Canon 5d lenses

I don't know a whole lot about lenses. I DONT have a photography background, when I was a kid I had a VHS camcorder. So Jake Don and I are all planning on using the 5d in the future. What lenses or "glass" do all of you photographers suggest.

This http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/eos5dm2/movies/mov003.html was shot with a 70 to 200mm EF

This http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/eos5dm2/movies/mov004.html was shot with an EF85.

I really like those shots, but they are farther away from the 35mm shots, the wider angle lenses don't look as good to me (personally)

If I had to get one all purpose lense what would you all suggest?

Ok, here's the lenses I use on the original 5D for photos.
Canon 70-200 f/4 L
Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS L
Canon 50mm f/1.8
Canon 18-55 f.3.5
Sigma 24-70 DG macro f/2.8
Canon 2x extender
Macro tube (3 set)


So my two favorite (use 95% of time) is the 70-200 f/2.8 IS L and the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 DG macro. I really do not have a great wide angle but wish I did.

I did a thorough test at different focal lengths and f stops on the Canon and Sigma 24-70 and I thought that in about 75% of the shots I liked the sharpness and contrast of the Sigma over the Canon L lens. AND it was less than half the cost. The canon L lenses are great, sharp as a tack but the Sigma lenses are great too. Best is to go to a camera store with your camera and take some test pics with a couple different lenses and study the outcome.

I probably need to sell the the 70-200 f/4 L. Very seldom use it since I got the image stabilized F/2.8.

On the samples you listed on my computer I thought the 70-200 looked sharper and higher contrast. So hard to tell if they were not processed exactly the same. Remember that the 70-200 f/2.8 IS L will cost more than half as much as the 5D MkII body. Lenses can get very expensive so best to find a good 17-70 mm size and then a 70-200mm if possible. That way you have 95% of lengths covered that you may need.

The Canon 24-70 f/2.8 L was about $1200 and the same in Sigma was less than $600. I've sold lots of photos with both lenses. I would guess that I leave the 70-200 on the body 80% of the time.

Don

Great Info! Thank you Don!!! I had to read that over several times.

I like the look of that Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS L and if you say you use it 80% of the time, and based on your overall info I think I will get that one. Ill have to save up a little more, though, hopefully Dec and Jan will be big selling months, I predict they will be *fingers crossed*

Canon 17-40L
Canon 24-70L 2.8
Canon 70-200L IS 2.8
Canon 50mm macro
Canon 50mm L f/1.2
Tamron 180mm macro
Sigma 105mm macro
Kenko macro ring set
Canon 1.4x & 2x teleconverters

I have a few more, but that's what I use frequently with my 5D (and hopefuly soon 5DII)

The wider the lens the more depth of field you are going to see at normal focusing distances. If you are looking for selective shallow focus, where the background is very out of focus then the longer lenses over 100mm would do that better.

Close up headshots would look better being shot at 80 to 150mm range, this way the nose doesn't get increased in size, rather it becomes slightly flatter.

The 50mm lens with a full frames sensor such as the Canon 5D is referred to as a "standard lens", this means the field of view is almost equal to what your own eyes see.

A 50mm Canon 1.8 or 1.4 lens is probably one of the sharpest and cheapest lens you can buy and lets in lots of light for low light shooting, I view it for the price as a must have lens. Use some extension tubes and all your lenses will close focus more and reduce the depth of field, (increase shallow focus).

The 70-200mm f2.8 has become the must have lens for pros and serious amateurs, but it is heavy and large, ( who says size doesn't matter) to carry around. All the fashion photographers use it.

A good option for everyday shooting might be the Canon 24-105 EF IS USM which can be bought as a package deal with the 5D MKll

When your looking on the web for info, remember the 5D MKll is full frame, so all the info about smaller sensors does not apply, there is no 1.6 magnification happening with the 5D.

Maybe try and get a cheap book on SLR photography from before digital at a garage sale or Goodwill store, the techniques of depth of field, angle of view, perspective, still apply to a full frame DSLR today.

Thank you NormStock and Varius, i really appreciate this info, I don't like going to reveiw websites because many of them are just written by affiliates trying to get referral income.

I bought the 5D MK1 with the 24-105 EF IS USM as a package. Except for a Canon Macro 100mm it's my only lens. I am satisfied - one of the better zooms - but zoom lenses are normally only second best.

If I was to get a big stonking zoom lens for wildlife shots - what would you recommend?

Canon 100-400mm, F/4.5 Telephoto Zoom EF IS USM "L" Lens about $1500
or for the big one try the Sigma 300-800mm f /5.6 EX zoom lens at about $6000; 21 inches long and 13 pounds weight. Add a 2x extender to that and reach out and touch anything.

Don

thanks for that - will keep it mind for the near future.