Yet another lens question at DVinfo.net

John Godwin · October 25th, 2010, 10:17 AM

I have the kit lens with my 7D, the 18-135 f4-.56. I'd appreciate recommendations on other, faster zooms in roughly the same range.

Thanks,
John

Ryan Postel · October 27th, 2010, 10:47 AM

I'm pretty sure there's no single faster zoom that covers that entire range. It's usually split up.

I have both the 17-50 2.8 Tamron and the 17-50 2.8 Sigma and would recommend the Tamron. Get the one with VC for good measure.

As far as coverage beyond that, I own the 70-200 2.8 Sigma and absolutely love that lens. I've worked with the Canon version, and while it's not at the same level, it's very-very close, and much more affordable. I know sigma has a 50-150, but I haven't used that one.

That's my two cents.

John Godwin · October 29th, 2010, 02:47 PM

Thanks for the reply. I haven't worked with still camera lens for quite a while ...

Bill Pryor · October 31st, 2010, 09:33 AM

That lens is a nice range for the 7D but mainly an outdoor lens, since it's slow. What faster lenses you get would depend on the types of things you shoot. When I had the 7D, I got the 28-135 which I used outside. Then I got a Tokinia 16-50 f2.8 for wide angles, and a Tamron 28-75 f2.8 for shooting interviews. The Tokina was heavier and felt better built than the Tamron, but the Tamron was sharper. The Tokina was good at wide angles but at 2.8 got a little soft when zoomed in. That wasn't a problem since I used it only for wide shots, but that 17-50 Tamron is probably a better overall lens, especially the one with stabilization.

October 25th, 2010, 10:17 AM	#1
John Godwin Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 190	Yet another lens question I have the kit lens with my 7D, the 18-135 f4-.56. I'd appreciate recommendations on other, faster zooms in roughly the same range. Thanks, John

October 27th, 2010, 10:47 AM	#2
Ryan Postel Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 93	I'm pretty sure there's no single faster zoom that covers that entire range. It's usually split up. I have both the 17-50 2.8 Tamron and the 17-50 2.8 Sigma and would recommend the Tamron. Get the one with VC for good measure. As far as coverage beyond that, I own the 70-200 2.8 Sigma and absolutely love that lens. I've worked with the Canon version, and while it's not at the same level, it's very-very close, and much more affordable. I know sigma has a 50-150, but I haven't used that one. That's my two cents.

October 29th, 2010, 02:47 PM	#3
John Godwin Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 190	Thanks for the reply. I haven't worked with still camera lens for quite a while ...

October 31st, 2010, 09:33 AM	#4
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	That lens is a nice range for the 7D but mainly an outdoor lens, since it's slow. What faster lenses you get would depend on the types of things you shoot. When I had the 7D, I got the 28-135 which I used outside. Then I got a Tokinia 16-50 f2.8 for wide angles, and a Tamron 28-75 f2.8 for shooting interviews. The Tokina was heavier and felt better built than the Tamron, but the Tamron was sharper. The Tokina was good at wide angles but at 2.8 got a little soft when zoomed in. That wasn't a problem since I used it only for wide shots, but that 17-50 Tamron is probably a better overall lens, especially the one with stabilization.