Thoughts on this setup?

[smartguy]

I have a 30d and a 50 1.8. So far throughout the year i'm planning to get:

sigma 24-70 (possibly upgrading to the canon equivalent later)
canon 85 1.8
canon 200 2.8

They cover a nice range and i like portrait photography so thats another plus.
im not 100% sure that 24mm will be wide enough, but it will do for most of my shooting.

Im not a pro (yet?), at least not for at least ten years. Do you think these lenses offer a good balance between price and quality?

any thoughts or suggestions?

(p.s. happy belated holidays! )

 

[usayit]

The 200mm f2.8 is going to be a little too long on a cropped sensor.

For portraits, I think you'll be fine with the zoom (24-70ish of choice), 50mm f1.8, and 85mm f1.8.

Perhaps upgrading from a 50mm f1.8 to the f1.4 version (now or later) will also be a good move. The f1.4 has more aperture rings for a smoother bokeh and out of focus points of light.

In portraits, the lighting is just as important as the lens. Don't forget your lighting... save and plan for it.

 

[smartguy]

this will also double as a walkaround setup
i might swap the 200mm for a wider lens if the 24-70 isn't wide enough, but i like the thought of very tight head shots and distance shots with the 200mm

EDIT:

oh, i forgot to add that ill also add a flash in there

 

[kundalini]

The 200mm will be "up yer nose" tight head shots unless you are outside. It wiil also be heavy. Wouldn't think it is useful as a portrait lens.

 

[smartguy]

do you guys think the 85mm and 200mm make a good replacement for a 70-300 IS?
I probably wouldn't spend the money on a 70-200 2.8 at this point
but either way id still definitely get the 85mm

 

[usayit]

If ultimately you priority is image quality, the 85mm and 200mm (or just about any other prime in various focal lengths) will outperform the 70-300 IS by a long shot. If your priority lies within the flexibility of a zoom, then of course the 70-300 IS is a better choice.

The reason why the 70-200 f2.8L is such a well received lens in the professional community (and expensive) is the fact that it provides near-prime image quality in a flexible zoom package.



BTW... (sorry for a plug in).. My 4 prime set is for sale (24mmL, 50mm f1.4, 85mm f1.8, and 135mm f2L). See this thread:

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=104576