Suggestions for a newbie re faster lens for the 7d
 

I have finally decided to resell my Sony HVR-V1U back to BHPhotovideo and purchase a Canon 7D for both still and backup (B Camera) video shooting (main camera is the Sony EX1). I am really tired of lugging around a 2nd large camera bag in case the EX1 conks out.

I have decided on the kit with the 28-135mm f/3.4-5.6 lens from BHPhotoVideo mainly on the good price point and features of the lens .

My question is this - in low light situations what would be the best lens for video? I am considering the Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens. It is quite inexpensive but would it fill the bill for indoor video? I really don't want to get into anything too pricey as this camera will be used only as a B camera or for rare 2 camera shoots.

I use a old $95 Pentax 1.4 w/a $5 adapter from ebay. Nice lens, the focusing action is better than my friend's $700 Canon 10-22mm.

Get the f1.4 version. Much better than 1.8.
Brighter in low light.
When manually focusing , the focus ring is wider and has a farther throw.

The f1.2 is best BUT pricey. Harder to focus when full open if you dont have a big sharp monitor.

I personally just use a nikon f1.4.

Barry,

I really like the Canon 50mm f1.4, it is not that expensive and it is a very good still lens as well, very sharp from f4 on up. And plenty sharp enough for video wide open. It is also very light. I have 7D and a 5DmkII and I use it a lot on both for video and stills, even though I have the 24-70 f2.8 L. You will be amazed at the low light capability this lens will add.

Another vote for the Canon 50mm f1.4 and a good wide angle such as the Tokina 11-16 if you can find one.

Olof and others - Thanks for the advice -I will go along with the f1.4 50 mm from Canon.

Canon 28 1.8
 

Hey Barry, I have the Canon 50mm 1.4 but while it has been a great lens, I found it to be too tight for what I was wanting to use it for (multi purpose, Bridal preparation, etc). Since our budget is limited, I was also hoping to have a lens that I could also use on our glidecam. So, I decided to get the Canon 28mm 1.8 and love it! It has worked great on our glidecam, glidetrack, and all around great shooting.

Canon 35mm 1.4f ... on a 7d it acts like a 50mm due to the 1.6 crop. Very nice (but somewhat expensive) lens.

Also another vote for the Tokina 11-16mm 2.8f lens.

I'll also add that in my work, the Tokina 11-16 is indispensable. Aside from the lenses.

I got the Sigma 20/1,8 2 weeks ago and I absolutly love this lens... the bokeh is some smooth. On an 5DmkII you would get vignetting in f1,8 but on the 7D you won't, not anything at al. I also put dubbel filters on and no vignetting there either.

Markus

Barry, what can you tell me about the BH buy back program?