What lens do you want most/ will get next?

[raven15]

So the best resolution that I can see to my dilema is to get the Sigma 55-200.

You wouldn't be saying that if you had ever used the 70-300 mm . They're nice! (Even if they do sometimes search for focus from 1 meter to infinity. Twice.)

[raven15]

Not sure if the 50 macro will be a good choice for taking candid portraits. Never owned one (yet), but read TONS about it. You might want something that auto focuses a little bit faster than the 50 for candid shots.

Yeah, I've been reading about it. It is sort of stupid that a lens of that price is slow to autofocus, but in practice it shouldn't matter that much. My candid people shots are frequently done by finding an interesting backdrop- or action-in-progress, then prefocusing and choosing the right framing first, then clicking the shutter when the alignment of the stars and planets or subject matter is correct, whichever happens first. I've been thinking that my 40-150 is sort of lacking in contrast, which the 50mm is supposedly good at. On the other hand, I have a use for the 150mm end of it. On the other other hand, I have use for a macro lens sometimes (besides the 70-300, which is as good at macro as the 50mm, but large long and slow).

In late July I'll have ~$500 to spend, so I can get a combination of:

35mm macro lens
2x teleconverter (less useful with no IS, and in China)
50mm macro
FL36R flash (not as useful without the wireless flash control of E-420 and newer cameras, but still very useful)
E-620 (expensive, but would enable wireless flash and IS 2x teleconverter, among many others)

Decisions, decisions. Though the 35mm macro + FL36R flash option is looking pretty nice, but the lens would be less useful for another year in China (but better for my purposes otherwise). Or else I need to find $2000 laying around .

[Armanius]

@Raven

I don't think $500 budget will get you the E-620. If I recall correctly, that bad boy is priced initially at $700 or $800.

You seem to like the 70-300. Do you generally use it handheld or with a tripod? How often does it search for focus in AF? How do you see the 70-300 as a candid portrait/street shooter? I am thinking that shooting from a far is probably a better way of getting candid shots and less angry stares. But would the 70-300 be quick enough to allow such type of photography?

Thanks!

[raven15]

I don't think $500 budget will get you the E-620. If I recall correctly, that bad boy is priced initially at $700 or $800.

No... but by August, it won't be less affordable than a 35 macro + 2x teleconverter . I don't need the kit lens, I already sold mine.

You seem to like the 70-300. Do you generally use it handheld or with a tripod? How often does it search for focus in AF? How do you see the 70-300 as a candid portrait/street shooter? I am thinking that shooting from a far is probably a better way of getting candid shots and less angry stares. But would the 70-300 be quick enough to allow such type of photography?

Thanks!

I use it handheld, with the E-410. I don't like tripods, they detract from portability. Sometimes I have had to prop it on something for stability. I think the 70-300 would be more usable for candids than some other things. It's main problem is it gets confused sometimes about whether it is trying to focus on macro or something in the distance. If you have a clearly defined subject at a clearly defined distance it should be OK. If your subject is low in contrast, or there is clutter in the foreground of the frame, it will be less decisive.