Low light lens? Thanks for everyone's suggestions on my past questions. The answers have led to my current collection of lens which I hope is coming to an end soon. I currently own the...

PCsReasy

Thanks for everyone's suggestions on my past questions. The answers have led to my current collection of lens which I hope is coming to an end soon.
I currently own the following used on my Canon 7-D.
70-200 L IS USM 4.0
24-105 L IS USM 4.0
10-22 USM 3.5-4.0
EF 1.4X III Extender
Canon EF25 II Extension Tube
I feel that I have adequately covered all my Tele and Macro needs, as well as having a nice 'walk around' lens in the 24-105.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think my next purchase should be a faster f-stop lens. I prefer to stick with Canon, and I want to get the most bang for my buck by not necessarily buying the most expensive unless that is the only one that will do a good job.
Okay, fire away, but please keep silly remarks to yourself.
Thanks,
Dan

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

PCsReasy wrote:

Thanks for everyone's suggestions on my past quest... (show quote)

If I were you I'd make my next investment a 100-400mm lens. That would give you more reach without sacrificing too much light.

If you want faster lenses, then you have to be the one to determine if you "need" it or "want" it. Needing a faster lens means that you've run into a situation where you had to raise the ISO to an unacceptably high number introducing too much noise into your image. If that is the case, then you could start replacing some of your lenses with f/2.8 lenses (except your wide angle). If this is the case I'd sell the two larger lenses you have and buy a 24-70 f/2.8 and a 70-200 f/2.8. You don't have to buy the latest and greatest lenses but instead purchase used earlier models of these zooms.

jeryh Loc: Oxfordshire UK

Try the 135 F2L USM= its' a cracker !

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Subject matter would make a difference on focal length.
What do you want to shoot with it?
If you want to do portraits, something starting at 85mm( or longer) would be my choice. Shooting events might require something on the wide end.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

PC, if you are just looking for a fast general purpose lens that you can use at night or indoors, the cheapest is the 50, 1.8 at about a hundred bucks. If that's your style though, I would recommend the 1.4 and if you can spend a little more, the 35mm1.4, since you've got a crop.
Maybe what you really need is a nice flash. Giving you the ability to use ALL your lenses in low light, including for wildlife with a "Better Beamer"(but not for nocturnal animals). If so, look at the new Canon 600 RT.
Good luck. SS

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

jeep_daddy wrote:

...you could start replacing some of your lenses with f/2.8 lenses (except your wide angle). If this is the case I'd sell the two larger lenses you have and buy a 24-70 f/2.8 and a 70-200 f/2.8. You don't have to buy the latest and greatest lenses but instead purchase used earlier models of these zooms.

My thought, exactly. Sure, will lose something when you figure what you paid for them new, but you will wind up with what you want.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Interesting, you have much the same lenses and camera I have. I walkaround with the 24-105 outdoors in the evenings because of the IS. Indoors or when working with people in groups / candid shots, I prefer the 35mm f/1.4L. I have the 135 f/2L rented for a week starting next week to give it a workout ...

PCsReasy

Seems that I could use my 430 EXII with my 24-105 for any indoor shots. For that matter, I could strap on my wide angle for large groups along with my flash. I'm hoping for recommendations for low light situations outside of my existing flash capabilities. Yes, I do have a crop sensor. In as much, would the 50 or 85 mm lens be a good choice and which one?
thanks alot for your feed back.
Dan

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

PCsReasy wrote:

Seems that I could use my 430 EXII with my 24-105 for any indoor shots. For that matter, I could strap on my wide angle for large groups along with my flash. I'm hoping for recommendations for low light situations outside of my existing flash capabilities. Yes, I do have a crop sensor. In as much, would the 50 or 85 mm lens be a good choice and which one?
thanks alot for your feed back.
Dan

PC, since you have a speedlight, that changes everything. Use your flash and wide lenses for indoors. The 85 is not as fast as the 50, unless your talking the 1.2.
And the 85 on your crop is another tele, just faster.
I'm thinking the 35, 1.4. It comes out being a std. lens on your crop. There's a reason every FF camera came std with a 50mm for fifty years. It's a good low light, versatile lens in most situations. Mine is ALWAYS in my bag. They are small and light. Don't forget that inside churches and museums etc., flash is often not allowed, nor are tripods, hence the fast lens.
But ultimately you're the one that will know the ultimate use.
I shoot FF, and my 50 is a main player for me, indoors and out. Like you, I don't own any 2.8 lenses, so I tend to use my 50 when I need real speed. And outdoors the short DoF is rarely a problem. SS

bioteacher Loc: Brooklyn, NY

Try the 85 mm 1.8. Great lens for price.

mvetrano2 Loc: Commack, NY

My suggestion would be to get yourself a 50mm 1.4. This is an all-around universal lens and is the best is low-light situations.

nat Loc: Martha's Vineyard, MA

jeep_daddy wrote:

If I were you I'd make my next investment a 100-40... (show quote)

:thumbup: :thumbup:

Pentony Loc: Earth Traveller

For low light shooting look for a lens whose maximum opening is f/2.8 or a bigger opening; i.e. f/2.0, f/1.8, f/1.4, f/1.2 8-)

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

My vote is for the 100mm F2. All the great qualities of the 85 taken just a bit further. The 135 F2 is a GREAT lens, but the 100 is less than half the price ! If you prefer wide angles you might look at this - http://www.adorama.com/RK16WACA.html?gclid=CPOV5dvl1LgCFctr7AodPmAAHQ -

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

PCsReasy wrote:

Seems that I could use my 430 EXII with my 24-105 for any indoor shots. For that matter, I could strap on my wide angle for large groups along with my flash. I'm hoping for recommendations for low light situations outside of my existing flash capabilities. Yes, I do have a crop sensor. In as much, would the 50 or 85 mm lens be a good choice and which one?
thanks alot for your feed back.
Dan

Dan, You have some great glass. Perhaps you could buy both the 50 & 85. I have seen some very good used glass at give away pricing. Get the 50 f 1.4 and the 85 f 1.8. I was an even last night at a garden that was very shaded. I have the 50 f 1.8. It handled the low light very well. That lens could have been bought for -51 USD Refurbished earlier this year. It would have a year warranty on it now. There are a lot of primes on secondary used market. Primes become fashionable and then people don't use then. Let us know which direction that you go. "JR"