Lens combo - for general use

[Schy]

So i've been deciding on which lens combo to get, i need your opinions please!

1. 24-105 f4 and 70-200 f2.8 is ii
2. 24-105 f4 and 70-200 f4 is
3. 24-70 f2.8 and 70-200 f4 is
4. 24-70 f2.8 ii and 70-200 f4 is
5. 24-105 f4 and 100-400 (not sure about this choice but threw it in there anyways)

Do a bit of background, i use a 60D. I shoot anything and everything but most of the time i shoot my wife and our 2 year old daughter. She is now very active and really is in her terrible two stage! :D

I prefer To use Canon lenses and non of the 3rd party lenses because i live in the country and theres really no big camera store near here to test them out, all of my stuff has just been shipped here.

Also, I don't think I'll use 17-55 because it is too short for my style of shooting, i have a 18-200 and mostly my photos ranges from 30-200. Also another reason is i might go FF when the time comes..

And, i love bokeh when taking photos of my wife and our daughter! :D

So as from the choices, theres only so much budget that i could stretch it to. Cant stretch it further i think for the 24-70 and 70-200 f2.8 ii. And not really sure about the 100-400.. Just threw it in there for comparison..

As for primes, i really much prefer the versatility of zooms at the moment, and might get primes next time when i get better? I have the 50 f1.8 and use it sometimes inside the house or outdoors for the bokeh!

Well, that was a long post for me i think, your opinions and suggestions will be greatly appreciated! :D feel free to throw in other lens suggestions as long as it is a Canon EF lens! :D

[Cris]

For my money I would take option 5. The 100-400 is just so versatile and the 24-105 will give you coverage all the way thru. The 100-400 is getting a little old but I don't know anyone who has one that doesn't sing it's praises. It's the only lens my wife uses when she picks up the 7d. :)

[ricktas]

Agree with Cris, the Canon 100-400 is a well regarded lens and offers you considerable zoom length (think sports when your daughter gets to school etc). the 24-105 gives you a good medium zoom range.

[aalex]

my lens setup
12-24mm sigma
24-105mmL IS f4 canon
70-200mmL IS f4 canon

I am using 5dm3 so i would boost up the ISO to make up for the f4. And I always shoot still or slow moving object. I was wondering can high ISO with f4 capture a very fast moving object without blurr???

[William]

Quote : aalex : I was wondering can high ISO with f4 capture a very fast moving object without blurr???

Short answer is "YES"

I shoot high action Surfing at 6.30 to 7.00 in the mornings and can get shutter speeds of 1/800th sec on my old 30D with the Sigma 120-400DG @f7.1 , ISO400 :)

[Schy]

Choices choices... :O

Forgot to throw in the 70-300 L as well..

Any other opinions?

Sorry, i just threw the 100-400 in the mix to see how it great it really is but i dont really like the push/pull zoom..

[Bennymiata]

Once you get used to the push-pull zoom, you'll love it.

I have the 24-105, and still have a 60D, and found that was the olens i used 75% of the time.
For me, the 24-70 is lacking in reach, although it is one stop faster, but then again, the IS on the 24-105 makes up for that.
If you don't need the long side of the 100-400, the 70-200 F4 is a great lens, and much lighter and cheaper than the 2.8 versions.
Personally, I'd go the 70-200 F4 with IS and the 24-105.

You'll be amazed at how much nicer your photos will be compared to your kit lenses.

[fess67]

I have the 24-105, 70-200 f2.8 and 100-400. Cropped bodies 50D and 1DmkIV. Full frame 5Dmk2.

I think your shooting preferences sound very much like mine, everything but mostly portraits at the moment and with your wife and daughter likely to provide you will plenty of opportunity why not :)

Knowing what I know about these lenses I would choose option 1.

The 70-200 f2.8 produces stunning shots and the bokeh is beautiful. It is my go to lens 90% of the time. My 100-400 is used for wildlife mainly but it is a great lens and I find that the push pull is very intuitive to use. The 24-105, I have not done this justice and I do not use it much but when I do it does take nice shots, I just prefer the shooting style that the 70-200 allows me.

My final point would be, do not make your choice based on price. Buy the one(s) that will best suit your needs and if you need to buy one at a time to do that rather than a couple now then so be it. These lenses will last for years, don't buy on price and then find you want to change / upgrade later.

[Schy]

Yeah thats what i thought.. Wont buy them together though thats for sure..

Am thinkng of buying the 24-105 first and see how i go with f4, and i prefer the longer reach as well.. Then if im wanting/needing more light then ill get the 70-200 f2.8! :)

Im just getting so excited on getting new lenses! Once i get my tax return!!!

Sounds good? Hehe!

[fess67]

Go the 70-200 f2.8 first. LOL I know my preference is making me say that but seriously.....

[mikealsm]

On my 7D I use:
10-22
24-105
100 macro L
100-400.

Think I have it all covered. Haven't had the 24-105 very long but for those wider shots it's not ideal so I need to grab the 10-22.

Mike

[Schy]

On my 7D I use:
10-22
24-105
100 macro L
100-400.

Think I have it all covered. Haven't had the 24-105 very long but for those wider shots it's not ideal so I need to grab the 10-22.

Mike

How do you find the 100-400 in terms of ease of use?


Go the 70-200 f2.8 first. LOL I know my preference is making me say that but seriously.....


Is there a reason for you suggesting to get the 70-200 2.8 first? :D

[luckyforteja]

I will be following this thread closely.

I am in the same boat I am looking at a lens to take pic of my wife and my son.I am currently considering 24-105 + 70-200.
I will go for 24-105 first as I will be taking pics indoors (too cold outside) and I think 70-200 would too long to take pics indoors. Please correct me if I am wrong.

24-105 f4 + flash for indoors
70-200 f2.8 for outdoor portraits where flash might be less effective.

These are my personal situation, I thought of sharing my views as your situation seems very similar.

Regards
Sri

[fess67]

Is there a reason for you suggesting to get the 70-200 2.8 first? :D

I am not sure I can explain it other than....have you seen what this lens can do!!! :D Many wedding / portrait pros use a 70/200 (although prob usually on FF)


I take on board luckyforteja's comment about maybe it being a bit on the long side, especially with a crop body but I cannot say I have noticed it as a problem. You can get focus at about 2 meters. However, it is likely that most of your shots will be from 4m distance and that should be plenty for a head and shoulders shot.

I will not have time tonight but tomorrow I will take and post up some shots with both lenses on the 50D to give you an idea of the views you will get. These will be looking at that only rather than quality of photography.

[Schy]

I will be following this thread closely.

I am in the same boat I am looking at a lens to take pic of my wife and my son.I am currently considering 24-105 + 70-200.
I will go for 24-105 first as I will be taking pics indoors (too cold outside) and I think 70-200 would too long to take pics indoors. Please correct me if I am wrong.

24-105 f4 + flash for indoors
70-200 f2.8 for outdoor portraits where flash might be less effective.

These are my personal situation, I thought of sharing my views as your situation seems very similar.

Regards
Sri

Sri, yes we are pretty much on the very same boat! And we have similar plans as well.. :)


I am not sure I can explain it other than....have you seen what this lens can do!!! :D Many wedding / portrait pros use a 70/200 (although prob usually on FF)


I take on board luckyforteja's comment about maybe it being a bit on the long side, especially with a crop body but I cannot say I have noticed it as a problem. You can get focus at about 2 meters. However, it is likely that most of your shots will be from 4m distance and that should be plenty for a head and shoulders shot.

I will not have time tonight but tomorrow I will take and post up some shots with both lenses on the 50D to give you an idea of the views you will get. These will be looking at that only rather than quality of photography.

Oh yes, ive seen the fantastic photos the glass can do.. :)

That will be very good and thats very nice of you! =) just a few more days then i think ill be pulling the trigger!!!

[norwest]

Hi Schy. You haven't really said what type of shooting you will be doing, so it's a bit hard to recommend anything out of the normal range. What use will you have for to 100-400L ? By the way, you would have seen regular shots of mine in your local and the monthly glossy, in the social, event and sport pages. All shot with the 24-105 f4L & the 70-200 f4L with occasional use of the plastic fantastic 50mm f1.8. And no other lenses.

If you have the dollars, I'd go with the 70-200 f2.8L (unless your happy with the f4) and the 24-105 f4L. Those two will do everything you want.

I'm only 30 mins from you, so if you want any help, message me and I'll give you my number.

[Schy]

Hi Schy. You haven't really said what type of shooting you will be doing, so it's a bit hard to recommend anything out of the normal range. What use will you have for to 100-400L ? By the way, you would have seen regular shots of mine in your local and the monthly glossy, in the social, event and sport pages. All shot with the 24-105 f4L & the 70-200 f4L with occasional use of the plastic fantastic 50mm f1.8. And no other lenses.

If you have the dollars, I'd go with the 70-200 f2.8L (unless your happy with the f4) and the 24-105 f4L. Those two will do everything you want.

I'm only 30 mins from you, so if you want any help, message me and I'll give you my number.

Finally someone near where i live!!! Hahaha! Which monthly glossy are you talking about? I dont usually read the paper or anything, sorry about that but will do now knowing your photos are in them!

Yeah, am leaning towards the 24-105 and 70-200 2.8! :)


Will be sending you a message! Do you come to Narrabri often?

[norwest]

Life Magazine. I was in Narrabri all day Sunday and in there regularly. Got your message and replied.

[mikealsm]

How do you find the 100-400 in terms of ease of use?

No worries. i kinda like the push pull on it.

[Schy]

No worries. i kinda like the push pull on it.

I see.. I dont really think i would need that long of a reach..

I am really leaning towards the 24-105 and 70-200 2.8.. I think ill go with that combo as i feel that will suit my needs more..

[DeanCMorgan]

I have nearly all the lenses you mention & a 5D, and to me - if you are only going to a single lens, there is no question - it should be the 24-105, as it's the most general purpose lens. As your lens collection grows over the years, you will move on from it & never touch the 24-105 once you have the other lenses. Mine has been collecting dust for ages as all the other lensse cover all it can do better. However, the other lenses are more single purpose, and there are some things they will be great for, and other things they simply will not do. If I had to sell my lenses, and was only allowed a single lens, it would be the 24-105 for sure.

[Schy]

Yeah, the range of the 24-105 is very useful for me and Is sharp! :D

A bit OT: is the Hoya HD uv filter good for the 24-105? Just for that added peace of mind.. I know the pros and cons, just want the extra protection for it when i buy it..

[Arg]

I can't imagine using a 100-400mm lens for shooting the wife and kids. I vote for the 70-200mm f4 IS.

[Schy]

Thanks for all the inputs!

My hands were a bit itchy.. Pulled the trigger! Can't wait for them to arrive! Hehehe! :D

[luckyforteja]

Schy,

In the end what did you get 24-105 f4 and/or 70-200f2.8

Cheers
Sri

[Schy]

Schy,

In the end what did you get 24-105 f4 and/or 70-200f2.8

Cheers
Sri

Oh sorry! Haha! Didn't mention that in my post, thanks Sri for your post! :D

I went with the 24-105 and the 70-200 f2.8! :D:lol:

Im so happy but a bit restless as i cant wait for them to arrive!:(

And I think I need to wait a bit longer because of the weather in HK.. :(

[luckyforteja]

Schy,

Congrats on new toys, I must admit I am jealous. Do share your pics

Regards
Sri

[Schy]

I will deffinitely post photos! :D

I'll post photos of them when they arrive =)

[Schy]

just to update everyone:

received them few days ago...

http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff405/schyeug/IMG_4375.jpg

now to go out and shoot with them! :D

[rossco]

very cool

[aalex]

enjoy your new lenses

[luckyforteja]

Congrats Mate,

Enjoy your new lens, what was your first impression ? any pics with new lens?

Regards
Sri

[Bennymiata]

You have good taste in lenses!

[ExclusiveAV]

Well done mate! very jealous! These are my next two for sure. Be sure to post some pics for us!

[Wynny]

Thanks for an interesting thread and the well informed suggestions. For the type of shooting I am doing I am planning on the 24-105L and 10-22 soon (have to prioritise and then still have to get it past the wife) but this thread has also given me some great information for longer lenses as well for further down the track.

[Schy]

Hi Sri, first impression, the build quality is REALLY good! And for the image quality, i think a big step up from my 18-200 lens.. I really enjoy using them.. :)

Steve, the 24-105 is really a good walk around lens in my opinion! Have to be honest though, ive been using the 70-200 more often as i need more reach to take photos of my daughter.. Havent used the 24-105 that much yet but what i can say is its sharp!

Some sample photos here:
http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?108799-a-little-girl-in-the-park
and
http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?108857-Our-daughter-in-another-park

[ExclusiveAV]

Wow those shots are super sharp! Especially the first one. Well done. My mind is made, ill have those 2 lenses!
Thanks for the info.

[Schy]

yes it is super sharp compared to the kit lens which i had.. hehehe! and i REALLY enjoy using them :D

[Allan Ryan]

i have the 24-105 and the 70-200 f2.8IS ii and the 100-400 will be next
it was about 18 months between the 24-105 and getting the 70-200. Probably be another 18 before the 100-400
If i'm lucky it may be a series 2 before i get that far :)

[aalex]

I have 24-105mm and 70-200mm+1.4 extender. Is it necessary to get the 100-400mm or the prime 400mm for wildlife and birding?

[fess67]

I have 24-105mm and 70-200mm+1.4 extender. Is it necessary to get the 100-400mm or the prime 400mm for wildlife and birding?

I would say yes. The 1.4x + the 200 = 280 so still a fair bit shorter than the 100-400 will give you. Just be aware that the 1.4x will not auto focus with the 100-400 unless you have a 1x body.