The unsung heroes!

Strangways

Strangways

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There has just been a thread about the Canon 70-300mm USM IS lens which made me think.

There are lots of great lenses that never get a mention or at least get overlooked for the Canon 'L' series. We cant all afford the top of the range lenses so lets sing the praises of the lenses that come close and in my opinion are as good as those 'L' lenses.

Apart from the one mentioned above, the lenses that I have in my collection that don't get the publicity they deserve are:-

1. Sigma 70mm f2.8 macro. All the reviews say that nothing is sharper, the colour is outstanding and it is ideal for portraits on a crooped sensor lens.

2. Sigma 24-60mm f2.8. The predecessor of the 24-70mm f2.8 but so much smaller and lighter. It is no longer made, but if you can find a review they are given the preference to the latter lens.

3. Canon 18-200mm IS. Of course this is not the best optical quality, but I couldn't live without it. Like many others, we cant always carry every lens with us, so this is a great companion lens for everyday use. If I didn't have it I would have missed so many good opportunities of a decent photo.

So what unsung heroes have you got in your bags?

Not 'L' series, the as good or nearly as good alternatives.
 
mastertrinity said:
i can vouche for most people when i say the 50mm f1.8/1.4:clap:
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Are you saying these lenses don't get the publicity they deserve? Cos that's what the thread is about.

Every day I see a thread about the nifty fifty.

Unsung hero for me would probably be 35mm.
 
I left out the 50mm f1.8, because it does get the coverage. I'm looking for the lenses that should, but dont, get the mentions.
 
The Canon 55-250 IS. Brilliant lens, brilliant IS, brilliant value and brilliant optics. Brilliant.

You cant get better punch per pound than this lens!

I'd also mention the 10-22 but thats always being talked about!
 
I have never used the 55-250mm but it does seem to have very good reviews. Good selection. Maybe we should start a hit list!
 
My vote: Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM - most people don't know that you can get a 12mm full-frame lens.

And what about the unsung heroes that also happen to be "L" lenses?
- Canon EF 135mm f/2 L USM
- Canon EF 200mm f/2.8 L II USM
 
The tamron 90mm 2.8 macro, and 17-50 2.8's, are both gems in the otherwise occasionally dodgy world of offbrand lenses, by pretty much all accounts, ditto the sigma 50mm 1.4, and the tokina 11-16 2.8.
 
I am going to put on my tin hat and run for the trenches when I say - The Tamron 70 - 300 zoom, the cheapy one around £110. It gives 400mm on the Sony A700, and I can use it on portraits (gives a lovely "Bokeh" effect wide open.


Scurries away, waiting for incoming fire.
 
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 for me - awesome for the money and every bit as good as the OEM versions at a third of the price.
 
StewartR said:
My vote: Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM - most people don't know that you can get a 12mm full-frame lens.

+1. A lens that works well on both APS-C & FF, distortion is well corrected for an ultra wide angle
Click to expand...
 
StewartR said:
And what about the unsung heroes that also happen to be "L" lenses?
- Canon EF 135mm f/2 L USM
- Canon EF 200mm f/2.8 L II USM
Click to expand...


:plusone:

sold 200 few months back but it was amazing lens and what a quality for the money ;D
 
StewartR said:
And what about the unsung heroes that also happen to be "L" lenses?

- Canon EF 200mm f/2.8 L II USM
Click to expand...

:plusone:

Bought a 200mm 2.8L Mk1 the other day. It's gorgeous :love:
Bokeh, sharp wide open across the board, blisteringly fast and accurate AF and wonderful contrast.
 
Another vote here for the Siggy 12-24.

Also, I'm a big fan of the Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM - great on a crop body as a short, fast telephoto for indoor work (I used one a lot for theatre work).
 
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