Which lens would you buy?

[crowl31]

I've narrowed it down to these two. Ruled out the 70mm - 200mm 2.8 because its at least $500 more then the two below


Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM

OR

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM

OR

Insert your Suggestion

 

[Big Mike]

It depends. What is your primary use for this lens? Is weight an issue for you? Do you shoot moving subjects in questionable light?

The 24-70 F2.8 L, has been the pro work horse lens in Canon's line up, for a long time. If you have a good one, it's one of the best. I know a guy who's had 6 of them...each one with a problem...so he doens't like it.
Most people seem to love it though.
It's big and heavy, so maybe not a 'walk around vacation' lens.

The 24-105mm F4 L IS, is smaller and lighter, better range and has IS. Really, the only down side is the smaller aperture...and for many people, that is enough to pass on this one.

Do you have a film, full frame or crop body? On a crop body, I wouldn't buy either...I'd go with the EF-S 17-55 F2.8 IS.

 

[crowl31]

Primary use - Is it will be my main lens. I shoot inside a lot, family parties and friends weddings etc (not as there photographer) just for fun. So low light or crappy light might come into play. I do have a flash(430ex).

I'm not really worried about weight. But i will test it out to make sure it isn't 100 lbs before i buy it.


No Film camera, I have an XTI.

 

[RyanLilly]

I think for low light indoor, you will be happiest with the 17-55 F2.8 as mike has suggested; you will really appreciate the wider angle indoors.

 

[Big Mike]

Yup, with the XTi, the 17-55 F2.8 IS will be your best bet, IMO.

Personally, I would find that 24mm wouldn't be wide enough for a lot of indoor shooting.

I'm not really worried about weight. But i will test it out to make sure it isn't 100 lbs before i buy it.

It's nickname is 'The Brick' :er:

 

[nicfargo]

I have both lenses you suggested, however I also have a full frame camera. I don't use either of these on my 30D, only my 5D. For what you're looking to do I'd go with the 17-55 f/2.8 IS. It has pretty decent IQ, even if it isn't 'L' quality...it's close enough.

 

[lextalionis]

Well I have a 30D and was in your exact shoes about 6 months ago. I was actually considering the 24-70 at first. I found someone selling one for $900 on craigslist and I went to check it out and take sample shots first. It's a very big lens and "I think if I recall correctly" it trombones backwards?? Just something I noticed. After doing more research I started thinking more and more about the ef-s 17-55 f/2.8 IS. Long story short, I got the 17-55 f/2.8 IS from B&H and I'm very happy with it. I'm a Dad and a cubscout den leader and for indoor events this time a year the lens has done great! We went to a car museum and the non-flash shots turned out fantastic. The indoor pinewood derby race shots were great too! Landscape and firework shots look great too. Only thing I've noticed about the 17-55 is even at 55mm f/2.8 the bokeh isn't near as nice as the 24-70 nor other lenses such as the nifty-fifty, 85 1.8 etc.

Here are samples for all 3 lenses mentioned here:

24-70 f/2.8 L
http://www.motleypixel.com/reviews/index.htm?openfolder=Canon Zooms/Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8 L/

24-104 f/4 L
http://www.motleypixel.com/reviews/index.htm?openfolder=Canon Zooms/Canon EF 24-105mm f4 L IS/

EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS
http://www.motleypixel.com/reviews/index.htm?openfolder=Canon Zooms/Canon EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 IS/

The EF-S 17-55 shots were taken by me...the other two sample galleries are from a photographer in Singapore and Canada.

-Roy

 

[usayit]

It depends. What is your primary use for this lens? Is weight an issue for you? Do you shoot moving subjects in questionable light?

The 24-70 F2.8 L, has been the pro work horse lens in Canon's line up, for a long time. If you have a good one, it's one of the best. I know a guy who's had 6 of them...each one with a problem...so he doens't like it.
Most people seem to love it though.
It's big and heavy, so maybe not a 'walk around vacation' lens.

The 24-105mm F4 L IS, is smaller and lighter, better range and has IS. Really, the only down side is the smaller aperture...and for many people, that is enough to pass on this one.

Do you have a film, full frame or crop body? On a crop body, I wouldn't buy either...I'd go with the EF-S 17-55 F2.8 IS.

What he said!

If you do a search, you will find this comparison comes up a lot. I've posted my opinion many times which is at par with Mike's. To sum it up

24-70 f2.8 - The fast sports car that has a very specific purpose... speed.
24-105 f4L IS - The Nice SUV that has the packability, IS, and range for a do it all general walk around zoom.

You have to look internally at yourself to make the decision. Both are excellent lenses. I chose the 24-105L as it fits my needs better. For low light situations... I have something else thats better than either.


http://thephotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=84510
http://thephotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76828
http://thephotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42694