Trying to figure out an xmas gift - 7D user new lens options

So we bought my sister a 7D w/ 28-135 for graduation. She's now living in NYC. I am thinking of getting her another lens since I know the 28-135, though decent, is a little "boxed in" feeling in terms of "creativity". So, I was thinking of either an Canon 85mm 1.8 for street photography or a Sigma 10-20 4-5.6. Obviously two totally different ends of the spectrum. I think she might enjoy that 85 for more creative shots (shallow DOF) but the again NYC is sorta scenic so a nice wide angle would be awesome too.

What are your thoughts guys? I know - it depends on what kind of photos she takes. But, the truth is, she's an "anything" kind of shooter.

She could use the 85 for candid street shots or the people of NY. 28-135 should be good enough to capture those scenic shots.

It all depends, on her style of shooting, maybe we can see some of her current shots and can help decide on which lens would be more beneficial towards her technique.

the canon 10-22 is pretty darn good.


however, if you can find a used 17-55mm IS USM, that is ONE killer lens on the 7D.

I honestly felt like i was rooting for the under dog with my 7D until i got the 70-200 IS2, and then once i picked up the 17-55 it was like.... woah ...


and i reallllllly hate that the 17-55 is only mountable on the EF-S bodies(canon you are still sucking major wang on this.... nikon and sony are dusting you!!!)


so, budget minded options include the sigma 10-20mm, the canon 50/1.4 and or the canon 85/1.8


the sigma 30 is also killer on the 7D(honestly i should have purchased this lens years ago, it alone would have saved me at least 1000 in changing gear and what not)


if your budget is larger, the 17-55 IS USM is pretty darn awesome.


I keep thinking back to the sigma 30, the 10-20/22 (sigma or canon) would be great fun in the city!

I really think that she could have alot of fun with the Sigma 10-20mm. The 28-135mm has 85mm covered, but it is not wide enough on the 7d.

i2ichal2d wrote in post #13420635
It all depends, on her style of shooting, maybe we can see some of her current shots and can help decide on which lens would be more beneficial towards her technique.

The only images I have are some from when she was in college shooting some basketball stuff with her old nikon d70 which we just replaced and some pictures she took at a butterfly conservatory. She used my 100L macro @ the conservatory and seemed to really like it - I guess I could consider the 100 2.8 macro? That would be nice for her so she can take all sorts of photos from macro to candids etc. I just know how good the 85 1.8 is. 28mm should do most scenic stuff I agree and she has the 28-135 for that.

pyrojim wrote in post #13420668
the canon 10-22 is pretty darn good.


however, if you can find a used 17-55mm IS USM, that is ONE killer lens on the 7D.

I honestly felt like i was rooting for the under dog with my 7D until i got the 70-200 IS2, and then once i picked up the 17-55 it was like.... woah ...


and i reallllllly hate that the 17-55 is only mountable on the EF-S bodies(canon you are still sucking major wang on this.... nikon and sony are dusting you!!!)


so, budget minded options include the sigma 10-20mm, the canon 50/1.4 and or the canon 85/1.8


the sigma 30 is also killer on the 7D(honestly i should have purchased this lens years ago, it alone would have saved me at least 1000 in changing gear and what not)


if your budget is larger, the 17-55 IS USM is pretty darn awesome.


I keep thinking back to the sigma 30, the 10-20/22 (sigma or canon) would be great fun in the city!

Unfortunately I can't afford to drop that kind of money. I would if I could, but I need to keep it reasonable. The 100 macro would be stretching it at $529 - thats a bit more than I'd like to spend but I could do it.

Was trying for under $500. That's why the 85 seems like such a good deal.

How is the Tamron 10-24 vs the Sigma 10-20?

If you want to give her a present that will give the maximum oportunity for fun then the UWA route is the best. Personally, I prefer the Canon 10-22 to Sigma's 10-20, but if price is a concern then the Sigma should be OK - as long as you can get one where it's possible to get both sides sharp.

JonK wrote in post #13420595
She's now living in NYC.

What are your thoughts guys? I know - it depends on what kind of photos she takes. But, the truth is, she's an "anything" kind of shooter.

my thoughts for an "anything" kind of shooter living in NYC - gift certificate from B&H

watt100 wrote in post #13421508
my thoughts for an "anything" kind of shooter living in NYC - gift certificate from B&H

Yeah I could but there's two issues 1) I'd have to give her enough to get either option which would be awkward for her because she'd feel she has to use it all or if don't give enough for both she'd have to pay out of pocket but being just out of school and renting a place in NYC she's not rolling in extra money right now 2) she lives in NYC so sales tax is nasty. She would be surprised with either lens for sure. Maybe I should do some prodding subtley to find out what she might like.

All I got for my graduation(s) were a pat on the back. WTH. I was born into the wrong family!

Very nice of you to assist/encourage your sister along the way. I say any kind of fast prime would be a great addition for her. Fast enough to open up low-light/no-flash photography. 85 on the 7D does feel a bit long, however, but if she's into candids, then that would work. I would think wider would be a little bit better.

hollis_f wrote in post #13421484
If you want to give her a present that will give the maximum oportunity for fun then the UWA route is the best. Personally, I prefer the Canon 10-22 to Sigma's 10-20, but if price is a concern then the Sigma should be OK - as long as you can get one where it's possible to get both sides sharp.

+1. This lens, when I put it on my 7D got a "WOW".

for crop body If i only can use one lens, i would choose canon 17-55 f2.8 IS. next would be 30 sigma or 35 canon if budget permit.

JonK wrote in post #13420774
How is the Tamron 10-24 vs the Sigma 10-20?

Sigma is better IQ, build, features.

Well you could give her the present after talking to her about it. Chat her up and see what she wants to do. Should be pretty easy to figure out what she wants by doing that.