Lens suggestion for a 1600 budget

[imberandon]

My question is about lens. Im currently a Journalism and I am wanting to upgrade from my kit lens.

I shoot with a Canon  60d, a 18-55IS 3.5-5.6, 75-300 4.5-5.6 and a 50 1.8, all canon lens i do not own a flash or a good tripod. After buying the 50mm I could never go back to the kit lens because they are not nearly as sharp . I was wondering if anyone can help me pick out some lens that i can benefit and expand my photography skills on.

My want is to get every L lens out there but my budget will not let me aha, i have a budget of 1600, i would love to get the 24-105 L and 70-200 2.8. Does anyone have any suggestion on what i should do or any other lens that i can get to add more bang to my buck.

Thanks for the help

[Axilrod]

My question is about lens. Im currently a Journalism and I am wanting to upgrade from my kit lens.

I shoot with a Canon  60d, a 18-55IS 3.5-5.6, 75-300 4.5-5.6 and a 50 1.8, all canon lens i do not own a flash or a good tripod. After buying the 50mm I could never go back to the kit lens because they are not nearly as sharp . I was wondering if anyone can help me pick out some lens that i can benefit and expand my photography skills on.

My want is to get every L lens out there but my budget will not let me aha, i have a budget of 1600, i would love to get the 24-105 L and 70-200 2.8. Does anyone have any suggestion on what i should do or any other lens that i can get to add more bang to my buck.

Thanks for the help

Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS, it's very versatile on a crop body, great walk around lens, and one of the sharpest zooms I've ever used (at least as sharp as the 24-70 or 24-105).  You can find them from $875-$950 used.   Plus you'd have some extra leftover to buy some other accessories.

[briansquibb]

Replace the 75-300 with a 70-300L - will be better for journalism

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Your 75-300mm lens should probably be upgraded, almost any lens will be better.  but, if your 18-55mm IS is not sharp, something is wrong.  Is is cheaply made, but it is a sharp lens.

I'd test any new lenses before buying them, or be sure you can return them.  The 60D does not have microfocus adjust, and if the body is off, any lens could look bad.

I have a 15-85mm EF-s for general use, and its great.  It was a Canon Refurb, just like new.  If you like telephoto, add a 70-200mm f/4 IS to the 15-85

Refurb 15-85mm refurb - $640 http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_269486_-1

Refurb 70-200mm f/4L IS $1080

If you signup for the Canon online store newsletter and be patient, they have a 15% off sale several times a year, I expect one again in the next few weeks.  You will get a advance purchase code a day before the sale goes on for everyone.

[digicV]

Dude, let me share my experience with you. Almost a decade in journalism, another in fashion, another freelance. Done all Canon and Nikkor zooms. Now I have come back full circle to primes. For too many reasons. I can tell looking at my images just which ones were from zooms and which from primes (well mostly). In most cases a few steps back or forward compensate for a zoom. Not true for sports/action etc though. Yet another reason - primes are so much fun. After lugging a 24-70L for a while, a 35mm or a 50mm just makes it so enjoyable. And sharper. Plus you laugh all the way to the bank with your savings.
Remember, this just my experience in my work environment. If you have to ask what you should buy then you are missing the point - go out and learn more and make your own decision. Why would anyone want do anything based on someone else's opinion?

[Caps18]

What type of journalism photos are you taking?  What type of news are you covering?  If it is at night, the 24 f/1.4, 35 f/1.4 or 50 f/1.2 would let you take really good photos or video in low light conditions. 

But, if you are doing sports or paparazzi, a longer lens will be needed.

[MrBeavis5]

I agree with Axilrod, get a EF-s 17-55 2.8 IS, this lens can make a crop sensor camera sing. Not only is it a great walk around lens, its also a very good indoor lens. Some of the older versions of this lens have issues with dust getting inside the lens, just a warning if you buy one used.

I would also get a 580 or 430 flash, I hate the pop-up flash, but maybe thats just me.

[Michael_pfh]

My question is about lens. Im currently a Journalism and I am wanting to upgrade from my kit lens.

I shoot with a Canon  60d, a 18-55IS 3.5-5.6, 75-300 4.5-5.6 and a 50 1.8, all canon lens i do not own a flash or a good tripod. After buying the 50mm I could never go back to the kit lens because they are not nearly as sharp . I was wondering if anyone can help me pick out some lens that i can benefit and expand my photography skills on.

My want is to get every L lens out there but my budget will not let me aha, i have a budget of 1600, i would love to get the 24-105 L and 70-200 2.8. Does anyone have any suggestion on what i should do or any other lens that i can get to add more bang to my buck.

Thanks for the help

EF-s 17-55 f/2.8 IS + EF 135 2.0L should be close enough to 1,600 USD.

[imberandon]

thanks for the feedback, it helped a lot. Ill look into the 17-55 2.8

[mb66energy]

What type of journalism photos are you taking?  What type of news are you covering?  If it is at night, the 24 f/1.4, 35 f/1.4 or 50 f/1.2 would let you take really good photos or video in low light conditions. 

But, if you are doing sports or paparazzi, a longer lens will be needed.

That was just my thought as I read your entry. It really depends on the type and the range of your photographic needs.

My preferred picks from my list of lenses (below) are

• Ultra-range: 10-22 (+ 60 macro) + 70-200 f4.0 non-IS (IS would be my choice today!), 1.5 kg & 1300 bucks w/o 60mm macro + one or two EOS 40D bodies, first lenses are limited to crop cameras!
• Compact but really versatile and usable in low light conditions: 2.8/24 EF + 2.0/100EF + typically two bodies for fast lens change. Just limited in terms of macro capability. Other advantages: Very contrasty photographs, unobtrusive lenses (small, no red rings, black!)

If you need fast access between two focal lengths at high aperture it might be a good idea to buy "cheaper" lenses primes and a secondary body - and you have a backup cam too.

Good luck for your choice!

[briansquibb]

one or two EOS 40D bodies

I know 40D's are good but high iso isn't their forte

I am assuming by Journalism we are talking about work at a lower quality reportage level rather than National Geographic.

I think we need to know more about the job specification.

Attached is a photo I took this week on a really low budget setup - 40D+55-250. I was surprised at the IQ - I took a simillar one with the 1Ds3 + 70-200 II and it was only the colour tones that gave it away rather than sharpness.

It is just a reminder that the latest and greatest isn't needed to get everyday pictures.

[imberandon]

well right now im still starting out so im hoping to get some good lens that will help me develop my photography skills, i have shot mostly in the day because my lens are to slow for night or indoors. i do like to shoot street photography and i want to try out portraits and weddings in the future.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/myythoughts/ if you want to see some shots i have taken

[briansquibb]

well right now im still starting out so im hoping to get some good lens that will help me develop my photography skills, i have shot mostly in the day because my lens are to slow for night or indoors. i do like to shoot street photography and i want to try out portraits and weddings in the future.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/myythoughts/ if you want to see some shots i have taken

So are you planning to do paparazi type reporting, news reporting or fashion type or why?

[KurtStevens]

I would not settle for 18-55.  Plastic cheap, 3.5-5.6, I don't believe worth the time of day to even use the lens.  yes it does cover the range but would you rather have a better piece of glass?  I figured out very early(as well as you) that primes are the way to go.  Zoom is helpful but primes make the difference.  Radical idea, sell all your glass you have (maybe not the 50 or upgrade to the 1.4) and take that money with the money you have now and set yourself up with some good primes?

Yes you won't have the versatility of going to 300mm right off the bat but in most situations you can zoom with your feet.  I own two L lenses myself and I can say I almost use my 85mm 1.8 more than those lenses.  My setup consists of 16-35, sig 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8, and canon 135 f/2.  The 85 is a top performer out of my bag followed by the 135.  Since I'm shooting on a 5d i don't have quite the reach with the 135 but it beats out the 70-200 in my opinion (weight, size, cost, flashiness).  I rented the 35 1.4L over the summer and was in love, covered great angles and was sharp as all get out.

The 135 I bought for 900 was a great purchase and the 35 1.4L would be my next lens.  I've been debating myself to sell my 16-35 for it.  I'm not quite sure what I"m going to do with it, I wanted to give my opinion on the matter.  I hope you can see my point of view on it.  Rent before you buy or at least get hands on.  It'll put everything into perspective.

[well_dunno]

Replace the 75-300 with a 70-300L - will be better for journalism

Brian, what is your take on 70-300 L vs 100-400 L?