diensthunds

I will be given a grant (sort of) from the government. I'm getting a Canon 6d and 24-105mm f/4 L paid for and will be given an allotment for another $2,500 for another lens.
I will shoot just about anything really, I love to do pictures of candid moments. Like to shoot some sports, primarily volleyball, baseball, football and soccer.
I also love to do pictures of animals, pets, (dogs, cats), will do some wild life I'm sure as well.
I know the 24-105 isn't a fast lens but it will be a good lens for general walk around and studying while I am in school at New York Institute of Photography.
I know a 85mm lens would be great for portraits and I'm sure I'll do some of those as well, and by that I mean outdoor shots for friends and family and perhaps clients, not the studio sort.
If you could pick one lens to go along with the 6d and the 24-105 f/4 "kit" lens,
what would you pick? I'm looking for something I can get the most use out of for the widest range of situations. Granted a nifty 50 would be nice, or a fish eye, but how often will I really use a fish eye, an 85 or a 50 given general shooting.
So what are your recommendations for a general purpose lens?
Maybe a 70-300 f/4-5.6?

amehta Loc: Boston

The Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II just happens to cost $2500. :-)

diensthunds

I noticed that, and it's on the list of candidates.
I'm also eyeing a Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 and a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM or Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD.
Oh the decisions, I'll never get to sleep now!

amehta Loc: Boston

I wouldn't get the Sigma 50-500mm. I have a bias against superzooms, and when you don't need it because a 3x or 4x zoom will serve your needs, why get a 10x?

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I know you are excited and you should be. You will be better served with a 70-200 f/2.8. There is simply so much you can do with this fast lens

Cameoblue Loc: British Columbia Canada

This is the first lens I was thinking about (probably the best quality lens you could get for your camera) and was the first lens I added to my system. That said though, I consistently grab my 100-400L before the 70-200L. If reach is not an issue and I know I absolutely need to get the shot then out comes the 70-200L. I have said many times before it is almost impossible to take bad picture with it. Also the 70-200 is great for portraits too.

amehta Loc: Boston

The 100-400mm is also an interesting choice.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Does it have to be ONE lens?
If you select carefully you can buy a complete quiver to compliment your 24-105mm for $2500.
Canon 17-40mm
Canon 50mm F/1.8
Tamron 70-200mm F/2.8 (most recent version)

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

I'd spend $500 of my own money (if feasible) and go for two lenses:
AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED

DigitalDon Loc: Calgary, Alberta

It would be the 70x200 2.8 IS and a 2x multiplier. That means shopping around for a deal. This was my only lens for about a year and a half and a great lens it is. (I did have the 2X multiplier for my wildlife shots) Still use that comboa lot!

Cameoblue Loc: British Columbia Canada

These are useless lenses for the OP since he has already stated he dealing with a Canon.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Sorry, i get so confused at times like this.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

i'm with lighthouse on this one, i'd look for a good 1.4 or a 23x tc.

Jmcoopermini

I'm a profession video DP and a still hobby guy. Basically I have a ton of lenses including fisheye, 16-35, 24-70,50,85,135 primes, and 70-200 2.8IS. I have an upcoming personal overseas trip and I'm taking two lenses... 16-35 and the 70-200. That tells me a lot because I hate carrying weight around for non pro shooting. The 70-200 is a must for me.

lukan Loc: Chicago, IL

My ex-wife (and dear friend) shoots a daily blog with a 6D. The pictures she makes are beautiful, and her "go-to" setup is a 6D with the 70-200 f2.8. She has version I, which suffices for her needs, but I would highly recommend you get the 70-200 f2.8II. It's a great lens, and I bet you'll use it as much or more than the 24-105! Good luck, sounds like fun! :thumbup: