Camera Labs

hi guys,

I'm looking to purchase a new lens. The type of photos I am looking to take are mainly landscape and surf photography (including photos of surfing friends, hence wanting the f2.

I currently have a Canon 60D body and use the 24-105mm f4 as my main lens, however I'm after something with a bit more depth of field, range and the ability to use faster shutter speeds.

Has anyone used or owned the Sigma or Tamron equivalent? If so, how do you think it compares to the Canon?

The main purpose for the thread, is largely due to the huge price difference between Canon and the third party lenses, and I was hoping to get an opinion to see if the pricing difference was due to brand or due to the Canon actually being a better quality lens.

Appreciate your feedback.

Cheers,
Rich

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richie lyons | sydney australia

photography by [ fresh ]
http://www.facebook.com/photographybyfresh

the canon 70-200 2.8 IS USM II is one of the best lenses canon makes. So I would suggest its worth it, but is 200 really long enough for surf related activities.
I would think a 100-400 or 70-300 would be more suitable. Also, curious why you think you will need an aperture of 2.8 for surfing?

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Canon Powershot S95, Canon 7D, 15-85, Canon 85 1.8 USM, Sigma 30 1.4, 50mm 1.8, Canon 100 2.8L IS Macro, Canon 70-300L IS USM+Kenko 1.4 Pro 300DGX, Canon 430EX II and RS 4 Classic

Hi,

Thanks for your feedback. I would like the f2.8, as I want to take series of quick images use faster shutter speeds without effecting overall exposure, I prefer not rely too much on increasing the ISO.

It's a beach break, so the 200mm should be. I'm not sure how many occasions I would use the additional length particularly if I have to sacrifice an f-stop or two.

Thoughts?

Cheers,
Richie

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richie lyons | sydney australia

photography by [ fresh ]
http://www.facebook.com/photographybyfresh

2.8 aperture a wonderful thing, certainly increases your options. Increasing iso on the 7d, same sensor as 60D, doesn`t start becoming an issue until iso 3200. Well that is my experience anyway.
Canon`s dpp and lightroom have great noise reduction features and I have no issues using iso 1600 and iso 3200 if required.

I spend last school holidays at Pambula Beach and when down the beach found even the 300 a bit short.
Certainly had no trouble with available light when we visited the beach, but with kids it was during good weather and daylight.
Here is a shot of a whale swimming past, with some surfers and they were not far out, pretty well where they were waiting for the right wave.


IMG_4341 by maxjj, on Flickr


IMG_4351 by maxjj, on Flickr


IMG_4353 by maxjj, on Flickr


IMG_4351 by maxjj, on Flickr


and depth of field is all relative here is a shot at 300 and 7.1 .

IMG_4294 by maxjj, on Flickr




basically what I am suggesting is that you may just about need two lenses, one for more reach and a 70-200 for low light, depth of field and action stuff.

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Canon Powershot S95, Canon 7D, 15-85, Canon 85 1.8 USM, Sigma 30 1.4, 50mm 1.8, Canon 100 2.8L IS Macro, Canon 70-300L IS USM+Kenko 1.4 Pro 300DGX, Canon 430EX II and RS 4 Classic