Canon Lenses - What's Your Wishlist / Perfect Lens Collection?

IanD

IanD

Suspended / Banned
Messages
1,601
Edit My Images
Yes
Apologies if this is a little hyperthetical and indulgent, but i'm interested in others opinions on a set of lens that they either own, or one day aspire to do so, that cover all your needs and make you a very happy bunny.

I'm relatively new to photography and imho i've found that you really do get what you pay for on most occasions. I'm slowly going to put a set of lenses together, to suit all of my needs, It may take a while to get there, but this is my wishlist:

Canon 24-70 f/2.8L mkII (already have)
Canon 70-200 f/2.8L mkII (next on the list)
Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L (lottery win pending)
And some sort of fixed macro, maybe and 85mm

I think 1, 2 and 4 are achievable but maybe not, no3 - is there anything else out there, maybe Canon fit, that is as good as that 11-24?

And, what's your wishlist / already own folks?
 
I think I’ve just completed my wish list. Here are my current ones, I could probably, or actually definitely thin them out, but I like them all so won’t be selling any at the moment.

50mm f1.2L
85mm f1.2L
135 f2L
24-70mm f2.8L mkii
70-200mm f2.8L mkii
16-35mm f4L
180mm 3.5L
100-400mm f4.5/5.6L mkii
1.4 TC Mkii
 
Last edited:
Starting from scratch and with a 'wish list' budget I'd probably go for:

Canon 16-35 f/2.8 L
Canon 24-70 f/2.8 L Mk II
Canon 24-105 f/4 IS L Mk II
Canon 70-200 2.8 IS L Mk II
Canon 100-400 f/4.4/5.6 IS L Mk II
Canon 180 f/3.5 macro L
Canon x 1.4 extender
Canon x 2 extender
 
Lenses I actually use:
EF-S 18-135 mm
EF 70-300 mm
EF-S 10-22 mm
Tamron 90 mm macro
Sigma 150-600 C

These lenses do sterling service and I have wish to replace any of them. I also have a EF 50 mm II lens which I have not used in several years. Nothing wrong with the lens, I just have no use for a 50 mm lens.
 
My current list and what I’d swap if money was no object in red:
Tamron 17-35 - Canon 16-35L
Sigma 24-70 2.8 Canon 24-70LII
Sigma 35 Art
Canon 50 STM - Canon 50L or Sigma 1.4 Art
Canon 85 1.8 - Canon 85 1.2 or Sigma 1.4 Art
Tamron 90 Macro - Canon 100mm 2.8 IS Macro
Canon 135 f2
Canon 200 f2
Canon 70-200L mkII IS
Sigma 150-600
 
When I had Canon DSLR's I thought I could never want better lenses than the Sigma 50 and 85mm f1.4's (this was years ago and these are not Art lenses) and I'll add the Sigma 12-24mm and 20mm f1.8 too :D
 
Lens wishlist?

All Canon:
16-35 F4 L IS
24-70 F2.8 L Mk2
100-400 L IS Mk2
400 DO L IS Mk2
800 F5.6 L IS
100 F2.8 Macro

Luckily I have them all except the 400DO - but I have a Canon 300 F2.8 L IS as consolation:)

Not smug - I have saved long and HARD to get them!
 
Ian a wish list and crimbo i'll be indulent................................... if you are going to ask for a wish list then i'll wish big please. Not really a sensible answer,but it is christmas.:D

My reality is grafting me butt of for yonks has got me one big white thang and that alone is the stuff dreams are made of. So the below would mean I don't work anymore and I'd somehow find a way to use everything as a given;). That is a promise I know it would be hard :rolleyes:,but I would use them all...oh for the time !!

. A wish list is easy,I want pretty much it all!!!!

What I really need as a tool kit I'm unsure:oops: :$. One lens ,light with goodish reach a coupe of exts and the latest flagship 1d body would be my immediate tool kit of choice I utterly know that will work for most of what i try to do,everything else would be a joy and offer options. I try to make images of wildlife,not having a choice of lens just one that is incredible is almost an asset,i just don't have that hindrance of choice,It's cool one just goes out . I guess the exts give options and choice , Oft, that is made before the field.

Each of us does what we do in different ways right tool for an individual is so important here So if I could wish I'd cover every concievable tool I could plausibly need in every situation I'd could muse possible,But somehow without a lottery win my real toolkit might be somewhat different what I would loose wont be conmensurate with value,There are core tools i'd imagine many guys go back to,time and again it's those I need but a wish list here ya go

Oh John ,mate

you ain't smug because you have a tool kit grafted and saved for, fair play one life ......................

16 35 f2.8is ii
24 70 f2.8 is ii

70-200f2.8is ii
canon all 100-400Lii
3002.8is ii
4002.8 isii
5004 is ii
200-400 with int ext is
600 f4 is ii

800 f5.6 is


I have missed at least something

merry chimbo

stu
 
I've only 3 lenses, so feel a bit out gunned by most of you and don't have much ambition in terms of growing my collection much further. Saying that, I've got 2 really nice lenses with a hope to improve my super telephoto lens soon. I guess after that I would maybe look at a wide angle lens like the Nikon 12-24 - although there would be quite an overlap with my current 16-80, but until I use my camera more I can't justify anymore spending :p
 
Last edited:
Loving everyone's ideas and ideals.

Like others have said, wish lists are just that, and maybe will never come to fruition, but we can all dream right? :)

I think once I have the 70-200 f/2.8l mkII, that will be my lot for a long while, and if I do achieve that any time soon, i'll consider myself pretty darn lucky.

Just a nice wide angled lens to dream about now, but just how wide? I love the 16-35 Canon lens, but I wonder if the over-lap from a 24mm top end that I already have in my 24-70, is a waste, and a wide improvement from 24mm down to 16mm is really enough and warranted in cost. Maybe something at about 12mm or so, but not sure what's out there Canon, or Canon fit that'd be worth the cash one day

Cheers all for taking part
 
Last edited:
My route to L lens nirvana has been helped by park cameras 2 year interest free credit offers

I walked out of the shop with my 100-400 mk2 for 10% down and £70 a month - awesome.

While I do have big issues with the way successive governments have handled the uk economy and interest rates in particular this is one thing I can't complainant bout too much

D
 
Stuart Philpott said:
Oh John ,mate

you ain't smug because you have a tool kit grafted and saved for, fair play one life ......................
Click to expand...

You wouldn't believe how low my income was - but careful financing decisions allows a wholly owned 4 bedroom home, relatively young car, lots of Malt Whisky and some nice toys! 5 years ago my net income dropped by about 40% (redundancy :banana:) since then the 600 turned into an 800, been to Italy France and Canada, the 1D4 turned into a 1DX, the Gripped 7D2 appeared and the 100-400 Mk2 appeared. Oh yes one of the 3 series Gitzos turned into a 4 series! Something had to go, even my financial wizardry has limits (!) so I gave up smoking - remember my income is so low that I do not even pay income tax!

Careful choices/decisions will bring even the most expensive Canon toys within reach. I used to work in a Bank and it always baffled me how people on several multiples of my income were so poor!

Just trying to say that it is all available and achievable if one really wants it. ;)
 
Current list with percent usage in terms of frames

Primes:
Samyang 8 3.5 fisheye (1%)
Canon 17 4 TSE (2%)
Samyang 24 1.4 (1%)
Canon 35 1.4 (2%)
Canon 50 1.2, 1.4, 1.8 (3%)
Canon 85 1.2 II, 1.8 (9%)
Canon 100 2.8 IS (4%)
Canon 300 2.8 II IS (6%)
Canon 600 4.0 II IS (11%)

Zooms:
Canon 16-35 4 IS (7%)
Canon 24-70 2.8 II (19%)
Canon 70-200 2.8 II IS (18%)
Canon 100-400 II IS (17%)

Personally I prefer to use the primes, zooms get more use due to convenience. Thinking about switching the 35 and 50 primes for Sigma Art. The canon 50 1.2 is so slooowwwww to focus.
 
I have 2 of my perfect lenses which are the canon 500mm mkii and the 100-400mm mkii with a 1.4 mkiii TC.

All that is missing is the Canon 180mm macro lens which I hope to have by next summer.
 
johnf3f said:
You wouldn't believe how low my income was - but careful financing decisions allows a wholly owned 4 bedroom home, relatively young car, lots of Malt Whisky and some nice toys! 5 years ago my net income dropped by about 40% (redundancy :banana:) since then the 600 turned into an 800, been to Italy France and Canada, the 1D4 turned into a 1DX, the Gripped 7D2 appeared and the 100-400 Mk2 appeared. Oh yes one of the 3 series Gitzos turned into a 4 series! Something had to go, even my financial wizardry has limits (!) so I gave up smoking - remember my income is so low that I do not even pay income tax!

Careful choices/decisions will bring even the most expensive Canon toys within reach. I used to work in a Bank and it always baffled me how people on several multiples of my income were so poor!

Just trying to say that it is all available and achievable if one really wants it. ;)
Click to expand...
Ex care worker john i'm not finacially astute,but we've had to make a penny stretch. the gear is huge in monetary sums and yup it does feel out of reach to many. But I agree completely if one wants something ,one makes it happen,or dies trying lol. John it also need pointing out what a good investment these big whites are,they hold value so well. i've just sadly parted with a 300 f 2.8 is i've used her for two or three years and esentially sold at the price I bought. It's a great help to someone buidling a tool kit

I knew what you were saying buddy I admire folks whom can make this type of thing happen. I want more options than I have mate i'll have to be patient no doubt that is hard,but one also has to see how lucky one is and also cherish what one has now. I can see some folks struggling with these prices mate ( I do ) not being able to have what they desire could get in the way of one's image making:(. Where as they are just tools maybe expensive ,but just tools it's how they are used that is important:) Wildlife is so often about reach and that comes with a price,if one hasn't got that then one learns a workaround until the reach comes.;)

'ere John:D when ever I feel canon still image making tools are expensive I think of and stare at movie making tools. I knew I missed something,off my wish list................have a look at canons I think it's CINE 50=1000mm zoom with int 1.5ext I NEED one john:D (might need a tripod too)

That'll complete my wish list lens wise;)

happy chistmas folks

stu
 
FWIW

I own
1.4X mk3 converter
24-105 mk2
85mm 1.2 mk2
70-200 2.8 IS mk2
100-400 mk2

I no longer want the 24-105 or the 70-200 and hope to trade them both towards an 11-24 f4 L

Trade or sell section here I come.
 
I think I have it all covered for what I shoot
5D mk3 body
Samyung 14mm f2.8
Canon 24-105mm
Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS
Canon 100-400
Canon 50mm f1.4
1.4x and 2x TC

600D body
Canon EFS 10-22mm
Canon EFS 15-85mm
Canon 70-200 F4
Canon 100-400
Canon 50mm f1.8 mk1 (metal)

Plus 2 x 580 flash guns, a 430, a 420 and two cheap Yungnuo flash for manual trigger

If money was no object I'd swap the Samyung 14mm for the canon one, but for the price it's an excellent lens
 
Mike.P said:
I think the one lens in the Canon lineup I would really like is the 200-400mm with built in extender but having had large lenses in the past I just know it wouldn't get the use it deserved due to me being a lazy git and not being arsed to carry it around.
Click to expand...

Ah but think of the boasting points :D Rather like that green Bazooka from Sigma
 
Mike.P said:
Ahh but I would be too knackered from carrying it around to enjoy my "Smugness". I really need someone to carry it around for me.
Hmmm, I need a lens caddy (y)
Click to expand...
I had one of those, but he grew up and went to university :D
 
Mike.P said:
Kids eh, ungrateful little sods if you ask me ;)
Click to expand...
Especially as the 600D backup system is effectively his. I got him a huge Tamrac expedition 9x backpack as he was also into video, so it fitted everything in, including my lenses if we went walking (he's 6'2"). I mean I carried my camera :D
 
Canon fit wise, my 2 favourite lenses have been the 85 f1.8 and the 70-200 f4 non IS. These are the two I think I'll keep forever with my 40D body.

I have had \ still do:

135 f2
100-400 mk1
17-55 IS
100-300
28-135
Sigma 10-22
Extenders \ Raynox etc.

The only thing I would caution is what you want them for. It would be hard to argue for example that you should go for the 70-200 f4 over the f.8 versions, however I never wanted to upgrade mind because I wanted a lighter version and didn't use it indoors in bad light. For me it was a perfect walkaround lens, but not for most people!

The 28-135 was a perfect travel lens for my wife - all depends what you want out of them - it's not the best lens out there but it was the best for us and what we wanted it for.
 
I'll agree about the 70-200 f4. It was the first L lens I bought and is still a favourite for it's performance against it's lightness but the 2.8is just produces gorgeous images and if I'm feeling lazy I'll combine it with the 1.4 and 2x TC in a small bag for walkabout
 
Current line up;

Laowa 15mm f4 1:1 macro
MP-E65
Canon 100mm f2.8 macro
Sigma 150 OS f2.8 macro
Sigma 180 f3.5 macro

Canon 24mm Tilt Shift

Canon 17-40 f4 L
Canon 24-70 f4 L
Canon 100-400 Mk2

Canon 500mm f4 L

Canon 1.4x extender

+Numerous specialist macro/micro lenses & objectives...

What I would like to add;

Canon 85mm f1.4 but in reality I have my eyes on a used Sigma 85 f1.4...

I am always impressed by those who manage to produce superb images no matter what lens/body they use and I often think about taking up knitting.
 
PhilH04 said:
..

I am always impressed by those who manage to produce superb images no matter what lens/body they use and I often think about taking up knitting.
Click to expand...

My wife does specialist knitting to order (Still a hobby though), she only knits with Mohair/Angora wool and makes far more selling that than I will ever get doing photography (also just a hobby). Must say though that she gets some VERY strange requests. :whistle:
 
EOS 5DIII:

EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM
Tamron SP AF 180mm F/3.5 Di LD (IF) Macro
Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

EOS 7DII (my wife's camera):

Sigma 18-125mm F3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM
EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM

Shared:

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM
Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM

Other:

Raynox DCR-250
Hoya Close-up Filters 1x, 2x, 4x

Owned but not in use:

EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
EF 28-80mm f3.5-5.6 IV (x2)
EF 70-210mm f3.5-4.5 USM
EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

Probably don't need all these but they cover the range of activities that we like to experiment with, so they all get used at some point during the year. We don't always buy Canon lenses, as is obvious, but are heavily influenced by vale for money and performance shown in a range of reviews, eg the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM out performed the original Canon 100-400m, and we have been more than satisfied with its performance.

At the moment don't think we need (or want) anything else.
 
Stuart Philpott said:
Ex care worker john i'm not finacially astute,but we've had to make a penny stretch. the gear is huge in monetary sums and yup it does feel out of reach to many. But I agree completely if one wants something ,one makes it happen,or dies trying lol. John it also need pointing out what a good investment these big whites are,they hold value so well. i've just sadly parted with a 300 f 2.8 is i've used her for two or three years and esentially sold at the price I bought. It's a great help to someone buidling a tool kit

I knew what you were saying buddy I admire folks whom can make this type of thing happen. I want more options than I have mate i'll have to be patient no doubt that is hard,but one also has to see how lucky one is and also cherish what one has now. I can see some folks struggling with these prices mate ( I do ) not being able to have what they desire could get in the way of one's image making:(. Where as they are just tools maybe expensive ,but just tools it's how they are used that is important:) Wildlife is so often about reach and that comes with a price,if one hasn't got that then one learns a workaround until the reach comes.;)

'ere John:D when ever I feel canon still image making tools are expensive I think of and stare at movie making tools. I knew I missed something,off my wish list................have a look at canons I think it's CINE 50=1000mm zoom with int 1.5ext I NEED one john:D (might need a tripod too)

That'll complete my wish list lens wise;)

happy chistmas folks

stu
Click to expand...

Yes Care Worker's salaries are not spectacular are they! I think we both went into the wrong careers?

I was trying (clumsily?) to make the point that it is all available if you really want it for the vast majority of us in countries like the UK.
 
I'm pretty much happy with what I've got right now.

Canon 16-35 f/4, 24-70 2.8 II, 70-200 f4 IS, 100mm L, Sigma 35ART, 400 5.6.

In an ideal world I'd swap out 70-200 f/4 and 400 for 85/1.4 + 70-200/2.8 and 100-400 II - the latter being the camera bag mainstay along two other zooms.
 
here is mine

Got Canon
70-200 F4
10-18 STM
18-135 STM
300 F4 + 1.4


Sigma 150-600 C
Sigma 105 Macro
Tamron 17-50

Wish list
Canon 500 or 600 F4
Canon 70-200 2.8

Covers everything I do :)
 
The 11-24mm and both ts-e lenses are utterly superb and unique to canon.

They would be in my wish list for sure, probably with a 5dsR, (2 hopefully with the same dynamic range improvements the other on sensor ADC chip cameras have got).
 
I don’t shoot Canon but I use them every now and then at events, I’d go for:

11-24L
35L II
50L
85L IS

On two 5DIVs of course.
 
Current


Bodies
5D4

7D2

560D

All fitted with Canon grips


Canon 24-70mm f/4 L

Canon 50mm f/1.2 L

Canon 85mm f/1.2 L

Canon 100mm f/2.8 L macro

Canon 135mm f/2 L

Canon 200mm f/2.8 L

Canon 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 mk2 L

Canon 1.4 Mk3 extender


A big heap of barely used EF and EFS non L Canon glass which I'll be shifting in the new year.


Currently gassing for the Canon 16-35mm f/4 L

And will nab a 7D3 the very moment one appears for sale.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top