What lenses are you using?

I'm wondering what kind of lenses you're using. This is my lens set:

Tamron 28 - 75mm F2.8 (Not rock solid, but very sharp!)
Tokina 11-16mm F2.8 (Love it)
Canon 70-200mm F4 (Prefer F2.8, but it's very good!)

I use these lenses on my Canon EOS 40D.
So, what are you using? :-)

by Aljan 11 march 2011 45 replies

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@hajagosb The Sigma 24 f/1.8 is an old lens and absolutely nowhere near the standard of their latest range of 1.4's - it's a real shame that the 30mm isn't full frame. If you're looking to go ultra-wide then the Samyang 14mm f/2.8 might be worth considering; The obvious choice for a fast 24 would be the Nikon 24m f/1.4 but it has a hefty price tag (as does Canon's, although they also do f/2 for a more realistic price)

However, why are you asking for full frame when you're existing Tamron & Sigma lenses are for APS-C sensors? ... unless you are definitely changing to full frame you should check out the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 which is an excellent lens; if you are upgrading though be sure to account that your existing 50mm on a full frame will be almost equivalent to 30mm on APS-C

@hajagosb The Sigma 24 f/1.8 is an old lens and absolutely nowhere near the standard of their latest range of 1.4's - it's a real shame that the 30mm isn't full frame. If you're looking to go ultra-wide then the Samyang 14mm f/2.8 might be worth considering; The obvious choice for a fast 24 would be the Nikon 24m f/1.4 but it has a hefty price tag (as does Canon's, although they also do f/2 for a more realistic price)

However, why are you asking for full frame when you're existing Tamron & Sigma lenses are for APS-C sensors? ... unless you are definitely changing to full frame you should check out the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 which is an excellent lens; if you are upgrading though be sure to account that your existing 50mm on a full frame will be almost equivalent to 30mm on APS-C
by CraigHarris 26 february
Tamron 17-50 2.8
Nikon 50 1.8D
Nikon 85 1.8D
Sigma 50-150 2.8 (until it broke a few month ago)

The next will be a Nikon 180 2.8 to replace my broken tele. Any suggestion for a full frame wide angle prime? Also I'm thinking about the Sigma 24 1.8...

Tamron 17-50 2.8
Nikon 50 1.8D
Nikon 85 1.8D
Sigma 50-150 2.8 (until it broke a few month ago)

The next will be a Nikon 180 2.8 to replace my broken tele. Any suggestion for a full frame wide angle prime? Also I'm thinking about the Sigma 24 1.8...
by hajagosb 26 february
@NewZealand you will enjoy the 10-20 great lens for the money

@NewZealand you will enjoy the 10-20 great lens for the money
by fredclarkphotography 25 february
At this point I am using my kit lens on a canon 600D 18-55mm and a 55-250mm I like them both. I just ordered a sigma 10-20mm wide angel.

My next one I'm saving up for is a sigma 50-500mm

At this point I am using my kit lens on a canon 600D 18-55mm and a 55-250mm I like them both. I just ordered a sigma 10-20mm wide angel.

My next one I'm saving up for is a sigma 50-500mm
by NewZealand 25 february
28mm f/2.8 SIGMA from old analoge minolta camera + reverse ring = macro
This setup costs 10+4 euro, instead of 700+euros.

28mm f/2.8 SIGMA from old analoge minolta camera + reverse ring = macro
This setup costs 10+4 euro, instead of 700+euros.
by luc 24 february
At the moment, I'm using 24-105 f4 L and 50mm 1/8

At the moment, I'm using 24-105 f4 L and 50mm 1/8
by darinci 21 february
I've been using a Canon 55-250mm and a Tokina 35mm Macro lens. Rather like both of them. I used to have a kit zoom and the 50 f/1.8 but never found the focal lengths particularly useful.

I've been using a Canon 55-250mm and a Tokina 35mm Macro lens. Rather like both of them. I used to have a kit zoom and the 50 f/1.8 but never found the focal lengths particularly useful.
by Teuce 18 february
I pretty much have gotten my system down to using 2 lenses: I use the 17-40 4.0, and the 70-200 4.0. I like the idea of the 70-200 2.8, but I do travel work, and its just too heavy for me to want to lug everywhere. I shoot on a 5D, and I find that my 17-40 is just right. The 16-35 is nice, but I really like having the extra 5mm for portraits.

I pretty much have gotten my system down to using 2 lenses: I use the 17-40 4.0, and the 70-200 4.0. I like the idea of the 70-200 2.8, but I do travel work, and its just too heavy for me to want to lug everywhere. I shoot on a 5D, and I find that my 17-40 is just right. The 16-35 is nice, but I really like having the extra 5mm for portraits.
by dandoval 18 february
@fredclarkphotography re: the 7D, I have 5 particular -ve's about it, but only 1 of them affects image quality:
- electronic level is only available until you start focusing yet the only time it's actually useful is immediately before taking the actual picture
- the set of functions available for custom buttons is restricted on a per button basis leaving me with some useless buttons yet there are functions I want to map to them!
- image sharpness at 100% is never brilliant
- AEB restricted to 3 shots
- evaluative exposure metering is regularly terrible

... I could add AF issues to that list, but they are only since I dropped it onto solid rock and had it rebuilt by Canon, I guess they didn't realign something, but mostly it's great.

@fredclarkphotography re: the 7D, I have 5 particular -ve's about it, but only 1 of them affects image quality:
- electronic level is only available until you start focusing yet the only time it's actually useful is immediately before taking the actual picture
- the set of functions available for custom buttons is restricted on a per button basis leaving me with some useless buttons yet there are functions I want to map to them!
- image sharpness at 100% is never brilliant
- AEB restricted to 3 shots
- evaluative exposure metering is regularly terrible

... I could add AF issues to that list, but they are only since I dropped it onto solid rock and had it rebuilt by Canon, I guess they didn't realign something, but mostly it's great.
by CraigHarris 17 february
@CraigHarris your right was thinking about the 1.8, not 1.4. I really enjoy the nifty 50 for the money spent. My kit 18-55 must be a small percent of good ones, had this for years and still strong, took allot of abuse, sure lacks features and build of L quality glass, but its every bit as sharp as my L glass and I don't have issues with it. Its like the 7d some hate it,tons of issues, some are great?

@CraigHarris your right was thinking about the 1.8, not 1.4. I really enjoy the nifty 50 for the money spent. My kit 18-55 must be a small percent of good ones, had this for years and still strong, took allot of abuse, sure lacks features and build of L quality glass, but its every bit as sharp as my L glass and I don't have issues with it. Its like the 7d some hate it,tons of issues, some are great?
by fredclarkphotography 16 february
@fredclarkphotography - I think you're mistaken, the 50mm f/1.4 is significantly more expensive than the f/1.8 II and uses a focus system (Micro USM) which Canon don't use on any other lens - it's poorly made of plastic (including the mechanism which wears away quickly) and even manual focus is a nightmare and AF is useless on it - I really wished I'd saved the money and got the cheaper version.

Have you tried better lenses like the 17-55 in comparison to the kit lens? - IMO, they are worlds apart; even the Sigma 18-125 I had in-between was massively better than the kit lens in all respects. The kit lens isn't particularly sharp (though a small % apparently are), the front element rotates, there's tonnes of looseness in it, aperture is slow, AF is very slow, ergonomics are atrocious and no full-time manual override ... I hear that the latest Mk II IS version is better, but it's still not a proper lens IMO and thus I have no intention of trying it.

All my lenses are micro adjusted on each body I own - the only issue I currently have with such is the 17-55 ideally needs a different adjustment at wide end to the long end.

@fredclarkphotography - I think you're mistaken, the 50mm f/1.4 is significantly more expensive than the f/1.8 II and uses a focus system (Micro USM) which Canon don't use on any other lens - it's poorly made of plastic (including the mechanism which wears away quickly) and even manual focus is a nightmare and AF is useless on it - I really wished I'd saved the money and got the cheaper version.

Have you tried better lenses like the 17-55 in comparison to the kit lens? - IMO, they are worlds apart; even the Sigma 18-125 I had in-between was massively better than the kit lens in all respects. The kit lens isn't particularly sharp (though a small % apparently are), the front element rotates, there's tonnes of looseness in it, aperture is slow, AF is very slow, ergonomics are atrocious and no full-time manual override ... I hear that the latest Mk II IS version is better, but it's still not a proper lens IMO and thus I have no intention of trying it.

All my lenses are micro adjusted on each body I own - the only issue I currently have with such is the 17-55 ideally needs a different adjustment at wide end to the long end.
by CraigHarris 16 february
@CraigHarris you did not like your Canon 18-55mm kit lens (awful)? I find mine very sharp, close focus distance, I would not get rid of it.

Canon 50mm f/1.4 (The worst lens I own, it's sharp but awful at focusing and very poorly built) Again I really find this a great lens, for the money - under $100 - it cant be beat, mine is tack sharp and focus fast as any other

Is this on your 7D? ever tried a focus test for each lens and micro adjust?

@CraigHarris you did not like your Canon 18-55mm kit lens (awful)? I find mine very sharp, close focus distance, I would not get rid of it.

Canon 50mm f/1.4 (The worst lens I own, it's sharp but awful at focusing and very poorly built) Again I really find this a great lens, for the money - under $100 - it cant be beat, mine is tack sharp and focus fast as any other

Is this on your 7D? ever tried a focus test for each lens and micro adjust?
by fredclarkphotography 16 february
Current lenses:

Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 (like it, but prone to flare and doesn't focus sharply to infinity)
Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM (my most used lens, but it's developed notably "play" now it's taken 25000 shots)
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX HSM (excellent sharpness, nice handling, fast, great saturation)
Canon 50mm f/1.4 (The worst lens I own, it's sharp but awful at focusing and very poorly built)
Canon 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM (one of the best lenses I've ever used, unbeatable for most sport and also portraits and telephoto landscapes)
Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 EX DG IF HSM APO (excellent lens, but heavy and the lack of IS/OS diminishes it's usefulness)
1.4x & 2x Sigma Teleconverters (useful, but image quality suffers)

Previous lenses:

Sigma 4.5mm circular fisheye (turned out to not be particularly useful in the real world)
Canon 18-55mm kit lens (awful)
Sigma 18-125mm (a great budget lens)

Wanted:

Sigma 50-500mm OS
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 or Canon 85mm f/1.8 or f/1.2
Canon 135mm f/2L
Sigma 150mm f/2.8 Macro OS
Canon 400mm f2.8L II IS
Canon 600mm f/4L II IS

Bodies are Canon 7D & 40D

Current lenses:

Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 (like it, but prone to flare and doesn't focus sharply to infinity)
Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM (my most used lens, but it's developed notably "play" now it's taken 25000 shots)
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX HSM (excellent sharpness, nice handling, fast, great saturation)
Canon 50mm f/1.4 (The worst lens I own, it's sharp but awful at focusing and very poorly built)
Canon 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM (one of the best lenses I've ever used, unbeatable for most sport and also portraits and telephoto landscapes)
Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 EX DG IF HSM APO (excellent lens, but heavy and the lack of IS/OS diminishes it's usefulness)
1.4x & 2x Sigma Teleconverters (useful, but image quality suffers)

Previous lenses:

Sigma 4.5mm circular fisheye (turned out to not be particularly useful in the real world)
Canon 18-55mm kit lens (awful)
Sigma 18-125mm (a great budget lens)

Wanted:

Sigma 50-500mm OS
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 or Canon 85mm f/1.8 or f/1.2
Canon 135mm f/2L
Sigma 150mm f/2.8 Macro OS
Canon 400mm f2.8L II IS
Canon 600mm f/4L II IS

Bodies are Canon 7D & 40D
by CraigHarris 15 february
I just received my nikkor 24-70 f2.8 last week. I do not want to put it down. Other than that, I use a nikkor 80-200mm f2.8 and a tokina 12-24 f4 for my zooms. Primes are nikkor 35mm f1.8, 50 f1.4 and rokinon 85 f1.4.

I have a 200-400 f5.6 tamron, 35-70 f3.3-5.2, and a tokina 100mm f2.8 macro that I hardly use.

I use a D7000, but want a second body that is FF, thinking of the D800 a few months after the release

I just received my nikkor 24-70 f2.8 last week. I do not want to put it down. Other than that, I use a nikkor 80-200mm f2.8 and a tokina 12-24 f4 for my zooms. Primes are nikkor 35mm f1.8, 50 f1.4 and rokinon 85 f1.4.

I have a 200-400 f5.6 tamron, 35-70 f3.3-5.2, and a tokina 100mm f2.8 macro that I hardly use.

I use a D7000, but want a second body that is FF, thinking of the D800 a few months after the release
by shod 14 february
@maspick Hi what is your opinion on the Tamron 200-500mm

@maspick Hi what is your opinion on the Tamron 200-500mm
by NewZealand 13 february
Using canon and sigma glass on a canon 7D and 450D. The 7D handles high ISO well so I get away with some slower lenses, be nice to have the fast glass however

Canon 18-85 - good sharp glass
Canon 70-200f4 L - awesome
Sigma 10-20 UWA - awesome
Canon 70-300 USM - soft lense- cheap

cokin filter system

What I want is some longer focal lengths, 100-400, with a 1.4x TC would be nice

Using canon and sigma glass on a canon 7D and 450D. The 7D handles high ISO well so I get away with some slower lenses, be nice to have the fast glass however

Canon 18-85 - good sharp glass
Canon 70-200f4 L - awesome
Sigma 10-20 UWA - awesome
Canon 70-300 USM - soft lense- cheap

cokin filter system

What I want is some longer focal lengths, 100-400, with a 1.4x TC would be nice
by fredclarkphotography 17 august
I really like my Canon 70-200mm f/2.8. I didn't spend the extra money on the IS because my main use for it is on a tripod panning to shoot my daughter figure skating. And the 2.8 is fast enough that I haven't missed the IS. I've rented the EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 and was happy with it, but didn't quite figure it out before my vacation was over. My kit 18-55mm f/3.5-5 has been ok. I'm thinking of getting a decent 50mm prime next, possibly the 1.4 to get a fast lens but without breaking the bank. All on a T2i.

I really like my Canon 70-200mm f/2.8. I didn't spend the extra money on the IS because my main use for it is on a tripod panning to shoot my daughter figure skating. And the 2.8 is fast enough that I haven't missed the IS. I've rented the EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 and was happy with it, but didn't quite figure it out before my vacation was over. My kit 18-55mm f/3.5-5 has been ok. I'm thinking of getting a decent 50mm prime next, possibly the 1.4 to get a fast lens but without breaking the bank. All on a T2i.
by tchwojko 17 august
ive decided not to buy one in addition to my 15-85mm

ive decided not to buy one in addition to my 15-85mm
by luc 30 july
@Aljan the 10-22mm is a lot of fun. Its very sharp, but im not a big fan of the edge effects. I used it photographing builldings... the problem is that all vertical lines bend inwards... I guess its easy to fix in photoshop though

@Aljan the 10-22mm is a lot of fun. Its very sharp, but im not a big fan of the edge effects. I used it photographing builldings... the problem is that all vertical lines bend inwards... I guess its easy to fix in photoshop though
by luc 30 july
I use the following on my Canon EOS 60D

Canon 50mm f/1.8 (also use this with extension tubes for some close up work).
Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro
Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 (This is my goto lens)
Tamron 18-270 f/3.6-6.3 (Decent walk around lens for when I don't feel like carrying the entire camera bag with me).
Canon 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L
Canon 18-55 (Kit lens, rarely use this one at all)

I use the following on my Canon EOS 60D

Canon 50mm f/1.8 (also use this with extension tubes for some close up work).
Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro
Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 (This is my goto lens)
Tamron 18-270 f/3.6-6.3 (Decent walk around lens for when I don't feel like carrying the entire camera bag with me).
Canon 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L
Canon 18-55 (Kit lens, rarely use this one at all)
by ChristopherWilliam 29 july
I have Canon 28-135mm IS USM, Canon 100-300mm USM and Sigma 10-20mm EX DC HSM Wide Angle lenses. I am using a Canon EOS 40D with a Canon EOS D60, (yes a D60), as a back-up. GB D!

I have Canon 28-135mm IS USM, Canon 100-300mm USM and Sigma 10-20mm EX DC HSM Wide Angle lenses. I am using a Canon EOS 40D with a Canon EOS D60, (yes a D60), as a back-up. GB D!
by DennisG 11 july 2011
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm 1.35-56 on a Nikon D3000

Tokina 100-400mm 4.5-22 & Tamron 200-500mm 5-32 on a Nikon D50

Sigma 8mm 3.5 Fisheye on a Nikon D5000 (for 360º Panoramas)

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm 1.35-56 on a Nikon D3000

Tokina 100-400mm 4.5-22 & Tamron 200-500mm 5-32 on a Nikon D50

Sigma 8mm 3.5 Fisheye on a Nikon D5000 (for 360º Panoramas)
by maspick 10 july 2011
@ggodkin @luc Nice guys, I'm actually really curious about the 10-22 from Canon, because I'm using the Tokina 11-16!

@ggodkin @luc Nice guys, I'm actually really curious about the 10-22 from Canon, because I'm using the Tokina 11-16!
by Aljan 10 july 2011
Canon 550d
Canon 15-85 EF-S USM f/3.5-5.6
Canon 50mm II f/1.8
(will be playing around with a friends' Canon 10-22mm and extension tubes next week)

Canon 550d
Canon 15-85 EF-S USM f/3.5-5.6
Canon 50mm II f/1.8
(will be playing around with a friends' Canon 10-22mm and extension tubes next week)
by luc 9 july 2011
Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS on 400D.
Do not use 18-55 kit - too SOFT
Canon 10-22 f/3.5-4.5 - new for me

Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS on 400D.
Do not use 18-55 kit - too SOFT
Canon 10-22 f/3.5-4.5 - new for me
by ggodkin 9 july 2011