Beginner's action sports lens -- 30D

BCDH · 3rd of April 2007 (Tue)

I did a search, but didn't find the answers I was looking for -- I apologize if I missed something.

I'm going to purchase a 30D very soon, but have some questions about what sort of lens I should get for it. I'm looking to spend around $500 on the lens, but being a total noob I need some advice on what would be ideal.

I'll be primarily shooting gravity oriented mountain biking -- downhill, mountain cross, dirt jumping, that sort of stuff. For those who don't know, it's fairly high speed, so I'll be doing some panning, but not all the time. As for lighting/locations, the shots will usually be in fairly bright sunlight or under the shade of some trees. I will be using this lens for some general photography as well, so I suppose I'll want to get a fairly versatile lens.

I was thinking about buying the Canon 28-135mm IS lens and using it in conjunction with the kit lens, but seeing as don't exactly know how focal length translates into real-life photos, especially with a cropped sensor, I'm a bit lost as far as judging what I would need.

So, I guess my question is this: For about $500, what would be the ideal lens for a wide range of applications with slightly more attention being put towards high speed action shots?

Woogie · 3rd of April 2007 (Tue)

I'd say go for a used 70-200 f/4L. You'll be a little bit over 500 after all is said and done, but it is definitely worth it for your particular application.

Bandit 00C5 · 3rd of April 2007 (Tue)

For the money and its capabilities I would think that the 70-200 f4 would be ideal for you are going to shoot. Alot of people here sell them to get the 2.8 or new for a tad over $500. Do a search for pics from this lens and I think you will like what you see. On your camera it is effectively like having a 80-300 on a 35mm body. Looks like I will be getting the same lens within the next couple of weeks.

XPHALCON · 3rd of April 2007 (Tue)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bandit 00C5

For the money and its capabilities I would think that the 70-200 f4 would be ideal for you are going to shoot. Alot of people here sell them to get the 2.8 or new for a tad over $500. Do a search for pics from this lens and I think you will like what you see. On your camera it is effectively like having a 80-300 on a 35mm body. Looks like I will be getting the same lens within the next couple of weeks.

I agree. I have the 70-200L, thinking about selling it for a 2.8. Will probably get the Sig 70-200/2.8, but have to realize it is a bit heavier. For me, the extra stops outweigh the the weight. And like stated, expecting to get approx. $500 for it. (maybe I have a buyer??

)

BCDH · 3rd of April 2007 (Tue)

Thanks for the replies everyone -- I just want to be sure this is the right buy, so bear with me for a bit. This is essentially the type of stuff I will be shooting. Will that lens yield similar results (not necessarily quality-wise, just a similar photo), or no?

ed rader · 3rd of April 2007 (Tue)

Quote:

Originally Posted by XPHALCON

I agree. I have the 70-200L, thinking about selling it for a 2.8. Will probably get the Sig 70-200/2.8, but have to realize it is a bit heavier. For me, the extra stops outweigh the the weight. And like stated, expecting to get approx. $500 for it. (maybe I have a buyer??

)

there is one stop difference between f4 and f2.8.

ed rader

XPHALCON · 3rd of April 2007 (Tue)

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCDH

Thanks for the replies everyone -- I just want to be sure this is the right buy, so bear with me for a bit. This is essentially the type of stuff I will be shooting. Will that lens yield similar results (not necessarily quality-wise, just a similar photo), or no?

It should. I would also think about using a flash. Just my 2cents.

Sam · 3rd of April 2007 (Tue)

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCDH

Thanks for the replies everyone -- I just want to be sure this is the right buy, so bear with me for a bit. This is essentially the type of stuff I will be shooting. Will that lens yield similar results (not necessarily quality-wise, just a similar photo), or no?

Yep. Look for a used one and you'll stay in budget.

BCDH · 3rd of April 2007 (Tue)

Rock on! Thanks for the help everyone. Needless to say... *STOKED*

XPHALCON · 3rd of April 2007 (Tue)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ed rader

there is one stop difference between f4 and f2.8.

ed rader

Yeah, I was thinking about that while I was typing it. I was thinking about the earlier lenses that had the f3.2 click on the barrel, two clicks=two stops. But maybe I have one of those "special" lenses.

calicokat · 3rd of April 2007 (Tue)

The 200 F/2.8 prime is a great lens for the price, and its F/2.8

3rd of April 2007 (Tue)	#1
BCDH Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 168 IMAGE EDITING OK	Beginner's action sports lens -- 30D I did a search, but didn't find the answers I was looking for -- I apologize if I missed something. I'm going to purchase a 30D very soon, but have some questions about what sort of lens I should get for it. I'm looking to spend around $500 on the lens, but being a total noob I need some advice on what would be ideal. I'll be primarily shooting gravity oriented mountain biking -- downhill, mountain cross, dirt jumping, that sort of stuff. For those who don't know, it's fairly high speed, so I'll be doing some panning, but not all the time. As for lighting/locations, the shots will usually be in fairly bright sunlight or under the shade of some trees. I will be using this lens for some general photography as well, so I suppose I'll want to get a fairly versatile lens. I was thinking about buying the Canon 28-135mm IS lens and using it in conjunction with the kit lens, but seeing as don't exactly know how focal length translates into real-life photos, especially with a cropped sensor, I'm a bit lost as far as judging what I would need. So, I guess my question is this: For about $500, what would be the ideal lens for a wide range of applications with slightly more attention being put towards high speed action shots?

3rd of April 2007 (Tue)	#2
Woogie Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 660 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Beginner's action sports lens -- 30D I'd say go for a used 70-200 f/4L. You'll be a little bit over 500 after all is said and done, but it is definitely worth it for your particular application.

3rd of April 2007 (Tue)	#3
Bandit 00C5 Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 94 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Beginner's action sports lens -- 30D For the money and its capabilities I would think that the 70-200 f4 would be ideal for you are going to shoot. Alot of people here sell them to get the 2.8 or new for a tad over $500. Do a search for pics from this lens and I think you will like what you see. On your camera it is effectively like having a 80-300 on a 35mm body. Looks like I will be getting the same lens within the next couple of weeks.

3rd of April 2007 (Tue)	#5
BCDH Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 168 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Beginner's action sports lens -- 30D Thanks for the replies everyone -- I just want to be sure this is the right buy, so bear with me for a bit. This is essentially the type of stuff I will be shooting. Will that lens yield similar results (not necessarily quality-wise, just a similar photo), or no?

3rd of April 2007 (Tue)	#9
BCDH Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 168 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Beginner's action sports lens -- 30D Rock on! Thanks for the help everyone. Needless to say... STOKED

3rd of April 2007 (Tue)	#11
calicokat calicokat is BANNED Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 14,720	Re: Beginner's action sports lens -- 30D The 200 F/2.8 prime is a great lens for the price, and its F/2.8 __________________ "You are going to fall off a cliff trying to get a better shot someday"- My hopeful and loving wife My Website My Gear Calicokat 1990-2007 RIP My Loving Kitty

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Which gear for sports? 400D or 30D, lens?	stickx	Sports	13	1st of June 2007 (Fri) 16:54
Action SPorts With the 70-200 2.8L	Overkill	Sports Talk	8	26th of May 2007 (Sat) 02:14
Beginner's lens question	Patch019	Canon EF and EF-S Lenses	16	12th of January 2007 (Fri) 13:23
Beginner's Tele Lens options	PhotoJourno	Canon EF and EF-S Lenses	7	25th of April 2006 (Tue) 15:53
G3 action/sports	ravens	Canon G-series Digital Cameras	12	30th of June 2003 (Mon) 11:17