Stepping up and getting a new lens, but which is right..

[Tamster]

Afternoon! I was hoping some of you will give me some insights and thoughts on my next lens purchase. I would like something mainly for portrait and children use. I have the nifty fifty as they say, but want to move up. There are so many choices. Do i just go to the next 50, jump to the 85 or someone suggested the 24-70. Then i was looking at the 28-135 also since that is a bit cheaper? Still fairly new but i really want something more. Any helpful hints or advise would be greatly appreciated!

[MrJones]

hi,
you are throwing in all kind of lenses and more important a wide variety of prices.
let's start with your budget, it would make things easier.

[RichardTaylor]

Depends on your budget.
Also keep in mind you get what you pay for.

When you say you want to step up what are you looking for?
Better build quality?
Faster focussing?.
More reach?
Better IQ?
Faster lens like F2.8 or even faster?
The flexibility of a zoom or do you like shooting with primes?

The Canon 24-70 F2.8 L is an excellent lens. Excellent IQ, build quality and focussing speed. I don't own own however I have friends that do and they love it.
Only downside is that can be a bit heavy.

For a 28-135 review see here.
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens Review

It is not a real fast aperture lens only having a maximum aperture of f3.5-F5.6 (I don't own own)

The 85 F1.8 is a good value lens that will give you more reach. (I own one), but it doesn't see much use as I prefer my 135 F2 L which is an excellent lens but may be a little long for your needs.

[asoupley]

+1 on the 24-70... I rented one for a week (still have it for another 2 days actually), and I am in love. Like everyone else, my only complaint is the weight. That being said, I did not find it completely unbearable. My camera is getting pretty heavy though (T1i, battery grip, 580ex II flash)... adding the 24-70 gave my forearm a good workout Now I get to save up to purchase one!

-Tony

[Tamster]

Good Morning! Yes, i guess i did throw a few different ones out there. lol Was just looking at the different features and the cost diff. I'd hate to sink money in one when down the road i realized i should have just gone with the one that was really the best. And end up spending more money down the road. I'm looking for a faster lens but also want the ability to have the zoom as well. Don't want to be limited. I have heard wonderful things about the 24-70 and that is heavy!! I really don't have a budget, i guess because I knew how much that was and kind of had that in my head but once i started really looking i was wondering if there was one kind of comparible at a tad bit lower price.

[gturner]

I was extremely happy with my 24-70 on a crop frame. Super sharp, super fast and just ideal for when I did upgrade to full frame.

[Tamster]

Originally Posted by asoupley

+1 on the 24-70... I rented one for a week (still have it for another 2 days actually), and I am in love. Like everyone else, my only complaint is the weight. That being said, I did not find it completely unbearable. My camera is getting pretty heavy though (T1i, battery grip, 580ex II flash)... adding the 24-70 gave my forearm a good workout Now I get to save up to purchase one!

-Tony

So are you using it for everything? I bet it does get heavy if so! I was thinking about renting one as well. But there are not any places around here that rent gear. And i haven't had the chance to search online as of yet. Is there a certain place you rent from?
I was looking into the battery grip's this weekend i can imagine my arm would be sore also!

[asoupley]

I'm using it for EVERYTHING! My wife and kids are really getting tired of seeing it... they are excited that it is going back to the store tomorrow. I have been using it for portraits, BMX racing, volleyball, my daughters Irish dance recital (original reason I rented it). It performs wonderfully both indoor and out. To be honest, I get so excited about the results, that I forget about how heavy it is.

There are quite a few places online that rent... I have no experience with them though. I was shocked when I found out my local store rented... I think I might be renting a 70-200/2.8 next!

Regarding the battery grip... it seems people either love them or hate them. I bought a $65 Opteka one I found on Amazon... I love it. I have yet to run the batteries out... and that's shooting 1000+ on a charge. Now, when my wife takes the grip off the camera (she hates it), the camera feels tiny!

[Tamster]

Originally Posted by asoupley

I'm using it for EVERYTHING! My wife and kids are really getting tired of seeing it... they are excited that it is going back to the store tomorrow. I have been using it for portraits, BMX racing, volleyball, my daughters Irish dance recital (original reason I rented it). It performs wonderfully both indoor and out. To be honest, I get so excited about the results, that I forget about how heavy it is.

There are quite a few places online that rent... I have no experience with them though. I was shocked when I found out my local store rented... I think I might be renting a 70-200/2.8 next!

Regarding the battery grip... it seems people either love them or hate them. I bought a $65 Opteka one I found on Amazon... I love it. I have yet to run the batteries out... and that's shooting 1000+ on a charge. Now, when my wife takes the grip off the camera (she hates it), the camera feels tiny!

You def sound excited about it!!! Do you have any pics posted with that lens?? I might just have to hop over to my friends house and see if i can't play with hers for a bit. I wish we had a place around here that rented!! About how much is it to rent do you know?
I don't have the battery grip as i have a few batteries and have yet to ever even have to change one. then again i don't do anything for long periods or used the external flash much. I'm sure when i do i will need it. Until then my little arms will thank me!
Thanks so much for the info and let me know if you have any pics to share with that lens!

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by Tamster

Afternoon! I was hoping some of you will give me some insights and thoughts on my next lens purchase. I would like something mainly for portrait and children use. I have the nifty fifty as they say, but want to move up. There are so many choices. Do i just go to the next 50, jump to the 85 or someone suggested the 24-70. Then i was looking at the 28-135 also since that is a bit cheaper? Still fairly new but i really want something more. Any helpful hints or advise would be greatly appreciated!

Back in 2001, I exchanged my one week old 28-135 for a 28-70 f/2.8 L. It works well with my D30, 5D and 5D Mk II.

I haven't used my 50mm (f/1.4 & f/1.8) for over three decades and I shoot portraits with 28-70 f/2.8 L, 85 f/1.2 L II and 70-200 f/2.8 L IS.

Your choice in which lens to buy depends on your budget, focal length, shooting distance and lens properties.