Lens for Landscapes and portraits - walkabout

[DrJon]

Re: Lens for Landscapes and portraits - walkabout

I really think you need to sit down, relax , reflect and take a long view. Decide where your photography is going over the next few years, and start building up your gear to meet that aim. So for example if your main interest is going to be landscapes, you probably will be thinking of a FF body, wideish lenses, tripod, filters etc. If portraits, perhaps fast primes/zooms, speed lights, brolly etc.

So set your stall out, and then gradually build your kit up, seeking advice where needed.

Some general thoughts on lenses:-
Buy the best you can afford it will save tears (and money) in the long run.
Don't rule out third party lenses, makes like Sigma produce some excellent glass
It's horses for courses, no lens will cover all your bases, some lenses try to do that, with obvious compromises, usually in IQ.
Most of my lenses have been bought secondhand, one of them (300 F2.8L) is probably older than you are, but still produces images so sharp that you cut yourself on it, so don't rule out buying used lenses, most good glass (Canon L for example) are built to last.


For your immediate concern, my thoughts would be 24-70 F2.8L (Mk1) and/or 17-40 F4L, those two would cover your bases regarding landscapes/portraits (esp on a crop body).

Don't rush to get rid of your 50mm F1.8, yes they are cheap and cheerful, but they can be a get of jail lens, so for example you are shooting a low light gig, it can get you shots that would be extremely difficult with slower lenses. I'd at least hang onto it until you are in a position to replace (with a 50mm F1.4 for example)

I know the 24-105F4L is a well regarded lens, but I've never been able to get away with it, probably more down to me than the lens.

Anyway, plenty of good advice in the thread.

I always hated the 24-70 f2.8 mk I as it wasn't that good (at all) at f2.8 and ran out of steam at 70mm which isn't much of a zoom... the mk II is great at f2.8, very expensive and still doesn't go past 1.4x magnification... I'll stick with the 24-105 which is a star for me (YMMV)...

I will say the Sigma 35mm f1.4 is epic, although I'm less convinced by the rest of their range, except for value for money.

I love Marmite, but the 17-40 is awful in the corners on full frame wide open, and wide-open is only f4! (Actually it isn't as good as awful, but on a crop sensor, or stopped down on full-frame, it doesn't suck in the slighest, but there isn't enough alcohol on the Planet to persuade me to buy one - but if anyone would like to finance an experiment based on that... :-)

Anyway, good landscape lenses:

(Crop) 10-22
(Full Frame) 14 mk II
(any) 70-200 f-anything

Although the 8-15 should also get a mention for FF, stupidly sharp...

[MX5]

Re: Lens for Landscapes and portraits - walkabout

Some good advice as ever ... but you always get supporters and detractors of certain lenses. Your best bet is having produced yourself a 'road map' of where you want to get to and how you intend to get there. Make a relationship with a Canon Pro Dealer. This will enable you to rent or try before you buy. You can then ascertain if a particular camera / lens suits your plan. Now if certain things on your road map require you get a top flight compact ... then go for it ... there's no shame in using a G series and it's ilk from say Sony. But don't get bogged down in is Lens-1 better than Lens-2 better than Lens-3 ... when you should be out taking snaps

[Paulstw]

Re: Lens for Landscapes and portraits - walkabout

Thanks for all the advice.

I bought a 17-85 cheap on Gumtree with the fabled stuck aperture problem. I reckoned I could fix the cable, so I ordered it on ebay.

I reckoned that using it in MF and Av mode would do for now to see what its like but see to be honest, I think I've bought a dud.
This image is just soft all over and I MF in live view at 10x on teh flower shown in the pic in the slight red box. It was pin sharp in LV then on inspection its soft all over.

Canon 7D
1/2500th
f/4 (can't choose anything smaller)
ISO400
@17mm


Canon 17-85 MF issues by Campsie Photography, on Flickr

Even my older kit lens in MF performed better than this.

Paul

[Petros]

Re: Lens for Landscapes and portraits - walkabout

Two comments - you have made an assessment of this lens at possibly its worst in terms of settings, 17mm at f4 is not going to give very good results under most conditions. I also think the comment on Flickr is a bit sweeping considering you did not mention you bought it as a faulty lens and the test was carried out as such, I only mention this because you came on looking for fair feedback and it is only fair that you give a complete honest appraisal for the benefit of others looking for similar feedback .

If you are able to replace the wiring loom and get the lens fully operational you can retry your initial test, you may then get a more favourable result. When I got my lens repaired it appeared to me to be much sharper. I took mine in to AJ Johnstone in Glasgow, got a quick turnaround. I know you say you think this repair is within your skill set, which I don’t doubt, but it may be that the correct adjustment and set up of the lens following repair needs specialist equipment. With the price you paid for it and the current second hand resale values you could have it repaired and sell it on for a profit if you are still not happy.

Just my thoughts, I still think it is a good lens for the price. Peter

[Paulstw]

Re: Lens for Landscapes and portraits - walkabout

Two comments - you have made an assessment of this lens at possibly its worst in terms of settings, 17mm at f4 is not going to give very good results under most conditions. I also think the comment on Flickr is a bit sweeping considering you did not mention you bought it as a faulty lens and the test was carried out as such, I only mention this because you came on looking for fair feedback and it is only fair that you give a complete honest appraisal for the benefit of others looking for similar feedback .

If you are able to replace the wiring loom and get the lens fully operational you can retry your initial test, you may then get a more favourable result. When I got my lens repaired it appeared to me to be much sharper. I took mine in to AJ Johnstone in Glasgow, got a quick turnaround. I know you say you think this repair is within your skill set, which I don’t doubt, but it may be that the correct adjustment and set up of the lens following repair needs specialist equipment. With the price you paid for it and the current second hand resale values you could have it repaired and sell it on for a profit if you are still not happy.

Just my thoughts, I still think it is a good lens for the price. Peter

Good stuff Peter, I'm glad you replied. I emailed AJ Johnston today thats funny you should mention it.
I was a little quick to jump this morning I guess. I've read all day long about this lens, looked at many many examples and I'm happy that it's a good performer.

I really want to keep it, as this focal range is great and is exactly what I want. I was delighted today just walking about and having an option of wide or close.

I might revisit my thoughts on using the repair centre as its only £94 so still cheaper than buying off ebay.

i'll let you know :)

[Petros]

Re: Lens for Landscapes and portraits - walkabout

Hi James I pulled out my receipt from AJJ (March 2012) and their description of repair was “ Dismantle lens to replace faulty diaphragm assembly, replace zoom guides sand keys to relieve lens creep issue, clean throughout and check and test” Repair cost £96.00 + VAT. Looks as if they are outlining the same procedure for yours.

I was in two minds as to whether to proceed with the repair, but in the end it was a much better financial option than replacing it. As it happens it was money well spent in my opinion as the lens has performed well since. The replacement diaphragm assembly is a redesign by Canon, I was assured that the problem will not re-occur in the future.

Peter