Canon 80D Lens Advice

JamesHKICE · Sep 12, 2016

Hi there,

I am planning to upgrade from my current Canon Rebel T1 and kit lens to a Canon 80D. I currently also have the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens and I’m looking to get a couple more lenses to round out my selection.

I saw some advice on Wirecutter which recommended 2 further lenses – one is the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM and Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6.

In Hong Kong I can get these 2 lenses for around $750 USD, perhaps slightly less on grey import (I’m not too concerned by this as will be relocating soon to another country – local warranty therefore not too important).

I plan to do mainly landscape photography with some portrait and some wildlife. Also plan to do some night photography of the northern lights etc. To me the 50mm, 70-200mm and 10-18mm seems like a good mix but I wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts/recommendations? Am I missing anything in particular? I plan to sell my old Rebel and kit lens so I’ll be left with the 80D and these 3 lenses.

Appreciate any input and ideas. The budget is about right for me so open to ideas around the same price points but not much higher.

James

spiralout462 · Sep 12, 2016

I keep a Canon 300mm f4 L IS on my 760D at almost all times. I guess it depends on how much wildlife you will be shooting. I have been having fun with the EFS 10-18mm STM you mention. It is a great value for a UWA lens, in my opinion. I'm not sure it's "bright" enough for night photography however.

JamesHKICE · Sep 12, 2016

Thanks for that - I would probably do the occasional night time/sky work - northern lights, milky way etc - open to other UWA options but don't want to blow the budget too much.
I will probably go for the 200mm without IS from a value/quality perspective - the budget cannot really stretch upwards at this point!

PaulWog · Sep 12, 2016

Take a look at the Tokina 11-20mm f2.8 Pro lens. It's sharper at every aperture than the Canon 10-18, and offers a wider constant aperture of f2.8. The wider aperture should be good for night time shots.

For wildlife, you might want to consider a 150-600 Sigma Contemporary lens, or a similar lens. It's definitely not a portraiture lens though.

The 70-200 f4 is a good lens, but on crop it's not my idea of the perfect portraiture lens. At 70mm and f4, the bokeh will be so-so on a crop sensor. I wouldn't say no to the lens, but I think it's not amazingly versatile on a crop body.

JamesHKICE · Sep 12, 2016

Thanks Paul, interesting suggestions - I like the look of the Tokina and will do some research into it. Is it worth double the price of the Canon 10-18 would you say?
I'm not too focused on the wildlife side - the occasional shot perhaps but my main focus will be landscape work - both with UWA and telephoto lenses. The 150-600 may be too much then I guess?

JamesHKICE · Sep 13, 2016

Having looked at the Sigma I can definitely say it's probably too much for what I need - I think I'd prefer the Canon 70-200mm although looking at the 300mm. Not sure though - I think as a general all-round telephoto the 70-200 fits my needs best for now?

beagle100 · Sep 13, 2016

JamesHKICE said:
Having looked at the Sigma I can definitely say it's probably too much for what I need - I think I'd prefer the Canon 70-200mm although looking at the 300mm. Not sure though - I think as a general all-round telephoto the 70-200 fits my needs best for now?

maybe, but for wildlife you're going to eventually want something longer, e.g. 100-400 or a Sigma /Tamron 150-600
And for portraits many prefer a larger aperture prime - 100mm 2.8, 200mm, etc.
But a 70-200 could fit your needs for now (there are many versions of that lens)

JamesHKICE · Sep 13, 2016

Thank you Beagle. Actually, for the zoom lens I can see that you have a point - there are a few versions of this lens for sure. I am currently looking at the non IS version F/4L - does anyone have any comments on the IS and whether it's worth double the price? I imagine most use being with a tripod i.e. IS off.
Reading a couple of reviews I saw recommendations of the 70-200mm over the 300mm lens but I didn't really get why - not sure if anyone has any comments on this. It'll definitely be a lens in this range though.
Pretty much decided on the Tokina as my UWA so thank you for that recommendation!

zombiesniper · Sep 13, 2016

The best bang for the buck wildlife lens going is the the Canon 400mm f5.6. Cheaper than the Tamron/Sigma 150-600 and on the plus side it's sharper than both.

As for the other lenses. I have and love my 70-200 f4 non IS. IS can help quite a bit when the light isn't the best. Enabling you to shoot slower than you normally would. If low light isn't an issue then get non IS.
Will leave others to comment on the 10-18mm as I don't shoot that wide.

JamesHKICE · Sep 13, 2016

Thank you for your input - leaning ever more to the non IS 70-200mm - it just gets such good reports - as I said, I think my main aim is for tripod use, particularly in low light so should be ok. Will check out the 400mm but I think that may be a future buy now - it's looking like the Tokina UWA and the Canon 70-200mm. I have quotes for $444 USD for the Tokina and $497 USD for the 70-200mm - seems like pretty decent value.

OGsPhotography · Sep 14, 2016

Basically my kit. Im sure you'll donoknwith the f4 no is. You can always upgrade if you want handheld low light.

For now it will be an awesome kit.

JamesHKICE · Sep 16, 2016

Thanks everyone for your advice. I think I am pretty much set. The only spanner in the works has been the recent M% announcement by Canon - basically the 80D mirrorless. I think it's a no go for me based on the smaller lens selection. Even with an adapter the benefits of the smaller body are surely lost using the standard Canon lenses? Unless anyone wants to chime in and say I'm wrong of course! I think the 80D will see me right for a good few years before any switch to mirrorless is made. Hope I am right!

beagle100 · Sep 18, 2016

JamesHKICE said:
Thanks everyone for your advice. I think I am pretty much set. The only spanner in the works has been the recent M% announcement by Canon - basically the 80D mirrorless. I think it's a no go for me based on the smaller lens selection. Even with an adapter the benefits of the smaller body are surely lost using the standard Canon lenses? Unless anyone wants to chime in and say I'm wrong of course! I think the 80D will see me right for a good few years before any switch to mirrorless is made. Hope I am right!

yes, using normal DSLR lens on a mirrorless camera increases the size and weight however there are "pancake" style lens. I use a small mirrorless for travel and events and use a DSLR for sports and birds.
www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

weepete · Sep 18, 2016

Just to throw another spanner in the works too, from reading the reviews the 70-200mm F4 L IS seems to be significantly sharper than the non-IS versions. I'm also trying to decide on whither to pull the trigger on this lens so I've been scouring the interweb for info.

JamesHKICE · Sep 20, 2016

Hi weepete, I haven't actually heard that and my research has been pointing to the better value proposition of the non-IS version - I do envisage my usage of the lens with a tripod in most instances but perhaps someone can comment on their experiences with the lens handheld in general?
Looking at Canon M, I definitely think mirrorless is the future...but for now I'm sticking with DSLR and going for the 80D later this year - will be picking up the Tokina lens 100% and 95% the 70-200mm non-IS unless someone is adamant I'll see a benefit of the IS version (for double the price...).