I first started this thread as I had borrowed a neighbours Canon camera and lens and I was so impressed that I wanted advice from the forum members on what lens I should buy. I now have 2 choices that I want to have a look at. The thread has now evolved to include everyones favourite lens be it Nikon, Canon, Sigma or any other lens not mentioned. So if you would like to tell us all about your favourite lens just post away.
In the next couple of weeks I would like to head up to one of my local camera shops to have a look at Canon lenses and bodies. I have not wanted to go to a shop until I learn more as I really don't know what I am talking about and I think I will get lost in the lens jargon and leave the shop more confused. I am between the 7d and the body below but that is not really the problem as it will depend if I like the feel of them. I held the Nikon 7000 through the week which I did not like at all. I want to go for Canon simply because of its popularity and the resell value if I want to upgrade later in life!.
Anyway I was spoiled using the Canon EF Ultrasonic 35-350mm 3.5- 5.6 that I had on loan for a few days so I thought I would look in the lenses and see what my choices are available. Remember I am a complete novice and I am going to take my time learning and choosing the right lens. My gosh there are so many to choose from and the prices vary quite wildly. I have decided on what I want my new camera for and what I would really use the lens for giving me shots like the ones below. Not great but I want to practice this more. I have my fuji big zoom and that still gives me the faraway shots and I could not afford the lens that gives me the equivalent in canon terms. My budget on a lens is £1500 but if I can find a lens less I will obviously be pretty happy. I have also decided I would like to stick to a prime lens as I want quality of detail, sharpness and I really want a lens that will give me lovely "Bokeh!" hope I have the terminology is right. I was hoping that someone could point me in the right direction and suggest a few lenses that I could look at in the camera shop. I would like to have the Canon 350mm that I borrowed but maybe one of you experts could suggest a lens that I would like. I don’t really want to go below 300mm so that might mean a second hand lens. Forgot to add that I want that f. number quite high ie 3.5 ish. "Not asking for much eh!"
EF200ml f/2.8L IIUSM £600
EF200ml f/2L IS USM £1400
EF300mm f/4L IS USM £920
EF 300mm f2.8L IS II USM £4589 sadly cant afford this one!
The prices are just a guide and I am sure if I shopped about I could get them cheaper!
Thanks
Galatas said: Since further discussion is more suited to a photography website and inappropriate to the other members of this one , I'll leave you to it.
Since further discussion is more suited to a photography website and inappropriate to the other members of this one , I'll leave you to it.
You're probably right - it is a bit deep - bung me a mail via Flickr if you like, it is a bit off track when I was simply trying to show the effect of teleconverters on the picture :-)
Lolly - don't worry, I don't think you're likely to get to this sort of detail in the shop, as various people have commented, how it feels in your hands really is the most important thing
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Find me on Flickr / All about your camera - The Getting off Auto Index
Fingers crossed Lolly...putty in your hands!
New camera and lens tomorrow then :-)
Hi Lolly,
Any closer to a decision yet? :-)
Some great input today - hope you're enjoying this thread as much as I am! Given your preference for close-up shots, I would agree with your earlier conclusion that the 400mm prime is probably not ideal for you.
Remember - it's not about choosing the best lens, it's about choosing the best lens FOR YOU.
God loved the birds and invented trees. Man loved the birds and invented cages - Jacques Deval
Photos on Flickr
Trust me, Lolly, you won't be disappointed with either of those 2 choices.
Can't wait to see the results of your research and deliberation!
Best regards,
Roy.
Any advise on this one, Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6L IS USM? It has good write ups and is slightly cheaper than the 100-400.
Hi Maria - I don't know that lens myself, but I'm sure someone on here will.
Do find a shop that will let you try it on your own camera so you can get a feel of the weight, ease of handling, etc - and make sure you try a few shots with it and look at them on the big screen before parting with your hard-earned cash!
Good luck,
Roy
I love my Canon 70mm - 300mm 4 - 5.6L IS USM zoom lens Maria and took this Nuthatch with it the other day which is probably the best shot I have gotten with it; I may have gone for the 100mm - 400mm with IS. but after this shot I don't regret the 300mm and it's not too heavy. Good luck with choosing the right lens for you .....
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Regards, Hazel
My friend John came over and allowed me to try out two of his lenses; Sigma 150mm - 500mm and a Canon EF 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM Lens. I liked both the lenses for different reasons obviously and now I think I will continue with my current 300mm L lens and maybe invest in the Macro just mentioned as it was amazing and gives me a different lens to work with for maybe flowers, insects and wider angle shots. The 500mm was heavy so John fixed it to a monopod for me so I could take shots around the garden, a lovely lens but I think I am rethinking about the Macro first before I go for another zoom lens.
Lovely photo Hazel. and thanks for your comments, I think I am going to takes Roy's advice and go to the local camera shop, take a few photos with the 2 lenses on my camera and then compare. Watch this space.
Lolly, have you decided yet?
It's a bit like choosing binoculars, best to try them out in the shop if you can, see how comfortable they feel in your hands take a few pics, as you say, its a lot of money to part with so good if you can try before you buy, good luck to you both with your choice.