If you could only buy one L...

[Danger Mouse]

I'm saving up to buy an L lens. The most I'm willing to spend is $1200. I'll only ever buy one L lens because that's all I'll justify for myself. So, if you could only ever just buy one L for $1200 at the most, which one would you buy and why? I want to this to be able to cover the most amount of situations possible for the 1 lens.

[blonde]

Canon 100-400L hands down. for all my other L's i can easily find a 3rd part alternative like the sigma 17-50 f2.8 and the sigma 24-70 2.8 or tamron 28-70 or the sigma 70-200 2.8.

[august23]

24-105L.

Next topic.:)

[canonshooter4life]

If only one for that price I would go for a 300 f4 IS... but thats just me because I shoot pretty much only birds and wildlife...

[hef]

24-70L or 24-105L

[WannaLearn]

...I'll only ever buy one L lens because that's all I'll justify for myself.
Famous last words... :)

Seriously, depends on what your shooting habits are, but seems like the 24-105 is a highly regarded L and is the sweet spot for a walk-around lens.

[jpjcm1]

It would have to be the 24-105 f4, mostly because of the focal range, weight, and quality. Best walk around lens. The 24-70 is great but it's too heavy.

[Jon]

Canon 100-400L hands down. for all my other L's i can easily find a 3rd part alternative like the sigma 17-50 f2.8 and the sigma 24-70 2.8 or tamron 28-70 or the sigma 70-200 2.8.
Bingo! 100-400 was my first. There just isn't anything like it.

[CyberPet]

70-200/2.8L IS :D

[chris clements]

Following your train of thought, we can do nothing but recommend whatever L has the longest zoom range.

Meanwhile back here on Planet Sensible, which of your current lenses gets the most use? And what L most closely mirrors it?
Question answered.

[ayotnoms]

24-70mm f/2.8L or 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

[Roger Cicala]

I like the 100-400 idea too, but I'd say the Sigma 80-400 OS is near it (not as good, but near). The 24-105 and 24-70 are both as good as it gets but there are non L options that are close, not as good, but close.
As far as something that there's nothing else quite like it, I'd consider the 135 or 35 L primes. Remarkable lenses, both of them. (In fairness, I guess on a crop body the Sigma 30 1.4 would be close to the 35L). I can't think of any 3rd party lens that is anything like the 135.

[Steiglitz]

Just one L? 50L....but not because it is the best L....I choose it because of the focal length...still, it's not a bad lens. I like it's wide aperture range F1.2 through F22....for me, this is more important then focal range....I can use my feet...and no L zoom beats this lens...not one. With an L zoom one is more often tied to a flash and I cannot have that.

[JoeNash]

i second the 24-70 f2.8L

its an incredible zoom lens, and it covers you for most of your walk around needs. The quality is un-comparable, its my most commonly used lens and i love it

[Tareq]

24-70 or 24-105
70-200 (there is cheap and there is expensive).

[mbellot]

24-70/2.8L or 70-200/2.8 IS L depending on whether you want wide or tele.

I started with the 70-200/2.8 IS and managed to make it a year before breaking down and convincing my wife to get me the 24-70 for Christmas.

Both are great, but for totally different uses.

[wimg]

70-200 F/4 L IS

I am amazed nobody listed it yet...
You may still have a little change for the 1.4X extender, Canon of course :).

Kind regards, Wim

[tekkie]

it really depends what your looking at doing, I just placed an order for the 100-400, if I did not need the distance then I would have gone with the 70-200 :)

but you wont find the 100-400 new for 1200, the best price is bhphoto with the code for 1300

[Lord_Malone]

Just one L? 50L....but not because it is the best L....I choose it because of the focal length...still, it's not a bad lens. I like it's wide aperture range F1.2 through F22....for me, this is more important then focal range....I can use my feet...and no L zoom beats this lens...not one. With an L zoom one is more often tied to a flash and I cannot have that.

Actually, the aperture range on the 50L is f1.2 - f16. But that's okay. I know what you meant. ;)

As far as having to pick one L, that's a tough one. I love all mine equally.

[SoundsGood]

70-200 F/4 L IS
I second that. Just got one myself! :)

[inthedeck]

What if I could buy 2, with the same money? I would get the 135 f2.0L and 200mm f2.8L II. Zooms...well, yeah, 16-35 f2.8L -- 5d + this lens = wide and fast!

[Eagle]

Since I just recently got my first I'll go with the 100-400. Unless all you shot is indoors this should be your choice. Although I don't think you can find it for $1200.

[DocFrankenstein]

I'd buy the 600 f/4, then sell it and get 24-70 and 70-200... and a 5D probably. haha

[WildWolf]

i have 2 but use my 24-105 more than the 100-400. If I had to choose- I would keep the 24-105. Love the range and the IS. F4 is never a problem because I have the 430 flash.

[Mark_Cohran]

I'm saving up to buy an L lens. The most I'm willing to spend is $1200. I'll only ever buy one L lens because that's all I'll justify for myself. So, if you could only ever just buy one L for $1200 at the most, which one would you buy and why? I want to this to be able to cover the most amount of situations possible for the 1 lens.

You know, I said that too once. Then I bought a 70-200 f2.8L. Now 7 L's later I think I might be finished.

Mark

[-MasterChief-]

7 L's? i counted 9 on your gear list! :p :D

[Mark_Cohran]

7 L's? i counted 9 on your gear list! :p :D

Let me think about this: 1 +7 = 8. Which one did I forget to count. Let's see 35 f1.4L, 85 f1.2L, 135 f2L, 200 f2.8L, 17-40 f4L, 24-105 f4L IS, 28-70 f2.8L, 70-200 f2.8L, 100-400 f4.5-5.6 L IS.

Oops, you're right. I forgot the 17-40 f4L. :oops:

Well, you all know what L-coholism does to the brain. :)

[-MasterChief-]

yes, and your attendance to the Lcoholics meetings is immaculate! :D LOL!

[Jim7226]

Depending on the types of shots you plan to take...I love both my 70-200 f/2.8 & my 24-105 f/4. Would never trade either of them.

[Barksdale]

The one I have...24-105mm f/4.0L IS :)

I have a 50mm 1.4 and 85mm 1.8 for indoor "kids" shots.

[zacker]

Canon 100-400L hands down. for all my other L's i can easily find a 3rd part alternative like the sigma 17-50 f2.8 and the sigma 24-70 2.8 or tamron 28-70 or the sigma 70-200 2.8.


oh i hear that!!! lol

[cjm]

If you buy one L lens, you'll be buying another soon after. Best advice is, if you only want one, buy none. Because you'll get hooked.

Also, if you are to spend $1200 on a L lens, why not buy two? The 17-40 L and 70-200 f4 L are very affordable and very good quality and used can be had for under $1200 US used on POTN and FM sell boards, new can be had for around $1400.

[BrandonSi]

24-105mm f/4.0L IS

[Steiglitz]

Let me think about this: 1 +7 = 8. Which one did I forget to count. Let's see 35 f1.4L, 85 f1.2L, 135 f2L, 200 f2.8L, 17-40 f4L, 24-105 f4L IS, 28-70 f2.8L, 70-200 f2.8L, 100-400 f4.5-5.6 L IS.

Oops, you're right. I forgot the 17-40 f4L. :oops:

Well, you all know what L-coholism does to the brain. :)


Mark, your math is L-logical ;-)

[Steiglitz]

Actually, the aperture range on the 50L is f1.2 - f16. But that's okay. I know what you meant. ;)

As far as having to pick one L, that's a tough one. I love all mine equally.

Right! F16 :oops:

[DenZ]

I recommend the 24-105 f/4L... but that's because its my only L lens ;)

I was caught in the dilemma of picking between the 24-70 and the 24-105. If it weren't for the IS and lighter weight of the 24-105, I think I might have chosen the 24-70.

[Dan-o]

70-200 2.8

[Pinto]

Looks like the 24-105 is the majority choice so far, and I'll have to add it as my choice too.

[JSimonian]

I must side with the others on this... I would say that it is VERY difficult to only have one piece of 'L' glass.

I upgraded the kit lens on my 30D at the time of purchase to the 17-80 IS USM (non-L). That was a good lens and I still use it, as it is my widest lens. After that I bought the 70-200 L IS USM and fell in love with it. Recently, I bought the 24-70 L USM. I miss the IS and if I had it to do over again, I may lean toward the 24-105 L IS USM. But, oh well.

I try and shoot everything. From jewelry to portrait to sports to landscapes. But, mostly I shoot my family and for that I need a good range of zooms. I would love to have more prime L lenses! But I don't specialize in a particular style or orientation.

So I got what I thought was the best solution for me and my needs. Do I still question it? Yes. Does my Wife want to kill me? Most of the time. Am I happy with what I have? Hell NO! I still want more. But, it will have to wait.

Enjoy your search,

J.Simonian

[sugarzebra]

I only have two and cant imagine giving one of them up, however based on the sheer number of shots taken, if I could only have one it would have to be the 24-105.

[Glenn NK]

The 24 - 105 was my only lens for three months, so of course I would suggest it.

But, considering that it's zoom range is over 4:1 (actually 4.375, and that seems to be the longest range of any) and that it will do about 90 percent of the majority of most photographer's work, I'd give it the nod.

For more specialized work such as macro, sports, and wildlife, it's obviously not the choice.

The only reason I added a wider zoom (17 - 55) is because I'm shooting a 30D. If and when I go FF, the 17/55 will go, and the 24 - 105 will really fill the bill.

Someone mentioned the weight of this lens as being too heavy - I look at it this way: After the first day, my wrist hurt, after the second day it still hurt. Then I began to realize that my wrist was getting stronger.

So, it's a good option to strengthen your wrist. ;)

What more could one ask for?:D

[Mr. Clean]

One L? Duh...1200mm :D

[kram]

Wow, looks like the 24-105 has an amazing number of backers. Glad to have joined the club today!!

But without any other L, I will still recommend the 70-200 F4. I know its gonna lose to the IS version and to the 2.8 versions, but its the best I have used :)

[liza]

Get a used 28-70L and a 70-200 f/4L. Both have great image quality and would give you greater focal range.

[ed rader]

I'm saving up to buy an L lens. The most I'm willing to spend is $1200. I'll only ever buy one L lens because that's all I'll justify for myself. So, if you could only ever just buy one L for $1200 at the most, which one would you buy and why? I want to this to be able to cover the most amount of situations possible for the 1 lens.


sounds like famous last words ... let's mark this post and revisit it in a year ;) !

ed rader

[august23]

Oh you all think I'm gonna get sucked in huh. WATCH! The only L I'll own is the prime! Ain't no way the L bug can ever get me! I'm IMMUNE! IMMUNE I SAY!

[Tareq]

Oh you all think I'm gonna get sucked in huh. WATCH! The only L I'll own is the prime! Ain't no way the L bug can ever get me! I'm IMMUNE! IMMUNE I SAY!

HUH, we will see, still you are in the beginning.
L is strong and no one can beat it unless you convert from Canon

[mrfourcows]

for me, the 135L. cause i use third party zooms with canon primes.

but for you, i would say get the 24-105L.

[Olafshus]

Depending on what camera you have ... But 24-105 is a great "allrounder" !

[jr_senator]

That's easy for me, the 24-70L.

[Pete-eos]

With no real experience, I'm going to go with the 70-200 F/2.8 IS USM, so versatile and could be used with a 2xTC when needed. Although if someone was giving me this L, I'd take one of the long primes like the 400 f/2.8..

[SuzyView]

24-70L.

[Stan43]

I would have to say my current favorite the 85 1.2L II.

[Steve Parr]

If I had to choose one, I would choose the one I bought first: the 70-200mm f/2.8L. It is, by far, the lens I get the most use from; it's a concert work-horse. I love the 24-70mm f/2.8L, but if I had to choose, the shorter zoom would lose.

Obviously, there have been some fine suggestions of other lenses. I just wonder where they sit with your budget...

[lkorell]

This is a trick question...you cannot just buy one L lens. ;)

Lou

[René Damkot]

I choose my lenses based on focal length and aperture I need, and I'd suggest to everyone to do that ;)
The first time I needed a FL/max aperture that was only to be had in an L lense (unless going to another brand) was the 80-200L.

[KevC]

Hmm... hard decision. Either 17-40L, 24-105L or 70-200/4L IS.... probably the most expensive of the three, then save up for the rest =)

[markbluemica]

1200L ;)

[canonshooter4life]

500 f4 L

[Indecent Exposure]

24-105L if you're looking for one lens as your walk around, 24-70L if you think you'll pick up a zoom down the road (preferrably one of the 70-200L varieties :) ).

[huhging]

I don't have it, but I think 24-105/4L will be the perfect for you. (and for me.LOL)
It's at the perfect range for a walkaround lense.
And I don't hear any seriously negative things about the lense on this forum.

[MeanGreeny]

An L for $1200 equals an L for approx £600 - not much choice there.

I think I'll forget the limit and just tell you my dream lens .................. 400mm f2.8 :cry:

*swoons*

[Tareq]

An L for $1200 equals an L for approx £600 - not much choice there.

I think I'll forget the limit and just tell you my dream lens .................. 400mm f2.8 :cry:

*swoons*

As far 1Ds MarkII was my dream DSLR camera then 400mm f2.8L IS is my dream EF lens.

[cgratti]

600 f/4

[pos]

only one L, where have i heard that before. pos

[austinjames]

24-105....great lens

[bonneyda]

24-70 2.8L..............because I don't have one:cry:

[digitaljoe]

I own three of the L's - 24-70 would be my choice for a great all purpose walk around lens.
This lens always seems to end up on the camera. It has paid for itself many times over!!
Colour, contrast is superb.

[cdifoto]

I'd take the 1200mm f/5.6 L. That way I can sell it and buy a lot of other stuff I can really use.


EDIT: Oops I assumed by the title this was another one of those "wish" threads where money isn't a factor. I should read opening posts more often! :)

[trumpet_guy]

24-70 f/2.8L

[Gouba]

24-70 its my dream lense

[Tareq]

WOW, that 24-70L got a popularity (my first L).
I don't know why i got 24-105L few last 2 weeks ago.

[chris78cpr]

I could never pick one. But i know i will NEVER sell the following...

17-40F4L
24-105F4LIS
70-200F2.8LIS

[JNunn]

100-400L! But that's a ridiculous assumption....Nobody can have just one!