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yourapocalypse

yourapocalypse

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Spike
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Yes
It's finally happening. After a good six months of blather about how I really need to upgrade, I'm taking the plunge. But of course it's not that easy, and one of the things you people are good at is spending other people's money, so here we are ;)

I usually take landscapes and portraits, with odd bits of band photography, architecture, abstracts, clubbing and whatever has inspired me on TP this week :D


What I have:

Is in my sig.


What I'm definitely getting:

Canon EOS 40D - much as I'd love one, I can't justify the 5D. I'm happy with Canon, and not about to jump ship ;)

Sigma 10-20mm - I've played with one a couple of times, and love the damn thing. I'd like the Canon equivalent, but it's too much extra. That's the short end covered.


What I'm getting in the future:

Sigma 70-300mm - I don't do anything serious at long range, but this'll be enough to play with. Macro as well, which I'll play with.

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 - As on a previous thread, I've got a nifty, but it's a bit long on a cropped body. Low light solution, right here.


Here's where you come in:

I need a decent walkaround lens. I'm assuming no one rates the 17-85 IS kit lens that comes with the 40D, correct? Now of course you want to know my budget, and I'm afraid I can't tell you, because I'm not entirely sure myself. I've looked at some L glass, but typically the one that seems to most suit my requirements (24-70) is the most expensive. So people, what do you think? What do you advise?

For completeness sake, I'm also thinking of the Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod, as I'm around 6'3", but I have no idea about heads. I'll probably want to stash this little lot in a Lowepro Slingshot 200.

What a ramble, I'll throw this to the wolves now, what do you all reckon, and what have I missed? (apart from actual photographic skill, but let's forget that a moment) :D
 
I have a Canon 24-85 3.5-4.5 back on the market
looking for £115 incl postage:thumbs:

there's pics in the for sale forum
 
Canon 17-40mm L? Very popular lens, so I'm led to believe...
 
The kit lens 17-85 is a great walkabout lens. I have found myself using it a lot more often than expeceted
 
reddeathdrinker said:
Canon 17-40mm L? Very popular lens, so I'm led to believe...
Click to expand...

That was my first thought but it doesn't offer too much if you have a 10-20 and a 30.

There are some good Sigma and Tamron bits in the 20ish to 80ish range. :shrug:
 
Thanks for the opinions, people :)

The 17-40L I had considered, and it's the cheapest 'L' out there, but Dazza's right, I've already got that end pretty much covered, and I can't really think of a reorganisation to include it.

Dave, I'm surprised you think the 17-85 is any cop, I'd heard it wasn't even as good as the 18-55 (non IS) that I'm using now, but then I haven't used one. Anyone else have an opinion there?

Mike, good timing, eh? ;) I'll have a think. My friend has a 'standard' 24-105 (I think), says it's a pretty good piece of kit.

Typically I can't find any package deals (canon ones, not store ones), I'm sure there was one that included the 17-85 and a wide angle somewhere.
 
I use a 24-105 on a 5D as a walk around lens. It might add just the range you need on the crop sensor of the 40D.

If your friend has one why not borrow it for a weekend and see how you get on before we spend any more of your money? :)
 
Sadly not an option, firstly because he's using it, and secondly because he's at the other end of the country.

I've been erring towards the 24-105 if I get enough cash. That plus the 10-20 should make a decent combo...
 
Shame you are the other side to me too or you could have tried mine :)
 
Edit: stupid double post. Thanks, Ali :)
 
Just fill the gaps with primes. cheaper and you'll get faster glass. 85mm f/1.8 personally i think is a great focal length for portraits on a cropped body.
 
yourapocalypse said:
I've been erring towards the 24-105 if I get enough cash. That plus the 10-20 should make a decent combo...
Click to expand...

I find the 24-105 an excellent " all rounder" when coupled to the 40D, not the cheapest option I know but I am certainly glad I bought it :thumbs:
 
If 50mm is too long, then 85mm is WAY too long. Wouldn't be any use for what I do outside the studio, and possibly too long for the studio as well :(
 
I used a Sigma 24-70mmF2.8 on a 30d as a walkaround - gave good IQ aacross the range but for in city shots (like plazas and squares or even shots of cathedrals its just not wide enough on crop sensor body. If you are happy to carry the 10-20mm too then its ideal.

If you want a single lens to cover say 17 to 70mm then your options are becoming more limited.
 
After a whole ton of deliberation I'm down to a toss up between the EF 24-105L f/4 IS USMand the EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM (which I am led to believe is 'L' in glass, if not in body). So here I am, primed and ready for purchase, and...

...I went and lost my wallet last night.

The camera gods do not love me this week. Maybe I should sacrifice an old kit lens...
 
yourapocalypse said:
For completeness sake, I'm also thinking of the Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod, as I'm around 6'3", but I have no idea about heads.
Click to expand...


I have the very same tripod, i use the 488RC4 head, and the 322RC2 joystick head, both excellent heads for this tripod.
 
Maybe a bit late as you seem to have made up your mind, but I'm using the Kit 17-85mm IS USM. Only been using it for a week but it seems to be fine, Suppose it depends what your looking for.

Bee.jpg
 
Ah, you've pre-empted my next question, so thanks for that. I have no idea about heads, but I've been thinking of a pan and tilt job. I'm not using long or heavy lenses (at least not especially), and I'm not shooting sports or wildlife, so moving quickly isn't a necessity. I want to be able to position the camera exactly, i'm not bothered about doing it fast.
 
edit: and thanks Peppy. I have, kinda, on the basis that I might as well spend the money if I can afford it. That is a nice photo though.

I've been swayed by 100% crop rollover comparisons between kit lenses and the ones I named. Sweet Jesus these things are sharp.
 
If you've not spent your cash already - I'd suggest the Sigma 17-70 2.8 as a walkabout lens - got one myself and it's cracking - pin sharp images.

Cheers.

Anth.
 
It was under consideration, i'm just a bit iffy about Sigma QC. I'm sure they're fine in the main, I just want to buy Canon if I can afford it. And believe me, being able to afford it is a rarity! I appreciate your input though :)
 
i would say go with the 24-105mm f4 L (i have two) but if that is not wide enough then go with the 17-40mm f4 L - i would stick with the L glass if i were you.

the 24-70mm f2.8 L is a great lens but is the price of both of the above and is heavy...
 
Yeah, I ruled out the 24-70, sadly.
 
The Sigma 24-70 is a great lens and much less expensive than the Canon version. It is one of my main walkabout lenses (the 10-20 is my other).
 
I'd always go for aperture being greater than range. much rather go for the 17-55 f/2.8 than the 24-105 f/4. Personally, F/4 is just not fast enough across that focal range.
 
I have a 24-105 on my 5D and absolutely love it, perfect walkabout lens... Cant fault it.
 
yourapocalypse said:
Sadly not an option, firstly because he's using it, and secondly because he's at the other end of the country.

I've been erring towards the 24-105 if I get enough cash. That plus the 10-20 should make a decent combo...
Click to expand...

I was up for a 24-105 L, but decided I wanted something a bit faster and settled on the Sigma 24-70 f2.8. I would of had the Canon but it's an expensive bit of kit.

The 24-70 is a great combination with my 40D.

Steve
 
Never used one, but the images I've seen from the Sigma 24-70 seem to have appalling bokeh. Might not matter to everyone.
 
I don't know enough about Canon Kit to suggest but in general I'd make sure I'd spend money on a good lens (f2.8 L series) even if I had to buy S/H.

I'd recommend you stay clear of the slingshot series - they are nice bags but after a full day togging with a loaded bag you'll know about it especially in the right shoulder.

I changed to the Orion AW bag a while back and I love it. It is basically a beltpack that comes with a day sack and shoulder strap attachments so you can choose whether to carry it as a shoulder bag, a rucksack or a belt pack. Plus it's a big deep bag so I can get 2 D200s, 18-70mm, 35-70mm, 80-200mm, 50mm, 105VR, SB800, camera batteries, CF cards, a CPL filter, my Lee Filter Holders and some spare AA batteries all in bag.

The 055 series tripods are very sturdy and very nice quality and is perfect for the greater height it can go to without extending the center pole. As for heads it's really personal choice and I found the 322RC2 head perfect for me I would recommend trying some for size before selecting
 
Cheers for that, Simon, I'll check the Orion out. I don't *think* I'll have a problem with the Slingshot, on the basis that I rarely carry stuff round all day, I'm quite used to lugging stuff about, and I used to have a (non togging) bag of the same design that I loved and used throughout Uni.

My thanks to everyone else commenting on the lens issue, I appreciate y'all taking the time to reply :)
 
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