What lens is best for.. I have specialized in studio pet photography for 8 years and recently started taking pre school pictures in the pre schools. The lens I use for my pet photos is...

Tb2829 Loc: Fredericksburg, VA

I have specialized in studio pet photography for 8 years and recently started taking pre school pictures in the pre schools. The lens I use for my pet photos is a Canon EF 16-35mm 2.8 L series lens. It is a fantastic lens for the photos I shoot in my studio. I need a zoom lens for my preschool photography that is just as sharp. I was considering the 24-105 f/4 L series lens by Canon. Any suggestions?

canonpicguy Loc: San Diego, CA

I love my 24-105 f4. An "L" lens that won't break the bank....

doduce Loc: Holly Springs NC

Welcome to the Hog. Used to live in Stafford.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Welcome to UHH

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Tb2829 wrote:

I have specialized in studio pet photography for 8 years and recently started taking pre school pictures in the pre schools. The lens I use for my pet photos is a Canon EF 16-35mm 2.8 L series lens. It is a fantastic lens for the photos I shoot in my studio. I need a zoom lens for my preschool photography that is just as sharp. I was considering the 24-105 f/4 L series lens by Canon. Any suggestions?

Tb, welcome to the Hog.
The 24-105 is a great lens. Sounds like you're used to working in close. The often used 70-200 is great but you need a lot of space to take advantage of the longer length compression and OOF.
I would not hesitate to get the 24-105. Also take a look at the 85, 1.8 prime for when you want that OOF, as in getting rid of a distracting background.
After the 16-35, you may be surprised at how much more room you'll need.
The 24-105 and the 85, are probably as sharp as the 16-35. The 85 is probably sharper, and it's very sharp wide open, even on a FF.
Again, welcome and good luck.
SS

gmw12 Loc: Indianapolis & Windsor/UK & Montreux/Switzerl

Look at:

http://www.dxomark.com/About/Lens-scores

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

Tb2829 wrote:

I have specialized in studio pet photography for 8 years and recently started taking pre school pictures in the pre schools. The lens I use for my pet photos is a Canon EF 16-35mm 2.8 L series lens. It is a fantastic lens for the photos I shoot in my studio. I need a zoom lens for my preschool photography that is just as sharp. I was considering the 24-105 f/4 L series lens by Canon. Any suggestions?

Take a look at the Sigma 50mm f1.4. I have not tried this lens because I do not do enough portrait work to justify the price. However it might be what you are looking for. Here is a review on it:

http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/sigma_50_1p4_c16/6

http://www.adorama.com/SG5014DEOS.html

Jim D

legion3 Loc: Deer Park Long Island

look at the tamron 24-70 mm lens

Hando Rei Loc: Long Island New York

Concur with Sharpshooter . My 24mm -105mm is used for many of my photos and is basically my walk around lens as well .

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Assume you are on crop frame .......I would think the 24-105 would do very well ! ...

farmerjim Loc: Rugby, England

Hi, welcome to UHH!

If it were me I'd be using a 50mm or 80mm prime. You're in a studio with lighting so you can get away with using a lens without a very expensive low aperture and you don't really need AF, so the world is your lobster as the man once said:)

jrb1213 Loc: McDonough GEorgia

If it is just the portraits you are getting the lens for get the 85mm f1.8. If you want a more versatile lens that will still get great portraits get the 24-105

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

oldtool2 wrote:

Take a look at the Sigma 50mm f1.4. I have not tried this lens because I do not do enough portrait work to justify the price. However it might be what you are looking for. Here is a review on it:

http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/sigma_50_1p4_c16/6

http://www.adorama.com/SG5014DEOS.html

Jim D

I am sorry, got two threads confused and missed that you are looking for a zoom. In that case the 24-105 gets my vote. It is a very nice lens, good detail and good reviews. I use it for my walk around lens most of the time.

I am still confused though. Why are you looking for a zoom when you are going to be taking portraits?

Jim D

romanticf16 Loc: Commerce Twp, MI

farmerjim wrote:

Hi, welcome to UHH!

If it were me I'd be using a 50mm or 80mm prime. You're in a studio with lighting so you can get away with using a lens without a very expensive low aperture and you don't really need AF, so the world is your lobster as the man once said:)

Reread the original post- "preschool children photographed in the preschool", not in the studio. A 24 to 105 would allow keeping close to the children to keep their attention.

farmerjim Loc: Rugby, England

romanticf16 wrote:

Reread the original post- "preschool children photographed in the preschool", not in the studio. A 24 to 105 would allow keeping close to the children to keep their attention.

Sorry, didn't read OP properly :oops: