Wide Angle Prime

Hi everybody,
I'm a nikon shooter potentially looking to switch to Canon (or really any camera system that has the right lens lineup). I am looking at the 7D because I shoot sports (not my favorite subject, but I need speed, at least more than the 5D). The only problem is that I can't find a wide angle prime to use! I am a prime guy, and my ideal setup would be (35mm equivalent) 24-28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm. I shot with a Nikon D3X for a month recently and the 24mm f/2.8 was my most used lens. Is there any solution for a wide angle prime? Is there with any system? (I'm looking to spend around $1500 on a camera body, so FF probably won't work). I'm open to anything, and I'm even considering the OM-D just for the 12mm (24mm equivalent) and relatively cheap, fast primes. I'd rather stick with DSLRs though. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Just get the 7D, and a Canon 24mm f/2.8.

you can get a 5d mark II refurbished from canon for about that price (1500)

Thanks for the suggestions! The thing is, the 24mm f/2.8 would be (35mm equivalent) a 36mm lens, which is not wide enough for me. And I looked into the 5D mk ii but I don't think it will be sufficient for the sport shooting I'll be doing.

slackmachine wrote in post #14881810
Hi everybody,
I'm open to anything.....I'd rather stick with DSLRs though. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Possibly an older 1d series (mk2n, mk3). These are awesome for sports and would yield some extra funds for primes.

If the speed you are refering to is fps, these are both faster than the 7d.

That was another option I was looking into. D you know does the 1d mk2 quality compare to the 7d? And is the 1DS mk2 a good alternative?

What are your intentions with the images? Meaning is sports shooting a hobby or are you getting paid to do it? Output wise, will it just be images for the web or are you looking to print and if so how large?

Just trying to get a feel for the specs of the camera to narrow it down.

I can only speak on the quality of my 1dmk2n vs. My t2i (same 7d sensor). I love the 1d2n and the final results are on the same level as it's much younger nephew.

Size (8mp) is a little smaller, but that does not bother me. The 1d2n more than makes up with 8.5 fps, autofocus at f8 with pro level af, and a feel that makes other cameras feel like a diana F toycam.

You really notice the difference in af on an older tokina 400mm atx lens that i have. The 1dn completely transformed this lens into a usable field lens. It is funny how different it acts on this body vs the t2i. Much faster/responsive.

the 1dn is pretty heavy... Negated with a monopod though.

Also, what types of conditions are you shooting in(have to factor in ISO performance)?

20DNewbie wrote in post #14882060
Also, what types of conditions are you shooting in(have to factor in ISO performance)?

Yeah.. Low light conditions may rule out the 1dn.

Sports are for money, but still not necessarily my #1 priority. High ISO is also not a huge priority, I like to have decent high iso performance, but I don't shoot very high that often. I usually don't go much higher than 1600. So the 1d mk2 really is comparable image quality wise with the 7D?

^^ I shot motorcycle racing and hockey for years, and have printed up to 4'x6' (yes, feet) - and the resulting images have been stunning.

I have owned a 7D also, and sold it. Far prefer the 1DII/1DIIn files. Many of my favourite images have been from the 1DII series cameras. Get a 1DII/1DIIn (don't pay a huge premium for the larger display on the IIn, it's not worth it IMO), and get yourself a one of a Sigma 12-24mm zoom, or the Samyang MF 14mm f/2.8 lens.

I'd check in on the 1DIII thread and try and find some higher ISO pics. If you do go for the 1DII/II N make sure you get the original Canon charger with it that way your able to refresh the batteries.

While I do enjoy my N, if I were starting into Canon and looking into the 1 series I'd probably go with the MkIII for the li-ion battery alone.

1D MkIII thread here.

A word of caution. Canon no longer services the 1D II but they do service the 1D IIn.

The closest prime equivalent to the 35mm is the 24mm. There are 2, the 24L 1.4 and the 24 2.8. The 20mm 2.8 is also close and a little wider.

In general, if you enjoy shooting wide primes, the APS-C sensor does not offer the best options. You are stuck with full frame lenses, as Canon only makes 1 EF-S prime (the 60mm macro). All other EF-S lenses are zooms. Still there are some great EF primes, but the focal lengths are not always ideal, especially in the wider end.