Hi everyone, I was given such great advice last time I asked a question that I am going to go out on a limb and ask another!
I am looking to get a new Canon lens.
I am starting from scratch (should I jump to Nikon before I spend too much? (Am I asking for trouble by asking that question?)).
I have my little Digital Rebel, and yes I dream of moving up, but for now it must do. So what I want is a great lens for details, I love close-ups and I want something to support that obsession. By close-ups I mean tight shots of a persons face or hands, (feet, nose, whatever...) details of clothing, not macro stuff. Thanks!

What's your budget?

I just added the 85mm 1.2L to my kit and it's BAD. I mean... wow.

But if you're looking for budget friendly, maybe a 50mm 1.4?

Dreamworld. So I have no budget. I am just doing some research so I can convince my husband that I need a new lens! Thanks, I have seen this come up consistently as a favorite. I guess my next question would be a good place to view samples( I know I could google this but where is the fun in that?)

Samples?


Maybe you should work backwards, if you are looking for a certian "look" from your lenses. Find photos you like, and ask the photographers which lens they used.

Great idea, I guess the worst that could happen is they don't respond! Now who should I ask first...

Hi Leah,
One of my favorite places to look for opinions and reviews of lenses is http://fredmiranda.com These are reviews by beginning to pro photographers and when you read the comments you will see patterns about the performance of the lens. Generally, I don't buy anything under an. 8.9 rating and I love all of my lenses. the 'reviews' section covers Canon, Nikon, and third party lenses. Have fun. Wish my wife was a 'sugar momma' to buy me a new lens!
Stuart

You will do great with both Nikon and Canon. Canon has been leading the 35mm industry with their digital chip sets for the past 3 years or so. That is one reason they are so popular. Nikon's new flagship camera (D3) looks very promising and as I see it brings them on equal footing with Canon--if not better for many purposes.

If you've got canon now, then run with it.

lenses: standard photojournalism fare would include (I imagine this carries over for most wedding photographers also)
wide angle zoom: 16-35 or thereabouts (f/2.8 is ideal)
"normal" lens: 50 1.4 is nice
medium telephoto zoom: 70-200 (2.8 is ideal)

that really gets all of your focal lengths covered and it's a safe bet. they may not have the same look as a prime lens like the 24 1.4 or the 85 1.2 but at least with that mix if you miss a moment, you can't blame it on having the wrong lens on.

the prime vs. zoom lens debate really comes down to shooting preference, budget, and the feel you want to give your photos.

give me a shout if you have more q's I didn't touch on.

If you don't have the money to spend I would look to get the 85 f1.8 or the 50f1.4. Those are both great lenses that would give you what I think you are after on the details.
I'll second/third the 85L. If you can afford it there is no way you will ever want to shoot with anything else. Well...maybe the 24f1.4 or the 50f1.2.

Wow thanks for the site, it has a ton of information, added to my favorites. I think my husband will come around, and when he does I want to be ready with my wish list. Thanks again.

Thanks for the advice. I do have access to some zoom lenses-so I will give them a try before I do anything, I sure do love the look of prime though...Too many choices!

I am thinking about renting a lens so maybe I will go with the 85L...Thanks!

I like the 135 2.0 -- it's one of the best kept "secret weapon" lenses that not many photographers own...

My opinion would be to get a Canon 24-70 2.8 EF L lens. It's my workhorse and I love it. It can also do macro shots for all those details.

a 50mm prime I think is a must have...can get the 1.8 for $80 and the 1.4 for $300. Some people say the 1.4 isn't worth the extra money, but it is a more solid build. I have the 1.4 and love it...it's faster too, which is never a bad thing.

Another great site for reviews is http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/

He provides very in depth reviews, and provides sample images for most lenses that he reviews.

He also has a section where he gives his lens recommendations which start with the best to have, then gives some options for people on a budget not looking to spend $5K on a lens kit.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/

Thanks Mike
Can I really get a lens for $80? Even $300 is in my range, I was expecting to have to pay much more. I wil be sure to check out those sites,

Spend the extra for the 1.4

JasonG just told me the other day that the 50mm 1.4 is the sharpest lens Canon makes and it's not even an L series.

Yep, I would go for the 1.4 for $290 though if it's in the budget.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1214..._Autofocus.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1214...50mm_f_1_8.html