What Lens to Save Up For

So I've been saving up my money for the past couple of months just because I know I'll always want to buy something and I'd rather be a fraction of the way there and have some money to contribute towards the cost than have no money because I blew it on a bunch of useless little things. So, I've decided since I've been rockin' the one body, one lens setup for a little while. That I want to buy a new lens.

I'm trying to get into skateboarding and other action sports photography. I quit skating about 3 years ago, but want to stay apart of the community by taking photos. So, I have narrowed it down to either a 14mm 2.8L or a 24L. Both have nice wide angles that would be good for getting low or in awkward positions to get the shot while still fitting everything in the frame. Just one is almost $700 more. Does anyone think the 14mm would be worth the extra $700, or will the 24L be fine. Thanks everyone in advance for your time

The 14 is sort of a one trick pony. Since you only have one lens now I would go with a wide zoom so you have more capacity. The 10-22 would be great for that, but still leave you with options.

Well, congrats on saving! You're right, with a little willpower, saving can get you nice things.

I agree with Gonzo. I see you have an L lens in your sig... i hope you don't think that you have to have an L, for great shots.. au contrare.

Either the Canon ef-s 10-22 or Tokina 11-16 would be better choices. Just realize, that to take the really creative, great close-perspective shots with ultra-wide angle lenses, means you have to get close..... really close to the action... close enough to almost get clipped by the skateboard.

Having a zoom would give you a much better keeper rate, in that, you can zoom with the shot. If the skateboarder doesn't take the same line as the last shot(and with an UWA, you'll probably be on the ground), you would have to move back or forward, to get a nice composition with the prime, whereas a quick twist of the zoom grip, and you're there.

unless you need low light capability and/or going ff soon, I would go for a fast f2.8 zoom. Tokina 11-16 comes to mind if you are staying on crop, or 16-35II if you are gearing up for ff.

Try the Canon 10-22. It's such a fun lens, and sharp, good colors. As previously stated you'll need to be close to the subject in order to introduce creative distortion. Otherwise the edges are quite nice at 10mm.

Have you considered the EF-S 17-55 f/2.8? It might not be wide angle enough for you, but it's a great lens, and definately something to think about. -rick

tokina 11-16mm/canon 10-22mm/sigma 10-20mm make more sense than the two you are considering...

24mm isn't that wide on a crop camera

1Tanker wrote in post #15161127
Well, congrats on saving! You're right, with a little willpower, saving can get you nice things.

I agree with Gonzo. I see you have an L lens in your sig... i hope you don't think that you have to have an L, for great shots.. au contrare.

Either the Canon ef-s 10-22 or Tokina 11-16 would be better choices. Just realize, that to take the really creative, great close-perspective shots with ultra-wide angle lenses, means you have to get close..... really close to the action... close enough to almost get clipped by the skateboard.

Having a zoom would give you a much better keeper rate, in that, you can zoom with the shot. If the skateboarder doesn't take the same line as the last shot(and with an UWA, you'll probably be on the ground), you would have to move back or forward, to get a nice composition with the prime, whereas a quick twist of the zoom grip, and you're there.

Oh yea, definitely not! I'm a huge fan of lenses from Tokina. I actually had the 11-16mm 2.8, but sold it earlier this year to help buy my 50L. I've just recently become a pretty big fan of primes because of the sharpness. I also think having a fixed focal length forces you to move around more and you can frame things from angles people probably wouldn't have thought of while using a zoom. I'm kinda bummed that you and a couple of others on the thread have mentioned the 11-16 because I do plan on going FF by the end of this year.It's such an awesome lens!

Thanks for your advice btw

Looking to save up for a 100-400 L IS USM, 70-200 L IS II USM, and a 24-70mm L II IS USM.

OuttaCtrl wrote in post #15165615
Looking to save up for a 100-400 L IS USM, 70-200 L IS II USM, and a 24-70mm L II IS USM.

Well, that's quite the trifecta!

^^^
I Know.


Now it is just the matter of which bank to rob. j/k

I've got to say - that 25-70 ii looks ridiculously good!

OuttaCtrl wrote in post #15165640
^^^
I Know.


Now it is just the matter of which bank to rob. j/k

if you're robbing a bank, instead of the 100-400L might as well go for the 200-400f4IS w/1.4TC when it gets released

You know you are also evil. So don't tempt me.