Next lens: Canon 85mm 1.8 or 70-200 L f/4(no IS)

I

inyourface

Active member
Looking for some sound advice...
heck even bad advice helps at times...LOL

Our choices are:
Canon 85mm 1.8 ($275.00)
or Canon 70-200mm L 4.0 ($500.00)

subject camera is 7D (1.6 crop)

Looking for 3 ( or 4 max) lenses to cover me. (a kit that fits my needs)

Getting: Tokina 11-16mm (covers the wide)
Have: Canon 50mm 1.8 mkI

Then... either of the above...

You need to know what I shoot?

Shoot 95%+ in the daylight and outdoors
Talking head videos. Not exciting but it works for me.

I went through the list posted here and yeah both lenses I am stuck on are on list... that didnt help...LOL
read LensPlay reviews...(both excellent)

The non IS is an issue but I will use tripod/support, monopod and a rapidfire(?) at all times. Not handheld so this should help immensely(or am I going to find its a bigger issue??)

So.... being 'stuck' I figured I'd ask for HELP!!!!
Thanks
 
I enjoy IS immensely when using it on my Rapid Fire (just a 17-50mm however). I can't imagine using a 70-200mm without IS on a Rapid Fire.

I'm curious as to why you'd have such a wide focal range and then the other end with nothing in the middle. 50mm and 85mm are pretty close. What about a 24/28/30/35mm lens? The 17-50mm 2.8 IS Canon lens or the Tamron equivalent with VC would be my next choice over the long range.

However, between the choices you've given - definitely the 70-200mm f4...though I seriously would consider the IS (I know it's signficantly more expensive...try eBay or the used market).

Best of luck,

Kegan
 
The 70-200L f4 without IS is a good lens if you can lock down your shot. I haven't tried panning with it on a tripod, but I know for sure I wouldn't shoot handheld with it. I currently have my brother's with me, and if you are wanting to buy it I can see how much he wants for it. Just PM me.
 
The 70-200mm makes the most sense in terms of getting a good range of glass, given that the 85mm and 50mm are pretty close and that you have nothing on the really long end, buuuuut for talking head videos I bet that 85mm would look really really nice.
 
I would get the 85.

For video I rarely shoot over 100mm.

I had a 70-200 f2.8 "L" but sold it to buy the 7D. Now that I have the 7D, I don't really miss the lens for video, I would for model photography if I did it like I use to.

My choice would be:

11-16 for wides,
28mm for majority of video shooting (primary lens)
50mm same as 28 but when i need a tighter crop.
85mm or 100mm which ever was easier to obtain for closeups.

135 canon soft focus for specialty closeups.

24-70 in situations where i needed one lens for everything.

I would only need the 70-200 for stills of models where I often do headshots in an outfit where I am also doing full length shots.
 
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I got a nikon mount vivitar 70-210 3.5 with macro for like $65 on ebay. Great lens, and leaves you with plenty of cash for other stuff.

Only downside is its push / pull zoom which takes some getting used to. Def for setup shots, prolly no run and gun, BUT then again your not gonna do run and gun with a long zoom anyway.
 
thanks for the replies
there is just something about that 85mm 1.8 that I love!

talking heads in beautiful places is the quick version of what I do.

Thank you again for the replies.
 
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