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Best first lens for Canon 5D?

I'm going to be purchasing a Canon 5D (my first dslr), & am having trouble deciding on the lens. I'm thinking of going with the Canon 50mm f/1.4 & using it till I really get comfortable with the camera, but I'm wondering if this lens will be versatile enough. I'd really appreciate any input.

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Nancy S

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A prime lens is not exactly versatile but it's great if you're into portrait and/or macro photography. Since you're going to purchase a "pro" camera,you should probably invest in 1 or 2 quality lenses,too. A couple to consider would be the Canon 17-40mm F/4 L and one of the Canon 70-200mm L series lenses...imo

Last edited by shaggydoo on Apr 9th, 2008 at 09:58 PM

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Thanks for your reply! The 17-40 f/4 is on my list of possibilities. I do like the idea of having the wide angle option with that lens. How do you think it would do for portraits? Is it fast enough for indoor shots without a flash?

My goal is to grow into the camera & then add quality lenses as I go. I don't want to invest in any lenses that I'll outgrow as my skills improve. I guess that means I should go with L series lenses?
Nancy

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Nancy S

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The 17-40mm might not be your best choice for portraits because wide-angles tend to make people look funny when you go in close. It would be fine for group shots,though. At f/4 it might be a little slow for many indoor shots,however,you could always manually focus. I think you should go with that nice 50mm portrait lens you mentioned previously. Also, I'd consider the 70-200mm f/2.8 as a 2nd lens because it would give you some versatility

Last edited by shaggydoo on Apr 10th, 2008 at 03:31 PM

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Sounds like the 50mm + the 70-200mm 2.8 would be ideal for me. Guess I'll have to save a little longer! I really appreciate your help.

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Nancy S

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The 5D is a full sensor camera. This means that some of the lens made for digital cameras will cause major vignetting. I don't think you will have any problems with this if you stick with Canon. Just a word of warning.

Lens choices should be based on your type of shooting. Most books suggest 100mm for portraits. It might be a good idea to rent a couple of lenses and try them out first. Good lenses are not cheap.

Good luck. --Rick

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Thanks, Rick. I've been researching & learning about digital cameras for almost a year now. I finally settled on the 5D because it is a full sensor camera, but also because of its reputation for producing high-quality images. I know it doesn't have all the bells & whistles of some of the newer models, but for my purposes (people & animal portraits & landscapes) I think it has all I need & then some.
I've seen the 5D offered as a kit with the 24-105 f/4L. I like the versatility of that lens, but I"m wondering how it would do in lower light settings. Do you have any experience with it?
Thanks!

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Nancy S

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Hey Nancy-
When I had my 5D, I did not buy it with the kit lens. The 24-105 f/4L would probably do fine in low light situations for portraits, as people do not move that much. For indoor sports, you may have to bump the ISO up for stop action. It has low noise at higher ISO so it should be fine.
I now have the 40D and like it more than the 5D. However, like you said, it all depends on your usage. It is a nice camera and you will be very happy with it. Congrats.
--Rick

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I'd be very interested to know why you like the 40D better than the 5D, if you have the time. It was my second choice. If only it was full frame.
Thanks,
Nancy

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Nancy S

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Advantages of 5D:
12.8MB over 10MB
Lower noise at high ISO
Full frame

Advantages of 40D:
Much cheaper
Live view
Self cleaning sensor
1.6 crop factor (I see this as an advantage since I shoot birds)
6.5 fps vs 4 fps
3" LCD vs 2.5"

Of course, this is only my opinion. If you still want the 5D I would consider waiting for the 5DII. I don't know what the price difference will be.

Hope this info helps rather than confuses.
--Rick

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Thanks, Rick. I went through some of your gallery shots again, & I must say the 40D really makes your birds sing! (sorry) I had heard rumors that there was going to be a new version of the 5D, but didn't know if it was a sure thing. Probably be out of my price range anyway. Thanks so much for you advice, it really does help.
Nancy

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Nancy S

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5D Mark II speculations

http://www.photographybay.com/2008/...specs-revealed/

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