WHAT'S NEXT?

[Steve Parr]

As I try to decide between more glass or a second body (I have the Drebel now), I was wondering what my next lens should be if I decide to go that way. Right now, I've got the kit lens, a Quantary 70-300mm (good for knockin' around, I guess), the 50mm f/1.8, and the 85mm f/1.8 (my new best friend).

A lot of people have suggested that I go for the 70-200mm f/4L. A nice lens, to be sure, and certainly some affordable L glass. I was thinking, though, of going with a shorter zoom, maybe 28-80mm, or maybe 28-105mm.

I've also been scoping out the Canon 17-40mm f/4L. There's not a great price difference from the 70-200mm f/4L, and I actually think I would get a bit more use out of it.

I don't have a ton of money to spend, so I want to be a bit judicious when I select a lens.

Which would you go for, and why?

Steve

[Cal Maier]

Steve,
It seems to me that you have a choice of replacing the 18-55 kit lens or the Quantaray lens, since you have the middle covered with two reasonably good lenses. Since you said yourself you would probably get more use out of the 17-40mm L, then that's the way to go. If you're not using your long zoom too much you can afford to wait on replacing the Quantaray. Sooner or later you will buy a 70-200 L as it is probably the "most used" tele-zoom in Canon's line-up. I have never regretted buying mine and I have never met a Canon shooter who wasn't happy with that lens, the f/4.0 or the f/2.8 version of it.
That's my take on it.

Cal CPS432

[roanjohn]

From your lens collection, the focal length that needs to be EXTRACTED pronto would be the 70-300!!!! That lens is JUST AWFUL!!!! So.......to replace, I would say you are better off buying the 70-200 f4L. So now, you have the kit lens (Which is a very good lens for wide angle)....your 2 primes and a tele zoom!!!!

If you do decide to get the 17-40 first.......then you'll still have that CRAPPy Quantary in your bag :-(

Ro1

[Monito]

At your level of ability (based on your own admissions in this forum), I advise you to spend money on lenses if you must spend on equipment, but I would suggest you need to take (make) lots of pictures more than collect equipment. Do you have a tripod? If you don't, get a good one before you get another lens. Spend the money on gas going to sites, on a few prints, on a few books, on a few museum shows, etc. Spread it around, and make lots of photographs.

Spend time and save your money. When you really know what you need (as opposed to want), then you'll really be be able to afford good quality.