So i'm going to buy 2 lens's...

helios

After much consideration, looking around, and frustration, I've decided it's adios to my kit lens. I've love some advice on my choices. I've decided that most of my photos will be urban photography, with the secondary need for zoom/portrait/macro.

17-85mm as my main lens for general use

28-200mm for zoom/portrait/macro

I'm relatively confident with my choices, but would love to hear some input from people who have used these. I also made the choices based on not wanting to repalce my camera bag and also having a limited budget...

DotOrg

why buy the 28-200 when you could get a better quality 70-200 f2.8 from sigma for approx the same price and along with the 17-85 you'd cover a better range of focal lengths?

the 28-200 will have a pretty crap aperture range i'm sure and optically won't be anywhere near the 70-200f2.8

Fenster

Which lenses specifically?

helios

Fenster wrote:

Which lenses specifically?

Canon, for the 17-85, not sure about the other...

helios

DotOrg wrote:

why buy the 28-200 when you could get a better quality 70-200 f2.8 from sigma for approx the same price and along with the 17-85 you'd cover a better range of focal lengths?

the 28-200 will have a pretty crap aperture range i'm sure and optically won't be anywhere near the 70-200f2.8

The sigma is too long... It's 18cm and it won't fit in my bag...

Fajitas!

DotOrg wrote:

why buy the 28-200 when you could get a better quality 70-200 f2.8 from sigma for approx the same price and along with the 17-85 you'd cover a better range of focal lengths?

the 28-200 will have a pretty crap aperture range i'm sure and optically won't be anywhere near the 70-200f2.8

Great advice.

The Sigma 70-200 is a very nice lens, not up to the Canon standards, but a hell of a lot cheaper!

Fenster

Eh, I was going to say as well that a big lens is pretty unwieldy as a portrait lens up close. I have the 28mm f/2.8 and as you may have noticed I swear by it, not to mention my 50mm f/1.8, although that gets less use. I was going to replace both my 18-55mm and 28-70mm lenses with this

helios

Fenster wrote:

Eh, I was going to say as well that a big lens is pretty unwieldy as a portrait lens up close. I have the 28mm f/2.8 and as you may have noticed I swear by it, not to mention my 50mm f/1.8, although that gets less use. I was going to replace both my 18-55mm and 28-70mm lenses with this

well the kit lens, while it is pretty good, isn't doing me many favors. Once I get a lens, I think I may part with it. what's the story on your 50mm? Keeping it?

Fajitas!

The Sigma 70-200 isn't too big. Bit heavy, but other than that, not too bad.

Good bokeh, fast enough focusing, and the 70-150 range is great for portaits...imo!

Roen

Urban photography? I'd get the 35mm f2 or 1.4L and the 50 f1.4 from Canon. But if your heart is set on zooms, and lets face they can't be beat for versatility, I'd shell for fast constant aperture lenses.
Wouldn't touch the 28-200 tbh.

If you're Dublin based why not meet up with some of the lads and try out what they have. Or if you're closer to Waterford I have no probs going out for the day and letting you use my goodies.

helios

Fajitas! wrote:

The Sigma 70-200 isn't too big. Bit heavy, but other than that, not too bad.

Good bokeh, fast enough focusing, and the 70-150 range is great for portaits...imo!

It's as long as my camera bag is wide, so I could fit that and nothing else... the Canon at least fill fit in my bag with, you know, the camera...

Fajitas!

Ah, didn't see that post!

Tbh though... don't buy your lenses by your bag size!!

What bag is it?

helios

Fajitas! wrote:

Ah, didn't see that post!

Tbh though... don't buy your lenses by your bag size!!

What bag is it?

It's the sling shot 100aw. I know it's not the best criteria for buying lenses, but I don't want to get anything that I can't carry with me. The bag will fit the camera + lens, another lens, flash batteries/memory + various bits and bobs. I know it's the smallest of the sling shot bags, but I want to stay somewhat mobile with all my gear

Roen

Nevermind your bag, you'll go through more of those than you'll have hot dinners, your lens selection will be based on what you want to achieve from your photography.

Fajitas!

Roen wrote:

Nevermind your bag, you'll go through more of those than you'll have hot dinners

Indeed...I have 5 at this stage, and I'm always looking at new bags.

I really would advise the 70-200...

helios

Fajitas! wrote:

Indeed...I have 5 at this stage, and I'm always looking at new bags.

I really would advise the 70-200...

hmmmm not sure. It's not that I don't believe you all, but there are other factors here. Money being the biggest. Granted the lenses are the same price (nearly) but I don't want to have to get another bag... not just yet anyway

Fajitas!

http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Accessories/sliplock_cases/Lens_Case_2.aspx

That attaches on to the side of your bag.

They stay pretty tight, so don't worry about it falling off, or getting nicked.

It's waterproof, and I think, but not fully sure, that the AW thingy will cover it too.

TJM

Personally I'd be keen on a 28-200 as a compromise walking around lens (gets a bit frustrating changing lenses every few minutes). On the downside, though, you might find that 200 is too short if you'd like to do shots (such as sports) that require a bit of reach.

Roen

I have the 200AW and what I do is to carry the camera and whatever lens is on it over my shoulder, thereby freeing up space in the bag for extra bits and bobs.
That may not suit you, but for me it's an ideal set up.

Borderfox

Sigma 70-200 f2.8 is a superb workhorse that is every bit a match for the Canon 70-200 f2.8 non IS. 17-85 good too

rymus

is it not true that the new sigma 70-200 (macro) is a wee bit cack? The older version was spot on but apparently the new one isnt up to scratch. So I heard anyway...

minikin

Have the 70-200 2.8 hsm - GET IT, cracking piece of glass.
28-200 will give you average results over the whole range of focal lengths - what's the point? If you're looking for convenience get a compact that'll fit in the johnny pocket of your jeans