SanFranciso trip walk about lens

[rklepper]

I am going to San Francisco next month and am wondering about a walk about lens. I have the 10-22 which is definately going. I am contemplating the 24-105 f/4L, just for a walk about. I am also assuming that I should take the Storm Jacket for the camera, just in case.

Not sure what all to take as I do not want to be weighed down, but definately want to take the opportunity for photos. We are staying on Market St, 2 blocks from China Town.

[Livinthalife]

yourlist sounds good so far (at least to me it does) i would say take the 50 1.8 or 1.4 whichever youhave. primes are always nice, especially when you got 1.8 or 4 bokeh!

[sugarzebra]

Hi Doc,
The 24-105 would be the perfect lens for your San Franciso trip. Its downside is that its not wide enough, however you have that covered with your 10-22. My wife & I spent a few days there last fall....its a great place to take pictures. Have a great trip.

[kaitanium]

a 50mm might not cut it on your crop body. downtown sf streets, espically china town are narrow and tight. that 10-22mm will be sweet espically for architecture. i have a feeling youll be using that most of the time when youre in the heart of the city. that 24-105 might come in handy when your in more open space.

youll love sf. been living here my whole life

[rklepper]

YEs, I love SF. The wife and I have been there 12 times since we were married. I am also packing my 200 w. the extender. Not sure my 135 will come in too handy, but we will see. Just do not want to carry more than I need, but want to carry at least want I need.

[rklepper]

a 50mm might not cut it on your crop body. downtown sf streets, espically china town are narrow and tight. that 10-22mm will be sweet espically for architecture. i have a feeling youll be using that most of the time when youre in the heart of the city. that 24-105 might come in handy when your in more open space.

youll love sf. been living here my whole life

So the 10-22 won't be too wide? I also have the kit lens, which is really pretty good stopped down. Nice coverage, but not sure if it is too useable.

[Tee Why]

I'd just take the 10-22 and the 24-105L. That would be a nice combo in my view.

[rklepper]

I'd just take the 10-22 and the 24-105L. That would be a nice combo in my view.

Yes, those 2 wold fit into my Kata H14. I think my 430EX would also fit. 1 small bag woudl be nice.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I'll hang onto your 24-70L while you're gone....and afterward. ;-)

I would have went for 10-22, 24-70, and 135. To each their own, eh? :-D

[rklepper]

Yes, if I could only hand hold the 24-70 that would be a great one. However, I think it is going to be replaced soon.:D Wish I could hold it as it is a great lens.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Bulk up, ol' man. :lol: I must be huge...I find it to be a comfortable, reassuring weight.

[rklepper]

Bulk up, ol' man. :lol: I must be huge...I find it to be a comfortable, reassuring weight.

Ronald,

I do get the impression that you are:

1) Bigger than I.
2) In better shape than I.
3) And most importantly, younger than I.

Teaching Chemistry for 20+ years does not bulk you up very much, just makes your hair stand up on end.:D

[Ronald S. Jr.]

6'3", 280 lbs., bench 400, blah blah blah...however, discounting age, (thinking proportionally) you're probably in better shape than I am! I'm just a bull.


But hey...at least you HAVE hair! :p

[kaitanium]

So the 10-22 won't be too wide? I also have the kit lens, which is really pretty good stopped down. Nice coverage, but not sure if it is too useable.

i think the 10-22 it should be fine. although ive never used one. 10mm might be too much but i think you can use that 22mm end. if you want to stop that kit lens down (to f8?) then make sure its a sunny day here =P.

[calicokat]

The 24-105L is the best walk around lens that I can think of. I love mine on my 5D. 24mm is wide enough for me on the full frame.

[ed rader]

I am going to San Francisco next month and am wondering about a walk about lens. I have the 10-22 which is definately going. I am contemplating the 24-105 f/4L, just for a walk about. I am also assuming that I should take the Storm Jacket for the camera, just in case.

Not sure what all to take as I do not want to be weighed down, but definately want to take the opportunity for photos. We are staying on Market St, 2 blocks from China Town.

i took these @ 17mm and could have used wider. the two lenses are great choices, as is the jacket ;) . BTW i took these on market street on the way to see scott ritter speak at the commonwealth club.

ed rader

http://www.fototime.com/0EA288F1FD051C2/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/626868AF382748F/orig.jpg

[jngo]

you can't go wrong with the 10-22. the wider the better, especially for a city packed as tightly as this one. when i walk the city for assignments, my 17-40 stays on my 20d with the 70-200 in my bag just in case i want to get close and personal with some subjects. the weather has been crazy up here lately, hopefully it'll figure itself out by the time you get over here.

[vjack]

I'd think the 24-105 would be a great choice on a full frame camera. For a 1.6 crop camera, I'd prefer something like the Sigma 17-70 for a walkaround.

[condyk]

So many sell this 24-70 2.8 L after praising it to the rooftops. Seems you're doing the same. I reckon this, the 28-135 IS and the 70-200mm are the most sold on lenses around. Bizzare ... because they are also amongst the most touted here.

Anyway, personally, I say if you have it then I'd take it. If you want to swap for a 24-105 IS L (which is a sensible choice IMHO) then I'd take that and the wide fella. I wouldn't want a long lens for city shooting unless you want Pigeons, etc in the local park. In fact, I'd just take a 17-40mm or similar and something like an 85mm for candids if it was me.

[rklepper]

So many sell this 24-70 2.8 L after praising it to the rooftops. Seems you're doing the same. I reckon this, the 28-135 IS and the 70-200mm are the most sold on lenses around. Bizzare ... because they are also amongst the most touted here.

Anyway, personally, I say if you have it then I'd take it. If you want to swap for a 24-105 IS L (which is a sensible choice IMHO) then I'd take that and the wide fella. I wouldn't want a long lens for city shooting unless you want Pigeons, etc in the local park. In fact, I'd just take a 17-40mm or similar and something like an 85mm for candids if it was me.

Don't get me wrong, I love the 24-70. It is just so heavy to carry with me. I am old and weak and need something easier to shoot. Has nothing to do with the quality of the lens.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I'm not so sure that the .4 or .5 lbs. will help you much with the 24-105L, but I think the IS very much will. Hope you enjoy it. :-)

[jfrancho]

I vote for 35 f/2.

[ed rader]

I'm not so sure that the .4 or .5 lbs. will help you much with the 24-105L, but I think the IS very much will. Hope you enjoy it. :-)

i shot with the brick last weekend and didn't notice much weight difference from my 24-105.

but that's just me.

ed rader

[rklepper]

I'm not so sure that the .4 or .5 lbs. will help you much with the 24-105L, but I think the IS very much will. Hope you enjoy it. :-)

Maybe you are right. I hope this is the right thing to do.

[rklepper]

Would it be a real encumbrance walking around San Francisco with a monopod? I have a carbon fiber.

[ed rader]

Would it be a real encumbrance walking around San Francisco with a monopod? I have a carbon fiber.

if you need a monopod for the 24-70 you'd be much better off with the 24-105.

you will be getting some slower shutter speeds downtown and you sure don't want to be lugging around a monopod for general shooting.

ed rader

[condyk]

I had the same monopod as you Doc ... very light but strong. I often used to clamp the body and my ex 100-300mm f4 Sigma to it and sling it over my shoulder (I have the Manfrotto 488 RC2 too which is strong and secure).

When you want to shoot you let it down, twist the clamps rigid and compose. A lot of your shots will be static I guess so taking it slow will let you 'feel' what you want to shoot as you're getting the mono ready and to see what you want to capture before you even have the camera at eye level.

It'll be slower with the mono, but that is good. Takes me about 10-15 seconds to take a typical shot with my MF lenses and my keeper ratio has rocketed because of how slow it is. It's often all about composition and exposure first. Getting it right takes time. Relying on the camera is fast, but not as reliable IMO.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

i shot with the brick last weekend and didn't notice much weight difference from my 24-105.

but that's just me.

ed rader

Now...don't tell anyone I said this, but that's because there isn't a very noticeable difference! :lol:

I'd take the 24-70 and a bit of weight, in exchange for the faster speeds, more DoF control, superior (if only by a bit) IQ, etc. over slower, half pound lighter, and IS. IS has never helped but maybe 3 of the shots I've ever taken. Nah. I'm good. :-)

Doc, if you're gonna be using a monopod anyway, why not keep the one you have? I don't know..or did you mean if you kept the 24-70 you'd have to use a pod? Hmm..

[rklepper]

Now...don't tell anyone I said this, but that's because there isn't a very noticeable difference! :lol:

I'd take the 24-70 and a bit of weight, in exchange for the faster speeds, more DoF control, superior (if only by a bit) IQ, etc. over slower, half pound lighter, and IS. IS has never helped but maybe 3 of the shots I've ever taken. Nah. I'm good. :-)

Doc, if you're gonna be using a monopod anyway, why not keep the one you have? I don't know..or did you mean if you kept the 24-70 you'd have to use a pod? Hmm..

See that is the thing. the 24-70 just needs some support for me. I think the 24-105 would just be a better walk around.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Just curious, have you played with one yet, or are you buying "blind"?

[ed rader]

Just curious, have you played with one yet, or are you buying "blind"?

maybe you could clue the doc in since you used the 24-105 for 8 minutes :D ?

ed rader

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Holding, seeing, and playing for 8 minutes beats the heck out of never seeing, never touching, never using, eh? ;-)

Some idea...no idea. You choose. :-) I felt the weight difference, and with my 20D and grip, I can't say I really noticed a difference. Don't like the hood either, but that's superficial (except for its lack in functional design).

[In2Photos]

Holding, seeing, and playing for 8 minutes beats the heck out of never seeing, never touching, never using, eh? ;-)

Some idea...no idea. You choose. :-) I felt the weight difference, and with my 20D and grip, I can't say I really noticed a difference. Don't like the hood either, but that's superficial (except for its lack in functional design).

Actually I would take the no idea. The 8 minutes you had with it is not enough time to thoroughly review it for anyone. In fact your critique of the lens could be way off base.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Oh please...it wasn't 8 minutes. Ed was exaggerating. I was there a solid 10. :lol:

Nah...seriously, I've used one twice now (my cousin got one a month or so back), and I'm just not keen on it. I don't like the shutter speeds the f/4 is giving me..especially indoors. I personally shoot a lot of moving things, too, so IS doesn't help much either. I'd just honestly rather have faster speeds with the 2.8. It just makes sense to me.

[ed rader]

Holding, seeing, and playing for 8 minutes beats the heck out of never seeing, never touching, never using, eh? ;-)

Some idea...no idea. You choose. :-) I felt the weight difference, and with my 20D and grip, I can't say I really noticed a difference. Don't like the hood either, but that's superficial (except for its lack in functional design).

i think you didn't like the lens before you ever saw it ... your 8 minutes notwithstanding :D .

every lens i own i bought without having first used. that is the value of these forums once you have separated the wheat from the chaff.

i've taken thousands of shots with my 24-105L and hundreds with the brick. and i am on record as saying they are both great lenses. in fact at this point they are the only two lenses i would consider for my primary lens.

but if a guy tells me he's old and weak and has a hard time handholding the 24-70 i think he's an excellent candidate for the IS lens.

i also think that of the two lenses the 24-105 is the better choice for most people most of the time.

the brick can shred no doubt but not if you can't comfortably wield it.

ed rader

BTW, here are some pics shot with the brick. a few toward the end were shot with the tamron 17-35, maybe 5-6 but you can check exif.

http://www.fototime.com/inv/5CBE9A5463E079B

[rklepper]

Actually the photo shop in Sioux Falls has one and I am contemplating going there this weekend. They also have the 30D, which I would like to check out also and it is only $50 more than B&H. Whether I buy at the photo shop or B&H at least I can check it out.

[rklepper]

Okay, so here is really the bottom line. The 24-70 is great and I love it. It is just that I kind of plan on going from 8AM to 10 PM or later while in San Francisco. That is why I am thinking of the 24-105.

My thinking of a new lens in no way diminishes the value and quality of any other lens. Not sure why anyone would think it would.

[ayotnoms]

Doc-
I've walked many a block in SF so I'll recommend that you go wide (think bridges, views from Coit Tower, Palace of Fine Arts, etc) and occasionally, long; 105mm seems reasonable for that.

If there's going to be a need to shoot in low light, a fast lens--presumably a short prime--would be good to bring along.

If you're one lens away from the perfect SF shot, give me a shout. I know a guy who lives in the area with fair amount of Canon glass :rolleyes:

[rklepper]

Doc-
I've walked many a block in SF so I'll recommend that you go wide (think bridges, views from Coit Tower, Palace of Fine Arts, etc) and occasionally, long; 105mm seems reasonable for that.

If there's going to be a need to shoot in low light, a fast lens--presumably a short prime--would be good to bring along.

If you're one lens away from the perfect SF shot, give me a shout. I know a guy who lives in the area with fair amount of Canon glass :rolleyes:

I think I am going to take the 200 as we will probably find our way up to Golden Gate Recreation Area at some point. Should I also think about the 50 f/.14? Cheap enough to pick up with the 24-105.

[basroil]

the 50mm lenses are very useful, with 1.6 crops they become great portrait lenses, and they are small enough to carry without needing to bring a pickup truck to move your glass. i have the 50mm 1.8 (too poor to get 1.4), and it's a great lens (stopped down to 2.5~2.8 it's pretty sharp for an 80 buck lens). it's also useful indoors, not only cuz it's fast, but due to the lower profile (try taking pictures in a crouded place with a lens that's 7" long). a good old 50mm is sure to be a safe bet for basically all needs.

[rklepper]

Doc-
I've walked many a block in SF so I'll recommend that you go wide (think bridges, views from Coit Tower, Palace of Fine Arts, etc) and occasionally, long; 105mm seems reasonable for that.

If there's going to be a need to shoot in low light, a fast lens--presumably a short prime--would be good to bring along.

If you're one lens away from the perfect SF shot, give me a shout. I know a guy who lives in the area with fair amount of Canon glass :rolleyes:

Thanks I certainly appreciate the offer. I have kind of a meager collection of glass, but that way I think I get to know each lens a little better.

[crn3371]

Doc, I think the 10-22,24-105, sounds like a good combo. I would try to squeeze the flash in the bag also. A lot of walking, a lot of hills, go as light as you think you can get away with.

[Lord_Malone]

I am going to San Francisco next month and am wondering about a walk about lens. I have the 10-22 which is definately going. I am contemplating the 24-105 f/4L, just for a walk about. I am also assuming that I should take the Storm Jacket for the camera, just in case.

Not sure what all to take as I do not want to be weighed down, but definately want to take the opportunity for photos. We are staying on Market St, 2 blocks from China Town.

I'm actually at my parents house in California right now. The little monkey is visiting his grandparents and youngest uncle. ;) Too bad you're not here yet, old timer. We could've went bar hopping and start fights together. I'm going to San Francisco tomorrow and I plan on taking all the lenses in my kit bag. Have fun when you get here. ;)

[ed rader]

I'm actually at my parents house in California right now. The little monkey is visiting his grandparents and youngest uncle. ;) Too bad you're not here yet, old timer. We could've went bar hopping and start fights together. I'm going to San Francisco tomorrow and I plan on taking all the lenses in my kit bag. Have fun when you get here. ;)

i made it up to daly city yesterday to look at a job and we are supposed to go to the botanical gardens on monday to take some pictures if the weather cooperates.

ed rader

http://www.fototime.com/9100FD919D05467/orig.jpg

[rklepper]

I'm actually at my parents house in California right now. The little monkey is visiting his grandparents and youngest uncle. ;) Too bad you're not here yet, old timer. We could've went bar hopping and start fights together. I'm going to San Francisco tomorrow and I plan on taking all the lenses in my kit bag. Have fun when you get here. ;)

Yes, I am sure we will have a blast. Sound like I am going to miss out on some fun.

[Jon]

Bulk up, ol' man. :lol: I must be huge...I find it to be a comfortable, reassuring weight.
Likewise, and I probably come closer to Doc Klepper's physique than yours. In fact, I don't find one body with 24-70 and a second with 70-200 IS to be any problem. It's the extra 20 lb. in the camera bag over the other shoulder that gets to me.

[4x4rock]

Doc, don't forget to stop by Pier 39 and do the "tourist" thing :). It's a good place to take pics of people. If you have a few hours, take the ferry tour around the bay, or even take the one to Sausalito, a neat little tourist town across the Golden Gate. You'll have a great view of downtown SF skyline, weather cooperating of course. Have fun

http://www.sonnycao.com/web/chinatown/sailboats3.jpg

http://www.sonnycao.com/web/chinatown/tullips.jpg

[ejwebb]

Doc,

Here are a few shot with Tamron 28-75 which is all I had with me since it was actually a business trip with little time for photography. The second two were taken 5 minutes apart from the same spot as a storm front moved through - first one to the left of the Muir Beach overlook and the second one to the right.

I am sure you will find plenty of shots no matter which lenses you end up taking!!

http://my-expressions.com/up_media/687/CRW_6741_edited-1.jpg

http://my-expressions.com/up_media/687/CRW_6800_edited-1.jpg

http://my-expressions.com/up_media/687/CRW_6795_edited-1.jpg

[Lord_Malone]

Any of you guys know of a good place in the Bay Area to rent photo gear? I need a macro lens and a tri-pod. Some crazy stuff going on in my moms garden. I'm in Suisun right now BTW.

[4x4rock]

Lord... give this place a call. It's the largest Canon store that I know around the Bay Area
Keeble & Shuchat Photography
(650) 327-8996
(650) 327-8511

Direction
http://www.google.com/maps?hl=en&lr=&q=camera+store&near=Palo+Alto,+CA&radius=0.0&cid=37441944,-122141944,9657162486979948421&iwstate1=form:to

[Lord_Malone]

Lord... give this place a call. It's the largest Canon store that I know around the Bay Area
Keeble & Shuchat Photography
(650) 327-8996
(650) 327-8511

Direction
http://www.google.com/maps?hl=en&lr=&q=camera+store&near=Palo+Alto,+CA&radius=0.0&cid=37441944,-122141944,9657162486979948421&iwstate1=form:to

Palo Alto's a little too out of the way for me. :( I need something in Solano County. Fairffield, Suisun, Vacaville. Okay, so maybe I shouldn't have said the Bay Area.

[Tom_D]

I am going to San Francisco next month and am wondering about a walk about lens. I have the 10-22 which is definitely going. I am contemplating the 24-105 f/4L, just for a walk about. I am also assuming that I should take the Storm Jacket for the camera, just in case.

Not sure what all to take as I do not want to be weighed down, but definately want to take the opportunity for photos. We are staying on Market St, 2 blocks from China Town.I hope the weather gets better. March has set a new record for the number of days with rain at 24 or 25. The old record was set in 1904.

We are all tired of rain.

The north bay has been worse than SF (I think - just because it usually rains more here - the rain usually travels from the north west).

With any luck the rain will have cleared the skies and you will get some of our beautiful blue sky days.

I think the 10-22 will get a good workout. One of my favorites. I always try to bring every bit of gear I own and not using (or finding a stupid reason to use it just to say I had it on the camera). There is a lot to be said for traveling light.

Have a great trip. :)

[ed rader]

I hope the weather gets better. March has set a new record for the number of days with rain at 24 or 25. The old record was set in 1904.

i keep hearing that on the news but i could swear that in march of 98 it rained every day but one. that was the year of the el nino rains and i was training for a double century so i kinda remember :D .

ed rader

[Tom_D]

i keep hearing that on the news but i could swear that in march of 98 it rained every day but one. that was the year of the el nino rains and i was training for a double century so i kinda remember :D .

ed raderThis record is for San Francisco so it is possible that the record for the part of Silicon Valley (south of SF) that you are in was in '98 and still holds. :)