Cheap IS lens?

awelgraven

awelgraven

Well-known member
I have a full set of Nikon Primes that I plan on using with my 5D. But for general walk around stuff, I'm wondering what a cheap Canon IS lens would be? Something that would enable me to get decent video without an camera stabilization.

I'm not really worried about speed...it can be slow and on the wide side would probably be best.

Any suggestions?
 
Maybe you can find a 3rd party lens with image stabilizer?

From what I've seen I think the Canon IS ones covering the wider end tend to be a bit expensive. I know it's probably not wide enough for you but I just picked up a Canon 70-300 IS for about $400 on eBay to complement the 24-105 IS. It's not supposed to be the best lens but for walk around with the longer focal length it seems like a good option.
 
Define cheap. I don't think you can get a lens with IS without spending at least $250-300 on the used market.

rahn said:
Oh actually maybe something like this will work for you?
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-28-135mm-f-3.5-5.6-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx
Click to expand...

That's what I was going to suggest. It's about the best value all-around walk-around lens for the 5D. Sure it's not fast, but it's not expensive, either. Nothing else that I'm aware of can fit full frame, has IS, and has that kind of focal length range at that price. It's the full-frame equivalent to a 7D guy's 18-55 IS kit lens, except with better telephoto.

The 24-105mm L also fits the criteria that you're looking for, except that it's not even close to cheap. But it does have a good zoom range, constant f4 and IS.
 
Whatever cheap means in this case :)

I just meant I don't need the best lens ever. It can be slow.

Thanks for the suggestions!
 
An IS lens isn't going to keep you from needing a stabilizer. If you plan on walking around and getting usable footage, you'll need either a shoulder rig or steadicam of some kind. At best, you could get by with a loupe and using it for stability while pressed against your eye.
 
NextWaveG said:
An IS lens isn't going to keep you from needing a stabilizer. If you plan on walking around and getting usable footage, you'll need either a shoulder rig or steadicam of some kind. At best, you could get by with a loupe and using it for stability while pressed against your eye.
Click to expand...

I have a shoulder rig and a glidecam. I just want a lens for when I'm out and about and see something I'd like to record.
 
NextWaveG said:
An IS lens isn't going to keep you from needing a stabilizer. If you plan on walking around and getting usable footage, you'll need either a shoulder rig or steadicam of some kind.
Click to expand...

Of course this is all subjective and dependent of your shooting style, but I would disagree here - with good camera control and IS there is no need for, not only, a stedicam, but any support at all.
 
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rahn said:
Maybe you can find a 3rd party lens with image stabilizer?

From what I've seen I think the Canon IS ones covering the wider end tend to be a bit expensive. I know it's probably not wide enough for you but I just picked up a Canon 70-300 IS for about $400 on eBay to complement the 24-105 IS. It's not supposed to be the best lens but for walk around with the longer focal length it seems like a good option.
Click to expand...


What he said.

70-300 = excellent for a cheap(ish) lens:




A couple of short clips from last summer + 70-300 + bicyles + handheld:


http://www.vimeo.com/3785241

http://www.vimeo.com/3791196
 
You could also try the Tamron 17-50mm VC, which is the Tamron version of the Canon 17-55mm 2.8 IS.

Great walk-around lens for video with fast aperture
 
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