Which Canon lens to buy?

The goblin

The goblin

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Hi, I currently have the Canon 15-85mm lens but I've never been 100% happy with it! So I'm looking to trade it in and go for something faster, I was looking at the Canon 24-70mm f2.8 L USM as I need something that can catch children in action both indoors and out.

Any tips/ suggestions greatly appreciated.
 
Easy. Canon 17-55 2.8 IS.
 
I am in the same boat, the 15-85 is a great lens but I am now looking for a 17-55mm f2.8, exactly for the same reasons as you.
 
Canon 28-70 2.8, incredible lens, perhaps not really wide enough on a crop
camera but I've had the 24-70 too and this is far superior imo.
 
The goblin said:
I've had a peak at this lens too, the only negatives on the reviews seem to be price & weight for a non L series lens!
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Only negative, if you can call it that, is it's not built like an L-series lens - but then few are. It's certainly very well made, just not like brick out-house.

It has size and weight because it's f/2.8, and compared to the 24-70L 2.8, it's both small and light and cheap! And it has IS. But most of all, it's simply as sharp as you can get.
 
The goblin said:
Hi, I currently have the Canon 15-85mm lens but I've never been 100% happy with it! So I'm looking to trade it in and go for something faster, I was looking at the Canon 24-70mm f2.8 L USM as I need something that can catch children in action both indoors and out.

Any tips/ suggestions greatly appreciated.
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Higher ISO = faster.
 
well i've just went for the 17-55mm f2.8, yeah i know its not an L series but deep down we all know it is really isn't it...
 
HoppyUK said:
Only negative, if you can call it that, is it's not built like an L-series lens - but then few are. It's certainly very well made, just not like brick out-house.
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Yeh, the L series lenses are mighty chunky beasts!

HoppyUK said:
It has size and weight because it's f/2.8, and compared to the 24-70L 2.8, it's both small and light and cheap! And it has IS. But most of all, it's simply as sharp as you can get.
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These are all positive points, I think this may be my next purchase! Now I just need to save some pennies!
 
I just got mine off eBay will post some pics when I get it on Tuesday, there is one for sale now on the classified canon section, says he is open to offers.
 
Martylaa said:
I just got mine off eBay will post some pics when I get it on Tuesday, there is one for sale now on the classified canon section, says he is open to offers.
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Aaahhhhh I've not enough posts to see that section! Haven't been on much since they changed the rules!!!
 
I'm looking to upgrade to the 17-55mm f/2.8 too, seems to get great reviews.
 
Martylaa said:
I just got mine off eBay will post some pics when I get it on Tuesday, there is one for sale now on the classified canon section, says he is open to offers.
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How is this lens working out for you?

I have to ask what may seem like a really stoopid question. It says that this lens is a constant f2.8 throughout the zoom range, can you still change the aperture if needed? Sorry if this is a basic question I've never used this style of lens before!
 
The goblin said:
How is this lens working out for you?

I have to ask what may seem like a really stoopid question. It says that this lens is a constant f2.8 throughout the zoom range, can you still change the aperture if needed? Sorry if this is a basic question I've never used this style of lens before!
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Yes, you can set any higher f/number you like.

It is known as 'constant' because it stays at f/2.8 right the way from 17mm to 55mm, whereas many other zooms have variable maximum apertures, like the kit lens which is f/3.5 at 18mm but drops to f/5.6 at 55mm. They will both run all the way to f/22.
 
HoppyUK said:
It is known as 'constant' because it stays at f/2.8 right the way from 17mm to 55mm, whereas many other zooms have variable maximum apertures, like the kit lens which is f/3.5 at 18mm but drops to f/5.6 at 55mm. They will both run all the way to f/22.
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I 'guessed' this was the case, I just wanted to be sure before I spend more money.

I'm constantly learning here, which is clearly needed!!!
 
Tamron 17-55mm Non-VC if you cannot afford the Canon 17-55 2.8.
 
HoppyUK said:
Easy. Canon 17-55 2.8 IS.
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Simple, direct and 100% spot on.

I had to sell mine as I got a 1D4 and the EF-S will not fit, but I think it was sharper than the 24-70 L I replaced it with.
 
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whiteflyer said:
Simple, direct and 100% spot on.
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True, but do invest in a good quality protective filter as it sucks dust in. This is highly unlikely to affect image quality, but it will make a difference if you choose to sell it on.
 
The23rdman said:
True, but do invest in a good quality protective filter as it sucks dust in. This is highly unlikely to affect image quality, but it will make a difference if you choose to sell it on.
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Yes, I had a filter on mine right from the start, and it was dust free when I sold it on.
 
The23rdman said:
True, but do invest in a good quality protective filter as it sucks dust in. This is highly unlikely to affect image quality, but it will make a difference if you choose to sell it on.
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On the other hand, it's got to suck air in somewhere. It's designed to breathe through the front, where it is a very easy DIY cleaning job - google, takes ten minutes, I've done it. If it gets dust in elsewhere, it could need a full strip down.

And a few specs of dust are very unlikely to cause any image problems, whereas filters unquestionably do ;)
 
i would go for the 24-70 and have something else for wider shots when needed. It's worth it for the extra build quality and optical quality. That said, the 17-55mm is a great lens too, many will say it shouldn't be missing a red ring.
 
m4drx said:
i would go for the 24-70 and have something else for wider shots when needed. It's worth it for the extra build quality and optical quality. That said, the 17-55mm is a great lens too, many will say it shouldn't be missing a red ring.
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Build yes, Bragging red ring rights Yes, Optical quality NO.

I honestly don't believe the 24-70 is optical better than the 17-55, if they ever bring out an 24-70 with IS things may change but it's a very big if, and at the moment on a crop camera the EF-S 17-55 is IMHO the better choice.
 
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macvisual said:
Look out for a mint/used or new Canon 85mm f/1.8, lovely fast lens and really not that expensive. Superb!
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I already have this lens and I have to say it is awesome! I just have to be half way across the room to fit anything in though!
 
shabba said:
Tamron 17-55mm Non-VC if you cannot afford the Canon 17-55 2.8.
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This is the best option if money is a concern, I use mine indoors all the time (its never been outside cos I cant get out) and its a keeper.. of course you will also have some cash over most likely, that could go towards a 430 ex flash or a 50mm F1.8 which pairs well with the 85mm F1.8 for low light portraits.

In fact these 3 are my main lenses and I wouldn't be without any of them.
 
I think I just need to rethink my lens collection in general. The 100mm macro and 85mm prime are safe!

I've just discovered I've been a chump and not focusing correctly with my 7d (I always new I was doing something wrong) so my 15-85 may have a reprise while I practice what I should have been doing from the get go! Already I'm getting better pictures.

The trouble I have is fast moving children. I do think the 17-55 would be a better choice. I like the idea of the nifty fifty but I would still need the width of the 17-55 so this sounds like a good compromise.

I now need a 70-200 or 300 as my husband seems to have permanently borrowed my 55-250!

Now if only I could win a share of the euromillions!!!
 
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