My first L?

So, I'm trying to decide on what should be my first L lens. I keep looking toward the 70-200 F4 L non-IS, but I'm not sure if I really "NEED" it.

I also look at the 17-40 L, but, I'm quite happy with my 28-75 F2.8 Tammy.

I do a little bit of everything as far as shooting goes. I really do more cars and people than anything else, and sometimes, probably 50-50, night work.

What would be a good "L" for me to look towards?

Gear list is in my sig, and up-to-date, if you're wondering what is in my bag already.

If you're happy with what you've got, then why get something else?

Chris R/T wrote in post #2995376
So, I'm trying to decide on what should be my first L lens. I keep looking toward the 70-200 F4 L non-IS, but I'm not sure if I really "NEED" it..

Unless you are a pro, you don't NEED it.

You didn't mention what body you are using, but I will assume one with 1.6x crop. I will say I have both the lenses in question and have owned the Tammy 28-75. On a side note, the Tammy is an outstanding and very sharp lens, but I didn't use it enough to keep it. As far as which one? Depends on what you shoot. Both are awesome and will produce excellent results. The 17-40L will give you more on the wide end than your Tammy which I think you would find very useful. The 70-200 is one of the best values out there. What you need to think about is what you generally shoot and which you will get the most use out of. You can't beat the 70-200 as a portrait lens also. Very versatile.

Craig

I'm always looking to expand, I guess. The only real rason I haven't pulled the trigger on the 70-200 F4 L is because, it's not long enough for what I'd like to use it for. The extra 100mm my Simga gives is really nice at the drag strip.

I use a Rebel XT currently, I'm looking to upgrade in the future to a 20D, 30D or possibly a 1D.

If you shoot mostly cars and people, you might instead look at an UWA lens instead of a telephoto. I do a lot of car shows as well, and at the larger shows they really cram them in, so in order to isolate a car you really need to go wide. My 17-70 Sigma is not quite wide enough so I'm going with the Sigma 10-20 next. Others to consider are the Tokina 12-24 and of course the Canon 10-22. In price they range from (appx.) $475, $550 and $675 respectively. Reports vary but you can't go wrong with any of them.

Thanks Irish1! I've been thinking about that Sigma or Tokina for a while. I can't bring myself to purchase the 10-22 Canon, in the event I step up to a 1D, it would be useless.

Either you need to start switching those sigma lenses for Canon L stuff - which is a vanity, but understandable ( lots of us have done that...)

OR you need to expand your coverage - and rally that means either ultrawide or a long tele zoom

So I'd suggest 10-20 siggie or 10-22 canon; OR something special like the bigma 50-500 or Canon 100-400L

Whatever turns your head, as you have a pretty good set of lenses as it is.

Chris R/T wrote in post #2995476
The extra 100mm my Simga gives is really nice at the drag strip.

Would that be Cecil County Drag Strip?

It sure would!

A few pictures from last time I was at Cecil.

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=239862

"Need" is such an ugly word. How many of us actually need the stuff that we spend our money on.

I would buy the lens that you feel you would get the most out of. If you can't see yourself using the 7-2 f4L, then you shouldn't waste your money on it. Looking at your gear list (and as Steve mentioned) maybe you should consider an UWA.

Benandbobbi wrote in post #2995458
Unless you are a pro, you don't NEED it.

I highly disagree with that. What if you want the best IQ has to offer?

august23 wrote in post #2995794
I highly disagree with that. What if you want the best IQ has to offer?

Canon isn't always the way to go.

Leica and Zeiss are way too $$$$$ though! And don't say Nikon. Don't you DARE say Nikon....

august23 wrote in post #2995794
I highly disagree with that. What if you want the best IQ has to offer?

You can highly disagree if you want, but in the same sentence you also disagreed with yourself. You used the word WANT, not need. Want and need are very different. I want a mansion to live in, I need a shelter.