SLR Item Code: 1888B002 Available in April 2007

E-mail this page

EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Ultra-Wide Zoom Item Code: 1910B002 Available in April 2007 ANDDDDDDDDDD  Speedlite 580EX II Item Code: 1946B002 Available in April 2007 Jeff Folger

I've narrowed it down to these two lenses:

Sigma Telephoto 70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro

Canon Telephoto EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus

I wish I could justify the cost of "L" glass and get the 85mm 1.2L but 1700.00 is just a bit steep right now.  I'm probably going to get the sigma since it will also provide a much needed macro capability that I don't have right now and the canon lens is not rated very good close in in reviews.

Anyone have a dissenting viewpoint?

Jeff

Vistaphotography:

I've narrowed it down to these two lenses:

Sigma Telephoto 70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro

Canon Telephoto EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus

I wish I could justify the cost of "L" glass and get the 85mm 1.2L but 1700.00 is just a bit steep right now.  I'm probably going to get the sigma since it will also provide a much needed macro capability that I don't have right now and the canon lens is not rated very good close in in reviews.

Anyone have a dissenting viewpoint?

Jeff

So, you've strayed from your original idea of replacing your 28-135?  If so and you're looking at just these two lenses, you might also look at the Canon f/2.8 macro.  I think it is a beautiful portrait lenses - just need enough distance to use it.  Don't have experience with the Sigma or the 85 f/1.8 - I typically rent the 85 1.2 instead.  Oh, and I think the 550EX is fine - although if you are buying a new flash, then I'd get the 580.  Otherwise, no need to upgrade there necessarily.

Vistaphotography:

Sigma Telephoto 70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro

Anyone have a dissenting viewpoint?

Jeff

Make sure this lens is compatible with your MKII... (I think the DG lenses are for the smaller sensor crop cameras... 1.6, etc)

Dan

I did check into that but since I have the 1D Mark II and it has a 1.3 crop factor I'm ok. I did check before I ordered it... Has anyone looked on B&H's site and looked for lenses? They have many in the digital section but most all are EFS or at least not compatiable with regular cameras. You have to go over to the film lenses and this one was there because the sales rep at B&H said it would work as long as I don't have a full frame sensor.

Now we'll see how well it works for me.

 

Jeff

I'd go with the 85mm F1.8.  I love that lens.  Really sharp.

You can rent one for $21.00/ Week at  http://www.rentglass.com/ along with many other lenses.   That's where I'm going to rent to test for my next prime.

They rent Nikon and Canon lenses.

 

please excuse me for highjacking just a bit...

which lens would you use for outdoor portraits?  pros and cons of each?  both are in my bag but i keep switching back and forth and can't decide which one i like best and would appreciate some "technical" conversation about the two lenses.

canon 5D

1) 100mm f/2.8 macro USM

2) 24-105mm f/4L IS USM 

thanks! 

depends on your budget. I would go for L glass if I could justify the cost other wise the f/2.8 macro should do nice

 Pop Photography says...

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens is an easy-to-use standard zoom lens that can cover a large zoom area ranging from 24mm wide-angle to 105mm portrait-length telephoto. The EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM incorporates Canon's highest standards of precision optics. The L-series is Canon's flagship professional lens range, combining outstanding image performance and ultimate operability with dust and moisture resistant construction. Canon's ring-type USM gives silent but quick AF, along with full-time manual focus. Moreover, with dust- and moisture-resistant construction, this is a durable yet sophisticated lens that meets the demands of advanced amateur photographers and professional photographers alike.   $1250.00

 versus

The 100mm f/2.8 macro lens will focus over the full range from infinity down to life size (1:1 reproduction ratio). This lens will impress any serious photographer with its combination of versatility, image quality and superb handling. A high-performance ring type Ultrasonic Motor provides fast and silent AF throughout its focus range, and even more significantly, allows full-time manual focusing permitting the close-up or macro shooter to instantly override the AF whenever necessary.  $470.00

Vistaphotography:

depends on your budget. I would go for L glass if I could justify the cost other wise the f/2.8 macro should do nice

 Pop Photography says...

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens is an easy-to-use standard zoom lens that can cover a large zoom area ranging from 24mm wide-angle to 105mm portrait-length telephoto. The EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM incorporates Canon's highest standards of precision optics. The L-series is Canon's flagship professional lens range, combining outstanding image performance and ultimate operability with dust and moisture resistant construction. Canon's ring-type USM gives silent but quick AF, along with full-time manual focus. Moreover, with dust- and moisture-resistant construction, this is a durable yet sophisticated lens that meets the demands of advanced amateur photographers and professional photographers alike.   $1250.00

 versus

The 100mm f/2.8 macro lens will focus over the full range from infinity down to life size (1:1 reproduction ratio). This lens will impress any serious photographer with its combination of versatility, image quality and superb handling. A high-performance ring type Ultrasonic Motor provides fast and silent AF throughout its focus range, and even more significantly, allows full-time manual focusing permitting the close-up or macro shooter to instantly override the AF whenever necessary.  $470.00

 VistaPhotog -

The 100 f/2.8 is what I meant to mention in my earlier post.  Somehow, I left out the 100 part.  This is a fantastic lens - since you were looking in that 70/85-ish range it seemed.

i already have both of these lenses. 

i shoot portraits at the 105 focal length of the zoom on the "L" lens

and i shoot portraits with the 100 f/2.8 macro.  for now, i've been using one or the other according to how fast i needed the lens to be since i'm usually hand-holding the camera...

but i'm just wondering if someone with more experience with these lenses can give me some technical advice as to when one might be better than the other.

thanks! 

 

 

Well I've picked the 70mm sigma lens to be my new wedding primary. We'll see how it does. I'm probably going to wish I had the 24-105 but time will tell...

 

Jeff