Canon EOS 5D II - best lenses for different subjects?

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GavT75

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Gav
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Hello,

I've spent many hours trawling the net and arrived here wondering if anyone would be good enough to share any advice on best lenses to go for with a 5D Mk II.

My problem is that i have multiple photography interests which require different lenses. I have a decent budget for buying second hand, and am willing to shell out for a second body as don't wish to be swapping lenses outdoors too much, if at all.

Aviation

Landscape photography

Northern Lights

Wildlife photography

I've already identified the mighty Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary as a definite for aviation and wildlife. I understand from a lot of articles and advice i've read, that everyone is different and one should try before you buy if possible and experiment with what feels best, or otherwise. I don't have the luxury of trying before buying, but as i'm not a professional, i don't need a perfect fit. It's time consuming enough just looking at all the options! So the 150-600 C has a lot going for it, and is adequately priced. I'm sure some might disagree, but that's ok.

With regards Northern Lights shots, there seems to be no across-the-board consensus about what is best amongst wide angle/wide aperture lenses. Can anyone recommend what would go with a Canon 5D II?

Landscape-wise, what do people here like best? I'd like something with a little bit of zoom, but the option to go a bit wider too if possible. Something not too big in size that can be carried while out walking/trekking. Something 28-135mm at least/most.

Which leads me to my dilemma. While out hiking, i'd quite like to take the Sigma telephoto lens in the event of any interesting wildlife appearing. It means a lot of kit, but would of course need another camera for landscape...UNLESS....anyone can suggest a safe way of dismounting and mounting lenses in the open air?? That's probably tantamount to a criminal offence photography wise though, but it might save me investing in a second body. Does anyone have experience of outdoors with a lot of kit like this? ie. 2 cameras with their own lenses.

I appreciate anyone who reads this, let alone answers. I hope i've given enough info. I'm not a complete beginner, but have a lot to learn. Been photographing for years, but without sufficient funds for it to be serious.

Thanks again.

Gav.
 
For landscape I like the 17-40 L, it does not get much love on here but I don't see much wrong with it myself. Not enough to buy much more expensive lenses.
 
I found the Sigma 150/600 too heavy for me and given the AF on the MK2 it may not be quick enough at 600 for aviation if you mean fast jets. I have a mk3 body and I find a Canon 100/400 long enough and hand holdable, plus a 1.4 TC works quite well, but I don't think the MK2 will AF at f8.
A 70/200 f4 Canon is a nice lens, very reasonable price 2nd hand, the IS version is very sharp and can make a nice landscape lens unless you really fancy wide angle images.
Lens swapping in the open is fine unless we're talking sea spray. When taking the lens off just point the body downwards and in the lee of any wind to avoid blown in debris, but removing a lens in the open is no big deal as long as you are sensible, I do it often, never had a problem.
 
I own a 5D2 and also shoot a wide variety of subjects, from landscapes to studio work. I've had to keep a close eye on the budget when buying lenses, so my lenses are not the best available but I think have offered the best value for money in terms of providing something reasonably close to the best in class but at much lower cost. I have the following:

Canon 50mm F1.8
Tamron 24-70mm F2.8 VC
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 OS
Tamron 90mm F2.8 Macro
Tamron 70-300mm F4-5.6 VC
Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 Mk 1

I don't think any of these lenses would be great for aviation and limited to good light for distant wildlife. The 24-70mm and 70-200mm are great for portraits, both headshots and full length and group shots, the image stabilisation on both lenses is very good and a must for me for any future lenses when available. I have used the 70-200mm to photograph the local squirrels, but these are very tame and will approach very close indeed. The 12-24mm is exceptionally wide for a non fish eye lens and has a very useful zoom range, highly recommended for landscapes and mine was under £300. The only non fish eye zoom lens that is wider is the Canon 11-24mm, which, when new, is close to 10 times the price of my secondhand Sigma 12-24mm. I think my camera/lens combinations are more limited by the 5D2 focus abilities rather than the lenses themselves and an eventual body upgrade would likely improve focus performance substantially. I did have a Canon EF 28-105mm USM lens which I thought was not particularly good with my camera, very average performance, a lot of distortion at 28mm which alway needed careful Post Processing work, I moved it on. For long distance wildlife shots, I use an M4/3 body and a Lumix 100-300mm lens which gives far better reach but again with limited focus performance.

I personally wouldn't take out the Sigma 150-600mm whilst out in the wilds on the off chance of a shot (rather than a specific known opportunity), hand holding will be difficult for long range shots and really requires a tripod, others may not be so bothered about the portability. I will change lenses whilst out and about except in windy dusty conditions or anywhere on the beach. I only take out one camera body when walking and trekking, but always take 2 to the Studio in case one fails.

Perhaps the biggest decider will be the available budget and it might be a case of prioritising which types of shots mean the most and buy lenses to meet these requirements first. It's taken me over 3 years to arrive at my selection of Canon and third party gear.
 
GavT75 said:
... best lenses to go for with a 5D Mk II.

My problem is that i have multiple photography interests which require different lenses. I have a decent budget for buying second hand, and am willing to shell out for a second body as don't wish to be swapping lenses outdoors too much, if at all...
Click to expand...
Hi Gav, and welcome to TP.

A couple of quick questions.
  • Why the 5D Mk II? How attached to it are you?
  • What is your "decent" overall budget for lenses plus potentially another body?
I have some suggestions in mind, but I'll keep my powder dry until I understand a bit more about your requirements.
 
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