Is it worth to buy a canon 16-35/2.8 for video?

[Eljoninjo]

Hi Im thinking on getting on the hdslr train while wating for something better to come out. Just want to have another option to my hvx200 and I find the 7d to be interesting. I wonder if I waste money if I buy a canon 16-35/2.8L or a 17-55/2.8 EF-S since I mainly want to use it for video. I mean the video is heavely compressed with h264. If I want the option to use the lens with the "coming" 5d replacement, do I need to get a L lens?

[Jordan_S]

If you don"t need a fast lens, use the kit lens for video. That being said, the 7d happens to be an incredible stills camera.; you may find yourself taking more photos than you anticipated.

[Eljoninjo]

I definitely need a fast lens with a constant aperture. So the kit lens is not interesting. I think you have right that I might take a hole lot more pictures then I planned. You cant use the 17-55/2.8 on a fullframe without vin-jetting right?

[Jordan_S]

That's correct.

I will say this, though: the more I learn about lenses, the more I think renting possible purchases is a solid idea. Use in the store ain't enough. Renting gives you the freedom to do and go as you please and to really ascertain an individual lens's qualities.

That being said, you really can't go wrong with the 16-35. I decided on the 17-40 and found one used for $1000 less than a new 16-35. You have to decide if f/2.8 is worth it. Or if two or three faster primes will give you what you need.

[deltoidjohn]

Why not get the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8? It's an excellent lens and a favorite particularly for video use, but much cheaper than the Canon 16-35 or 17-55. Of course you can't use it with the with the 5DmkII or other future full-frame cameras but it's so cheap that you may as well buy it now and upgrade to a full-frame lens later. Also the 16-35 would be considered a 'special purpose' super-wide zoom lens on the 5dmkII. To get a standard lens (ie the full frame equivelant of a 17-50mm) you would probably be better off with the 24-70 f/2.8.

Keep in mind that lenses hold their value much better than camera bodies do. If you look after them, some lenses will sell for not much less than you bought them for - in some cases you might even make a profit. One example is the Tokina 11-16 - it's so popular that it is usually out of stock, and as a result second hand versions can occasionally sell for more than the MSRP. I would not worry too much about buying only lenses that will futureproof you. Particularly when you consider that lenses designed for APS-C are generally much cheaper and have more 3rd party alternatives, it makes sense to just buy what you need now and sell/upgrade later on.

If you do decide to only get full-frame compatible lenses, you'll want to look for EF lenses, not EF-S. All L-series lenses are EF lenses and will work on either a full-frame or APS-C sensor.

[nantnee]

If you're interested in the 16-35mm, im debating selling mine if you want to talk. PM if interested.

[ROCKMORE]

Why not get the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8? It's an excellent lens and a favorite particularly for video use, but much cheaper than the Canon 16-35 or 17-55.

The 16-35mm 2.8 is a great lens, but the Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 is also quite good for maybe $1000 less. This will leave money for a second lens while you decide what you need in the long run.

[draven4]

16-35mm 2.8 blows the others out of the water. Stay away from kit lenses. Save up buy good glass.

As for you question it's kind of more of a focal length issue. I'd say for starters a great piece of glass with a great focal range is the one you mentioned
Canon 17-55 2.8 IS
It's L-glass in a consumer body with IS. I've owned it and it gave greater results then a kit lens or even the Tamron mentioned.

[J Davis]

If you're on a 5D then the 16-35 would cover you without vignetting but if you're on the 7d, 60d, t2i or t3i then roll with the 17-55

[draven4]

Don't listen to those arguments about not needing great lenses because of video not being that sharp. It is noticeably better and the way better lenses render light and color is another good thing about investing in good glass.

While not hugely different sometimes the little differences still... make a difference.