Good starter lens to go with Canon 5D Mark II

SmileyShazza

SmileyShazza

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After much deliberation I think I am going to take the plunge and upgrade my 40d to a 5D Mark II :) I've been thinking about it for a while and have been saving for quite a while and I think the time has come to bite the bullet and go for it.

My question is what lens to get to go with it? :help:

I need something which would be good for portraits as I do take a lot of those, mostly of babies/children so need something which is suitable for those but hopefully that can also double up as a lens to use for general photography.

I'm photographing a friends wedding in October so also need something I can use at that - however I will be using the 40d as a back up camera and have a number of lenses I can use with that in varying ranges so this isn't as much of a requirement as something to use for taking baby/childrens portraits.

Obviously I realise the lenses for the 5D are going to be much more pricey so to start off with will probably only be able to afford one but I have no idea which one to go for so any recommendations would be gladly accepted :)
 
I agree that L glass or very good quality is really the way forward on a 5D
the good lenses will translate to your 40D too, so you can always start selling off your EF-S cropped lenses as you'll use them less and less I think
for weddings the normal L glass goes to f2.8 , but the F4 version has longer range and IS.
the 24-105mm f/4L IS 'kit' lens as mentioned above
for portraits I love my 50mm canon so something with a bit more range would suit the 5D
any of the decent 70-200mm f2.8's would double up as a good portrait lens or an awesome wedding lens.
sigma do a cheaper version than the canon (the gold standard I think)
 
SmileyShazza said:
Most of my current lenses are EFS so won't be compaticble with the 5D mark II I don't think :(

I have the following lenses

Canon 50mm 1.8
Canon EF-S 17 - 85mm Kit Lens
Canon EF-S 17 - 55mm
Canon EF-S 55 - 250mm
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Don't even attempt to use the EF-S lenses on the 5DII since they are only meant for 1.6 crop cameras and will hit the mirror and damage it since they project further into the camera than the EF lenses.

The 50mm f1.8 lens is fine.

.
 
EF-S lenses will not hit the mirror for the simple reason that they will not fit the mount.

Third party APS-C lenses such as Siggy DC etc will mount and cause no damage, just vignetting, EF-S wont mount at all without taking a saw to the lens.
 
For me on the 5DII I would go for the 24-70/2.8 - A real corkerand a worthy replacement for my 17-55/2.8 that was stuck on my cropper.
 
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 for sheer wow factor.

24-70 or 24-105 becomes really nice for the wider view, but you won't notice much depth of field difference compared to the bam from f/1.4
 
My Vote is the 24-105mm f4 it's a good all rounder :thumbs:

Regards

Richard
 
SmileyShazza said:
Most of my current lenses are EFS so won't be compaticble with the 5D mark II I don't think :(

I have the following lenses

Canon 50mm 1.8
Canon EF-S 17 - 85mm Kit Lens
Canon EF-S 17 - 55mm
Canon EF-S 55 - 250mm
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From where you are currently, I think it's a bigger question than you're asking ;) Unless you confine the 40D to a completely separate and non-overlapping purpose, such as long lenses only, trying to run what is effectively two systems with incompatible lenses will be very confusing and frustrating.

So my advice would be sell the lot and get a 5D2 and a used 5D classic as back up. Reconfigure all your lenses around full frame.

On the other hand, you could make it work more cheaply by keeping the 40D and getting a 7D and adjusting your current lens collection. Keep superb 17-55, sell 17-85 (which adds nothing), replace 55-250 with 70-200L 4 IS (plus extension tubes for macro), add 85 1.8 for portraits. You're also missing a super-wide.

Maybe not the answer you're looking for but HTH :)
 
swag72 said:
For me on the 5DII I would go for the 24-70/2.8 - A real corkerand a worthy replacement for my 17-55/2.8 that was stuck on my cropper.
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I have to admit since buying the 17 - 55 lens the others have hardly been on my 40d :)

Great to see all the recommendations - keep them coming then I can have a read up and make a decision on what to go for.
 
HoppyUK said:
From where you are currently, I think it's a bigger question than you're asking ;) Unless you confine the 40D to a completely separate and non-overlapping purpose, such as long lenses only, trying to run what is effectively two systems with incompatible lenses will be very confusing and frustrating.

So my advice would be sell the lot and get a 5D2 and a used 5D classic as back up. Reconfigure all your lenses around full frame.

On the other hand, you could make it work more cheaply by keeping the 40D and getting a 7D and adjusting your current lens collection. Keep superb 17-55, sell 17-85 (which adds nothing), replace 55-250 with 70-200L 4 IS (plus extension tubes for macro), add 85 1.8 for portraits. You're also missing a super-wide.

Maybe not the answer you're looking for but HTH :)
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Thanks for your reply - has given me something to think about.

I had considered getting a 7D as then I could utilise the 17 - 55 (which I love so much) the main thing that put me off was that it appears most people are of the opinion that if you will be mostly shooting portraits go for the 5D as the 7D is better for sports.

If I had a bit more money I would get the 5D2 and a back up 5D without a doubt as I think it will be something I can grow into whereas at the moment my kit is a bit higgledy piggeldy as it has been added to without any real purpose as I've been just shooting for fun. Now I'm thinking of taking things further I can see that I need to streamline my kit and make what I have work better for me :thumbs:
 
SmileyShazza said:
Thanks for your reply - has given me something to think about.

I had considered getting a 7D as then I could utilise the 17 - 55 (which I love so much) the main thing that put me off was that it appears most people are of the opinion that if you will be mostly shooting portraits go for the 5D as the 7D is better for sports.

If I had a bit more money I would get the 5D2 and a back up 5D without a doubt as I think it will be something I can grow into whereas at the moment my kit is a bit higgledy piggeldy as it has been added to without any real purpose as I've been just shooting for fun. Now I'm thinking of taking things further I can see that I need to streamline my kit and make what I have work better for me :thumbs:
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Oh good, we're on the same page :)

The point is, format is fundamental, is drives every lens decision. So if you are in a position to reconfigure things for full frame around a 5D2 now, think where you want to be long term, say where you can realistically expect to be in the next year or two, and if you can't do everything at once, don't do anything meanwhile which seriously blocks that plan.

Even if you might zig zag a bit alone the way, the goal is always the same. Use the for sale section here, which is very good for both buying and selling. For example, if you buy quality used gear, you can sell it on later at pretty much the same money. No problem in running two formats meanwhile, it's just a temporary inconvenience along the way.

On the other hand, crop format is very capable, is undoubtedly cheaper and better at some things. It may be all you need. Full fame is basically about image quality, but maybe you just don't need any more than you've currently got. What's wrong with the 40D's IQ? And afterall, within reason, there are more important considerations - a rubbish picture is still a rubbish picture, and a good one is always a good one no matter what it was taken on.

The key point is the more you build on a certain system, the harder it will be to jump ship later. When I sold my 40D and got the 5D2, I knowingly gave up long lens wildlife sports (sold my long lenses) because, on balance, I would be better off with the subject that I mainly photographed. I think that should be your priority - the best tools for your most important work, then build on that foundation. I've been very happy, but now of course, the thing I want to do most of all is a bit of birding again. Such is life LOL :D

Edit: sorry for waffling...
 
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woof woof said:
EF-S lenses will not hit the mirror for the simple reason that they will not fit the mount.

Third party APS-C lenses such as Siggy DC etc will mount and cause no damage, just vignetting, EF-S wont mount at all without taking a saw to the lens.
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YES you are quite right EF-S lenses do not mount onto an EF camera.

Think I got this wrong because I have mounted one onto my 1DsII using Kenko extension tubes (I think).

.
 
Siding with a lot of others here, either the 24-105 or the 24-70. Both cracking lumps of glass and a great match for your 5D2.

Ian
 
I don't think it is a massive issue having both FF and cropped bodies. It gives you a bit more versatility, if I want to shoot sport I go for my 20D rather than my 5D.

My lenses are all based around FF, but it your situation I would replace the 17-55 with a 24-70 (or 24-105) and the 55-250 with a 70-200 (which ever flavour you prefer). Both these lenses, as well as your 50mm could be used on either camera. I'd also keep the kit lens for your 40D as the EF lenses won't be very wide on the 40D if you need to use it.
 
You're going to get the same suggestions from virtually everyone on this one and I'm no different.

Sell the 17-55 EFS.This will give you enough back for the 24-105L(throw in the 17-85 and you won't be too far away from the price of a 24-70L).
Which one to get out of those 2 is purely what is more important to you-F2.8 or extra length and IS.This is just my opinion but having owned 3 of the 24-105L and a couple of 24-70's I would go for the 24-70 in your situation.You are used to the F2.8 of your 17-55 and the focal lengths are not a million miles apart.I find the 24-70 to be sharper and have more contrast than the 24-105,less vignetting and distortion at the wide end.However,I'm using the 24-105 at the minute.I'm finding the IS and extra length more useful.
I would then sell the 55-200 and try and find the pennies for a 70-200L of some sort.I can vouch for the F4is and F2.8 MK2 being very very nice and you wouldn't be disappointed with either.Can't comment on the others since I haven't used them.

One thing to note is that September is notorious for new camera announcements.Might not be any this time but you never know!

Cheers
Gary
 
If I was to choose three zoom lenses to cover all ranges it would be...
Canon 16-35mm L (I dont need shorter than this, but theres other options if you do)
Canon 24-70mm L (Great all rounder for shorter ranges, I love this lens at around 50mm-60mm)
Canon 70-200mm L IS mkII (Unless you want a rucksack full of primes with little difference in IQ anyway, then this is the best you can buy to cover these distances)
 
Chris Primadona said:
If I was to choose three zoom lenses to cover all ranges it would be...
Canon 16-35mm L (I dont need shorter than this, but theres other options if you do)
Canon 24-70mm L (Great all rounder for shorter ranges, I love this lens at around 50mm-60mm)
Canon 70-200mm L IS mkII (Unless you want a rucksack full of primes with little difference in IQ anyway, then this is the best you can buy to cover these distances)
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Or the other Canon Trinity, the f/4 versions (that I use).

17-40L
24-105L IS
70-200L 4 IS
 
I'll give you my advice but I'm a real pro excellent choice o camera 5d mk2 superb choice but for lens choice do not buy any lens that slower than 2.8 so if your funds are limited 1st buy a canon ef 24-70 f2.8 L usm and if you can really try and get the money and buy the canon ef 70-200 f2.8 L is usm mk11 superb lens probably the best zoom in the world I take mines to bed once in winter to keep it warm lol anyway also when ordering consider buying another 5d mk2 best to run a dual body setup to save u switching lenses always get the shot you need without messing about keep shooting brother take the advice on board and thank me later
 
HoppyUK said:
Or the other Canon Trinity, the f/4 versions (that I use).

17-40L
24-105L IS
70-200L 4 IS
Click to expand...

I go with this selection absolutely. Depth of field is not good at f2.8 so unless you really NEED it save your pennies and buy f4!

I kept my 40D as a back-up but I also have a 100-400 zoom which I leave on the 40D for the rare occasion when I think I might need more reach - eg birding. I don't carry it around with me all the time.

As for ONE lens for the 5D2 - 24-105, definitely.

So....message to hoppy - you should have kept the 40D!;)
 
jerry12953 said:
I go with this selection absolutely. Depth of field is not good at f2.8 so unless you really NEED it save your pennies and buy f4!

I kept my 40D as a back-up but I also have a 100-400 zoom which I leave on the 40D for the rare occasion when I think I might need more reach - eg birding. I don't carry it around with me all the time.

As for ONE lens for the 5D2 - 24-105, definitely.

So....message to hoppy - you should have kept the 40D!;)
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Yeah, but then there's the fact that you can stop down to f4 and f2.8 is there if you need it. Also, depth of field at f2.8 is perfect for candids, not group shots perhaps but it has its uses.

Anyway, it really depends on budget and what you own now.

Personally if I could only go with one lens then it'd be a 24-70 variant. The 24-105L is good providing you don't want/need 2.8.
 
As it goes I am going to America in October and so I'm pretty sure I will be making a purchase while I am out there as it makes sense to buy it over there as they are so much cheaper.

Definitely decided to get the 5D Mark II now as I think I can grow into it and it will be a more long lasting option for me :)

Now I just need to make a decision about which lens to go for. I may even be able to stretch to two as I will be saving a fair bit of money on the body :D
 
i've just checked some approx. prices (including NY sales tax of 4% which you cant claim back)

5dmk2 - £1590 vs £1770 UK
24-105 - £730 vs £930 UK
24-70 - £890 vs £1k UK

5dmk2 + 24-105 kit looks good value at £2100ish

assuming I got my calculations right?


one other thing to bear in mind is getting hold of kit like the 5dmk2 as there have been stock shortages recently
 
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HSC said:
where in the USA are you going - if its NY you could go to B&H http://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/jsp/area_map.jsp

also - what kind of portraits to you like? Full body, close range or half body/stealth range?
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We are going to Las Vegas :)

I mostly take quite close portraits - close facial shots and head and shoulders rather than full length body shots.
 
For portraits, do not mess around just get a 135L ! It is not crazilly expensive second hand.

IMHO, the Canon 24-70f2.8L is overrated, I had two copies and preffreed the Tammy 28-75 at a fraction of the price.

Just a thought.

Best of luck with yourselection.


Edit. Have just read your comment immediately above and it just reinforces the case for the 135L.
 
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HSC said:
i've just checked some approx. prices (including NY sales tax of 4% which you cant claim back)

5dmk2 - £1590 vs £1770 UK
24-105 - £730 vs £930 UK
24-70 - £890 vs £1k UK

5dmk2 + 24-105 kit looks good value at £2100ish

assuming I got my calculations right?


one other thing to bear in mind is getting hold of kit like the 5dmk2 as there have been stock shortages recently
Click to expand...

Plus 6% duty and 20% VAT. If you don't declare it and get caught, you could get a fine on top, or possibly worse.
 
I'm in the USA at the moment. Checked prices here and they're not super different. I'm in Vegas tomorrow and if I find a camera shop (have to say not likely as we're only there for the evening) I'll check prices....
 
My 5dmk2 arrived yesterday! I haven't used it much yet, but like you i have upgraded from a 40d.

I only have 2 lenses that i use, which are: 17-40L, and 85 1.8

At 17mm i can see my filters in the frame! (i think i need the slim versions from Hoya).

The only lens i really want now is the 35L. My ultimate collection would look like this:
- 16-35L
- 35L
- 85 1.8
- 135L

You're going full frame, so you might as well take the other big step and go primes ;)
 
I have been looking at the prices online at Las Vegas stockists and to be honest the prices aren't actually that cheaper to the UK - less than £100 for the body so I'm now thinking that it isn't worth getting it over there and have to pay import tax etc.

I really wish I could stretch to the 24 - 70 as I do like having 2.8 available to me but I don't think I can afford it right now. The 40d will be going to my husband as he would like to learn how to use a SLR but is always scared of using my camera in case he breaks it :lol: I reckon I will probably keep the 17 - 55 as it such a good lens and then sell the 17 - 85 and the 55 - 250 (unless hubby wants to buy them off me!) then maybe I might be able to invest in another lens (possibly the 70 - 200).

It's just such a massive investment!
 
Have you tried Kerso - Ian Kerr, see advertisers section here. Highly recommended supplier who always beats normal retail by a useful margin. He imports stuff form the US, but it's fully UK warrantied, UK duty/VAT etc paid. Drop him an email.
 
Thats narrowed it down to 47 selections so far! :) 24-105............. (48th)
 
The only downside of the excellent 24-70 f/2.8 is the weight!
 
Fully appreciate that the Canon 24-70L is highly regarded by many and I had it for a couple of years but I found it to be average at best (do not think I had a bad copy). Most overrated lens I can think of (?).

Much prefer the 16-35II as a walkabout which, FL aside, I think gives more contrast etc.. and is possibly sharper.

In that region I much prefer the Tammy 28-75 to the Canon 24-70.

Just my 2p worth
 
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