IS Zooms or Fast Primes?

[Wendt]

Note: this post is also in the main thread. I noticed that I should have posted it here, but I did not know how to move it so please forgive the double post. :undecided

I am planning on getting the 7D while I am waiting for Canon to come out with the real camera. However, I am still planning on keeping my Canon A-1. I have done corporate style work up till this point, but I now want to branch out into some projects that have more of a "filmic" look and feel. I know that there are many things that help make something look "filmic", but I am concerned with making the right lens investment. I have done some research but I still have some questions:

If I use a tripod, Jib, dolly, or flyer for 80% of the shots do I still need to be concerned about getting lenses with image stabilization (IS)? In other words which is more important--IS or faster primes? I have made two lists for either point of view. Let me know what you think? Is it overkill or not enough?

I was also wondering if someone could explain in general terms when and why they would use each lens that is listed in a specific situation or list some other lens that they would rather use that I do not have listed.

Tokina 11-16 2.8 $699
Canon 24 1.4L $1699
Sigma 50 1.4 $499
Canon 85 1.8 $409
Canon 135 2L $1037

I am also considering this lens to replace the 24L or just add it to the list if it is needed:

Sigma 30 1.4 $499

Specialty lens:

Canon 100 2.8L IS Macro $1035 or $575 for non IS

If image stabilization is important I am thinking about these instead:

Tokina 11-16 2.8 $699 NO IS
Tamron 17-50 2.8 VC $649
Canon 70-200 2.8L IS $1799

I also have a question about the VC lens. Do the VC lenses work while taking video or just stills?


Thank you.

[Noel Evans]

Forget IS, what has it done for you lately? :P You dont use IS on a tripod / jib / dolly or steadicam - and if the rest is handheld get a handheld rig to help.


Tokina 11-16 2.8 $699
Canon 24 1.4L $1699
Sigma 50 1.4 $499
Canon 85 1.8 $409
Canon 135 2L $1037

I am also considering this lens to replace the 24L or just add it to the list if it is needed:
Sigma 30 1.4 $499



As for the above. If its an either or situation Id scrap the 135 and add the 30. I (and this applies to me) dont often find the need for a lens as long as 135mm for narrative style shoots but am always looking for more down the wider end.

[TimurCivan]

well you can turn off the IS. but in general i agree with you.

Truth is, ive been using the Angeniuex Optimo 24-290 alot lately. and i kinda like havin a variable prime....

The beauty of the Canon Zooms is that for the most part they hold their stop all the way through the zooom range. they do lose a bit of light on the long end, but hey so does the 150,000$ optimo.

at this point with the camers as sensitive as they are, a set of three zooms should do the trick.

16-35 24-70 70-200. at this point you cant hook up a PL to a canon EOS camera, so youre losing all thoes benefits mind as well go with what can give you great still capability as well.

[Wendt]

Thanks Noel, the info about replacing the 135 with the 30 was helpful.

TimurCivan, Can you explain this a little more?

"at this point you cant hook up a PL to a canon EOS camera, so youre losing all thoes benefits "

Is "PL" the same as "prime Lens"? This is what I ment by prime lense:

Canon 24 1.4L $1699
Sigma 50 1.4 $499
Canon 85 1.8 $409
Canon 135 2L $1037

Thanks for your help.

[TimurCivan]

no i mean PL mount lenses. Cinema level lenses.

They ar full manual everything, with standard industry mounts, and gears, and they are usually super sharp.

but you cant reall use them. So if youre going to give up manual control. mind as well grab all the electronic convenience you can. Canon Brand i mean.

[johnhafner]

PRIMES for sure.

It Depends on what you shoot most though. f 90% of the stuff is on tripod/dolly like I shoot then IS isn't worth the $ and loss of low light and DOF.

Without primes you lose a lot of shallow DOF and low light. I may get an IS lens later for shoulder mount stuff, but doubt I will use it much.