I want to buy a new lens

[jaypie77]

I have a 300D with a 50 1.8, 18-55 (kit), and 55-200 lenses. They are decent and give me some versatility but I'm now coming in to more money and I want to start spending on camera gear.

I was thinking that a 20D would be awesome to get, and there are times when I feel that I could use more camera. I could get one if I sell my 300D, but I think I'd rather get some nice lenses instead. Lenses are more important than body to me at this point.

I am willing to spend something in the neighborhood of $1000 USD and I want to buy a GOOD lens. The lenses I have now are prosumer lenses and I want to start getting lenses that are more capable, but then I could also get a lens that is on the higher zoom end of the spectrum.

My uses for my camera are across the board. Right now I'm working in politics and so I do a lot of close-proximity journalistic shooting. As soon as this ends (November), I'll probably spend a lot more time in the wilderness hunting animals with my camera and so better zoom abilities would be good then.

So, I guess my question is this: what are some of your favorite lenses that are priced in the $1000 range (give or take a couple hundred) and what do you think is my best strategy?

[jaypie77]

Oh yeah, I like Macro photography too and wouldn't be opposed to a 100mm macro or something like that.

[tofuboy]

on the wider side (to replace your 18-55 kit lens), you could try the 17-40 f/4 L. It recieves high praises from everything I have seen about it.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=279582&is=USA

edit: and the 100mm canon macro lens would be a good option too. It can double as a good portrait lens as well.

[Boosting1Bar]

I have a 300D with a 50 1.8, 18-55 (kit), and 55-200 lenses. They are decent and give me some versatility but I'm now coming in to more money and I want to start spending on camera gear.

I was thinking that a 20D would be awesome to get, and there are times when I feel that I could use more camera. I could get one if I sell my 300D, but I think I'd rather get some nice lenses instead. Lenses are more important than body to me at this point.

I am willing to spend something in the neighborhood of $1000 USD and I want to buy a GOOD lens. The lenses I have now are prosumer lenses and I want to start getting lenses that are more capable, but then I could also get a lens that is on the higher zoom end of the spectrum.

My uses for my camera are across the board. Right now I'm working in politics and so I do a lot of close-proximity journalistic shooting. As soon as this ends (November), I'll probably spend a lot more time in the wilderness hunting animals with my camera and so better zoom abilities would be good then.

So, I guess my question is this: what are some of your favorite lenses that are priced in the $1000 range (give or take a couple hundred) and what do you think is my best strategy?

If I were in your position, I'd do one of two things.
#1 - Ditch the kit lens and get the 16-35 f2.8L (or the 17-40 f4L for much less if you can afford losing that stop)
#2 - Ditch the 55-200 and get the 70-200 f2.8L nonIS

Both of those options will put you around $1k and will be significantly better glass than what you're shooting now. I also agree with you on your decision about the body. Bodies come and go, but glass you can always keep and it'll hold value.

[jaypie77]

What about possibly getting something like a fixed 300? Or how about that Bigma lens? Am I looking for future trouble if I buy non-Canon gear?

I'm definitely also looking into the used market, of course, but I am kind of nervous about the prospect. Anybody here able to reassure a nervous shopper?

[Andy_T]

Hi Jaypie ....

you're right about 'something fixed' :wink:

IMHO, you absolutely positively have to get one of the 50's for low light photography and creative DOF control.

Make your pick ... http://www.photo.net/equipment/canon/ef50/

Best regards,
Andy

[jaypie77]

Andy, you may have missed it, but I do have a 50, the thrifty.

[jimlp]

I have a 300D with a 50 1.8, 18-55 (kit), and 55-200 lenses. They are decent and give me some versatility but I'm now coming in to more money and I want to start spending on camera gear.

I was thinking that a 20D would be awesome to get, and there are times when I feel that I could use more camera. I could get one if I sell my 300D, but I think I'd rather get some nice lenses instead. Lenses are more important than body to me at this point.

I am willing to spend something in the neighborhood of $1000 USD and I want to buy a GOOD lens. The lenses I have now are prosumer lenses and I want to start getting lenses that are more capable, but then I could also get a lens that is on the higher zoom end of the spectrum.

My uses for my camera are across the board. Right now I'm working in politics and so I do a lot of close-proximity journalistic shooting. As soon as this ends (November), I'll probably spend a lot more time in the wilderness hunting animals with my camera and so better zoom abilities would be good then.

So, I guess my question is this: what are some of your favorite lenses that are priced in the $1000 range (give or take a couple hundred) and what do you think is my best strategy?

I would spend another $200.00 and get the 17-40L and the 70-200 f4L and call it a day.

[Andy_T]

Andy, you may have missed it, but I do have a 50, the thrifty.

Jaypie, you're right ... I missed it. Should have worn my glasses 8)

No big deal, get the 1.8/85 then :lol:

Best regards,
Andy

[jaypie77]

17-40L and the 70-200 f4L

That combo is looking good to me, but I would kind of like the ability to go further in regards to zoom. I do like to do wildlife photography and a longer zoom would be nice. I know that the 400's are a little more expensive, though... Any thoughts?

[tofuboy]

100-400 L? A few hundred more then the 17-40 and 70-200 f/4 L combo, but it will give you that extra reach (in exchange for the wide end)... cost is around $1400

or get the 17-40 and 70-200 f/4, and also the 1.4x teleconverter. I'm pretty sure that will work on the 70-200 (making it an f/5.6).

[Jon, The Elder]

As tofuboy said - The 100/400L IS USM is a good start and you won't "wish I bought the other one".

I use it for wildlife/car races/horse shows/portrait in a pinch.

The IS is worth its weight in gold!!

Any money left? get the 28/135 IS USM and you got the whole spectrum covered with these two and your 50mm 1.8