Lens Combo for 5D

Jon Fairhurst · October 22nd, 2009, 11:09 PM

Daniel,

I own all the inexpensive lenses that you mention. Here's a quick rundown...

The 85/1.8 is excellent for the price.

The 28/1.8 is like the 85/1.8's twin in terms of build and features. They're of the same generation. Sure, it's not as sharp as other alternatives, but for video I think it's a great match for the 85/1.8.

The 50/1.4 is a bit older USM design, lacks some electronic focus reporting features and has a looser focus ring. My main complaint with this lens is the barrel distortion.

The 35/2.0 is a non-USM design with a thin, crummy focus ring. It's most similar to the 50/1.8. I've gotten some decent video with it, but I haven't used it in a long time. I don't like its feel, so I avoid it. It's the smallest of the lenses above with a 52mm filter ring, so it might be a good choice if you really want a small and light lens. I need to get around to selling mine...

Peer Landa · October 23rd, 2009, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olof Ekbergh

I would buy the 70-200 f2.8 IS as a second if you can afford it. Very versatile and fantastic for portraits and intimate work.

I'll second Olof on the 70-200 L f2.8 IS -- it's indeed a very versatile lens. I also have a 17-35 L f2.8 and some overlapping Nikkor primes. However, nowadays I rarely use the primes anymore since I feel pretty much covered by those two Canon L zooms (even if there's a missing gap between 35mm and 70mm).

-- peer

Bill Binder · October 23rd, 2009, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Fairhurst

The 35/2.0 is a non-USM design with a thin, crummy focus ring. It's most similar to the 50/1.8. I've gotten some decent video with it, but I haven't used it in a long time. I don't like its feel, so I avoid it. It's the smallest of the lenses above with a 52mm filter ring, so it might be a good choice if you really want a small and light lens. I need to get around to selling mine...

Hey Jon, in all seriousness, I'll buy the 35/2.0 off you for a fair price. I'm in the market for one as a small walk around prime for street stills -- and I am aware of its shortfalls. I'm about to buy one new, in the next few days maybe, so if you're serious about dumping it, send me a PM.

Jon Fairhurst · October 23rd, 2009, 10:56 AM

PM sent...

Bill Binder · October 26th, 2009, 07:47 PM

Jon - I sent you an email but maybe it's blocked by spam blockers? Also, I can't email you through DVInfo because you haven't enabled that functionality in your settings. Check your spam folders, and/or send me another PM. Thanks.

Jon Fairhurst · October 27th, 2009, 02:55 PM

e-mail sent... (and enabled...)

October 22nd, 2009, 11:09 PM	#16
Jon Fairhurst Inner Circle Join Date: May 2006 Location: Camas, WA, USA Posts: 5,513	Daniel, I own all the inexpensive lenses that you mention. Here's a quick rundown... The 85/1.8 is excellent for the price. The 28/1.8 is like the 85/1.8's twin in terms of build and features. They're of the same generation. Sure, it's not as sharp as other alternatives, but for video I think it's a great match for the 85/1.8. The 50/1.4 is a bit older USM design, lacks some electronic focus reporting features and has a looser focus ring. My main complaint with this lens is the barrel distortion. The 35/2.0 is a non-USM design with a thin, crummy focus ring. It's most similar to the 50/1.8. I've gotten some decent video with it, but I haven't used it in a long time. I don't like its feel, so I avoid it. It's the smallest of the lenses above with a 52mm filter ring, so it might be a good choice if you really want a small and light lens. I need to get around to selling mine... __________________ Jon Fairhurst

October 23rd, 2009, 10:56 AM	#19
Jon Fairhurst Inner Circle Join Date: May 2006 Location: Camas, WA, USA Posts: 5,513	PM sent... __________________ Jon Fairhurst

October 27th, 2009, 02:55 PM	#21
Jon Fairhurst Inner Circle Join Date: May 2006 Location: Camas, WA, USA Posts: 5,513	e-mail sent... (and enabled...) __________________ Jon Fairhurst

October 26th, 2009, 07:47 PM	#20
Bill Binder Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: San Francisco Posts: 542	Jon - I sent you an email but maybe it's blocked by spam blockers? Also, I can't email you through DVInfo because you haven't enabled that functionality in your settings. Check your spam folders, and/or send me another PM. Thanks.