header

Torsten Curdt’s weblog

Standard zooms

Although I am very happy with my Canon 30D I am not with the crappy kit lens that came with it (Canon EF-S 18-55). But it’s just worth keeping for the wide angle ..and for the fact that selling it on ebay is like throwing it away. Too many people don’t want it – so no money you will get. But anyway!

I am especially happy with Canon EF 50/1.4 which is just my favorite lens at the moment. Although I tend to, a fix lens is not that well suited to have always on. So with the upcoming vacation (in Jan/Feb) and the increase of the sale tax next year it seems to be well worth thinking of getting a good day-to-day standard zoom as soon as possible. (Amazon for example seems to be increasing the prices already – hoping no one would notice. Just right for Christmas. Bastards!) So here is my pre-selection:

  • Canon EF-L USM 2,8/24-70 CPS (ca. 1200 EUR)
  • Sigma EX 24-70/2,8 DG Macro (ca. 409 EUR)
  • Canon EF USM 3,5-5,6/28-135 IS (ca. 430 EUR)

Basically I was looking for something like the first two. 24-70 seems a good range. Especially with another 70-300 in the bag. But the 28-135 sounds like really good value, too. Some people gave that lens even really good reviews. When I tried it in Austin I found it to have a bit of a cheap touch though. The Sigma also sounds really good. And the Macro is a nice bonus. Just supposed to be a bit slower on the focus.

So before spending big bucks on a L-lens I thought it would be great to get some feedback from the lazy web first. So anyone owning these lenses? Suggestions and feedback very much welcome!!

Update:
Thanks for the feedback I got …via comments, via email or in person. Now I am a happy owner of the Canon 24-70L lens. Heavy – but feels fantastic.

  • That's a really old post :)

    I went the 24-70L route. Now I am shooting Nikon though.
  • I own the the 24-70 L and 16-35 L and love them both. The 24-70 is my “walking around†lens, and I love it. I use a Canon 5D, so I don’t have the 1.6x multiplier you have, but I think the 24-70 still holds as a perfect general use lens.

    The only downsides with the Ls (aside from cost…) is that they’re probably quite a bit heavier/larger than you’re used to. If you have somewhere you can go check them out in person, it might be worth it just to make sure you’re comfortable with the size.
  • John Berry
    Having owned both L and non-L lenses, I'd highly suggest going with an L for non-specialty use (specialty being things like fisheye, macro). The clarity of the shots, speed of focus and general build quality are amazing. Highly recommended for a day-to-day lens.

    I own the the 24-70 L and 16-35 L and love them both. The 24-70 is my "walking around" lens, and I love it. I use a Canon 5D, so I don't have the 1.6x multiplier you have, but I think the 24-70 still holds as a perfect general use lens.

    The only downsides with the Ls (aside from cost...) is that they're probably quite a bit heavier/larger than you're used to. If you have somewhere you can go check them out in person, it might be worth it just to make sure you're comfortable with the size.

    Also, take a look here: http://www.fredmiranda.com/rev... for some reviews.
blog comments powered by Disqus