WNY Models

Max · by **Max** on June 28th, 2004, 11:00 am

I am curious what others are finding to be their "ideal" lens for event work such as media events and weddings....

I am looking for a new lens, 24/28 to 100 something and must be a constant aperture lens such as f2.8 and the final kicker it needs to be under $500!

I am using Canon Digital Rebels... and really like my Canon 28-105 but it is a 4.5 to 5.6 and I find that a bit frustrating.

Your thoughts and comments will be appreciated!

W_King · by **W_King** on June 28th, 2004, 2:02 pm

Max:
I too use a Canon, not a Rebel but a D30, My faverate lens is a Tamron 2.8 - 28 to 105. although I haven't used it much for glamour it;s great for shooting motor sports.
Thanks
Rick (W_king)

Max · by **Max** on June 29th, 2004, 8:15 am

There is another Tamron lens, 28-75 f2.8, that is made for digital and is highly rated. My thought is to buy that and a Canon 100mm f2. Even though it puts me over the $500 I can take advantage of my two bodies... I don't do much glamour either but am finding myself more and more getting paying gigs that are event style such as promotions at bars and small family gatherings... Thanks King for your input...

KHatch · by **KHatch** on June 29th, 2004, 8:22 am

Max,
If that's your price limit, check out the Canon 28-135 IS. Even though it's variable aperature and a non "L" lens, it delivers nice color, contrast and is sharp. The IS is a bonus, especially if you will be doing work in a dark nightclub. Sometimes I wish I still had mine but it was redundant since I had that fl range covered with the 28-70 and 70-200. Also, canon has a newer lens in the 17-40 L which is just over $600 I think. I've read it performs well. No matter what you get, get a lens hood if it's not included.

Max · by **Max** on June 29th, 2004, 10:54 am

Keith, I am a big believer in the lens hood! NO worries! LOL!

I did consider the 28-135IS, but it dupes my 28-105 that I currently have, which is not totally bad 'cause I have two bodies and it is a good focal length. But it is a variable aperature lens like my 28-105. I really wanted to get a fixed aperature lens even if it is F4. I thought of the 70-210L F4, but it is just too bulky.

The 17-40 is not the right focal length for what I need/want. I need telephoto more than wide angle.

The perfect lens would be a 50-150 F2.8! LOL!

Keep the ideas coming!

Rich Z · by **Rich Z** on July 7th, 2004, 4:58 am

Max,
It all depends what I'm shooting. Concerts, I use a Tamron 28-200. Wildlife, Nikon 300 f4 with a Nikon 1.4 or 2x converter. Sporting events Sigma 70-300. I really don't have a favorite, except when it comes to what lens will work for a particular job. By the way (Cannon Guys) I'm using Nikon !!!

Rich Z

Max · by **Max** on July 7th, 2004, 6:54 am

Rich, what is the aperature on the Tamron 28-200 and if it a variable aperature lens do you find that a problem for concerts?

I may have an opportunity to get a used 28-135 which I am very much considering as my choice... I am just worried for concerts that F3.5 to F5.6 is too slow...

Rich Z · by **Rich Z** on July 8th, 2004, 5:48 am

Max,
I did the Trick Pony show last year at UB and had no problems with the lens which is a 3.8-5.6. You can get it over the internet for about $250. I checked all over Buffalo for the Nikon in the same length and couldn't find one so Chuck Latucca recomended this one. He's a Cannon dealer so you might want to check with him if you want to stick with the manufacturers lens. He's located in Airport Plaza at the expresway end of the plaza (Ippolitos Camera).
Rich Z
P.S. Do you agree that the Buffalo area needs better stocked Photo Stores?

Max · by **Max** on July 8th, 2004, 6:48 am

Local "mom and pop" photo stores are a thing of the past... Locally I usually stop by Continental Camera... and have bought a few bogen items from Chuck... but I buy the majority of my equipment from B&H Photo out of NYC. They were recommended to me by another local photographer and they have proved their ability to ship what they advertise and on time. I will always buy locally if the price is competitive, but usually the price isn't even close.

To be honest with you, I really don't understand why you would buy Nikon cameras and then not use Nikkor optics? Yes I am pretty sure I want to stay with Canon Optics. Although the Tamron 28-75 F2.8 is VERY highly rated. And Canon doesn't come near it for price point.

At least my Digital Rebels go up to 1600 ISO! LOL! thanks for the input!

Rich Z · by **Rich Z** on July 11th, 2004, 5:32 pm

Max,
I would have gotten the Nikkor lens if it was available in Buffalo at the time, I needed it that day and had to settle for the Tamron. I do deal with B&H also, waiting for my new lights to arrive, hopefully tomorrow (Mon). They shipped on Fri so I hope they get here tomorrow. Needless to say my old ones are for sale. I tried to use them outdoors and couldn't get the slaves to trigger in the bright sun, they work fine in the studio. I went all out with the new lights 1600ws speedotron power pack.
Rich Z

Max · by **Max** on July 11th, 2004, 5:50 pm

Ok, I'll bite... what kind of lights are you selling?

Rich Z · by **Rich Z** on July 12th, 2004, 10:29 am

1 SP 3200 and a Britek, both 300 ws, bogen stands with umbrellas.

Rich Z

wnymodels · by **wnymodels** on August 30th, 2004, 3:58 pm

WNY Models

Favorite lens? focal length? - For event work...

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