Can only afford one L lens

[redskull13]

Well, I'm saving my pennies for a 50D and I want to get an L lens for it.
Price isn't the issue all that much, as getting the best "all-round walk around" lens.
I'm not interested in a kit lens of any kind.

Since this will be my first SLR, I'd like to get a lens that will work well to learn from too.
My shooting interest right now will be landscape/general nature photography with a bit of urban photography.

I'm thinking maybe the 24-105 f/4.0L or the 16-35 f/2.8L
I'm really torn between these two.

I'm sure there might be some others and an open for comments.

[coffee]

I think the 16-35 would be too wide for an all around. The 24-105 would be a good pick, but f4.0 would be limiting inside without flash. I would consider the 24-70L. It might not have as much reach, but at 2.8 you need less light.

[jerryph]

When I got my D700 and 24-70 F/2.8, I thought I would need the 14-24. I found out that the 24-70 is a perfect range for 90% of my shots. Because of the full frame sensor, I use the 70-200 a lot more and find that the 200mm range is not as "close" as I want it sometimes.

I think that the suggestion of a 24-70 is a very good one and if it has to be anything, yes, get the best you can afford. If that is a F/2.8 L glass, that is awesome.

[dkippen]

red -

My general, all-over lens is the 24-105 which I really like, but I usually go for the full reach. I agree with Joseph, the 16-35 is too wide for what you're looking for. But that extra light can always be helpful. Pricewise, if you watch carefully, the 24-105 and 24-70 are pretty close.

[redskull13]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. :)

I'm in the midst of researching lenses and I never really considered the 24-70, so that will be my next project.

I went to a few camera stores here and the 24-105 ( my first choice ) is so popular that they don't have it in stock.
I asked when they would and the answer I get is "when available"
Although, I am still looking for that lens locally, I would like to have another choice in case it can't be had.

[jerryph]

Although, I am still looking for that lens locally, I would like to have another choice in case it can't be had.

If the lens is not available locally, there is always the internet.

Amazon lists 4 stores as having this model in stock and I am sure if I started searching that I would find many more places that had it 3-days shipping time away from my front door. :)

[jonrayner]

If like you say price is not an issue then there is always the 28-300mm L IS lens which on the 50d, would give a equivilent focal length of 45-480mm. It is about £2225 though! Not sure if it fits the category of walk about lens, but I would imagine it would fit most focal situations, albeit not wide angle.

[redskull13]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v626/redskull13/50D/hardware/front02.jpg


Well, I finally made the plunge.
I bought the 50D along with the battery grip ( with 2 batteries )
I bought the 24-70 f/2.8L lens with a lens protector.
It was a hard decision for me as I was torn between this lens and the 24-105 f/4.0.
But what sold me to get this lens was the ability of it to be able to shoot indoor shots where a flash may not be permitted as well as it being able to shoot in low light conditions.
Kind of pricey for my first SLR I'll admit, but I think I will grow into it as I get better with it.
I'm looking at this as a long term investment.

Anyone have any experience(s) with the 24-70 that they could share with me?

Tonight, I also enrolled into this great course.
I hope to learn a few things along the way.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v626/redskull13/50D/hardware/extended_front.jpg

[dkippen]

Red - congrats on the new toy. That's the camera I have and still figuring out all the bells and whistles. Unfortunately, can't help with the lens you got. Looking forward to seeing what you end up with for pictures.

[perfectoarts]

So glad to hear of your choice. I am green with envy.
I have that 24-105mm f4.0 L IS lens and I think it is crap. I use it on my 40D and 5D MkII camera and never have been happy with it.
Love my 100mm f2.8 and 70-300 f2.8 L IS lenses. Now saving up for that baby you bought :)

[jerryph]

Good choice, I hope it keeps you happy for years!

While most seem to be looking for the convenience of zooms, I seem to be drifting more and more into the world of primes. I have several and am leaning towards using them more and more, even though I have my share of pro level telephoto glass.

I find that I go through phases where I drift from one style of shooting to another. Great fun!

[redskull13]

Yes, I bought this lens for General Purpose Photography.
I am green to the world of photo ( outside of a Point and Shoot camera ) but I wanted to start off on the right foot in the world of SLRs.

I find for indoor shooting it works real good and you don't need to shoot with the flash on ( unless it's an effect you're after )
Outside, it works well for Portrait shots.
For landscapes, it can take a nice wide angle shot ( within reason ) but I do wish there was a bit more focal reach at times.

For my next lens ( next year ) I think I will get the 70-200mm f/2.8L as my niche seems to be outdoor photography.

For long term, I'm hoping this lens will last as long as I do.

[trashytrucker]

Red,
Also congrads! I too am a new member and I own the same glass you just bought and it is G-R-R-RREAT! I love it. I keep it on the camera the most. I also own the 70-200mm 2.8L. When it is coupled with the 1.4X and the camera's 1.6 crop factor I can get out there a little.
However the 100-400mm/4.5-5.6L is on my wish list, Along with the 16-35 2.8L!
If i can add those two lenses ,perhaps I can stop collecting glass? (yeah right...LOL) Good hunting and we all will be looking forward to seeing your great shots ahead