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View Full Version : Which lens should I get?



oneinfiniteloop
03-08-2006, 06:42 AM
I'm about to buy a new lens for my Canon A-1 in the next few days and I would like some feedback.

The first one is a Tokina 28-105 f/3.5

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=142080&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

The second is a Tokina 28-70 f/3.9

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=264322&is=USA&addedTroughType=search

The 105 has a smaller f/stop range, but is a little faster (not by much), and has a better macro. The 70 has a wider f/stop range, less macro, but also has less elements. Does having less elements in a lens give you a higher quality? Any advice?

Droog
03-08-2006, 07:26 PM
I may be making things difficult for myself but I will not buy another lense that is slower than 1.8. It seems like I am always scraping for a couple more stops.

For what its worth, I use an AE-1Program which also is an FD mount. I have my sights set on a prime 85MM. 1.8, there is a 1.2 available but its about an extra thousand dollars.

oneinfiniteloop
03-09-2006, 06:45 AM
I already own a 50mm f/1.8, as well as a 70-200mm zoom. I wanted something that could do wide angle and medium range shots. I couldn't find a lens that was in the same price range and faster.

Droog
03-09-2006, 10:22 AM
Wide angle is definately fun to have. Not sure what mine is, Canon I think. its like 29-85 or something like that F4 I think as well, it will also go macro. Sure wish it was faster, I would imagine along with more speed the glass would be nicer. I feel like with my WA if I don't get perfect exposure I have a lot of grain, which generally I am cool with but sometimes its annoying.

The 105 is cool because it has a macro function which is nice sometimes. Its a little faster too. In fact its almost exactly like mine, makes be wonder if mine is in fact a 105.

The 70 is cool because it has a 55 mm filter size, which means you don't have to buy all new filters for it. It has no macro and is slower, but cheaper.

I would say go with the 105, or take that same 185 bucks and hit ebay.

oneinfiniteloop
03-09-2006, 11:59 AM
I ordered the 105 this morning from B&H...should be here tomm. I'm hitting the zoo, and hopefully the beach, to shoot some slide film (kodachrome and fuji sensia). I'll post the results soon!

Thanks for the info.

Droog
03-09-2006, 01:12 PM
I don't know how much info there was:) But I like to talk about this kind of stuff. Have fun at the zoo.