Lens help

I'm new to photography. Still learning about framing, creativity, and I think I've got down the basics about exposure now, but stll playing around and learning what settings work best in what combination.

I'm probably going to be shooting scenerey, some sports, macro, and maybe even some animals (at the zoo or something, probably not wild life). Right now I have the kit lens (and a 30D if your curious), and thinking about buying a Tamron 28-75, Nifty Fifty and Sigma 70-300 APO. I realise I'll probably end up upgrading from the sigma to a 70-200L and getting a wide angle lens (10-2x) or something.

I could MAYBE afford a 70-200 f4 now, but I figure that I may want an extender as the 300mm focal length range may be needed by me. If I wait till later, I can maybe afford a 70-200 f2.8 (don't know about IS though.) The only reason I'm backing away from the 70-200 F4 is that I don't want the pain of reselling it later, and I don't think it will be fast enough for me to keep it too long (I probably will be shooting some indoor sports and stuff) (the Sigma is slow I know, but it will do for now.)

The only thing that brings me back to the 70-200 F4 is the weight of it. It seems light compared to the 70-200 f2.8. I'm just around 5 feet, and I have relatively weak arms. My hand's stability I'm not sure about, I'm young, but they are a bit shakey I think (I have a writing disability, fine motor problems.)

Any comments, ideas etc? I am thinking of getting a Monopod (have a bogen manfrotto tripod on the way), but I doubt I'de ALWAYS have it on me, or be able to use it. Will a monopod significantly help me with the heavier lenses like the 70-200 2.8?

Thanks.
-Brian

Well, the Tamron 28-75 would be an excellent choice. If it was up to me, I would get the 70-200 F/4L over the 70-300. Its not as long, but it makes up for it in build quality and optics. L lenses re-sale very high. Just take good care of it and no problem. If you want a great book to read, check out "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Petersen. Highly recommend reading it at least once

One of the main use of monopod is to support heavier lenses. I also use it as walking stick since I recently had Knee surgery.
Personally I woul hold of on the 70-300 and get the 70-200f4. Team it up with a 1.4X TC and you will have a better set up. The 300 end is not very usable and very difficult to AF. IS seems to be helpful in your situation and its just became available for the 70-200f4L.

A mono will help, yes.

But, with the f/4 U will need to buy the tripod collar or u will be mounting to the bottom of the camera.

the f/2.8 comes with...........

I have the 2.8 IS and I love it...............

I have just upgraded to my "L's". what a difference...........j​ust wish they were lighter.

I just can't decide between wide (16-35) or going for the long end (100-400)

I have a chance to upgrade my 20D for a 1dmk2N..............mi​ght just have to go for the body first

calicokat wrote in post #2033693
Well, the Tamron 28-75 would be an excellent choice. If it was up to me, I would get the 70-200 F/4L over the 70-300. Its not as long, but it makes up for it in build quality and optics. L lenses re-sale very high. Just take good care of it and no problem. If you want a great book to read, check out "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Petersen. Highly recommend reading it at least once

I have this book coming, should be here tommorow maybe.

lostdoggy wrote in post #2033696
One of the main use of monopod is to support heavier lenses. I also use it as walking stick since I recently had Knee surgery.
Personally I woul hold of on the 70-300 and get the 70-200f4. Team it up with a 1.4X TC and you will have a better set up. The 300 end is not very usable and very difficult to AF. IS seems to be helpful in your situation and its just became available for the 70-200f4L.

The IS one would be nice, but it's very expensive. I could afford maybe a f2.8 later in say a year (once I am more experienced and have the money), but not now.

Agreed, "Understanding Exposure" is an excellent book.

Brian, that is strange that the very lenses you are inquiring about are the same ones that I have. I have enjoyed all of my lenses a great deal. I'm just a soccer/scrapbooking mom so I'm not sure how much I will be upgrading but it is very tempting. I see all of these nice crisp pictures with these fast lenses and it makes me want one.

It is not because the lens is fast. Its because it uses better optics (glass/flouride) and better design criterias to make the lens that makes them better lenses.

nickybegood1998 wrote in post #2037577
Brian, that is strange that the very lenses you are inquiring about are the same ones that I have. I have enjoyed all of my lenses a great deal. I'm just a soccer/scrapbooking mom so I'm not sure how much I will be upgrading but it is very tempting. I see all of these nice crisp pictures with these fast lenses and it makes me want one.

Maybe we are lensmates or something? (LOL, was just thinking of the episode of The Simpsons where Bart sells his soul, then I remembered the word soulmate, and then read this thread, haha.)


I also am eyeing a 430ex. I figure I (and you too consider you say you stink at taking photos) probably should develop our skills before we go buying all that expensive and good gear. It's like buying a ferarri, without having earned your liscense yet.

I seem to have found a nice sharp copy of the sigma 70-300 APO anyway.