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
stunning photo Lolly, so beautifully detailed.
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Regards, Hazel
Hey, the thread title changed :) I am a Nikon person, and my birding gear of choice is 300mm f4 prime, with 1.4x teleconverter which rarely comes off the lens. If I'm going somewhere where I know the birds will be very close, eg the London parks, or if the light is REALLY bad, I'll use the lens on its own. It does not have image stabilisation but that's never bothered me. My blog is stuffed with photos taken with this lens. I would probably go for the Canon equivalent if I was a Canon person but I'd be sorely tempted by the 100-400mm f5.6. Sadly Nikon don't do anything like this, though they have patented a 100-500mm f4-5.6 which would be awesome if it ever happens.
Re macro lenses, I find the 300mm f4 good for photographing bigger insects, though not as good as a dedicated macro. So here's a shout-out for the Sigma 180mm f3.5 macro. A lovely lens, though takes a while to get to grips with it (I still haven't - I can see problems in all the photos below). But then macro photography is a lot of fun so this is time well spent :)
My blog: http://mazzaswildside.blogspot.co.uk/
My Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/124028194@N04/
That's great photo your daughter took, Lolly. The detail is terrific.
Fantastic close-ups from you too, aiki. What were the issues you weren't happy with?
I haven't tried any real close-ups like that. I'm waiting for some insects to appear - probably 2014 the way things are going.
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
Thank heavens Aiki has joined in to support Nikon users : -)
Nikon 105mm VR Macro
As Aiki said , you don't have to use a dedicated macro lens for the larger insects.
Nikon 300mm f4
Even the humble Tamron 200-500mm can take great close ups at 500mm ( tripod recommended )
My gallery here
Checkout the forums' Community HOMEPAGE for lots of interesting posts from other members.
It's true you don't need a macro lens to take some close-up shots. This was taken hand held with my Canon 100-400.
Wow lads and lasses fantastic close ups; I'm definitely thinking of that canon macro now LOL but as TJ says, it's hard to find insects and bugs in the snow !!!!
Oh wow, some great shots! :) I've been learning loads from this thread, so thank you everyone!
I was practicing macro shots on my old Canon 300d last year, just with the 18 - 55 lens. This was one of them, but it really did put me in the mood for a proper Canon Macro Lens as I am wanting more detail. We always want more huh! lol :)
Not as good as folks who know what they're doing, but I was quite chuffed with this, as I didn't have much of a clue lol :)
You need to 'click' to see properly! :)
LoL Alan, shame it wasn't from the front, it would have been pointing at me!
I would love to have been able to see the hairs on its legs and other very small detail, so I guess that's where an actual macro lens would be of benefit. See! more more more ........ LoL!
That's lovely, Katy. The insect is nicely in focus and the colour of the flowers set it off beautifully. You seem to know what you are doing just fine.
You're too kind TeeJay, Thank you! When I first started trying to take macro pics that day, I didn't realise my camera was in, wait for it ................ Sports Mode!! LOL!