Lens choices for 10D for general purpose and macro

[runic]

Hi all,

I'm close to stepping up from my G2 to a Canon 10D. I've been researching lens choices and have looked hard for answers to my questions on this forum and several others, but still have a few things I would like to ask.

Since I currently can't afford L glass in addition to the 10D body, I have settled provisionally on the following lenses to get me started:

Canon 28-135 IS f.3.5 USM (as a general purpose walkaround lens)
Canon 20-35 f3.5 USM (as a general purpose wide angle lens)
Canon 50 f1.8 (for portraits and low light)
Canon 75-300 f4 USM III (because my budget won't stretch to the IS version just yet but this cheap lens should at least get me up and running for long telephoto).

I have several questions regarding this setup:

1) Does it look like a good startup kit for most uses (I like to shoot landscapes / travel, architecture, portraits, wildlife and macro)?

2) Instead of the 20-35, would I be better off with a prime like the Canon 20 f2.8 USM or is the trade-off in speed outweighed by the flexibility of a zoom? How would image quality compare between the prime and the zoom?

3) I like to shoot macro photography quite a lot. Are any of the above lenses particularly capable of that, or do I need a dedicated macro lens?

4) Is getting the non IS version of the 75-300 a mistake and would I be better saving until I can afford either the 75-300 IS or the 70-200 f 4 L ?

Cheers
Martin

[martcol]

Have a look at this post

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=9212

it includes links to plenty of other threads around this discussion. However, I'm not sure all your questions are answered but there's something to be going on with and then you can come back.

Martin

[runic]

Yep, read that thread and all the threads linked within it. As I say, I've researched it pretty thoroughly and I'm left with the questions I've asked.

[Cal Maier]

Hi Martin,

FWIW, here are my views on your post.

The 28-135 IS USM is a good basic zoom lens that would work well as a general walk around lens. I've used this lens and was reasonably happy with the results, although I've since replaced it with the 28-70L.

I would question the 20-35 USM lens and would suggest the Sigma 15-30 WA zoom if you feel the need for a WA zoom. I've owned the Canon and presently have the Sigma and I've found the Sigma to be a more useful focal length and just as sharp, remembering the Canon 1.6FOV crop.
BTW the Canon 20mm 2.8 USM is sharper than both the above lenses.

The 50mm 1.8 is a good choice considering it's low price, but I see you mention you enjoy macro and you may want to look at the 50mm f/2.5 macro lens. It is very sharp, the build quality is better than the 50/1.8 just a stop slower, but still reasonably priced.

As far as a telephoto zoom goes I have owned my share of the less expensive ones and have never been very happy with the results of any of them. I'm presently using the 70-200 2.8L and I add the 1.4X T.C. when needed. This combo works great and I find it very versatile. You may want to save up for the 70-200/4L and add the 1.4X T.C. when you can, this is as sharp as
the 2.8L and a lot better price.

I hope that this will help you out, or at least give you a couple of other options to look into.

It's probably a good idea not to purchase a bunch of lenses until you receive your camera, that way you will be able to test a few before you buy. if you will be dealing with a Pro Camera centre that is.

Good Luck!

Cal

[brunz]

I love the 28-135 IS lens in normal light . It is very sharp even on 16x20's with my D60 but at a wedding last night, it refused to focus on low light. It's not just the camera either because the 20-35 USM focused perfectly. The 20-35 usm is a bargain and a tremendous performer. I use it as my normal lens on the D60. Its very sharp and quite small. I'd get a 50 mm F1.8 because it is fast ,sharp and cheap...good combo. The 75-300 is not rated as highly as the 100-300 but I wouldn't buy one until I had a couple of the other lenses you were wanting. I don't think I'd buy a prime other than the 50. I just don't think you'll see a big difference on paper. Hope this helps. Brian(I've been a professional photographer for over 30 years)

[woodswalker]

I love my Canom 20-35mm and 100 macro lens. Use them both all the time. I only wish Canon still made the 200 macro as they did with the old FD lens. It's great for wildlife close-ups because it doesn't scare everything away! I also use the Canon 300 ISM lens which works wonderful out in the field. I wouldn't think you would need that for weddings though. I also use the 500 F4 ISM- which is my BABY! It's a ton of money but worth it's weight in gold! I haven't done the leap into digital yet but I have to assume these lens will still do a great job when I do.