Lens Advice

Widges · #1 11-30-2008, 02:54 PM

Hey photography people,

We have A Canon EOS 40D - I would like to get DH a new lens for Christmas (he only has the 28-135), which has really worked great.

Our children play lots of sports, and we love hiking and sightseeing, we take lots of pics of birds, flowers and Billy! Any recommendations on this info would be greatly appreciated.

**gmacleod** · #2 11-30-2008, 05:20 PM

There isn't a single lens that's going to answer all your needs

That is, the lenses that would be suited to what you've listed there aren't the same ones.

You can probably get away without a really fast lens in California... What sort of price range are you looking at?

Your sports and dog photos might be well suited to one of Canon's 70-200mm lenses (the f4 is the standout performer price-wise. If you are prepared to spend the money, the f4IS is probably the best optically. And if you need speed (work in low light or indoors) then the f2.8 may be the best bet.

For birds you need a bigger telephoto. 300 mm is really the minimum. The 300mm f4 with/without converter is the value king in the canon L range. Alternatives could be the 400mm f5.6 or (if budget demands it) the 70-300f4-5.6IS

At the wide end, the canon 15-55 f2.8IS gets very good reviews

It's quite expensive though.

That's quite a line-up - and I'm not sure you were proposing to buy several lenses

Which sorts of photos do you want most to take? That might be a good way of deciding which to prioritise.

Widges · #3 11-30-2008, 06:14 PM

Thanks Gmac.

There was a thread about this a while ago and I could not find it. I do remember you talking about the f4 then so maybe will go with that.

We probably take more dog/sports pics but we are also moving back to the UK in July, so maybe a fast lens would be best.

Price range - I was thinking not more than $300 mark.

**gmacleod** · #4 11-30-2008, 06:47 PM

With that sort of budget, it could be worth looking at the secondhand market, or on ebay. Lenses can be quite expensive...

You would quite likely find some good deals on the 70-200 f4. Since the f4 IS version came out, there are plenty people selling the older one - which helps to drive the price down.

A good option in fast lenses might be the 100mm f2. That should be quick enough for decent action shots, including in the UK. It's a little more than $300, but not that much: http://www.adorama.com/CA1002AFU.html

Widges · #5 12-01-2008, 09:29 AM

Gosh I didn't realise how expensive a good lens would be. The 100mm f2 does look like a good option.

Thanks for your help, appreciated as always.

Sarah