OT: Thinking about going to the Dark Side..

[xtm]

Well let me first state that I have no brand loyalty and I just pick up whatever works the best for my job, and right now I'm not very happy. Ever since I switched to "full frame" D700 (35mm) I realized that I don't have much of an option when it comes to fast primes. I mean, the body is great, it's just the prime selection is weak and limited. I mostly use primes (about 99% of the time), and in Nikon-land, we only have a very limited selection (85 1.4 is a great lens, 50 1.4 is a good lens but has terrible OOF rendition and that's about it.) The Nikon WA primes are old school and slow. Zeiss and Voigt are not an option since they are MF and I can't deal with third-party inconsistencies from Sigma, Tokina etc.

From what I've heard, Canon has a nice selection of fast primes. Is this true? Basically I need to cover 24, 35, 50, 85, and 135 or something close to those. The faster the better (f/1.4 or wider) Money is not an issue.

Questions to those who shoot Canon:

1. What are EF and EF-S mounts? Which one is current?
2. I'm 100% set on FF. Should I even consider the 1.3x format? What are the pros cons of the 1.3x?
3. Which body do you suggest for FF? Budget is around $3K on body.. I have no need for vertical grip
4. Which fast primes do you suggest for those focal lengths?
5. What is an "L" lens? Are white lenses called "L" lens? Why are some lenses white and some are black? What is the red band for?
6. Is there such a thing as "full frame lens" in Canon speak? Like, can you use all the lenses for 1.6, 1.3 and full frame? Or is there a specific lens for each format? How does this work in Canon land?

Any suggestions? Again, I'm not dead set on switching just yet (this can be costly I know) but unless Nikon comes up with some fast prime lineup tomorrow, then I think I'm gonna keep walking towards the dark side.

Thoughts?

 

[jedininja]

1. They are both current. EF lenses work on all Canon dslr cameras. EF-S only works on crop sensors so you will not want any EFS if you are interested in full frame.
2. I am not as certain on this, but I believe that the 1.3x is the sensor for the older pro models before they were making full frame.
3. For that budget, the Canon 5D mark II would be your best bet. An amazing camera that I have played with but have not had the money for yet.
4. There are a ton of Prime lenses so its hard to say what you'll need.
14mm 2.8
15mm 2.8 fisheye
24mm 1.4
35mm 1.4
50mm 1.2
50mm 1.4
50mm 1.8
85mm 1.2
85mm 1.8
100mm 2.0
135mm 2.0
200mm 2.8
And many more big ones as well as specialty ones like macro or tilt shift ones that I did not list.
5. L is the Luxury line of Canon lenses. These are pretty much the pro lenses. Many of them are white, some are not. But they do all have the red stripe. The red stripe is what designates the L lens. Most of my lenses are L lenses and there is definitely a difference in quality and price.
6. This goes back to #1. EF lenses are for full frame and crop sensor, EFS is only crop. So with a FF camera, you will only use EF lenses.


You will not be disappointed in Canon. The dark side will make you strong.

 

[Recty]

5. What is an "L" lens? Are white lenses called "L" lens? Why are some lenses white and some are black? What is the red band for?

Just an add on to what is already mentioned, the white lenses you see are an L lens that is a telephoto. You wont see any short focal length L glass that is white, only the long telephoto get that. From what I can tell, although I could be off on this, the lens has to be able to do 200m or greater in order to be white.

I hear it's to help the large surface area not get so hot while working in the sun. Personally, I think it's a glory hound thing It just looks cool.

It's probably a little of both.

And to your original question, L lenses are just built high quality. They use the best glass and the best parts. Their autofocus systems are the best and the quietest. All this combines to make them take the best pictures

 

[IPT]

busy at work but I'll be back. The "L" lenses are all as stated but also with the pro bodies they form a weather proof seal. Personally i wouldn't get a crop body but I had one for my first rig and it really depends on your intended purpose and shooting syle. I'll be back later.

 

[iceemn360]

What about Pentax Prime land? K7 with.....

da40 pancake
da70
da55
da77
da35
fa 50


I only have the da40 pancake (excellent btw) but all I hear is prime lens talk on pentax forums

 

[BlueCorn]

What about Pentax Prime land? K7 with.....

da40 pancake
da70
da55
da77
da35
fa 50


I only have the da40 pancake (excellent btw) but all I hear is prime lens talk on pentax forums

Since he's decided on a full frame sensor, that leaves the Pentax out of the conversation.

If you don't care about video, you could even save a few bucks and buy a first gen 5D used. It's still a really great camera.

 

[dendronepthya]

1. What are EF and EF-S mounts? Which one is current?

Answered already, you want EF lenses.

2. I'm 100% set on FF. Should I even consider the 1.3x format? What are the pros cons of the 1.3x?

Some of the 1.3x cameras are great for sports because they have huge FPS buffers.

3. Which body do you suggest for FF? Budget is around $3K on body.. I have no need for vertical grip

5DmkII or 5D

4. Which fast primes do you suggest for those focal lengths?

24mm f/1.4L
35mm f/1.4L
50mm... doesn't matter, all are flawed in some way or another
85mm f/1.2L
135mm 2.0L

5. What is an "L" lens? Are white lenses called "L" lens? Why are some lenses white and some are black? What is the red band for?

L is Canon's high end. Some of the larger telephotos are white so they don't bake in the sun. The red band is for L.

6. Is there such a thing as "full frame lens" in Canon speak? Like, can you use all the lenses for 1.6, 1.3 and full frame? Or is there a specific lens for each format? How does this work in Canon land?

Any EF lens can be used on the "full frame" cameras.

 

[MrSandman]

If you get a 5D2, the prime i would recommend is the 85/1.2. That's next on my long list list of lenses i want. Its probably the best prime Canon makes, IMO. Super sharp and when combined with a 5D2, i actually think it creates light.

I'm also eyeing the new Canon 100/2.8L Macro with IS but need to do some more research on it.

 

[IPT]

Personally I would get the 5D mark 2. I have the original 5D and it is an awesome camera. That being said, the Mark 2 has the dust reduction as well as more MP to play with when it comes to cropping. (also, the video could be fun to play with). I think (and I am not sure about this the higher ISO may be cleaner too ?)

Not sure what flaws Dendro is referring to I have both the “cheep” 50mm f1.8 and the F1.4 and I think they are both AWESOME lenses. They are known to be super sharp within the photographic community.

Aside from the bigger buffer the small benefit from the 1.3 crop is you crop out the outer portion of the image. If you shoot wide open that is usually where the degradation of the image occurs so some will argue that your images will be sharper across the entire image because of that. The trade off is it is hard to get real wide angles of view because a 20mm lens essentially becomes a 26mm lens. However, your 300 tele just became nearly a 400mm lens so again it depends on your needs.

BTW, you can use the EF-S and the EF mounts on a crop camera just not the on the FF ones. This may open up your lens selection. FWIW most of the Nikon defectors have been for the very reason you are considering jumping ship. I started with Canon and have been very happy all the way along my journey.

 

[Tremont]

If you get a 5D2, the prime i would recommend is the 85/1.2. That's next on my long list list of lenses i want. Its probably the best prime Canon makes, IMO. Super sharp and when combined with a 5D2, i actually think it creates light.

Agree. I keep extending my rental on this lens. I know a lot of people use it for portraits but I use it for cityscape shots - it makes them incredibly sharp and clean (less flaring) compared to my 50mm 1.4 or 200mm 2.8L. Sharper than anything I've seen.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

Everyone has already answered your questions so I have no need to repeat the answers. I do however agree with them. Welcome to the dark side, my son. If Canon nailed one thing, it's lenses. Canon has nailed more than one thing.

 

[dendronepthya]

Not sure what flaws Dendro is referring to I have both the "œcheep" 50mm f1.8 and the F1.4 and I think they are both AWESOME lenses. They are known to be super sharp within the photographic community.

The 50mm 1.4 is a pretty good lens. I used to own one and sold it to help finance the 35mm 1.4. The issue I have with the 50mm focal length is there isn't a hands-down best 50mm lens out there like there is at other focal lengths. For example, there is a clear cut winner at 24, 35, 85, 135, 200, 300, etc. 50mm? Not so clear. Arguably the Sigma 50 is better than the Canon 50 except it has poor AF performance. The Canon 50mm f/1.2L should be the cream of the crop at 5x the price of the 1.4, but it is not that much sharper than the 1.4 version and has focus shift issues

 

[SDBDRZ]

All your questions have been answered but I thought I would throw in that when I decided to invest into DSLR I made my decision based on the the lens lineup not the bodies. I started with an xti and have since moved to a 50D, eventually I will add a full frame body as well. Bodies can be easily replaced or upgrades, lenses are an investment that never need replaced. I just picked up my first "L" lens a couple of weeks ago and there is a considerable difference in not only build quality but also performance. The nikon bodies may have a few advantages over canon but canon has the glass.

 

[dendronepthya]

I agree that Canon makes excellent fast prime lenses. I don't think you will find better unless you are willing to give up autofocus and pay twice as much for a Leica system.

 

[xtm]

Thanks a lot for the answers guys. So far I'm leaning towards the 5D but I'm more concerned about the quality of the fast primes. Two lenses have caught my attention: The 35mm f1.4USM and the 85 1.2 USM Mk2. Has anyone used these? How's the IQ? How's the AF speed? I think the prices are very reasonable, compared to Nikon's 28 1.4 (which runs at $4K if you can even find one)

On these 1.2 and 1.4 primes, how far do you stop down to nail the focus? Also, what does the "Mk2" mean? Is there a Mark 1?

Thanks

 

[Dino]

Also, what does the "Mk2" mean? Is there a Mark 1?

Thanks

Yes, it means exactly that - Mark II's are the newer generation. I've never used either of the lenses you're interested in personally so I'll let somebody answer specific questions regarding those. However; I know a plenty of portrait photographer who with an 85mm f/1.2 and FF body are their bread and butter.

YGPM here in just a couple minutes.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

The 85mm f/1.8 is used by a lot of sports guys for its superior auto focus over the f/1.2. Studio photographers often use the f/1.2 and many claim it provides superior image quality compared to any other. The 85 f/1.2 is, IMHO, the sexiest lens I have ever seen in my life. Truly a jaw-dropper.
I recommend you check out this site if you haven't already.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/

 

[t5Nitro]

Tremont, do you have any example cityscape shots from the 85 f/1.2L? I was going to buy this lens but because of the cost and what it may have been limited to was drawing me back.

I'd really appreciate some sample cityscapes with it.

Canon has a wide range of excellent primes as already noted. The 5D2 is a remarkable camera and has not let me down yet. I have not own any primes, however I've talked with multiple people that do or want to use only primes.

If you decide on that 85mm f/1.2L, not only is image quality excellent but google the lens and it even LOOKS awesome on the camera.

 

[Tremont]

If you watch "Another Cloud Reel ...":

http://www.vimeo.com/6601409

The shot of the GG bridge with the moonlight on the water is with the 85mm 1.2L. The same goes for the airport shots. To compare with other lesser primes, see the other gg bridge shot. It was shot with the 50mm 1.4 and has much more flaring/less sharp, etc...

I'm working on a project at the moment that has me doing a lot of city stuff with the 85 1.2L but it won't be ready for a while.

 

[Tremont]

Btw, if you want fast AF, the 85mm 1.2L is *not* the lens for you. It is very slow AF (I don't think it has a built in motor?).