If you could only have three lenses for the C300...

[Jim Anderson]

That's great advice, and I didn't know that the 17-40 is parfocal. My first 3 lenses were the 24L, 50L, 85L. Nice set for narrative & lowlight, but my next two lenses were the 16-35L & 24-105L IS - and of all of those, I use the 24-105L IS the most. It's an incredibly versatile lens on the C300. My next lens will likely be a 70-200L IS, but I'm not in a huge hurry for it. So far this kit has suited my purposes extremely well. I went with all L series so that I would have the option for full-frame if/when I pick up a 5dIII. edit: personally, I'm really not a fan of the 24-70L lens. Can't put my finger on exactly why, but I just don't like find it nice to use.

I haven't heard any discussions on using the EF 24-105mm f1.4 IS USM, only the EF 24-105mm f4 IS USM. To me, it seems better to have the faster lense, but is there a down side to using it with the C300?

[Graham King]

I'd pay $10k for that lens. Although it'd probably sell for $200k.

[cowpunk52]

I haven't heard any discussions on using the EF 24-105mm f1.4 IS USM, only the EF 24-105mm f4 IS USM. To me, it seems better to have the faster lense, but is there a down side to using it with the C300?

There is no such lens (24-105 f1.4). There is only a 24-105 f4

[Jon Thorn]

I'd place a vote for the following two lenses: Canon 24-105mm F/4 and Canon 50mm F/1.4. One zoom with a nice range and consistent aperture through the range and one fast, normal prime. Both are relatively inexpensive lenses considering the type of quality images you can produce compared to the purchase price.

[Pelican]

Kick-starting this thread.. I have a C100 ordered and I have been doing quite a bit of searching on what lenses everyone is using with their C300.
IMHO this thread has under-represented the use of the EF-S 17-55 f2.8 with IS. This is probably to be the most commonly used lens on the C300, with good reason; many feel it is sharper than the 24-70, it has image stabilization, it's a full stop faster than the 24-105 and is fair lighter and a bit less expensive than both.
So my three lenses will be:

1. Canon 17-55 f2.8 with IS
2. Tokina 11-16mm f2.8
3. (Canon L 24 or 35 f1.4 (can't decide which just yet)
4. and a forth will be the 70-200L

[philiplipetz]

Kick-starting this thread.. I have a C100 ordered and I have been doing quite a bit of searching on what lenses everyone is using with their C300.
IMHO this thread has under-represented the use of the EF-S 17-55 f2.8 with IS. This is probably to be the most commonly used lens on the C300, with good reason; many feel it is sharper than the 24-70, it has image stabilization, it's a full stop faster than the 24-105 and is fair lighter and a bit less expensive than both.
So my three lenses will be:

1. Canon 17-55 f2.8 with IS
2. Tokina 11-16mm f2.8
3. (Canon L 24 or 35 f1.4 (can't decide which just yet)
4. and a forth will be the 70-200L

New 24-70 is sharper, great lens without IS. Have the 17-55 and it is very good but can pick up dust and harder to zoom and pull focus.

[Bern Caughey]

New 24-70 is sharper, great lens with IS.

The new Canon 24-70/2.8 does not have IS, which is very disappointing.

A L-series quality update to the 17-55/2.8 IS would be most welcome. I love the focal range with the C300, but the focus ring needs help.

Including Canon's Hybrid Image Stabilization on all new lenses would be most welcome too.

[MattinSTL]

I've been doing sound for a company that's shooting C300 on sticks with the option of 16-35, 24-70, and 70-200... so far we use 24-70 90% of the time... just like on my own Canons for stills... it's "the" lens... yeah, no IS though. BTW... somebody told me the new Canon 24-70 that's so outlandishly priced (compared to it's predecessor) would do all it's zoom and focus internally... i.e. no growing through the matte box, etc. Nope... it works just like the old one.

[Paul Cronin]

Canon:
EF 17-55
EF 14mm f2.8L
EF 24-105

[philiplipetz]

The new Canon 24-70/2.8 does not have IS, which is very disappointing.

A L-series quality update to the 17-55/2.8 IS would be most welcome. I love the focal range with the C300, but the focus ring needs help.

Including Canon's Hybrid Image Stabilization on all new lenses would be most welcome too.

Yeah, I know it does not have IS or I would be using it, the previous statement I Mande was a typo, sorry.