Canon 5D, ready to take the plunge...

So, I have been dabbling in photography for awhile, but have never made the leap into the SLR world. So, I am pretty familiar with a lot of photographic terms, f-stop, ISO, etc.but not all. So, when I decided to choose which SLR would be the one for me, I then realized I knew nothing about how to shop for compatible lenses. Of course I could go to a photography store and get the sales pitch, but would be grateful if anyone would have any recommendations for me and explanation about how to make sure the lens I see is going to be compatible with my camera based on the specs.

I decided the Canon 5D is the one, I really like the idea of full-frame and the reviews are gleaming. I am a bit nostalgic of the film days as well. I thought of doing a Digital Rebel and then upgrading later, but then heard that because of the sensor size I would have to purchase all new lenses. Because of the high price my plan is to purchase the equipment and transfer the balance to one of those no-interest for 12 months credit cards so I can pay it off within the year. Therefore I want to try to purchase most of my equipment together and would appreciate anyone's help in the lens area.

I'm thinking that I want to be able to have a variety of lenses. I want a wide-angle lens(like 18mm or something), a mid-range lens, a 50mm prime lens, and a telephoto lens(70-200 or maybe 100-300). I also need stuff like flash and things, but I'm going to just stick to lens for this thread.

Here are some lenses I found, but again, I don't know if they will be compatible with the 5D or what to look for. I am open to trying Sigma or other brands if the lenses are high-quality. I've been told that the 5D tends to expose the flaws of poor quality lenses.

- Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM Lens (What does USM & EF mean?)
- Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 EF IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens
- Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Lens (what does the L mean in 2.8L?)
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Lens
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens
- Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro for Canon EOS (what is DG?)

So, in conclusion, I have an idea of what I want, but lack the knowledge of camera/lens compatibility. Also, maybe some combinations of focal length and aperture speed are preferably for someone who is not a seasoned pro. I would love to hear of any recommendations perhaps from someone who has the 5D.

Thanks

All those lenses are compatible with the 5D, to the exception of the EF-S one (that line is built specifically for the crop bodies).

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens

EF-S is not compatible with 5D. But you have the 16-35 L or 17-40 L

Have you thought about purchasing the 5D with kit lens? kit lenses are usually cheap lenses bundled with the camera, but in this case the kit lens is the Canon 24-105L f/4 IS lens, its a wonderful lens that works extremely well with the 5D, I know! im using mine on a daily basis & get superb results.

glasseye wrote in post #4057561
1.What does USM & EF mean?

2.what does the L mean in 2.8L?

3.what is DG?

So, in conclusion, I have an idea of what I want, but lack the knowledge of camera/lens compatibility. Also, maybe some combinations of focal length and aperture speed are preferably for someone who is not a seasoned pro. I would love to hear of any recommendations perhaps from someone who has the 5D.

Thanks

1. USM is UltraSonic Motor. This is a silent, fast, accurate autofocus motor put into the nicer lenses. EF is Canon's current lens mount designation.

2. L stands for Luxury. It is Canon's top of the line professional line of lenses. Superior build, exquisite optics, and color like you've never seen. For the most part, L's are "as good as it gets". However, Sigma and the like make some very nice offerings as well.

3. DG is Sigma's designation for a special coating/grade of lenses that are supposedly "designed for digital".

I've had two 5D's thus far. Fabulous camera, with the best IQ I've seen from a DSLR. However, don't let anyone tell you that you have to have L lenses to get the most out of your 5D.

Just a small list of some non-L lenses that are still great performers:

Canon: 50mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.8, 100mm f /2, 100mm f/2.8 macro, 28mm f/1.8, 15mm f/2.8 fisheye, 35mm f/2, etc.

Sigma: 150mm f/2.8 macro, 14mm f/2.8 (discontinued, but if you like wide, get one...it's an awesome lens), 70-200mm f/2.8, 12-24mm f/4

Tamron: 14mm f/2.8, 28-75mm f/2.8

The canon 5d is a great camera although not compatible with EF-S lenses
It is worth considering that good lenses make more of a difference than a good camera.You will probably find a lot of answers to your questions at this web site
http://photonotes.org …/beginner-faq/lenses.html

I'd get

One Canon 5D
One 580EX II flash
24-70mm f2.8L (or the 24-105mm f4L)
70-200mm f2.8L IS
Single 50mm or 85mm prime of some kind - L or not, whatever.

Get used to working with all that then see where you want to go. 24mm is pretty wide on the 5D.

Lens in your list I would stay away from:
Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro for Canon EOS (what is DG?) (I think this lens isn't very good, especally on a 5D)
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM Lens (What does USM & EF mean?) (get the TC for the 70-200 initially, unless you will be really after long telephoto shots)
Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 EF IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens (I think this lens is junk)
Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens (can't use this with the 5D)

glasseye wrote in post #4057561
So, I have been dabbling in photography for awhile, but have never made the leap into the SLR world. So, I am pretty familiar with a lot of photographic terms, f-stop, ISO, etc.but not all. So, when I decided to choose which SLR would be the one for me, I then realized I knew nothing about how to shop for compatible lenses. Of course I could go to a photography store and get the sales pitch, but would be grateful if anyone would have any recommendations for me and explanation about how to make sure the lens I see is going to be compatible with my camera based on the specs.

I decided the Canon 5D is the one, I really like the idea of full-frame and the reviews are gleaming. I am a bit nostalgic of the film days as well. I thought of doing a Digital Rebel and then upgrading later, but then heard that because of the sensor size I would have to purchase all new lenses. Because of the high price my plan is to purchase the equipment and transfer the balance to one of those no-interest for 12 months credit cards so I can pay it off within the year. Therefore I want to try to purchase most of my equipment together and would appreciate anyone's help in the lens area.

I'm thinking that I want to be able to have a variety of lenses. I want a wide-angle lens(like 18mm or something), a mid-range lens, a 50mm prime lens, and a telephoto lens(70-200 or maybe 100-300). I also need stuff like flash and things, but I'm going to just stick to lens for this thread.

Here are some lenses I found, but again, I don't know if they will be compatible with the 5D or what to look for. I am open to trying Sigma or other brands if the lenses are high-quality. I've been told that the 5D tends to expose the flaws of poor quality lenses.

- Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM Lens (What does USM & EF mean?)
- Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 EF IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens
- Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Lens (what does the L mean in 2.8L?)
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Lens
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens
- Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro for Canon EOS (what is DG?)

So, in conclusion, I have an idea of what I want, but lack the knowledge of camera/lens compatibility. Also, maybe some combinations of focal length and aperture speed are preferably for someone who is not a seasoned pro. I would love to hear of any recommendations perhaps from someone who has the 5D.

Thanks

easy does it. get the 5d and either the 24-70L or 24-105L and take if from there. lotsa stuff looks great on paper but without the real-world experience you really don't know what you'll want or need.

imo .

Full frame exposes the lenses for poor edge performance. This can be a Sigma 70-200 2.8 or a Canon 16-35

Mr. Clean wrote in post #4057661
Full frame exposes the lenses for poor edge performance. This can be a Sigma 70-200 2.8 or a Canon 16-35

It does, but.... so?

The benefits of full frame, depending on your shooting style, heavily outweigh this issue.

So, to the original poster - what do you shoot most? That is really going to dictate what you should buy for lenses.

JasonSTL739 wrote in post #4057694
It does, but.... so?

The benefits of full frame, depending on your shooting style, heavily outweigh this issue.

So, to the original poster - what do you shoot most? That is really going to dictate what you should buy for lenses.

...and whether or not FF is the answer!

Good Luck

ed rader wrote in post #4057639
easy does it. get the 5d and either the 24-70L or 24-105L and take if from there. lotsa stuff looks great on paper but without the real-world experience you really don't know what you'll want or need.

imo .

Tell me about it!!!! LOL...

Some lenses actually perform better on FF, I havent found that you NEED to buy the best lenses, I used to use a Sigma 55-200 on my 5D with pretty decent results.

JasonSTL739 wrote in post #4057638
I'd get
One Canon 5D
One 580EX II flash
24-70mm f2.8L (or the 24-105mm f4L)
70-200mm f2.8L IS
...

Check my sig. I purchased the two L lenses after my 5D purchase. My old lens just wasn't cutting it. After many comparisons, and renting a 70-200, I made my decision. Happy I did too. The 70-300DO is heavy(yes so are the ones I decided upon), not an L, and expensive for what you get. If you can only have one lens and cannot afford the L then yes it may be worth considering. I did. Know up front what you think you will be shooting.

I would suggest taking some time before your purchase. Canon is doing rebates up north and across the pond. Not sure where you are but it is likely that there will be rebates here soon.
Save money regardless of a no interest credit card payment.