What Lens?
 

I just got a 7D and was wondering what lens would be the best all around lens for general shooting. I will mostly be using the camera for short / feature narrative films and documentary applications.

I was thinking about this one:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/264304-USA/Canon_8014A002_Zoom_Wide_Angle_Telephoto_EF.html

Any suggestions?

Re: What Lens?
 

That's the exact lens I have on my 7D 75% of the time. I love it.

Re: What Lens?
 

Thanks Bryan, it seems like the best all around lens for what I want to do, but before I dropped $1300 bucks I wanted to ask around. =)

Anyone think a few prime lenses would be better?

Re: What Lens?
 

I use that 24-70L 99% of the time too. Why fumble with primes when I can zoom? Most of us are outputting to the web or DVD for clients, I doubt you could tell the difference in quality with those outputs. Plus my sensor stays uber clean as my that lens is the only lens I own and has never been off the camera from day 1.

Re: What Lens?
 

The 24-105/4L IS is also worth a look. It's not as fast, but has a bigger zoom range and image stabilization.

Personally though, I'd probably get the 17-55/2.8 IS. I find the 17-55mm range to be perfect for "human scale" video. (Actually, I use 28-85 on the 5D2, which has a similar view.) With this lens, you get f/2.8 speed, the ideal "normal wide to portrait" range, and stabilization. The only things missing are the "L" designation, associated red ring, and weather sealing. Many feel that the optics are as sharp as an L.

The next target lens might be a 100mm macro, which lets you shoot closeups.

Re: What Lens?
 

Thanks for the info Annen.

Jon, the 24-105/4L looks interesting. I'll be shooting hand held 90% of the time with a Redrock rig and follow focus, does that make an difference in which lens would be best?

Also, why is this lens cheaper than the 24-70mm when it gives you more zoom?

Re: What Lens?
 

The 24-70 is more expensive due to the larger glass required to deliver f/2.8 speed for a full frame sensor.

Handheld, I would strongly consider the 17-55/2.8 IS as it's easier to shoot wide than tight by hand. I've used the 24-105/4L IS many times handheld on the 5D2, and I try to stay away from the tight end.

The 24-70 on the 7D is the equivalent of 38 - 112 on the 5D2. The 24-105 is a 38-168 equivalent. The 17-55 is a 27-88 equivalent. For handheld use, the third lens is the most appropriate.

Personally, I like IS for handheld use. It can mess up at times (smooth - jerk - smooth), but it's usually helpful. You can always turn it off if it's not to your liking.

Re: What Lens?
 

Jon, thanks for the great info. Is this the lens you're talking about?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/425812-USA/Canon_1242B002AA_EF_S_17_55mm_f_2_8_IS.html

Also, there is a note on the BH page that reads:
"Note! Designed for the Canon EOS 20D, 30D, 50D, 40D, 7D and all EOS Rebel and EOS Digital Rebel models with APS-C sized sensors (with a 1.6x crop factor)."

What does that mean?

Re: What Lens?
 

The 17-55 lens is an EF-S lens which means that it can only work with the APS-C or crop cameras and not a Full Frame camera like the Canon 5D Mark II. The APS-C cameras (7D, 60D, T2i, T3i) use a imager chip that is smaller than the full frame chip like on the 5D MII. The 17-55 lens can't provide an image that will cover the full size sensor. Thus the warning.

This is an awesome lens. I also have the 24-105 F4 lens and it is very sharp and the IS works great. The only issue is that it isn't wide enough. It is certainly better than the 17-55 in that it has a much longer zoom.

Both lenses are very good. I like the 24-105 lens on my 5D better than on the 7D.

Re: What Lens?
 

Maybe, but they are easy to add later on.

You can get old Nikon or Pentax glass and use adaptors, which means you might only pay a few hundred dollars for a full collection of fast primes.

If you've got some money to drop on lenses, quality zooms are a good place to start. Less hassle, more variety, and they'll let you figure out what focal lengths you prefer to work with most often.

Re: What Lens?
 

Daniel, I got cha, thanks for clearing that up. I knew the frame was smaller on the 7D but I didn't know that's what they were talking about.

John, would you go for the 17-55 2.8 IS or the 24-70 2.8L?

So far I'm leaning toward the 17-55 2.8 IS. This video is helping that decision. =)

Re: What Lens?
 

The 17-55/2.8 IS stays on my 7D almost all the time.... great lens.

The glass is as good as L's - the build quality not quite so good but close - in all its on par with L glass.

The 24-70L will soon be replaced or upgraded with IS I think. For hand held use at anything approaching 50mm focal length you need stabilization.

Re: What Lens?
 

same here, love that lens, also can't wait for 24-70 IS

Re: What Lens?
 

For "human scale" shooting, I'd definitely get the 17-55 on the 7D. A 100 macro would be my second lens. It allows facial and prop closeups.

If I were a wildlife or sports shooter, I'd go for a much longer zoom. If I shot extreme sports, add an ultrawide and/or fisheye. And you probably still need a normal or portrait lens for interviews.

For low light shooting, the Canon 24/1.4L and Zeiss ZE 50/1.4 would be my choice. The Zeiss provides smooth focusing. The Canon is the fastest wide available. It doesn't have the greatest focus ring, but that's not as critical at the wide end. Sure, the Canon 50/1.2L is faster, but I'll give up a half stop for better focusing.

But for standard framing on the 7D for handheld use, the 17-55/2.8 IS would be my first lens purchase, no question.

Re: What Lens?
 

Well I'm sold on the 17-55 then, thanks everyone for all the great input on this.

One last question, are there an known issues with using the Redrock follow focus with the 17-55? I know some lenses don't work well with the gears etc.

Also, just to make sure, this is the 17-55 were all talking about correct?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/425812-USA/Canon_1242B002AA_EF_S_17_55mm_f_2_8_IS.html