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View Full Version : Lens questions - suggestions/recommendations needed


Longwatcher
12th of February 2003 (Wed), 09:35
I am looking at picking up a couple of new lenses.
Reason: I may have an opportunity to shoot some high-school level team sports events (Cheerleading and Soccer) and want to make sure I have the right lens for the job and don't mess up this chance. I am also looking for a prime for portrait work in the studio.

My understanding is gymasium light is fairly dark and I need as large an aperture as I can get for the low-light so I can get faster shutter speeds to freeze the action.

Equipment I currently have:
D-60
16-35mm f2.8L
28-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS
75-300mm f4-5.6 IS
two 550EX flashes.
[There is the usual tripods, lights, computer and other stuff, but not relevant I think].

The Cheerleading assignment, if I get it, would allow me to be up front and I have been told I will be able to use flash, but would prefer not to.

For the sports lens, I am leaning towards either the 85mm f1.2L, the 85mm f1.8, or the 70-200mm f2.8L. The 70-200 would allow me to cover the Soccer I think better, but this is only a remote possibility at this time, and since Soccer tends to be outdoors, I should be able to get away with my existing lens (although I would prefer the autofocus speed of an "L".

I could use any recommendations as to how much difference there is between the two 85mm lenses in terms of quality, speed, and anything else. Whether I should go for the 70-200 instead. Or if another lens perhaps Sigma would work as well (or better) for my needs. (My price limit for this lens is no more then $2000)

The second lens I am looking at is for Portrait work. With the caveat that I will be waiting for PMA announcements of any new Canon bodies (since I also need a second good digital camera (My Kodak DC4800 is good for web work only)) and whether they will be full frame or cropped to determine lens purchase for portrait work. I am looking at the following:
Assuming x1.6 D-60
50mm f1.4
50mm f1.8
35mm f1.4L
or just continue using my 16-35mm f2.8L or 28-135mm.

Assuming full frame
85mm f1.2L
85mm f1.8
or continue using my 28-135mm

For this lens I am looking for quality, cost, and to a lesser extent autofocus speed.

You will note the 85mm lens are on both lists, but I am nervous that this is a compromise lens versus the best for the job. For the second lens I have a budget of no more then $2000, however, the combined total of both is $3000, if I want to get them within the next 6 months.

Feel free to say I don't need another lens, as I may be suffering from techno addiction at this point.

Other notes: I trust Canon, I am leery of non-Canon, will avoid Tamron lenses like the plague. What I have now produces acceptable results, but after getting the 16-35L I realize the two IS lenses may be hindering me from getting the quality I like. I also really loved how fast it autofocused versus the IS lenses.

Anyway I am starting to Ramble....
Your suggestions and reccomendations (along with clarifing questions) are welcome. If I get them, I will have to get them by mid-March at the latest since that is when the season starts and I may only get one shot at it.


Thanks,

jmublueduck
12th of February 2003 (Wed), 10:54
hehe... looks like you've got a case of bad G.A.S. -- gear aquisition syndrome.

my suggestion is to get the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS & be done with it; concentrate on the photos.

I've never used the 85mm 1.2, but I hear AF is slow, and the lens is darn pricey. The 85mm 1.8 is plenty (very) sharp as is. I have the 100mm 2.0, which I use for portraits on a D60. It's a gem. However, I use it outdoors primarily. For general portrait work, I'd go w/ the 50mm 1.4. I'm borrowing one from a friend now & I think I may just never give it back... hehe.

the 28-135 is indeed a good lens if you use it correctly (I own one)... don't disregard it... it's just not as supurb in low light b/c of the max aperture.

so get off your gear kick (don't worry, I've been there too), get the 70-200 if you've got the $$ to spend, & even crank the ISO up if you really need the speed... it's easy to correct the noise w/ LS and similar actions/post-processing.

wcimages
12th of February 2003 (Wed), 13:00
Having shot 10 years of soccer games with an EOS3, I can attest to the versatility of the 70-200 f 2.8. On occasion I would use the 300 f4. With the D60 and the 1.6x, the 70-200 is unbeatable with a range of 112-320.

Suggest the IS version for use in evening or for night games.

As far as portraiture goes, I would think the 50 f1.4 would be ideal. This gives you an 80 f1.4.

I have this lens and the sharpness and contrast is outstanding.