lens recommendations

dnme

Hi all,

Another lens recommendation thread as if there aren't enough already
Here's my requirements

1. I have a 60D so my sensor is an APS-C crop. I might eventually go full frame if Canon release an upgrade of the 6d with proper specs or if Nikon sort out the dust issues in the d600.

2. I want to invest in the Lee filter system so I'd like lens that will accommodate this (some very wide lenses are bulbous and cause issues with filter mounts)

3. I want to photograph every dam thing. I want to get into macro, landscape, astronomy, portraits, sport etc.

4. For now I'd like a nice trio of wide, prime and zoom and then a good quality macro as well.

I already have a kit 18-135 with the camera. I don't think it's great but that could be me:) so lets rule this one out. I also have a 50mm f1.8. I'd like an nice wide angle lens, the wider the better. I think my 50mm will do for now as a prime, and then I'd like a nice sharp zoom to 300mm or more. I'd like to be able to shoot the moon with this so looking at an adapter to increase it also.

Money is always an issue, I would probably opt for s/h. I realise I am asking for everything here, but all in good in time etc.

Many thanks for replies.

Pete67

One suggestion - I'm sure there will be more:

Sigma 10-20 f4-5.6 for the wide angle, second hand around €300.
Sigma 70-300 f4-5.6 DG APO for the tele zoom, second hand around €150.

If you are willing to try your hand at manual focus buy an M42 to EOS adapter on eBay for around €10 and open yourself up to a huge range of second hand MF lenses at very reasonable prices.

inkedpt

Hi dnme!

The 50mm is a nice lens for portraits specially for the head and shoulders type so you're sorted there.
The Canon 18-135mm it's a good kit lens and it will do to "photograph every dam thing" I would get a polarizing filter thou just because it seems to cut the C.A. on sunny days.
The thing with ultra-wide angle lens is they are prone to flare, personally I found the Canon ef-s 10-22mm not to bad. There are no issues with the Lee system on this lens.

Above: Canon EF-S 10-22mm with the Lee kit

Other equipment you might consider...
A tripod and a shutter cable release.
A flashgun. I use a Nissin Di866 MkII and I'm happy with it.

chisel

If you are going to stay with photography, I would recommend you save up your pennies and go for a 2nd hand 24-105 F4L. It will give you lots of scope for many different types of photography and its a great lens! It has IS too, and personally I have taken sharp shots with it handheld to 1/15 sec. Acceptably sharp maybe even to 1/10.

No point in buying several cheaper lenses and you only end up selling them on to get L glass anyway.

Fran

KevinGossRoss

Don't waste your money one one lens which zooms from wide to 300mm. They're rarely sharp no matter what aperture you use. Everyone I know who has purchased one has sold it again promptly. I used to own the Sigma 10-20 f4-5.6. It is a nice lens for a beginner but it is a crop sensor lens and that will bite you in the bum later on.

I only use prime lenses (Quite happy with a 24mm and a 50mm) but I know that the 24-70 2.8L is amazing and that the 70-200 f/4 L is one of Canon's sharpest lenses. Save up a bit and decide what you want to shoot MOST.

dnme

I went and bought a Sigma 10-20mm from Ebay. It'll get me started nicely in UWA / landscape. If I ever go full frame I can always sell it on and the cost of ownership will have been minimal (as with most things). Now to start saving properly

davyjose

dnme wrote: »

I went and bought a Sigma 10-20mm from Ebay. It'll get me started nicely in UWA / landscape. If I ever go full frame I can always sell it on and the cost of ownership will have been minimal (as with most things). Now to start saving properly

How much was that, if you don't mind me asking? That's exactly what I'm looking for.

dnme

davyjose wrote: »

How much was that, if you don't mind me asking? That's exactly what I'm looking for.

I got the lens delivered for €350. Seller is a dealer in the UK with very good rep and he answered all my emails etc. Lens is s/h but in mint with case and original box and they have a 7 day no questions asked returns policy.

davyjose

dnme wrote: »

I got the lens delivered for €350. Seller is a dealer in the UK with very good rep and he answered all my emails etc. Lens is s/h but in mint with case and original box and they have a 7 day no questions asked returns policy.

Want to get a UWA lens, looking hard at the sigma 10-20. Not sure I can afford it/convince the missus this side of Xmas though. Ebay will be my friend too. Your photo in the other thread looks great.

Splinters

dnme wrote: »

I might eventually go full frame if Canon release an upgrade of the 6d with proper specs

In what regard is the 6D not proper spec?

Im writing as somebody whos used one all this weekend and found it to be an amazing camera. After this weekend I honestly cannot understand any of this cameras criticism unless its just from people jumping the "budget full frame" slating band wagon. Its an amazing camera, after using one theres really no denying that.

ronanc15

Splinters wrote: »

In what regard is the 6D not proper spec?

Im writing as somebody whos used one all this weekend and found it to be an amazing camera. After this weekend I honestly cannot understand any of this cameras criticism unless its just from people jumping the "budget full frame" slating band wagon. Its an amazing camera, after using one theres really no denying that.

Without hijacking the thread completely I was thinking of purchasing the 6d. I really don't think I can justify the extra dosh for the 5d mkiii for my needs. What type of shots were you taking with it? Feel free to hit me with a mini-review

dnme

Splinters wrote: »

In what regard is the 6D not proper spec?

Im writing as somebody whos used one all this weekend and found it to be an amazing camera. After this weekend I honestly cannot understand any of this cameras criticism unless its just from people jumping the "budget full frame" slating band wagon. Its an amazing camera, after using one theres really no denying that.

I think I read that the fps rate is 4.5. Also the AF system is 9 points with only the centre point being crosstype. These two specs are surprisingly low even falling way short of their current entry level and prosumer models. It just surprised a lot of folks that Canon would underspec these two critical areas I guess. But its just an opinion.