"Good Glass" lens

[Karen2582]

Hi,
I'm wondering what the more experienced photographers reccomend to a newbie? I've been shooting with my 2 kit lenses and think it's time to invest in a "good glass" lens. Just looking for feedback on what other's seem to like.

Thanks

 

[D-B-J]

what range? What price range? Telephoto? Fixed aperture? Macro? Midrange? Nikon, Canon, or other?

 

[GerryDavid]

I find fast glass always useful. either its getting me a narrow dof that I like, or its helping me in low light situations.

the nifty 50 f1.8 is something everyone should have.

after that you have to look at what sort of things you photograph and if you need something that is longer or something that is wider.

you can either get more primes that are fast and cheaper, or get something that zooms but the fast ones are pretty expensive.

I got the Canon 24-70 F2.8L for a wedding and ive ended up using it for everything else instead of my 50 and 85 primes 99% of the time. I still use the others if I need the extra light or shallower dof.

 

[Karen2582]

I photograph babies and children, in natural light and I have a Canon. Not sure about the range...and my price range is about $1,500.

 

[GerryDavid]

the 24-70 F2.8L might be the one you want then. it gets you a nice personal range wtih kids and babies, its macro so good for the up close shots, and its just around $1400. And the 2.8 will come in handy to blur the background and when the sun starts to set.

 

[Karen2582]

Thank You! I may just have to rent it to try it out!

 

[GerryDavid]

24-70 doesnt always get me as close to the subject that I would like thanks to my 1.6 crop body, so another one I want to get eventually is the tokina 11-16 F2.8. Canons version is F4 so a bit slower, costs more, and is slightly wider.

Is it tokina or tonika? I can never remember.

 

[D-B-J]

24-70 doesnt always get me as close to the subject that I would like thanks to my 1.6 crop body, so another one I want to get eventually is the tokina 11-16 F2.8. Canons version is F4 so a bit slower, costs more, and is slightly wider.

Is it tokina or tonika? I can never remember.

Tokina**

And why would you want a wideangle to get close..? That doesnt make sense to me.

 

[Neil S.]

I would really recommend you get a few primes.

You could get the 135mm f/2L or 200mm 2.8L AND a 50mm 1.4 for under $1,500.

Primes teach you about DOF, and how to nail your focus. They will help you to be a better photographer. They also open up creative possibilities that zooms simply cannot provide.

That being said, getting a 24-70 2.8L or a used 70-200 2.8L IS would have its own advantages. They are very versitle, and are both workhorse lenses.

Of all the lenses I own my 70-200 2.8 mk II is my favorite lens by far. This should tell you what a good performer it is, and how useful I find it.

Its more about what you are looking for.

Are you looking to buy a zoom lens that is very useful and versitle, or are you looking to get some L primes that provide low light performance and artistic possibilities at a good value?

Hope this helps.

- Neil

 

[Karen2582]

All 3 of those for under $1,500??? How?

 

[Robin Usagani]

Unless you want the baby head looks bigger than the body and the limbs are not proportional, do not get wide angle for baby pictures.

I would get 50mm f/1.4 and 24-70mm f/2.8L

24-70 doesnt always get me as close to the subject that I would like thanks to my 1.6 crop body, so another one I want to get eventually is the tokina 11-16 F2.8. Canons version is F4 so a bit slower, costs more, and is slightly wider.

Is it tokina or tonika? I can never remember.

 

[msf]

a

 

[GerryDavid]

24-70 doesnt always get me as close to the subject that I would like thanks to my 1.6 crop body, so another one I want to get eventually is the tokina 11-16 F2.8. Canons version is F4 so a bit slower, costs more, and is slightly wider.

Is it tokina or tonika? I can never remember.

Tokina**

And why would you want a wideangle to get close..? That doesnt make sense to me.

I was distracted as I was typing. I meant when you have to be close to the subject, its nice to be able to go wider.

I wasnt thinking of using it for babies, more for other things that I photograph. : )