Non-L lenses to go with a Canon 7D?
Discussion
My Dad, the gadget-hound that he is, has just got himself a 7D. However, he's currently got a fairly average set of lenses that he's built up over time (300D then 450D):-
- Canon 18-55IS f/3.5-5.6
- Canon 50mm f/1.8
- Canon 55-250IS f/4-5.6
- Canon 75-300 f/4-5.6 (freebie from me before he got the 55-250)
So, without spending a fortune (<£500 per lens, pref ~£300. Total spend pref. no more than ~£750), could people suggest a 2-3 lens combination to go with the 50mm f/1.8. Can keep or ditch any of the above lenses as required.
As a guide, he'd probably prefer a good walkabout lens (he's looking at the new Sigma 18-125) plus a long-range one (up to 300 or more). Most of his photos are:-
- family
- pets
- out-and-about locally
- holidays
I've not really looked into any of these lenses recently (I'm happy with my Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 and the Canon 70-300IS), so am at a little bit of a loss what is and isn't worthwhile...
Thanks very much,
Martin.
- Canon 18-55IS f/3.5-5.6
- Canon 50mm f/1.8
- Canon 55-250IS f/4-5.6
- Canon 75-300 f/4-5.6 (freebie from me before he got the 55-250)
So, without spending a fortune (<£500 per lens, pref ~£300. Total spend pref. no more than ~£750), could people suggest a 2-3 lens combination to go with the 50mm f/1.8. Can keep or ditch any of the above lenses as required.
As a guide, he'd probably prefer a good walkabout lens (he's looking at the new Sigma 18-125) plus a long-range one (up to 300 or more). Most of his photos are:-
- family
- pets
- out-and-about locally
- holidays
I've not really looked into any of these lenses recently (I'm happy with my Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 and the Canon 70-300IS), so am at a little bit of a loss what is and isn't worthwhile...
Thanks very much,
Martin.
The 24mm is good and a nice focal length equiv on a 1.6x sensor, plus future proofed if he ever goes full frame.
The 17-55 f2.8 IS is excellent, L quality in terms of optics and a good general lens, but probably breaks £500, even used.
The 70-200 F4 non IS would be <£500 and is an excellent lens, will take a 1.4x or 2x teleconvertor (can get used for £100-£150)
The 17-55 f2.8 IS is excellent, L quality in terms of optics and a good general lens, but probably breaks £500, even used.
The 70-200 F4 non IS would be <£500 and is an excellent lens, will take a 1.4x or 2x teleconvertor (can get used for £100-£150)
17-40mm L f/4 will be about 500ish, which would be an ideal walk around lens. especially with the 18MP sensor, will give good cropping ability with superior L glass optics and is weather sealed.
I work for Canon UK, and few of the guys at work and myself included would just get the 15-85mm kit lens. Its got a nice range plus its USM and IS, the range works out at (24-105mm) and Canon developed this lens specifically for the 7D offering near enough identical optical clarity of the 24-105mm L f/4 lens which is regarded as one of the best walk around lenses on the market.
Here's a review on this lens at: http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/465-canon_1585_3...
But the 17-40mm is also a very good alternative, as they've been sold for a while there a few second ones on ebay to be had.
I work for Canon UK, and few of the guys at work and myself included would just get the 15-85mm kit lens. Its got a nice range plus its USM and IS, the range works out at (24-105mm) and Canon developed this lens specifically for the 7D offering near enough identical optical clarity of the 24-105mm L f/4 lens which is regarded as one of the best walk around lenses on the market.
Here's a review on this lens at: http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/465-canon_1585_3...
But the 17-40mm is also a very good alternative, as they've been sold for a while there a few second ones on ebay to be had.
Edited by Prem on Friday 1st January 18:30
I going to break the rules here and say sod getting 2-3 good lenses, get one exellent one.
Either the 24-70 L f/2.8 - http://is.gd/5IWAp - I have the Sigma version and it does fine as a walkabout lens on a crop sensor body but might be a little short on a full frame.
Or the 70-200 L f/2.8 IS - http://is.gd/5IWBk - this has to be the best in the range IMHO. I love mine.
Either the 24-70 L f/2.8 - http://is.gd/5IWAp - I have the Sigma version and it does fine as a walkabout lens on a crop sensor body but might be a little short on a full frame.
Or the 70-200 L f/2.8 IS - http://is.gd/5IWBk - this has to be the best in the range IMHO. I love mine.
15-85 is a good shout, if a little pricey. 17-55 ditto, albeit perhaps a little 'short' for him.
Otherwise, please read the title - he won't spend anywhere near the money on L-series glass (he doesn't believe that good glass is worth the money, despite my efforts to convince him), hence why I put a ceiling of £500 on any one lens - it'll be tough selling a £500 lens to him!!!
So...what lenses are there around the £300-400 mark which are worthwhile???
Otherwise, please read the title - he won't spend anywhere near the money on L-series glass (he doesn't believe that good glass is worth the money, despite my efforts to convince him), hence why I put a ceiling of £500 on any one lens - it'll be tough selling a £500 lens to him!!!
So...what lenses are there around the £300-400 mark which are worthwhile???
If he not to concerned with lens optics he may want to consider Canons 'travel' lens the 18-200mm IS
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-EF-S-18-200mm-f-3-5-...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-EF-S-18-200mm-f-3-5-...
havoc said:
he won't spend anywhere near the money on L-series glass (he doesn't believe that good glass is worth the money, despite my efforts to convince him)
How baffling that someone would spend £1200+ on what is undoubtedly a stupendously good body and then not grasp the benefit of decent lenses. 
miniman said:
havoc said:
he won't spend anywhere near the money on L-series glass (he doesn't believe that good glass is worth the money, despite my efforts to convince him)
How baffling that someone would spend £1200+ on what is undoubtedly a stupendously good body and then not grasp the benefit of decent lenses. miniman said:
havoc said:
he won't spend anywhere near the money on L-series glass (he doesn't believe that good glass is worth the money, despite my efforts to convince him)
How baffling that someone would spend £1200+ on what is undoubtedly a stupendously good body and then not grasp the benefit of decent lenses. Keep the ideas coming...
TBH if he doesn't care about glass then I would say he is pretty much there. He's got the ranges covered althoguh as you say he lacks a walkabout lens.
If he can't be persuaded to spend much then how about the 28-135 IS USM. Around £350 and if he needs a little bit more wide angle then he could easily carry the 18-55mm around in a pocket.
If he can be persuade to spend a bit more then there are some good suggestions above.
If he can't be persuaded to spend much then how about the 28-135 IS USM. Around £350 and if he needs a little bit more wide angle then he could easily carry the 18-55mm around in a pocket.
If he can be persuade to spend a bit more then there are some good suggestions above.
Soft Top said:
If he can't be persuaded to spend much then how about the 28-135 IS USM. Around £350 and if he needs a little bit more wide angle then he could easily carry the 18-55mm around in a pocket.
I've got that and TBH it's the weakest of my 4 lenses (50mm f/1.8, Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 and Canon 70-300IS f/4-5.6).I was just hoping there was something better than his 18-55IS but without spending £600+...
Suggest that if he won't spend the money on zooms, or L, then go for multiple primes, eg 20mm/24mm, 35mm F2, 50 1.4, 100 F2 Macro (great lens).
Or give up the 7D and buy something less gadgety, as the lenses probably won't do the camera full justice unless he moves to primes or L series.... though I'm sure it will be fun in the mean time...
Or give up the 7D and buy something less gadgety, as the lenses probably won't do the camera full justice unless he moves to primes or L series.... though I'm sure it will be fun in the mean time...
plg101 said:
Suggest that if he won't spend the money on zooms, or L, then go for multiple primes, eg 20mm/24mm, 35mm F2, 50 1.4, 100 F2 Macro (great lens).
Or give up the 7D and buy something less gadgety, as the lenses probably won't do the camera full justice unless he moves to primes or L series.... though I'm sure it will be fun in the mean time...
Too much hassle...I've only just talked him away from 1 all-encompassing superzoom! (Yes, seriously)Or give up the 7D and buy something less gadgety, as the lenses probably won't do the camera full justice unless he moves to primes or L series.... though I'm sure it will be fun in the mean time...
2nd point - I agree, but that won't happen, so let's move on from the "L-series or don't bother" discussion, as you're going over (very) old ground, from my perspective...
havoc said:
plg101 said:
Suggest that if he won't spend the money on zooms, or L, then go for multiple primes, eg 20mm/24mm, 35mm F2, 50 1.4, 100 F2 Macro (great lens).
Or give up the 7D and buy something less gadgety, as the lenses probably won't do the camera full justice unless he moves to primes or L series.... though I'm sure it will be fun in the mean time...
Too much hassle...I've only just talked him away from 1 all-encompassing superzoom! (Yes, seriously)Or give up the 7D and buy something less gadgety, as the lenses probably won't do the camera full justice unless he moves to primes or L series.... though I'm sure it will be fun in the mean time...
2nd point - I agree, but that won't happen, so let's move on from the "L-series or don't bother" discussion, as you're going over (very) old ground, from my perspective...
havoc said:
So...what lenses are there around the £300-400 mark which are worthwhile???
Walkbout:17-55 works great on my 7D but... Alternates... 15-85, 17-40 (nice but I felt too short a range)
Tamrons 17-50f2.8, opticaly great (the VC one seems to have issues tho).
Sigma 17-70 OS is just out , good reance, fastish (tho not constant 2.8) and has OS , no pics/reviews yet.
Longer lens - 55-250 is OK but...
Best consumer is the 70-300IS, still no proper USM tho, but in budget. Thats realy it for canon without going L
Prem said:
If he not to concerned with lens optics he may want to consider Canons 'travel' lens the 18-200mm IS
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-EF-S-18-200mm-f-3-5-...
Well if he wants convenience this has to be the one? I use my Nikon equiv a lot despite having 'better' lenses. Its just great as a travel lens.http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-EF-S-18-200mm-f-3-5-...
Gassing Station | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff