Telephoto lens for wedding?

V

Victor Nhat Nguyen

Well-known member
Just finish shooting my first wedding. I was second shooter and the guy who hire me let me use his 70-200 f2.8. However I want to own my own telephoto lens. The problem is, I'm a student so I don't have much money. Anybody have a suggestion for under $1000? I also have a Rokinon 85mm btw.
 
I bought a Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 a couple years ago for around $800. I use it with my AF100 and I REALLY like how smooth the focus and zoom actions are. No IS, but you're on a tripod for a lens like that anyways. Otherwise I know you can get a Canon branded version used for around that price.
 
A used 70-200mm f/2.8 might be just within reach of your budget. If not, then you could try your luck at tracking down remaining stock of the now-discontinued Sigma version (most places only sell the OS version new and it is well over your budget).

Otherwise used lenses will be your best option - Nikon 80-200 f/2.8 if you don't mind using adapters, or the Canon 80-200 f/2.8 are what I'd look for next.

I wouldn't bother with the Tamron version. Mine was very sharp and the image was great when I first got it, but it didn't stand up to professional use. Afer 12 months the lens elements had shifted and the image was soft (more so one one side), lacked contrast and had ugly halo's around everything that was in focus. Plus the electonics started playing up as well. I never mistreated my gear at all, and look after it well, so I would not recommend buying this lens for any kind of professional work, even if you're on a budget.
 
Well, there's some talk there too about the Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 (nice optics, but unreliable lens), and the 70-200 f/4L non-IS (good image, but not as good as the f/4L IS).

and you can play with this: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/...meraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=4&APIComp=0

and check the bokeh tests at photozone.de:
http://www.photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/580-canon_200_28_ff?start=1
http://www.photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/431-canon_70200_4is_5d?start=1
http://www.photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/579-tamron70200f28ff?start=1
 
Last edited:
Do you guys think the 70-200 f4 non-IS is fast enough for the ceremony part which I mostly use it for? If I need a faster lens then I'll use my Rokinon 85mm f 1.4
 
Regarding speed of f:4 just set your Rokinon at f 4 and you'll see if this is enough for you.
Otherwise, there are also some very good vintage lenses that you can try. For instance you can have a look at the Vivitar Series 1 70-210 f3.5 (there is one version by Kiron and one by Tokina, both very good, I have The Tokina version and I like that it is lightweight. It doesn't cost more than $100 and is excellent value for money.
 
kostas said:
Regarding speed of f:4 just set your Rokinon at f 4 and you'll see if this is enough for you.
Otherwise, there are also some very good vintage lenses that you can try. For instance you can have a look at the Vivitar Series 1 70-210 f3.5 (there is one version by Kiron and one by Tokina, both very good, I have The Tokina version and I like that it is lightweight. It doesn't cost more than $100 and is excellent value for money.
Click to expand...

Wow Kostas, are you a filming prodigy or something? looking at your picture, you must be like 8 years old.
 
Victor Nhat Nguyen said:
Wow Kostas, are you a filming prodigy or something? looking at your picture, you must be like 8 years old.
Click to expand...

Ha ha ha man you made me laugh!
That's my son, last year, at 5 years of age playing with my Shoot35 follow focus....
Sometimes I truly wish I was 8!
(No. Maybe 21 would be better ;) )
 
The problem with the 180 is no solid mount point - it can be hard to get a stable shot

But with a super gentle touch you can be OK

The quality of the glass, (lack of) depreciation, and length of life may out perform any AF glass

S
 
Victor Nhat Nguyen said:
Morgan, can't I use a tripod?
Click to expand...

Of course :)

What I meant is the ideal way to mount long lenses is using the central collar that you will see on a 80-200 of most brands

the 180 nikkor doesnt have one or (if I remember) and easy space to put one

Shooting with a tele dangling off the camera is a receipe for wobble

--

A side note I shot with a canon 70-200 tonight (stills) it was pretty poor at 2.8 and I was advised by the owner to shoot 4 or lower!

I could see some bad flares

My 4 (on loan to someone else) is fine at 4 !

This makes me even more confident that a canon 70-200 2.8 is not worth the dosh

S
 
I have the non IS version - cost about $400 - I think its great for the price - at work we have a 2.8 version and it has no fans - its over priced, oves sized soft and falling apart - its probably about 4 years old and has been used daily

S
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top