The Lenses that I Use

There has been a lot of questions and discussion here lately about lenses, and which ones are the best. A few have correctly phrased the issue: "For the types of photos in (Member's Name) Gallery, which is the best lens choice?" This is what I use. I don't expect anyone to really jump at any of these choices on my recommendation. However, perhaps we can see what the rest of you out there are using.

20mm f/1.8 (Sigma)
I've had this now for a couple years after previously not using a wide angle very much. This has rapidly become perhaps my #2 favorite lens. Indispensable to catch Ren-Fairies, or in a crowd. Sometimes useful for architecture.

35-70mm f/3.5-4.5 (Canon)
'prolly a good candidate for an upgrade; my first lens for the Canon EOS. Actually gets used quite a lot, but I think the optics are somewhat  weak. In this range, a bit more speed would be nice. Still, fine for what it gets used for.

180mm f/5.6 macro (Sigma) My #1 favorite lens. Gets used a lot on Butties and plants, and for general purpose stuff. Very sharp. 180mm is closely matched to the way I seem to see things. Macro is only 1:; a true 1:1 would be nice. Faster would be nice. However, this is small, light weight, and pleasant to use.


70-200mm f/2.8 L IS (Canon) This lens is a real "babe magnet." Surprising how many times I get stopped on the street and chatted-up by some really cute Ladies. [I bought this lens on Donald's recommendation.] As a photo-tool, it has exceptional sharpness. Fast, both in capturing light and in focusing. The zoom range is useful, though I always tend a bit more to the long end. Some more reach would be nice. Being heavy and LARGE, needs a really Manly-Man to tote around.


600mm f/8 mirror (Sigma)
Purchased at the same time as the 70-200mm, because I really needed something longer for wildlife. Works great in certain situations. Lightweight and easy to tote. Very sharp (when I can actually get it in focus). The f/8 makes a very dim viewfinder; accurate focus, following anything that moves, I find nearly impossible. Still, in the right circumstances, when you can plan and pre-focus the shot, this lens works very well.

I didn't realize you had a mirror lens until the other day when you mentioned to me about the zoo trip..... I've been thinking of getting a cheap one..... I'm one of those people who actually like the "ring" effect. Thought it might be kind of cool to play around with. My lens arsenal is still in the makings..... though I have a few Canon fd mount lenses those are not worth mentioning and I haven't used them in a long time. I've got: Sigma EX 105mm f/2.8 Macro lens 1:1 magnification and by far my most used lens. Sigma EX DG 20-40mm f/2.8 second most used lens....although more so recently now that I have the D-70. And a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 very rarely used these days, although I'm quite happy with, and for a long time it was the only lens I had. One learns a lot about composing when you are forced to use a normal lens and nothing else. Would like to get that mirror lens.... unsure of which brand yet, though probably a Sigma.... and a proper telephoto zoom.... something along the lines of a 175-400mm maybe? Over-all what I use works for me, I do a lot of macro work and still life..... so the lenses I'd like to get would just be toys to play with......

oooops! I thought this was about the Size of Zooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooos....I better go before I am punished .

Well, good indications from you Misha... The single lens that I use to love was a 105mm, but I really don't remember its characteristics [I do remember that I used it along with a german "Rollei" camera - around 30-40 years old]... I don't like zoom lens, 'cause I've seen some differences in sharpness between zoom & normal lens; it is indeed very difficult to carry a lot of lens with you (and, obviously expensive to buy) when you could use some zoom lens for many different reasons!

Ok a short statement: My lenses: - Sigma 17-35 f2,8-f4 great wide angle and I need the 17 cause + the 1,6 converter in the 10D it gives me someting around 26 - Canon 50mm f1,4 USM Great lens. Perfect for shooting in low light. - Canon 100mm Macro f2,8 USM This lens is fantasic wonderful DOF and brilliant image quality. - Canon 70-200 f4L USM + 1.4 converter This lens is fantstic. A very sharp lens and cause I have it without IS and with f4 it's still pretty light. So I can take it for hiking trips.

Wos a lot of into. Personally I'll stick with my ol point and shoot. The generally gets me by one way or another. But then again I'm just an amatuer having fun I'm not a pro like you guys. Still the 70 and the 200 soom lense is really a good idea. even for point and clicks. Bsteph

Enjoyed reading every ones lens list, and Misha's photos to boot. My setup goes like this in order of use: 1) Canon 28-135 3.5/5.6 IS - Great walk around lens. 2) Canon 70-300 4.5/5.6 USM IS - For my wildlife attempts, though I find I would like something with more reach 3) Canon 50 1.8 - My newest addition, been playing with it indoors with natural lighting. 4) Canon 18-55 (kit lens) - nice lens for the price, but really has been replaced with the 28-135, unless I need the wider angle.

Ooo nice topic. Just the kind of info I've been looking for as I'm buying my starter set of lenses for my new 20d :) I've ordered: 1) Canon 17-85mm EF-S IS - this will be my general purpose lens I suppose. 2) Canon 50mm f1.8 prime - something to use in low light, or when I'm forcing myself to think more about the composition rather than simply "zoom to fit". 3) Canon 70-200mm f4L - people can't seem to recommend this lens enough. I know I'll end up wishing I splashed out on the f2.8 IS model - baby steps Wiv old boy. 4) Canon 18-55 Kit lens - probaly keep this in a box somewhere and when the time comes to upgrade the camera body, I'll sell it on as a "kit". Hopefully that will give me a good set to be going on with :) Those shots with the 180mm Sigma Macro makes me want a true macro lens though. Maybe the Tamron 180mm 1:1 lens...when I've recovered from this set though! Oh, and perhaps the new Canon 10-22 EF-S wide angle could come in handy :) Darn it...this SLR lark is costing me a packet! ;) Size matters? It's what you do with it that counts...or so I'm told...never beleived it though ;)