Lost - Help with lenses

[pmuller]

Hi everybody.

Well I was a point-and-shooter, but a couple of weeks ago I decided to go further. I was undecided between the D80 and a 30D, and as with the Canon rebate I could buy a D30 for the same price of the D80 I decided to go Canon. Another thing that made me go Canon, is that the lenses are less expensive that Nikon's. Also I could take advantage of using my new gears in my wife's old film EOS 300. I still do not know if the decision was correct, anyway, I took around 200 photos with my 30D, and a 50mm f/1.4 and my wife's old 28-90 (very bad) and I am confident to say that I'm building a solid relationship with it.:D

Introduction made, I am a little lost with lenses, I ordered already a 24-70 f/2.8L, but I'm kind worried if that's too heavy, anyone can put some insights here? I would also like to explore some wide angles shoots, mostly architecture shoots and sometimes in low light conditions, and perhaps a tele zoom. Should I have taken the 24-105mm instead? I was thinking of completing my gear with the 10-22 and a 70-300...

Could anyone help me?

Thanks

[D Thompson]

Introduction made, I am a little lost with lenses, I ordered already a 24-70 f/2.8L, but I'm kind worried if that's too heavy, anyone can put some insights here? I would also like to explore some wide angles shoots, mostly architecture shoots and sometimes in low light conditions, and perhaps a tele zoom. Should I have taken the 24-105mm instead? I was thinking of completing my gear with the 10-22 and a 70-300...

Could anyone help me?

Thanks

Yes the 24-70 is heavy. It's not too heavy for me and I've lugged it for several hours many times. I can't answer if you will find it too heavy tho. It's my main lens and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I don't think you'll find anything negative about it except the weight and maybe the cost. Quality is fantastic. The efs10-22 runs a close 2nd in use and IMO it should have a L on it. The ef85 f1.8 is the only other lens I use with any regularity and it does a great job as well. Don't forget the 1.6 crop factor on the 30D.

[DonSchap]

I suppose if you are dropping big coin for lenses, the third-party argument falls a little flat. I know if I were popping over a grand a lens, my bag may look a little heavier with Canon zoom-offerings.

One of the added attractions of using third-party glass is the enormous reduction in weight and size of most of the newer lenses. While several lenses have won awards for their abilities in the line of fire, it is hard to dispute that the original manufacturer's glass SHOULD work better than third-party glass on their cameras.

When it comes to Canon, the lens has to provide all the anti-shake (if that is a consideration). If you opt to use PRIME lenses ... it's either "tripod time" or higher ISO to compensate for using faster shutter-speeds to avoid shake.

Of course, these arguments are well known, but if money is no object ... what the heck? Canon lenses ... all the way. :cool:

[cwphoto]

The 24-70/2.8 would probably be the last recommendation I would make for a beginner. Just try the standard kit lens and see where it fails you first.

[RichNY]

I would agree with CW about trying out the standard kit lens.

However, if you still want a better lens DON'T get the 24-70 or the 24-105; they are both suited for a FF camera. On the 30D you will be much much better off with a 17-55 f/2.8 IS. It has three things going for it that you want:

1.) It's much wider. 7mm on the wide end is Very significant. The fact that it goes to 55 instead of 70 isn't an issue.
2.) The 24-70 doesn't have IS.
3.) The 24-105 has IS but is both a slower lens and not as good optically

I strongly recommend that you cancel your order for the 24-70; it's just not the right lens for your body as a shooter at any level. Put it on a 5D and it is another story.

As for the other two lenses you mentioned- the 10-22 is incredible. The 70-300 is a great lens also. I'd only question the 70-300 if you were planning on shooting sports with it or needed to shoot with it in low light because of the speed. If those aren't regular concerns it is a very well respected lens that is priced very inexpensively for what it delivers.

[Nautique]

I would agree with CW. However if you want to go with an additional zoom lens I would go with the Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS I recently bought. Here is my personal file on it in case you want all the documentation in one place.

http://personafile.com/Canon-EOS-Camera-Lens-Standard-Zoom-EF-S-17-55-f2.8-IS-USM-013803064445.htm?user=kcair&i=0274055637

All the best,

[24Peter]

I also agree with CW. Also, these days it's easy to "try before you buy". Many on-line lens rental places have sprung up over the past year or two. I rented the 24-105 F4 L and 70-200 F4 l IS last week. This week I'm trying out a 100-400 L IS and next week it's the Canon 10-22. On-line rental prices are pretty reasonable (at least compared to the local camera stores here in Los Angeles) and include shipping (and sometimes insurance).

If you do end up with the 24-70 and don't like it, it will be a very easy lens to resell so don't worry too much about it.

[aparmley]

pmuller:

Its very easy for people to tell you how to spend your money! I assume with the responses you've already read you were completely put at ease re: your purchase of the 24-70 F/2.8 L. :D

You bought the best lens money can buy in that 24-70 f/2.8 L - Enjoy it! don't worry about the weight unless you're under specific doctors orders. Add the 10-22 and the 70-300 IS and your off to a great start. . .

Enjoy your purchase - you did fine.

[aparmley]

I strongly recommend that you cancel your order for the 24-70; it's just not the right lens for your body as a shooter at any level.

:eek:

Careful we don't force our subjective views on impressionable new comers. I personally felt the 24-70 range on my XT & 30D was a fantastic range, extremely useful - it pairs excellent with the 10-22. Its up for the photographer to decide for himself. ;)

[pmuller]

Thanks everyone.

Somethings you all should know, I live in Portugal and yet this rental possibility is not an option. I went to a store and saw the lens, read plenty of reviews and I ordered because with the limited experience I have know, I knew that I needed that kind of range, and adding the 10-22 should fix the wider range of my gear.

Anyway, thanks for your thoughts, I let you know what I decide and later how things go.

[D Thompson]

I strongly recommend that you cancel your order for the 24-70; it's just not the right lens for your body as a shooter at any level. Put it on a 5D and it is another story.

I strongly disagree with this statement and I don't think he should cancel. So I guess I shouldn't be using it on my 20D either? Gee, I wish I had known this so I wouldn't have wasted my time and effort with the 24-70 :rolleyes:.

1.) It's much wider. 7mm on the wide end is Very significant. The fact that it goes to 55 instead of 70 isn't an issue.

Maybe, just maybe the 7mm on the wide end isn't an issue and the extra 15mm on the long end is to some people. Different strokes for different folks.

Also, how many postings are there about not getting a efs lens in case you do go to ff?

The 24-70 rocks regardless and yes, I'll keep my on my 20D!