Best lens to get to start with the 7D?

Blackout

Blackout

Veteran
Hi all,

I think I am pretty set on choosing the 7D over the GH1 after reviewing every downloadable piece of footage I can get my hands on.

My question is this... if I have the budget to buy the camera with the kit lens ($1900.00), should I do that or is there a better suggestion of a lens to get and buy the body separate? I haven't heard many people talk about the kit lens and I don't know if it's any good or not.

I'll be shooting narrative short films at first. I realize one wants to have an arsenal of lenses but I want to have the best versatile one I can to start with that can handle a variety of shooting styles.

- Blackout
 
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I would recommend a fast, constant aperture, parfocal zoom lens(I use a Tamron 17-50 f2.8) if you want to go the zoom route, for a walk-around.

Otherwise for filmmaking it will be best to start picking up some primes. Many people start out with the Canon EF 50mm f1.8 mkII as it is very cheap with sharp optics(make sure to get a good copy).
 
Achel said:
I would recommend a fast, constant aperture, parfocal zoom lens(I use a Tamron 17-50 f2.8) if you want to go the zoom route, for a walk-around.

Otherwise for filmmaking it will be best to start picking up some primes. Many people start out with the Canon EF 50mm f1.8 mkII as it is very cheap with sharp optics(make sure to get a good copy).
Click to expand...

30mm f1.4 sigma (around 350$) the best starting lest for filmmaking with 7d

other lens i would recommend.

20mm f 1.8 sigma
50mm f 1.4 sigma
11-16mm f 2.8 tokina
17-55 f2.8 IS canon
 
Thanks for the help everyone. Coming from the world of the dvx100 & hvx200a I will have much to learn about lenses. It's all a bit of confusing as to what to choose at first. Do you think I should get the kit lens and a wide prime? Or abort the kit lens altogether?
 
I did a little testing last night looking for an image that popped in available light in my office. I tried all four of my lenses (EF 28mm 1.8 USM, EF 50mm 1.4 USM, Tamron 17-50 2.8 and the 28-135mm kit lens) at ISO 640 and 1250. Nothing popped...pretty disappointed. Tried HTP on and off...nothing. I tried the 28mm WFO 1.8 at ISO 320...close but no cigar. Then I tried the 50mm at 1.4 ISO 160...POP!!!!
 
Moral of the story...get a fast 50mm prime lower the ISO and take a step or two back. ;-)

I swear, if the EF 50mm 1.4 USM had IS, it's the only lens I would own for the 7D. :-)
 
Blackout said:
Hi all,

I think I am pretty set on choosing the 7D over the GH1 after reviewing every downloadable piece of footage I can get my hands on.

My question is this... if I have the budget to buy the camera with the kit lens ($1900.00), should I do that or is there a better suggestion of a lens to get and buy the body separate? I haven't heard many people talk about the kit lens and I don't know if it's any good or not.

I'll be shooting narrative short films at first. I realize one wants to have an arsenal of lenses but I want to have the best versatile one I can to start with that can handle a variety of shooting styles.

- Blackout
Click to expand...

I'm the exact same boat as you are, and after seeing every 7D clip known to mankind and researching the crap out of it, I've decided to get these lenses

1) Tamaron 17 to 50mm. I would have like a bit more zoom, but the image from this lens is really nice. I've actually read that the 28 to 135mm kit lens is pretty good from a number of reviews, but I wanted something more low light and wider. I've read that the new 18mm to 135mm kit lens is not so good..
2) EF 50mm 1.8 -- it's only $100
3) Canon ef 70 to 300 f4 to 5.6 -- for filming surfing.

If I have some extra money, I would get the Sigma 30mm. I'll probably just break down and get it. Down the line I would like a wider lens, but for my current short film, I don't need it.

Some good lens resources are

www.the-digital-picture.com
www.photozone.de -- This guy has really good and very methodical lens reviews.

I was thinking about ordering my lenses from www.photo4less.com. They have really cheap prices. Anyone here use them? Good? Bad?
 
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