Canon L or non-L for 7D?

L

Lkorver

Well-known member
I've done a ton of research and have narrowed it down to two lenses.

Canon EF-S 17-55/2.8 IS USM $1000.00
or
Canon EF 16-35m/2.8L $1550.00

I like the EF-S because of the IS (I shot lots of run and gun hand held), its got more range on the long end, and it's not as expensive.

I like the L lens because is an L (weather sealed, non-plastic, better resale, better lens), it can be used with both crop and full frame cameras should I move over between cameras, and it's a better investment in glass.

So I'm am torn between the two and wondering if there is anything I am not considering or another lens entirely?

FYI, I did order the kit lens with the 7d and I plan on buying a few prime lenses to fill in any gaps I have . I shoot mainly interviews, music vids, and hand held reality style content.

thanks in advance for any advice!
 
If you can afford the L, then why not? Unless you're really trying to save money, and you care about more range in the long end...
 
Will a DSLR stabilizer like the Merlin make up for the loss in IS? is it really hard to do a rough focus pull while running one of those rigs? I guess if I do any follow cam stuff I should using some sort of stabilizer. the rest of my shooting is basic handheld stylized stuff which I don't think IS would be a factor since I shot most of this with adapters (ois turned off) and it looked fine.
 
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Lkorver said:
Will a DSLR stabilizer like the Merlin make up for the loss in IS?
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It will do better than lens IS.

is it really hard to do a rough focus pull while running one of those rigs?
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You cannot pull focus AT ALL on such a rig, unless you have a wireless follow focus, and unless your lens does internal focusing.

I guess if I do any follow cam stuff I should using some sort of stabilizer. the rest of my shooting is basic handheld stylized stuff which I don't think IS would be a factor since I shot most of this with adapters (ois turned off) and it looked fine.
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Consider a low-cost shoulder support like the Spiderbrace.
 
thanks for the advice..
I think I'll have to wait till the 7d shows up and shoot some run and gun at the local lens shop and see if i can pull it off with the non IS L lens.
 
The 17-55mm is as good as an L in terms of optical quality. The focal range is also very good! I would check out the focus ring in person and if it is good enough for you get that one.

The 24-70's focus ring is fantastic. You might find the same to be true about the 16-35mm zoom.

With the 16-35mm and a 50mm and an 85mm you would be in great shape.

Check them out in person.

Lkorver said:
thanks for the advice..
I think I'll have to wait till the 7d shows up and shoot some run and gun at the local lens shop and see if i can pull it off with the non IS L lens.
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I think this is a bad idea if you are considering top shelf lenses. I would save the money.

you can buy the other lens from a place where you can get a refund instead.
 
If we're talking for video and you don't want to be on a tripod constantly, the IS is key.

Noah
 
USLatin said:
that you'd be stuck with for a long time.
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Seriously though, unless he buys *really* low end stuff, most lenses hold their resale value pretty well, even EF-S and the more popular Sigmas, Tokinas and Tamrons.

The exception is probably the kit lenses that come with lower-end bodies.

My suggestion though if you are truely unsure about what to buy: rent first, buy later.

--X
 
Going to the store works well too though. But you need to know exactly what to look for and have a good idea of your needs.

We are obviously in agreement.
 
I actually think the Tokina is a FAR better buy for APS-C, unless you need a versatile wide zoom for full frame. And keep in mind that the Tokina works as a 15-16mm in FF. And much cheaper! And should be a very decent combination with a ~24+ zoom. The 16-35 also has white a bit of distortion at 16mm, but on a FF sensor 16mm is a bit wider than 11mm on an APS-C.
 
cant go wrong with L.
But EF glass is VERY good. CAnon doesnt make "Bad glass". I have a tough time finding flaw with their standard Gold Ring glass. i compared the 85mm 1.2L and the 85 1.8 EF, and the EF stood up VERY well, a bit softer wide open but thats about it. maybe a TOUCH less CA. Of course the 1.2 was faster.... not with 1,000$ to me...
 
Looks nice USLatin. If you were stranded on a desert isle and could bring only one $600 lens, this would be your choice?
 
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