Do I want this lens????? I came into a little bit of cash recently and wonder if now is the time for me to spring for my first L series lens and, if this is the lens I want, OR do I continue to save and get a zoom instead?
2045359
I can't recommend this lens enough. The thing about the dog, it sounds like you had a lot of experience shooting that scene, so this prime may work for you; my number one caveat when recommending this lens to someone is obviously the fact that you have to find you spot when shooting sports and know how to handle the focal length. I shoot baseball, soccer, basketball, etc on a 5D2 and this lens is my bar-none first choice for almost any situation. I never get more sharp, in focus, perfectly framed keepers than I do with this lens. So, back on track, what you could try is go shoot in that field with your dog and use you 300 zoom and tape it at 200mm so it doesn't move for the day and see if your happy with the distance, if you can live with it there are 0 negatives to this lens. I just can't stand the distortion and color artifacts from the zooms.
464447
I absolutely love this lens. It's by far the best glass fuji did so far.That zoom is now in the drawer for ever.Using that lens in full aperture is a delight.I strongly recommend to get a good BW ND filter 1.8 so you could use it at full aperture in daylight.Go for it, you won't regret!
501122
Thanks for the feedback. I ended up getting the Canon 17-55/2.8IS. It was more expensive, but I had come across some extra money. I've had that lens for several month now and it's awesome. The zoom range is excellent, it's great having f2.8 through the whole range, and the IS adds probably at least 3 stops. It's very sharp when I do my part, especially when it's stopped down a couple clicks. I would still love to get a lens like I described in my OP, but I'm looking at a wide angle zoom and a better telephoto lens before that one.
1139200
It's a phenomenal lens ... One of my favs ! It does however have a very specific place in my lenses , meaning : it's not for everything . It's an ultra wide lens and in as much there is image distortion around the outer rim (like a bubble /fisheye but not as pronounced) ...when used correctly it's breathtaking though -- I also shoot a lot of weddings and this lens may only come out once or twice at a wedding ...maybe you're looking for something a little more rounded (productivity wise) ? You can see some sample images on my Facebook page Dreamshift Photography ...my cover photo (among others ) are with the 14mm ...if you have any further questions I'll be glad to answer them :) Jeremiah.gribble@gmail.com or dreamshift photography on Facebook :)
1117321
I have one. For the price... it is a great lens. Make sure it is well mounted and set camera to high contrast and max sharp. Don't run it more than 12-1500mm. Hard to focus but does a great job "for the price." On a side note: the lens mount is high maintenance and will loosen after a few uses. Make sure your camera body is supported somehow. Take the lens off when not in use.
1580105
This is the best lens in the world (I say with prejudice) - take one of your zooms, set it to 85mm and see if THAT focal length will work for you. If so, BUY BUY BUY. It's so razor sharp. Feel free to ask me more.
1630104
Whoa, buying and having it shipped straight from Hong Kong? Did you ever do that in the states or only in the UK? BTW, thanks for the great posts Mark, they're turning out to be very very helpful. I am currently shopping around for a telephoto and have to make a decision soon about the aperture f/4 or f/2.8, the $$ i want to spend on it and whether I want IS or not. You may be able to help with the $$ on the Hong Kong issue. Thanks again! Nino
725615
I am a professional photographer. Portrait mostly but some weddings. This is my go to lens. I love it. Great build, sharp, fast, quiet great lens in my opinion. For a point of reference you can check out my website with pics mostly taken with this lens. www.lbd-studio.com Hope that helps. Amanda
298203
Thanks for all of the feedback. I bought the E-510 about month ago and it has been great. I am glad I went with the two lens kit for $650 on amazon. Its great to have both lenses. The E-510 is proving to be a great camera.
990745
Congrats on the D5000 (and both great lenses you have). Be sure and get that 35mm down the road, believe me it will probably be the best 200$ you'll ever spend if you do any shooting indoors. I have tons of other lenses (including a 50mm f/1.4) so I held off for a while on getting the 35mm f/1.8, once I did finally get it I was kicking myself for not getting it sooner, it's that good. Happy shooting.
1561300
So now I am wondering just what I am missing with regards to buying this lens for use on a DSLR like the Canon EOS 5D versus the much more expensive "EF 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM for EOS SLR"???
1746187
In my opinion L-series lenses are all significantly better than their non-L counterparts, and for the examples we had, the L-series lens was much better. A 400 mm L-series prime lens would serve a more specialized niche than a zoom, so your intended use would decide.
1630105
So, I'm looking to upgrade from the Canon EF-S 55-250 ISII lens that I currently shoot my daughter's soccer and outdoor nature scenes. I know this is an entry level L, still the price is hard to complain about. How much of a difference from my current lens (on a 70D) will this make, and will I still be able to shoot fairly clean/crisp images @ 200mm without IS? I can use a monopod, so I'm sure that would help. Thoughts?
1958586
If you can afford it go for it. Canon L lenses are great lenses. I was told by a well respected pro when I started to always get the best glass you can because body will change but good glass will always serve you well
861801
Hmm, I guess that I should just take the plunge and get them both.... I have a couple of months before the wedding, so that will give me enough time to save for both....talk about a huge chunk of change, but then again, the lenses are worth the investment! Thanks to both of you for the advice!!!
2228567
Thanks Branden, I didn't think it was a "macro" lens, but wanted to ask. I'm planning on buying this lens when ever I decide I can afford a $1,000 lens. I've since purchased the Canon 60mm EF-S Macro lens and like it very much.
417819
The lens is really great for almost everything, however, if you are trying to take photos of birds or other comperably small easily startled things, or like the moon, then a larger lens would be something to think about. However for almost all intents and purposes, what it comes with will be just fine. Hope that was helpful