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
I know what you mean about the weather, did you see my GSW photos that I posted yesterday? I was chuffed with them but would have loved to have seen some sunshine though.
Lolly it is one of those hobbies that just can go on and on with equipment that you need. I think you are like me...a limited budget!
Unknown said:......................................I am rethinking about the Macro first before I go for another zoom lens.
Oh dear the Macro bug has struck again : -)
Not a Canon lens but the similar Nikon 105mm VR Macro. DSLR photography is a bottomless pit into which to throw your money.
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Checkout the forums' Community HOMEPAGE for lots of interesting posts from other members.
LOL Alan, my brother who lives in Australia and is a part time professional photographer said exactly the same thing to me, "doesn't matter which lens you get, you will always want the next one up " LOL at the end of the day, I don't have the money to buy what I would like unless I win the Lottery so will narrow it down to sticking with my lovely 300mm lens and now buy a good Macro lens ..........even that is £609 after an £80 cash back from Canon !
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Regards, Hazel
Ooooh, that's a lovely macro photo Galatas ............I'm currently looking on the website for a macro lens LOL !!! probably WexPhotographic for the UK based lens (not grey import)
Hi Lolly, Both of John's lenses that I tried out the other afternoon were mainly practice shots and getting used to how they both work so don't expect miracles and I only took a few pics, as this was lesson 1 LOL !!! to give you an idea this is what I took, first with the Macro lens ...
and it was my first try at trying to get that silky waterfall shot but I need more practice !
this is still macro .....
and this was with the Sigma 150-500mm (full 500mm zoom) ... i like the bubbles LOL
The good thing about proper macro lenses is that they're all very sharp - I don't think I've ever come across one that isn't (they seem to range from very good to exceptional). The 100L Canon lens you mention is probably the cream of the crop at the moment (for Canon shooters obviously) because the IS works in association with the AF on the 7D (at least) to give you stabilisation in 3 dimensions rather than the normal 2. That makes it great for wandering round the garden for hand held shots. Mind you, if you get into macro big time, you'll definitely want a tripod and probably a ringflash (or at least some off-camera flash) to get a decent amount of light onto the subject. As you say, money-pit :-)
This one was taken by Mrs WJ with that lens on a 40D, handheld
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Find me on Flickr / All about your camera - The Getting off Auto Index
I invested in the Canon 100mm L macro lens quite recently. Expensive but, hey, you can't take it with you.
Very pleased with it so far and it seems to produce really nice sharp images. I probably haven't got the best out of it yet.
My first shots with it were taken at the RHS Wisley butterfly event in their big glasshouse. Here's a couple of shots.
More here if you want to browse.
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
Nice shots TeeJay. I can't post any more of my macros , Lolly has banned Nikon users : -(
lorraine r said:If anyone has a Canon lens and they want to post photos please go ahead and let us all know what lens you used.
I do so love these threads, not only informative but witty too, it certainly brightens up this Artic morning when I can't get outside with the camera LOL That was certainly interesting reading W.Joe as I think I will buy that Canon macro this year .... sometime ! I think having a good 300mm zoom lens it would make more sense to build up my kit slowly (at these prices ! ) and head for the macro as the lens I used from John was superb. It seems no matter how much we know or don't know about photography, there is always something else to learn and I, like the rest of you, love seeing everyone's photos giving different angles, subjects, range of shot, composition and of course the inevitable high quality image at the end of it with or without editing. Keep this thread going and also the photos, including yours Galatas LOL, I'm sure Lolly won't mind. Those macro shots from you all are totally amazing ........just makes me wanna get out there and practice .........but not today unless I am wearing my Eskimo suit ............. no funny jokes please ROFL
That's a great pic Lolly - one of the real benefits of the simple P&S is the small sensor's ability to focus closely and have a decent DoF at that distance - means you can get some excellent close up images as your daughter clearly demonstrates!