Walk around Lens

[Trecky]

Hi guys

I have been thinking about getting a lens to compliment my 70-200 L lens, particularly a lens that I can use most of the time. My thoughts are perhaps a Canon ef 24-105mm. I am after something that will last as down the track will most probably update my camera body.The reviews seem pretty good, but would be interested to hear from people who actually use this lens.

Thanks

[etherial]

What will you be shooting? I see you have a 18-55, how do you find you use that? Do you want wider or do you find yourself at 55mm a lot? Also, are you thinking about a lot of low light photography?

[RamblinR]

The canon 15-85mm is very versatile and has very good image quality. You may find a 24-105 isn't wide enough for a carry around lens.

[RaoulIsidro]

The term "walk around lens" can vary from person to person.
I have a Canon EOS 24-70mm f2.8 as an ideal zoom, but I don't consider it as my WAL, because for my personal use, it is too bulky and heavy and is for my "work".
I have also a Canon EOS 24-85mm f3.5-4.5 which I consider as my WAL. It is light, a USM, and covers the same range, minus the bigger aperture. I can throw the camera and lens inside the bag, and it nevers feels bulky.

[Trecky]

Thanks for the input guys. After using the 70-200 L lens and looking at the image quality, I find I battle with the quality of the 18-55 kit lens. Maybe it is just me but I find a huge difference. I do a lot of walking around and just snapping off photo's of interesting things. I love taking photos of flowers and landscapes, I suppose a nature person at heart. I find the 70-200 is too long for closer objects. So basically something that I can carry around most of the time and if I need more zoom can swap to the 70-200. This lens is very heavy though, well for me anyway.
Not sure if that helps.

I love this forum, everyone is so helpful.

Cheers

[wattsgallery]

Check out Xenedis recent thread on the 24-105 v 24-70 which is a great review.

[Trecky]

Check out Xenedis recent thread on the 24-105 v 24-70 which is a great review.

Thanks for that, will do.

[Brian500au]

As a general WAL I never leave home without my 24-105. It is the first lens I grab if i travel and if I could only take one lens with me then this is always in my bag.

I find the only restriction on this lens (if it is the only one in my bag) is the slow f4, and I have never been convinced the IS on this lens makes up for a faster glass. In recent times when traveling I also take along a faster wider lens for when I am inside (I also have the 16-35 2.8).

[Trecky]

As a general WAL I never leave home without my 24-105. It is the first lens I grab if i travel and if I could only take one lens with me then this is always in my bag.

I find the only restriction on this lens (if it is the only one in my bag) is the slow f4, and I have never been convinced the IS on this lens makes up for a faster glass. In recent times when traveling I also take along a faster wider lens for when I am inside (I also have the 16-35 2.8).

Thanks for that Brian and also everyone else for comments.

[crafty1tutu]

I have the Canon 18-200 mm 3.5 IS lens and it is my absolute walk around lens as it is good for wide angled shots and can zoom out to 200 mm for more long distance photos. When we were overseas last year it was hardly off my camera. You can view my photos here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/83646071@N00/sets/72157612132435952/

[Trecky]

I have the Canon 18-200 mm 3.5 IS lens and it is my absolute walk around lens as it is good for wide angled shots and can zoom out to 200 mm for more long distance photos. When we were overseas last year it was hardly off my camera. You can view my photos here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/83646071@N00/sets/72157612132435952/

Thanks for that, nice photo's too.

[Star Catcher]

Hi guys

I have been thinking about getting a lens to compliment my 70-200 L lens, particularly a lens that I can use most of the time. My thoughts are perhaps a Canon ef 24-105mm. I am after something that will last as down the track will most probably update my camera body.The reviews seem pretty good, but would be interested to hear from people who actually use this lens.

Thanks
Mate, the best lens is the one you like the most! It all depends on how much you want to spend and what DSLR camera you have. Nothing beats a 1.3 chip or a FF DSLR. For closeup work, invest in a good quality macro zoom. For landscapes, a quality wide angle in the 10 - 24mm range. For tele work, a the Canon 70-200/2.8 IS USM L II or if the budget can afford it, something like the Canon 28-300/3.5-5.6 L USM lens or a 300, 400 500, 600 or 800mm lens. For sport shots, the Canon 400/2.8 is the best. I use a Canon 28-300/3.5-5.6 on a FF canon 1Ds and on the 7D either the 18-55/2.8 or 24-70/2.8. Again it all depends on what you want to do. To get the latest drum on what's hot in the Digital camera world, *removed - members with under 50 posts cannot promote other forums: see the site rules : Admin * and keep in touch with us bloggers here on AP.

Star Catcher

[hus]

The ultimate walk around lens would have to be tamron 18-270, it gives great images and I think it has one of the best IS.
I still would be using mine if my son hadn't tax it off me. ;)

[Trecky]

The ultimate walk around lens would have to be tamron 18-270, it gives great images and I think it has one of the best IS.
I still would be using mine if my son hadn't tax it off me. ;)

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

[msenior]

I for one understand that after using some quality glass you can't go back to a kit lens like the 18-55. I was the same with my new 17-55 f2.8 couldn't put the 55-250 as the qaulity just went out the window.

I would toss up between the 15-85mm IS USM or the 24-105L. My mate has the 24-70 f2.8 for his 5D and loves it. So i would choose between the 3. 24-105 and the 24-70 are L series though.

Hope that helps
Mike

[Elvie]

I have the 18-200is canon lens and find it the best travel lens as it serves well for whatever the shot you wish to capture

[Analog6]

The 24-105 lens is a superb lens, IMHO. It was my favourite canon lens, but oddly (to me anyway) it is the one pice of kit still with me unsold! It is a good length for walk around photography, I did not find the f4 a restriction, and it as sharp as a tack. You won't go wrong with this lens, I assure. And I an NOT saying that because I have one to sell but because I really did find it excellent.

[clipper79]

I always have these 2 lenses when I am out shooting with the S5Pro. And I think there are also Canon equivalents to it. Nikkor 20mm f2.8 and the longest Voigtlander 40mm f2. That is if you are shooting street photography. I have never been a firm believer of zoom lenses (because it's never as good as primes, and also very expensive), I tend to walk nearer to my subjects instead, and not zooming in on them.

[Trecky]

Thanks everyone, I have been researching all day long. I have to watch my budget but would really like to stay with Canon lenses. I am tossing up whether to persevere with the 18-55 kit lens for a bit longer and get the 100mm f2.8 is L lens and see how I go with that. I can get it delivered for around $1200, quite pricey though.
I have seen a lot of landscape, portrait photo's using this lens and the non is equivalent. Macro really interests me too, so it seems this lens is not limited to just macro. If I fall short on distance coverage am thinking about the 15-85mm which is a bit cheaper.
Then again my other idea was perhaps getting the 15-85mm now and later opting for the non is 100mm macro lens down the track.
So I have to think about which would be the better option for me now and that's without all the other lens suggestions. Everyone has been great, certainly given me more lenses to consider. Mind you I wouldn't want another lens near the weight and length of my 70-200.

Thanks again everyone.

[koputai]

My general use lens (walk around..whatever) is the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS. It's a bit dearer than the 15-85mm, but seems to be a much better lens. It has a decent zoom range on a crop body, and the f/2.8 apperture is really useful. It is known for sucking in dust, but that varies from user to user, and Canon say it doesn't affect image quality. I use mine all the time and love it. Of course, it is a large lens compared to the 18-55mm and 15-85mm, but worth the extra grams and dollars IMO.

Of course, I'm now thinking of getting a 35mm f/2 prime for 'walkaround'. :)

Cheers,
Jason.

[Trecky]

My general use lens (walk around..whatever) is the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS. It's a bit dearer than the 15-85mm, but seems to be a much better lens. It has a decent zoom range on a crop body, and the f/2.8 apperture is really useful. It is known for sucking in dust, but that varies from user to user, and Canon say it doesn't affect image quality. I use mine all the time and love it. Of course, it is a large lens compared to the 18-55mm and 15-85mm, but worth the extra grams and dollars IMO.

Of course, I'm now thinking of getting a 35mm f/2 prime for 'walkaround'. :)

Cheers,
Jason.

Thanks Jason, yes I was also looking at that one.

Cheers

[Bluesun]

I saw from your posts that you like landscapes and find the 70 end too limiting. The new Tamron 18-270 is pretty hard to beat as it allows the wide angle shot for your landscapes or getting up closer with the 270 end. The lens is not really designed for low light so a 35mm or 50mm 1.7 prime is my other option when the light gets dimmer. In daylight the Tamron is hard to beat though.

[amandathorson]

I own the 24-105mm which is a great lens, I used to use it on a 30D which gave me the same crop as you would get if you put the lens on your 500D...I was fine with it. Yes you do loose your width a bit...but it's still a very versatile lens. It was great to have once I upgraded to my 5D mk II body, I would recommend doing the same thing...it work for me :)
Also if you do get the 24-105mm see if you can get one split from the kit....a lot of camera stores have extras that have been split from the 5D. It should save you at least $150 on the lens.

[Trecky]

I saw from your posts that you like landscapes and find the 70 end too limiting. The new Tamron 18-270 is pretty hard to beat as it allows the wide angle shot for your landscapes or getting up closer with the 270 end. The lens is not really designed for low light so a 35mm or 50mm 1.7 prime is my other option when the light gets dimmer. In daylight the Tamron is hard to beat though.




I own the 24-105mm which is a great lens, I used to use it on a 30D which gave me the same crop as you would get if you put the lens on your 500D...I was fine with it. Yes you do loose your width a bit...but it's still a very versatile lens. It was great to have once I upgraded to my 5D mk II body, I would recommend doing the same thing...it work for me :)
Also if you do get the 24-105mm see if you can get one split from the kit....a lot of camera stores have extras that have been split from the 5D. It should save you at least $150 on the lens.

Thanks guys for the help.

[Hokey]

My post is different to most. I have found that these days I just take my 5DII and a 50mm f/1.4 and that is it. That way I can just focus on the world around me, and "Point and click" when I see a great photo. I love the simplicity.

[Trecky]

Thanks everyone.

[TassieSnapper]

I have one. and I love it. Awesome lens

[Trecky]

I have one. and I love it. Awesome lens

I have decided to get my Macro 100mm L lens first, but after that might have a look at this lens. Seems many people love it.
Thanks for letting me know. Always good to hear from someone that has this lens.

Cheers

[TOM]

1.4/50mm lens. it's dirt cheap, and you won't have to crank up the ISO if you shoot in low light.

[roentarre]

It is really about what you are interested as a walk around lens. Personally 50mm is usually more than enough with the following reasons.

1. A near normal perspective through this lens comfortable to the user.
2. Training the composition skill with a prime better than a zoom.
3. A light weight lens to carry around with the ease of carrying.

It is really about what your purpose of walk around lens is. Tailoring to the need, there is always a lens for your need.

[geoffsta]

While on the subject. I'm thinking of the AF-S VR 18-110mm lens for myself. I find I use the 55 -200mm kit lens more than the 18 -50mm kit lens, so I need something that is in the middle. I don't do a lot of low light stuff, or macro, but a lot of outside stuff. If there is anything that would be better for around the same price let me know.
Geoff.

[Trecky]

It is really about what you are interested as a walk around lens. Personally 50mm is usually more than enough with the following reasons.

1. A near normal perspective through this lens comfortable to the user.
2. Training the composition skill with a prime better than a zoom.
3. A light weight lens to carry around with the ease of carrying.

It is really about what your purpose of walk around lens is. Tailoring to the need, there is always a lens for your need.

Thank you for the advice. I have heaps to think about.

Cheers.