Still looking for the right walkabout lens...

Skyline On Fire

Skyline On Fire

Messages
1,391
Name
Luke
Edit My Images
Yes
This seems like a never ending quest, I just want to buy once and buy right so to speak! So far the 17-55 f2.8 Canon is in the lead (going on a 7D by the way) Now I've recently been looking at the 24-105 f4 L, and the superior build quality is certainly tempting me.

I figured 24mm at the widest wouldn't be wide enough on my 7D for a great walkabout lens, and while 17mm would be ideal, I think I could get away with 24... So many options :(

Anyone had experience with both and have any opinions to offer?

Thanks as always,
 
How about the 15-85??

I've been reading about it all night and it has better build quality than the 17-55 according to reviews and is a very desired lens.
 
Last edited:
I don't think there's a better walkaround lens for crop than the 17-55 IS... Personally I thought that 24mm is too long on crop, but if you have an UWA on you all the time, and don't mind changing frequently, then it might not be an issue.

From what I've seen, the 15-85 is optically very good, but I never really felt I needed the extra range, and preferred the f/2.8-ness!
 
I'm currently shooting with a 17-85, and it's a decent lens but it's not fair on the 7D to subject it to something so budgeted and flimsy in the hand. Just not a huge fan of it anymore.

The 15-85 I've always ignored. Not sure why it's just never factored into my decision for a great walkabout lens, what with the 17-55 etc... Just seems a tad slow.
 
Whilst the 24-105 is a good walkabout on a full frame, I think you'll eventually regret it on a crop. I'd be looking for something starting in the 17 or wider region.
 
Skyline On Fire said:
I'm currently shooting with a 17-85...

The 15-85 ... Just seems a tad slow.
Click to expand...
You can use the shooting data from your 17-85 to guide you. If you use Lightroom or anything similar then you can get the data easily out of that.

* How many shots do you take at 17-23mm? That will tell you whether you could get on with the restricted wide end of the 24-105.
* How many at 56-85mm? That will tell you whether the 17-55 would limit you at the long end.
* How many at 17mm? Indicates whether the wide end of the 15-85 would come in handy.
* How many at 85mm? Indicates whether the long end of the
24-105 would be useful.
* How many in the 17-55mm range and wide open? This shows whether you would benefit from the only f/2.8 lens in your short list.
 
The 7D and the 15-55 f2.8 is an excellent combination in my opinion. Fast, IS, great optics, build quality isn't too bad either.

Steve

Sent from my iPad using TP Forums
 
Your camera bag lists a lot of lenses, so I'm not sure which ones you actually have vs your wish list.

I think your problem stems from the fact that you're looking one lens to rule them all. A jack of all trades, master of none. Maybe it's better to buy a more specific lens now, and save for another later. Have you considered just going for an UWA? I have the EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 and it's a great walkabout lens which allows for some interesting shots.
 
WinstonSmith said:
Your camera bag lists a lot of lenses, so I'm not sure which ones you actually have vs your wish list.

I think your problem stems from the fact that you're looking one lens to rule them all. A jack of all trades, master of none. Maybe it's better to buy a more specific lens now, and save for another later. Have you considered just going for an UWA? I have the EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 and it's a great walkabout lens which allows for some interesting shots.
Click to expand...

My camera bag is woefully out of date, I'll edit that up now.

I've considered a UWA yes, but the idea of having something versatile enough to cover many situations.... I think I'm going to have to go for two lenses as a walkabout set, I won't be happy with just the one.
 
24-105 for walk around lens. I have a 17-40 and longer too but the 24-105 is a nice single lens to take on the go, even on a cropped body. Just moved from 400D to 7D had it on both and really like the lens. 24-70 2.8 if you have cash to splash. wider really is better, especial with natural light.
 
If I was to have one general purpose lens for "walk about" with me I'd go with the 17-55 on a crop.

24 just isn't wide enough and you'll probably run into more situations where wider is needed rather than longer.

Thats not to say other lenses aren't equally valid once you stop thinking "walk about" and start thinking candid portrait or landscape rather than just touristy snappy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top