topic Re: Need help choosing lenses for 7D Mark II in EF & RF Lenses

Need help choosing lenses for 7D Mark II

ilzho — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 12:19:15 GMT

Hello:

I am purchasing a 7D Mark II and am looking for advice on some lens.

I primarily take pictures of horses/wildlife/action sports.

I want to have a good lens for portraits and a good one for wildlife/sports.

I don't want to have 5 different lenses either (at least for now).

I realize it really depends on how much money I want to spend.

I would like to get 2 lenses for around $2K.

Some of you have already given some great advice on lenses.

EF 50MM F/1.8

EF-S 17-55MM F2.8 IS USM

EF 24-105MM F/4 L IS USM

EF-S 18-135 MM IS

EF 70-200MM F/4 L IS USM

EF 70-200MM F/2.8 L II IS

Just a little confused and need a little clarity.

Thank you,

David

Re: Need help choosing lenses for 7D Mark II

RobertTheFat — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 12:44:13 GMT

@ilzho wrote:
Hello:

I am purchasing a 7D Mark II and am looking for advice on some lens.

I primarily take pictures of horses/wildlife/action sports.

I want to have a good lens for portraits and a good one for wildlife/sports.

I don't want to have 5 different lenses either (at least for now).

I realize it really depends on how much money I want to spend.

I would like to get 2 lenses for around $2K.

Some of you have already given some great advice on lenses.
EF 50MM F/1.8
EF-S 17-55MM F2.8 IS USM
EF 24-105MM F/4 L IS USM
EF-S 18-135 MM IS
EF 70-200MM F/4 L IS USM
EF 70-200MM F/2.8 L II IS

Just a little confused and need a little clarity.

Thank you,
David

You really can't go wrong with the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS as a general-purposr lens. Beyond that, some of your confusion may be caused by the fact that most of Canon's true telephoto lenses are oriented toward the focal-length conventions of full-frame cameras, with prices to match. For the 7D Mark II, I think Canon's product line badly needs an EF-S 50-150mm f/2.8 (and/or f/4) lens of quality comparable to the 17-55. Sigma has made such a lens in the past, but doesn't currently AFAIK. So unless and until Canon sees it my way, choosing a moderately long lens for the 7D2 will probably involve a compromise.

Re: Need help choosing lenses for 7D Mark II

TTMartin — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 13:03:13 GMT

@ilzho wrote:
Hello:

I am purchasing a 7D Mark II and am looking for advice on some lens.

I primarily take pictures of horses/wildlife/action sports.

I want to have a good lens for portraits and a good one for wildlife/sports.

I don't want to have 5 different lenses either (at least for now).

I realize it really depends on how much money I want to spend.

I would like to get 2 lenses for around $2K.

Some of you have already given some great advice on lenses.
EF 50MM F/1.8
EF-S 17-55MM F2.8 IS USM
EF 24-105MM F/4 L IS USM
EF-S 18-135 MM IS
EF 70-200MM F/4 L IS USM
EF 70-200MM F/2.8 L II IS

Just a little confused and need a little clarity.

Thank you,
David

Buy the 7D Mk II with the EF-S 18-135 IS STM kit lens for a general walk around lens.

For everything else get the EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS II and the EF Extender 2X III.

The 70-200 f/2.8L IS II is a great portrait lens, a good sports lens, and with the 2X TC makes an ok wildlife lens.

And for $125 you might as well add the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM for close quarters portraits.

edit:

EF 50MM F/1.8 (as long as it is the STM version)

EF-S 17-55MM F2.8 IS USM (nice lens, but, not outstanding for portraits, sports or wildlife)

EF 24-105MM F/4 L IS USM (full frame zoom range, and mediocre for an L lens)

EF-S 18-135 MM IS (Yes, just make sure it is the STM or new USM version, much better image quality than the other versions)

EF 70-200MM F/4 L IS USM (Aperture isn't wide enough for a good portriat lens, and not as good with the 2X TC for wildlife)

EF 70-200MM F/2.8 L II IS (FTW)

Re: Need help choosing lenses for 7D Mark II

Waddizzle — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 13:03:33 GMT

"I want to have a good lens for portraits and a good one for wildlife/sports."

"I would like to get 2 lenses for around $2K."

-------------------------------------

No one lens can do it all, which is one reason why there is such a variety of lenses to choose from. A focal length of 85mm on a full frame is the consensus ideal focal length for portraits, which would be roughly equivalent to putting a 50mm lens on a 7D2. As for everything else, that is going to depend upon what you're after, and where you'll be shooting from relative to your subjects.

Horses? If you mean a racetrack, then a 70-200mm lens could work well, if you are track side.

Wildlife? That depends upon the size of the wildlife, how hungry and violent it is, and how far away you'll be. 100-600mm.

Sports? Like the wildlife, that depends on the sport, the size of the playing field, and where you will be. I like 200-400mm [full frame body] for baseball when I am shooting from 20-30 feet outside of first base. That works out to 125-250mm on an APS-C body like the 7D2.

But, that's my preference for baseball. I will not get "sports illustrated" close-ups. I get shots that are more like what you might see watching a game on your television. Also, don't overlook a general purpose wide angle lens. Long lenses are great, but are not as versatile as a simple lens, like the EF 16-35 f/4L IS USM.

My advice is to get the lenses that you know that you want, and not buy anything that compromises that desire, or need. If you compromise in your choices, you will inevitably develop buyer's remorse, and wind up buying what you originally wanted at some point down the road. If it means buying just one lens now, then buy just one lens now.

Re: Need help choosing lenses for 7D Mark II

ebiggs1 — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 14:04:00 GMT

"You really can't go wrong with the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS as a general-purposr lens."

Again the Man from Boston has the correct answer. The big problem with all the rest of Canon ef-s lenses is a slow variable aperture. The EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens is a 'constant' f2.8 aperture.<---pretty fast

The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens is you second choice and will round out your needs. If this model is too costly there is several cheaper version. The addition of the ex 1.4L extender is a good idea too. Don't get the 2x version.

This would be a nice camera bag. IMHO, save your money on the 50mm f1.8. You won't use it much. It is too limiting being a prime.

Re: Need help choosing lenses for 7D Mark II

diverhank — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 15:12:52 GMT

If I were you, I'd get two lenses and be set for a long time:

1. Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS - best all around lens at very attractive price (recently $600 refurbished at Canon site).

2. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM - best telephoto zoom lens barred none.

The two purchased together exceed your $2K budget by $500 but it will be worth it. Later when you decide to need more reach, you can get a 1.4x III extender for # 2 lens...but you won't need it right away.

#1 can do very decent portrait at the higher FL (e.g. from 50-105mm range). # 2 is also fantastic for portrait with incredible bokeh, in addition to a great sports/wild life lens. With a minimum focus distance of only 3 feet, you can also use this at a macro lens @ FL 400mm.

Re: Need help choosing lenses for 7D Mark II

RobertTheFat — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 15:25:22 GMT

@diverhank wrote:
If I were you, I'd get two lenses and be set for a long time:

1. Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS - best all around lens at very attractive price (recently $600 refurbished at Canon site).
2. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM - best telephoto zoom lens barred none.

The two purchased together exceed your $2K budget by $500 but it will be worth it. Later when you decide to need more reach, you can get a 1.4x III extender for # 2 lens...but you won't need it right away.

@#1 can do very decent portrait at the higher FL (e.g. from 50-105mm range). # 2 is also fantastic for portrait with incredible bokeh, in addition to a great sports/wild life lens. With a minimum focus distance of only 3 feet, you can also use this at a macro lens @ FL 400mm.

That would be a fine pair on a 6D or other full-frame camera. On a 7D Mark II, not so much. You're missing too much range at the wide end, and the telephoto is longer than you probably need (and can reasonably control) on a crop-frame camera.

Re: Need help choosing lenses for 7D Mark II

ebiggs1 — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 15:30:31 GMT

I wasn't going to say anything but since you did, you are correct, sir. Too much big and not enough little.

Re: Need help choosing lenses for 7D Mark II

diverhank — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 15:47:43 GMT

@RobertTheFat wrote:
That would be a fine pair on a 6D or other full-frame camera. On a 7D Mark II, not so much. You're missing too much range at the wide end, and the telephoto is longer than you probably need (and can reasonably control) on a crop-frame camera.

I guess you and ebiggs are not really a sports/BIF type are you? :). 400mm for me is way too short on my 7DII. I usually use the 600mm f/4L with a 1.4x and it's still too short (I don't do sports, just BIF). Regarding the wide end, the OP just wanted portrait and sports/wildlife - 24mm is plenty good for that even on a cropped sensor.

Re: Need help choosing lenses for 7D Mark II

Waddizzle — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 17:11:16 GMT

@diverhank wrote:
@RobertTheFat wrote:
That would be a fine pair on a 6D or other full-frame camera. On a 7D Mark II, not so much. You're missing too much range at the wide end, and the telephoto is longer than you probably need (and can reasonably control) on a crop-frame camera.
I guess you and ebiggs are not really a sports/BIF type are you? :). 400mm for me is way too short on my 7DII. I usually use the 600mm f/4L with a 1.4x and it's still too short (I don't do sports, just BIF). Regarding the wide end, the OP just wanted portrait and sports/wildlife - 24mm is plenty good for that even on a cropped sensor.

I don't think the 24-105 is wide enough, either. I would have suggested the same EF-S standard zoom lens, but suggested the EF 16-35 f/4L IS USM because it would work on a full frame body, too, should the OP decide to upgrade at some future date. The lenses will likely outlast the camera.

As for the super telephoto end, 400mm and up, they are difficult for beginners to use handheld. They're even hard to use on a tripod, or a monopod. My thoughts are running more towards general purpose than a specific purpose, like Birds In Flight.

Re: Need help choosing lenses for 7D Mark II

ebiggs1 — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 22:33:05 GMT

"... ebiggs are not really a sports/BIF type are you?"

And you would be correct, sir. About me anyway but the big guy from Boston may differ.

"...use the 600mm f/4L with a 1.4x and it's still too short..."

Wow, bud, you are talking some very serious focal length here! Over 1300mm equivalent if my pea brain is working today.

Re: Need help choosing lenses for 7D Mark II

ebiggs1 — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 13:03:52 GMT

"... they are difficult for beginners to use handheld."

We were all beginners at some point as you have certainly proved. I am sure with some practice even the OP can learn.

Re: Need help choosing lenses for 7D Mark II

ilzho — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 23:00:43 GMT

I apprecaite everyones advice and responses.

It's a fun hobby to say the least.

I learn more and more everyday by reading, watching and doing.

Horse racing is my first passion, but nature and sports are up there as well.

I can only get to the track on the weekends weather permiting.

I'm working on my manual mode and single AF points, etc.. trial by error to say the least.

I'm learning the functions, slowly....

This cardinal stopped by this afternoon.

It's not great but it's a start.

It's hard to snap photos of birds as they hear the door open and fly away.....

Thanks as always......

ISO 200, f 2.8, 1/500 through a 100mm lens. It was a jpeg, not a raw image.

Re: Need help choosing lenses for 7D Mark II

RobertTheFat — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 01:50:48 GMT

@Waddizzle wrote:
@diverhank wrote:
@RobertTheFat wrote:
That would be a fine pair on a 6D or other full-frame camera. On a 7D Mark II, not so much. You're missing too much range at the wide end, and the telephoto is longer than you probably need (and can reasonably control) on a crop-frame camera.
I guess you and ebiggs are not really a sports/BIF type are you? :). 400mm for me is way too short on my 7DII. I usually use the 600mm f/4L with a 1.4x and it's still too short (I don't do sports, just BIF). Regarding the wide end, the OP just wanted portrait and sports/wildlife - 24mm is plenty good for that even on a cropped sensor.
I don't think the 24-105 is wide enough, either. I would have suggested the same EF-S standard zoom lens, but suggested the EF 16-35 f/4L IS USM because it would work on a full frame body, too, should the OP decide to upgrade at some future date. The lenses will likely outlast the camera.

As for the super telephoto end, 400mm and up, they are difficult for beginners to use handheld. They're even hard to use on a tripod, or a monopod. My thoughts are running more towards general purpose than a specific purpose, like Birds In Flight.

I agree with all of Waddizzle's comments. I have the 16-35 f/4 L and like it a lot (although I believe I've used it only on a FF camera). I don't use mine all that much; but when I need it, I really need it - like for photographing our City Hall from the roof of the Senior Center across the street. It's a very sharp lens and exhibits surprisingly little WA distortion.

Re: Need help choosing lenses for 7D Mark II

TTMartin — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 12:07:20 GMT

@RobertTheFat wrote:
@Waddizzle wrote:

I don't think the 24-105 is wide enough, either. I would have suggested the same EF-S standard zoom lens, but suggested the EF 16-35 f/4L IS USM because it would work on a full frame body, too, should the OP decide to upgrade at some future date. The lenses will likely outlast the camera.

As for the super telephoto end, 400mm and up, they are difficult for beginners to use handheld. They're even hard to use on a tripod, or a monopod. My thoughts are running more towards general purpose than a specific purpose, like Birds In Flight.

There are a couple of problems with using full frame wide angle lenses on a crop camera. First being you are paying a lot of money for optics that are literately out of the picture. Second they tend to be heavier and larger than their counter parts designed for a crop sensor.

The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 would be a much better choice for a crop sensor camera than the EF 16-35 f/4L. But for your desired usage I wouldn't get either. Both are spending a lot of money, where it doesn't contribute significantly to your goals.

Re: Need help choosing lenses for 7D Mark II

ilzho — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 12:31:24 GMT

I plan on getting these:

EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM

Should I consider the Tamron or the Sigma since they are cheaper?

Re: Need help choosing lenses for 7D Mark II

Waddizzle — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 12:36:50 GMT

"There are a couple of problems with using full frame wide angle lenses on a crop camera. First being you are paying a lot of money for optics that are literately out of the picture. Second they tend to be heavier and larger than their counter parts designed for a crop sensor."

True, you'll get no argument from me.

However, using a full frame wide angle lens like that on a crop sensor frequently means the images have negligible amounts of barrel distortion. You get nice, rectilinear shots. The shots I get with my Rokinon 14mm on my T5 are really nice and rectilinear, without any keystoning on the edges, which I can get sometimes with the 16-35mm f/2.8.

Re: Need help choosing lenses for 7D Mark II

Waddizzle — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 12:35:39 GMT

@ilzho wrote:
I plan on getting these:

EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM

Should I consider the Tamron or the Sigma since they are cheaper?

Great choices. Cheaper? As in cheaper than the Canon 100-400? I like the IQ on the Canon 100-400 better than my Sigma 150-600. The Sigma is also a significantly larger lens, than the Canon. The Canon is easier to pack into a backpack.

Re: Need help choosing lenses for 7D Mark II

TTMartin — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 13:00:52 GMT

@ilzho wrote:
I plan on getting these:

EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM

Should I consider the Tamron or the Sigma since they are cheaper?

You could consider the Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 OS, I have one and it is every bit as good as the Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS.

As for the EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS II USM, stick with Canon, nobody makes as good of a lens.

Re: Need help choosing lenses for 7D Mark II

ebiggs1 — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 13:16:49 GMT

"I plan on getting these:" Don't let anybody talk you out of this choice. Always stick with Canon when possible. And there is no good reason not to in this case.

"EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM" Great choices!

"Should I consider the Tamron or the Sigma since they are cheaper?" They are cheaper for a reason. Plus they are not 'real' Canon lenses. They are reverse engineered to work on a Canon camera. Canon does not release data on how their lenses work. The third party companies guess on how they do it. Most of current lenses work well, however.

The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is one of the best lenses I have ever owned or used. And I have owned a boat load of lenses over the years! It and the ef 24-70mm f2.8L II are two of the best lenses made in the world. There aren't any better. PERIOD.