New Lens Time

[wagner]

Ok, so I need to replace my dead 18-55.

 

I really liked the Tamron 24-70mm F2.8 VC that I rented, but that thing is stupid expensive.

 

What kind of options are out there that are close to this, or a step below?

 

So, how about I get an education in what to look for and good lens info in general. In need to get hip in what to look for and what all this jargon means.

[Tractor]

With Canon good lens are the L series, anything else is very hit or miss on quality and you can easily have intermittent problems with focusing, ie sometimes will focus a few feet in front or behind target.

 

In recent years Canon has been updating the L series so you can get older L's for good used prices. I check places like adorama.com to get them since they are a huge store in NYC. The image quality will still be amazing compared to a brand new consumer grade lens.

[Dharris89]

One of my favorites is the Canon 17-85 IS which is image stabilization. The one I use is an older lens and is not an L series lens but it's still plenty fast enough for cars outside. I have seen several on craigslist used. You may also try Midwest Photo or Cord on 5th avenue as they both have used equipment. My neighbor has one so I get free rental as needed. New it's about 500. An Amazon link is below.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-17-85mm-4-5-6-Stabilized-Digital/dp/B0002Y5WXO

 

If you do go used listen very carefully to the motor as it auto focuses. If you hear any grinding or anything else but smooth operation I would walk away. Good luck.

[mrs.cos]

He is nikon.

The tamron you speak of IS the step down version of the nikon 24-70 2.8. Don't be afraid to buy it used though. I got mine for ~400.

[Mitch]

The 18-55 kit lens for my nikon shit the bed, too. Autofocus won't work and it's a bit of a pisser really.

[wagner]

He is nikon.

The tamron you speak of IS the step down version of the nikon 24-70 2.8. Don't be afraid to buy it used though. I got mine for ~400.

 

I shoot Canon still and would love to buy used if I can find something is not clapped out

[wagner]

The 18-55 kit lens for my nikon shit the bed, too. Autofocus won't work and it's a bit of a pisser really.

 

Exactly the same issue I had with my Canon lens.

[mrs.cos]

I shoot Canon still and would love to buy used if I can find something is not clapped out

 

Oh yah, i forgot.. sorry, im still in a dream state.. Watch on FredMiranda and Keh.com

[TTQ B4U]

Personally go with either an L-Lens or this one. The only thing keeping it from being an L Series is the weather sealing and the fact that it is an EF-S made for Crop Body cameras. If you may eventually go full frame, go L-Series.

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/425812-USA/Canon_1242B002AA_EF_S_17_55mm_f_2_8_IS.html

 

Spectacular for indoor car shows, etc. Wide enough, sharp enough and has 4 stop IS.

 

/thread IMO.

[wagner]

Personally go with either an L-Lens or this one. The only thing keeping it from being an L Series is the weather sealing and the fact that it is an EF-S made for Crop Body cameras. If you may eventually go full frame, go L-Series.

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/425812-USA/Canon_1242B002AA_EF_S_17_55mm_f_2_8_IS.html

 

Spectacular for indoor car shows, etc. Wide enough, sharp enough and has 4 stop IS.

 

/thread IMO.

 

Not sure if I will be going to a crop body anytime soon.

 

I really need something that will do well in low light situations, because drag strips are not the best lit places sometimes.

 

I also want to invest in a flash as well, I am finding that one will help me a lot in doing feature car shoots.

[TTQ B4U]

Not sure if I will be going to a crop body anytime soon.

 

You mean going away from a crop body? I thought you had a Rebel vs a full frame 5D or 6D, etc... ?

 

I really need something that will do well in low light situations, because drag strips are not the best lit places sometimes.

 

Then get a fast lens aka f/2.8 or better. The one I linked you to is great, but doesn't have much of a zoom. It's a good pit area lens for sure. Track side get a 70-200. You won't need IS on it. Sigma's latest version is 100% solid and may save you some coin.

 

I also want to invest in a flash as well, I am finding that one will help me a lot in doing feature car shoots.

 

Yep. Get a good 580ex or better, a few diffusers and an off camera bracket and you'll be set.

[wagner]

You mean going away from a crop body? I thought you had a Rebel vs a full frame 5D or 6D, etc... ?

 

 

 

Then get a fast lens aka f/2.8 or better. The one I linked you to is great, but doesn't have much of a zoom. It's a good pit area lens for sure. Track side get a 70-200. You won't need IS on it. Sigma's latest version is 100% solid and may save you some coin.

 

 

 

Yep. Get a good 580ex or better, a few diffusers and an off camera bracket and you'll be set.

 

Yeah, I meant to put full frame.

 

I already have a zoom lens (nothing special), but need a new pit lens/ close range deal. I would love to replace both with some nice glass, but can only replace what's broken right now.

[TTQ B4U]

Yeah, I meant to put full frame.

 

I already have a zoom lens (nothing special), but need a new pit lens/ close range deal. I would love to replace both with some nice glass, but can only replace what's broken right now.

 

Ok. Get the one I linked you to or an L. You will thank.me later.

[wagner]

Ok. Get the one I linked you to or an L. You will thank.me later.

 

I will have to look a bit closer at that, I really loved that Tameron I linked, that thing did work :fuckyeah:

 

That flash just gave me sticker shock, is there something a bit more affordable worth getting?

 

I have not seen any of the trackside people using anything like that lol.

[TTQ B4U]

I will have to look a bit closer at that, I really loved that Tameron I linked, that thing did work :fuckyeah:

 

That flash just gave me sticker shock, is there something a bit more affordable worth getting?

 

I have not seen any of the trackside people using anything like that lol.

 

I have no experience with Tamer on outside they make a good macro lens.

 

Flash wise if you are outdoors all you will.need is a small external for fill flash. You'll still want a diffuser.

[wagner]

I have no experience with Tamer on outside they make a good macro lens.

 

Flash wise if you are outdoors all you will.need is a small external for fill flash. You'll still want a diffuser.

 

I was impressed with their products I have used.

 

To be honest I really need to step my game up with the new responsibilities I am taking on. This whole media thing is growing bigger and quicker than I thought so I need to get better.

 

This spring I already have some work lined out for GM High Tech and it *might* end up on the cover so I have to turn in some good stuff.

 

In Feb. I will be helping cover one of the biggest drag radial races in the country so I have to be locked and loaded.

 

So feed me links and information so I can do the CR Darkroom crowd proud :fuckyeah:

[Tractor]

Mid West photo sells sub $100 manual flash units that will get the job done, but you'll need to learn a bit about lighting and especially off camera lighting. Also about light modifiers such as the mentioned diffuser.

 

I use at least 4-6 flashes at any wedding and several for engagement stuff and learned a lot from the book "understand exposure" and from reading the "strobist site."